Brother PT-1010 User's Guide

ELECTRONIC L

ABELING SYSTEM

ELECTRONI

C L ABELING

 SYSTEM

ELECTRONIC L

ABELING SYSTEM

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

1

1

2

2

3

3

PREPARATION

OPERATION

REFERENCE

[GETTING STARTED]

[CREATING LABELS]

MAKING TEXT

DESIGNING LABELS

PRINTING LABELS

COMPLETED LABELS

USEFUL FUNCTIONS

USER'S GUIDE

 / Español

www.brother.com

Printed in China

LW1907001

English

With your PT-1010, you can create labels for any application. Select from the 
many frames, character sizes and styles to design beautiful custom labels. In 
addition, the variety of tape cartridges available allows you to print labels with 
different widths and exciting colors.
Read this manual carefully before starting and keep the manual in a handy 
place for future reference.

• Always use the specified voltage and the suggested AC adapter (AD-24) for this 

machine to prevent any damage or failure.

• Unplug the power cord immediately and stop using the P-touch labeler during an 

electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

• Do not use the AC adapter in places of high humidity such as bathrooms.
• Do not overload the power cord.
• Do not place heavy objects on, or damage the power cord or plug. Do not forcibly bend 

or pull the power cord. When disconnecting the power cord from the power outlet, 
always hold the plug.

• To prevent fire or electric shock, make sure that the plug is fully inserted to the power 

outlet. Do not use an outlet that is loose.

• Do not get the machine/AC adapter/power plug wet, such as by handling them with 

wet hands or spilling beverages on to them.

• Do not disassemble or modify the machine/AC adapter/batteries.
• Disconnect the AC adapter, remove batteries and stop using immediately if you notice 

any abnormal odour, heat, discolouration, deformation or anything unusual while in 
use, or in storage.

• Do not use metallic articles, such as tweezers or a metallic pen, when exchanging the 

batteries.

• Do not throw into fire or heat up the battery.

• To avoid injuries, do not touch the blade of the cutter unit or any metal parts near the 

print head.

• Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter lever.
• Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter if you do not intend to use the 

machine for an extended period of time. (Note: When power is disconnected for more 
than two minutes, all text & formats in the display will be lost. Language, Unit and 
Time/Date settings will also be cleared.)

• Do not use old and new batteries together or mix alkaline batteries with other type 

batteries, or set the positive and negative end in the wrong position. Otherwise, the 
batteries may leak or be damaged.

• To prevent damage or breakage, do not drop or hit the machine/AC adapter and press 

on the LCD display.

• Depending on the location, material, and environmental conditions, the label may 

unpeel or become irremovable, the color of the label may change or be transferred to 
other objects. Before applying the label, check the environmental condition and the 
material.

• Any data stored in memory will be lost due to failure or repair of the P-touch labeler, 

or if the battery expires.

• Do not use the P-touch labeler in any way or for any purpose not described in this 

guide.  Doing so may result in accidents or damage the machine.

• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that do not have the 

 mark.

• Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents. Only use a soft, dry 

cloth.

• Do not touch the print head with your fingers. Use a soft wipe (e.g. a cotton swab) 

when cleaning the print head.

• Do not put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot or AC adapter connector, etc.
• Do not place the P-touch labeler in direct sunlight or rain, near heaters or other hot 

appliances, dashboard or in the back of your car, in any location exposed to extremely 
high or low temperatures, high humidity, or dusty locations. Standard operating 
temperature range: 50

°

F to 95

°

F (10

°

C to 35

°

C).

• Do not try to print labels using an empty tape cassette in the P-touch labeler. Doing 

so will damage the print head.

• Do not pull the tape being fed from the P-touch labeler, otherwise the tape cassette 

or P-touch labeler may be damaged.

INTRODUCTION

 WARNING

 CAUTION

General Precautions

Power Supply & Tape Cassettes

Open the tape compartment 
cover by pressing in the rough 
area at the top end of the 
machine. 

If a tape cassette is already 
installed, remove it by pulling it 
straight up. Also, if batteries are 
already installed, remove them.
• Make sure that the power is 

turned off when replacing 
batteries or tape cassette.

Insert six new AAA alkaline 
batteries (LR03), making sure 
that their poles point in the 
correct directions. Always 
replace all six batteries at the 
same time using brand new 
ones.

Insert a tape cassette, making 
sure that it snaps into place.

• Make sure that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.
• If the ink ribbon is loose, use your finger to wind the toothed wheel in the

direction of the arrow on the cassette.

• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine.

Securely close the back cover, making 
sure that it snaps into place.

After you have installed the tape, feed the 
tape (see Feeding) once and then push in the 
tape cutter lever to cut the tape.

When using optional AC adapter (AD-24)

Insert the plug on the adapter cord into 
the adapter jack on the bottom end of 
the machine.
Insert the plug into the nearest standard 
electrical outlet.

For memory back up, we recommend using 
AAA alkaline batteries (LR03) together 
when using the AC adapter.

Print 
head

Tape cutter lever

Tape compartment 
cover

End of tape

Tape guide

Cutter's edge

Toothed Wheel

Tape exit slot

Keyboard & LCD

Initial Settings

Start your machine

Supply power by using six AAA alkaline batteries or the optional AC adapter, and 
then press 

.

Set the language (English/Español/Français/Hrvatski/Italiano/Magyar/
Nedrlnds/Norsk/Polski/Portug./Romana/Slovenski/Slovensky/Suomi/
Svenska/

/Dansk/Deutsch)

The default setting is "English".

>

 [

Language

]  

>

Choose a language with 

 and press 

.

Set the unit (inch/mm)

The default setting is "inch".

>

 [

Unit

]  

>

Choose unit with 

 and press 

.

Set Date (MM/DD/YY) and Time (hh:mm)

Example:

 setting the clock to October 21st 2007, 10:30AM

>

 [

TimeDate

]  

>

[Clock]  .

You can also confirm the figure and move to the next setting by using the right 
cursor key.

The LCD shows one row of 12 characters; however, the text that you 
enter can be up to 80 characters in length.

Date (MM/DD/YY)

>

>

>

input “10”

input “21”

input “07”

Time (hh:mm)

>

>

input “10”

input “30”

Select AM/PM with 

 and press

.

• The machine automatically turns off if no keys are pressed within 5 

minutes.

• To cancel operations, press 

.

• To initialize the settings, turn off the machine and then while 

holding down

and 

, press 

 to turn the machine back 

on. Finally, release

and .

Size

Cursor

Caps

Power key

Function key

Character key

Clear key

Caps key

Symbol key

Width

Style

Underline/Frame
Label Length

Print key

Cursor key

Backspace key

Enter key

Accent key
Space key

Time/Date key

Number key

Troubleshooting

Error message

What to do when...

Specifications

Accessories 

(Supplies may differ by distribution.)

If the cutter blade becomes blunt and the cutter stopper wear after repetitive 
use and the tape cannot be cut cleanly, replace with new cutter unit (stock no. 
TC-5) by obtaining from an authorized brother reseller.

Message

Cause/Remedy

Battery

The batteries are weak. Replace them with new ones.

BATTERY!

The installed batteries are about to run out.

Invalid

• There is no text above the cursor when you set Numbering.
• Invalid character is selected for Numbering.
• Invalid number is selected for Tab Length or Label Length.

No Text

• You tried to print a text file when there is no data stored in 

the memory.

• The Print key is pressed when no text is entered.
• You tried to set Copies, Numbering, Mirror, or Text Preview 

when no text is entered.

Line Lmt

• You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing the Enter key.
• You tried to print a 2 line text when 9/64" (3.5mm) or 1/4" 

(6mm) tape is installed.

No Cassette

You tried to print a label when there is no cassette installed.

Cutter Error

Tape cutter lever is used in the middle of printing process.

Full

The maximum number of characters (80 characters) have 
already been entered.

Text Lmt

The text length exceeds the selected label length or the 
selected Auto Format setting length.

No Frame OK?

Printing on 9/64" (3.5 mm) tape with invalid Frame setting 

ON. (Select 

 to print with no Frame, 

 to cancel.)

Problem

Solution

The display stays blank 
after you have turned on 
the machine.

• Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
• If the batteries are weak, replace them.
• Check that the AD-24 adapter is correctly connected.

When the label is 
printed out, there is too 
much margin (space) on 
both sides of the text.

• See "[Margin] 

(Tape Margin)

" in this users guide and select 

[Half] or [Narrow] to have smaller margins for your label.

The machine does not 
print, or the printed 
characters are not 
formed properly.

• Check that the tape cassette has been inserted correctly.
• If the tape cassette is empty, replace it.
• Check the tape compartment cover is properly closed.

The setting has cleared 
on its own.

• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
• When power is disconnected for more than two minutes, 

all text & formats in the display will be lost. Language, Unit 
and Time/Date settings will also be cleared.

A blank horizontal line 
appears through the 
printed label.

• There maybe some dust on the print head. Remove the 

tape cassette and use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe the 
print head with an up-and-down motion.

The machine has 
"locked up" (i.e., nothing 
happens when a key is 
pressed, even though 
the machine is on.)

• Turn off the machine, and then while holding down 

and 

, press 

 to turn the machine back on. 

Finally, release 

and 

.

• Note: The text and formats in the display are erased. Also, 

the language, Unit and Time/Date settings will be cleared.

The power turns off 
when you try to print.

• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
• Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.

The tape does not feed 
properly or the tape gets 
stuck inside the machine.

• Check that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.
• The cutter lever is used while printing. Do not touch the 

cutter lever during printing.

All text and format settings 
need to be cleared to 
create a new label.

• Press 

 and select [Txt&Format].

To change language 
setting.

• See step 2 "Set the language" of the "Initial Settings".

Item

Specification

Dimensions

4.3" (W) 

×

 8.1" (D) 

×

 2.3" (H)

(107.4 mm (W) 

×

 202.6 mm (D) 

×

 56.6 mm (H))

Weight

0.80 lbs. (365 g) (without batteries and tape cassette)

Power supply

Six AAA alkaline batteries (LR03) or optional AC adapter 
(AD-24)

Tape cassette

Brother TZ tape (width) :
9/64" (3.5 mm), 1/4" (6 mm), 3/8" (9 mm), 1/2" (12 mm) 

Accessories

Stock No.

Tape Cassettes

See the included "Supplies and Accessories Guide".

AC Adapter

AD-24

Cutter Unit

TC-5 (replacement)

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case

Making Two Line Text

Move the cursor to where the second line starts and press

.

Use either 3/8" (9 mm) or 1/2" (12 mm) wide tape for two line text.

Entering Symbols

>

• To go to the next group, press 

.

• To cancel operations, press 

.

Entering Accented Characters

>

>

/

>

• To cancel operations, press 

.

• The order of accented characters differ by the selected LCD language.

To Clear

By pressing the Backspace Key, the letters will be deleted one by one.

All text and settings will be cleared.

>

 [

Txt&Format

]

.

Only text will be cleared.

>

 [

Text Only

] .

Group

Symbols

Group

Symbols

1

8

2

9

3

10

4

11

5

12

6

13

7

Accented Characters

Accented Characters

A

a

C

c

D

d

E

e

G

g

I

i

K

k

L

l

N

n

O

o

R

r

S

s

T

t

U

u

Y

y

Z

z

Upper case (

ON)

Lower case (

OFF)

Display

Label image

[Size]

>

 [

Size

]

>

 [

Large

]

Automatically adjusts the text size according to the tape width.

[Width]

>

 [

Width

]

>

 [

×

2

]

[Style] 

(Vertical)

>

 [

Style

]

>

 [

Vertical

]

[Underline/Frame]

>

 [

Undl/Frm

]

>

 [

Undl

]

Frames can not be printed on 9/64" (3.5mm) tape.

[Tab]

You can make aligned texts by setting tabs.

Example:

To set a tab between "ABC" and "D"
The cursor should be positioned where you set a tab.

>

>

 [

Tab

]

[Tab Length]

(Auto / 0.0" - 4.0" (0-100mm))

>

 [

Tab Length

]

>

• You can also select the length by entering the length with Number keys.
• To return to [Auto], press 

.

[Label Length]

(Auto / 1.2" - 12.0" (30-300mm))

>

 [

Length

]

>

• You can also select the length by entering the length with Number keys.
• To return to [Auto], press 

.

[Auto Format]

You can choose label length from six formats to create labels for various ap-
plications.

>

 [

A/F

]

>

[VCR VHS]

Text Preview

You can preview the text before printing.

>

[

Preview

] 

• The LCD shows the whole text and the label length (inch/mm), then returns to the 

original text.

• Only the text can be previewed, not the font, style, size, underline/frame or any 

additional features.

Feeding 

(Tape Feed)

>

[

Feed

] 

Printing

• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-right corner of the 

machine.

• To prevent damage to the tape, do not try to cut while the message "Print" or "Feed" 

is displayed.

• When Chain Print is set, "OK to Feed?" will appear. (See the Note of [Chain Prt] in 

[Margin] (Tape Margin). )

[Margin] 

(Tape Margin)

>

 [Margin]

>

 [Full]

[Full]/[Half]/[Narrow]

 is for leaving equal margins on both sides of the text.

NOTE:

Cut along the printed dots (:) with scissors so the text is centered in the label.

[Chain Prt] (Chain Print)

 is for printing more than 1 copy of a label with min-

imum margin <e.g. 1>. You can also create a label containing texts in various 
styles; enter a text in one style and press 

. After that, cancel feeding (see 

the note below), and enter the second text in another style <e.g.2>.

Using [Print Option]

[Copies]

You can print up to 9 copies of each label.

>

 [

Print Option

]

>

 [

Copies

]

>

You can also select the number of copies by entering with Number keys.

[Numbering]

You can print many copies of the same text while increasing a selected 
number by 1 after each label is printed.

Example:

To print copies of a label containing a serial number (0123, 0124 and 0125)

>

>

 [

Print Option

]

>

 [

Numbering

]

>

Select the highest number you wish to be printed when setting the number.

[Mirror]

>

 [

Print Option

]

>

 [

Mirror

]

>

[Mirror Prt?]

Use clear tape in [Mirror], so the labels can be read correctly from the oppo-
site side when attached on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.

Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label.

File 

(Memory)

You can save your original labels on to your machine. Up to nine labels can 
be saved and recalled for printing whenever you desire. You can also edit and 
overwrite the stored label.

>

>

 [

File

]

>

>

To Save:

>

 [

Save

]

>

To Print:

>

 [

Print

]

>

To Open:

>

 [

Open

]

>

Time/Date Function

You can insert the desired time and date to your text at the touch of a button.
8 Formats are available for printing time and date.
You can change the number of time/date by changing the clock setting.

To add Time/Date to your text:

The cursor should be positioned where you wish to insert the time and date.

To select the format of Time/Date:

>

[TimeDate] 

>

To change the Clock Setting:

See step 4 of the "Initial Setting".

[Large]

[Medium]

[Small]

[Normal]

[

×

2]

[

×

1/2]

[Normal]

[Bold]

[Outline]

[Shadow]

[Italic]

[I+Bold](Italic Bold)

[I+Outl](Italic Outline)

[I+Shadow](Italic  Shadow) [Vertical]

[Off]

[Undl](Underline) [Round]

[Candy]

[Callout]

[Banner]

[Wooden]

Application

Length

Application

Length

VCR VHS

5.5" (140mm)

CD Spine

4.4" (113mm)

Mini DV

1.6" (42mm)

File Tab

3.2" (82mm)

Audio

3.5" (89mm)

Divider

1.6" (42mm)

You can also use the Function shortcuts for these menu. Press the 

 and the shortcut key shown next to the menu title. To confirm, 

press

.

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

Label image

ABC

D

Tab

Display

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

• FEED THE TAPE BEFORE USING THE CUTTER OTHERWISE A 

PART OF THE TEXT MAY BE CUT OFF.

• After pressing 

, "OK to Feed?" will appear. Press 

 to feed. 

Press  

to 

cancel.

• Do not try to pull the tape since this may damage the tape cassette.

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

1"

1/2"

1/2"

1/6"

1/6"

1"

ABC

ABC

:

ABC

:

Full

Half

Narrow

ABC     ABC     ABC

ABC

ABC
DEF

<e.g. 1>

<e.g. 2>

(feed & cut)

(feed & cut)

Chain Print

(

+

)

If you try to store a label when there is already a label stored to that 

number, a message “Overwrite?” will appear. Press 

 to save your 

new label. Press 

 to cancel.

Format

Example

(October 21st 2007, 3:30PM)

Format

Example

(October 21st 2007, 3:30PM)

M/D/Y

10/21/07

D.M.Y

21.10.07

M/D/Y hm

10/21/07 03:30PM

D.M.Y hm

21.10.07 03:30PM

D/M/Y

21/10/07

Y-M-D

07-10-21

D/M/Y hm

21/10/07 03:30PM

Y-M-D hm

07-10-21 03:30PM

FCC NOTICE

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
- Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user’s

authority to operate the equipment.

Should you encounter any problems with your product, please do not return
your product to the store!
After referring to the User's guide, if you still need assistance, call Brother
Customer Service at:

Voice: 1-877-4-PTOUCH    Web: www.brother.com    Fax: 1-901-379-1210

If you need to locate a service center, please call 1-800-284-HELP or visit
us at www.brother.com

(

+

)

(

+

)