Brother PT-1290 User's Guide

User’s Guide

Printed in China
LW3895001

1290

1290

1290

 / Český

English

Introduction

With your PT-1290, you can create labels for any 
application. Select from the many frames, character sizes, 
widths 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 colours.
Read this manual carefully before starting and keep the 
manual in a handy place for future reference.

Safety Precautions

 Warning

Follow these guidelines to avoid fire, burn, injury, 
electric shock, rupture, heat, abnormal odour and 
smoking.

• Always use the specified voltage and the suggested AC adapter 

(AD-24ES) for this machine to prevent any damage or failure.

• Unplug the adapter cord immediately and stop using the P-touch  

during an electrical storm.

• Do not use the machine/AC adapter in places of high humidity such 

as bathrooms.

• Do not overload the adapter cord.

• Do not place heavy objects on, or damage the adapter cord or plug. 

Do not forcibly bend or pull the adapter cord. When disconnecting 

the adapter cord from the power outlet, always hold the plug.

• Make sure that the plug is fully inserted in the power outlet. Do not 

use an outlet that is loose.

• Do not swallow the cutter stopper.

• Do not get the machine/AC adapter/adapter plug wet, such as by 

handling them with wet hands or spilling liquids on to them.

• Do not disassemble or modify the P-touch/AC adapter/batteries.

• Do not use metallic objects, such as tweezers or a metallic pen, 

when changing the batteries.

• Do not throw the batteries into fire or expose to heat.

• Disconnect the AC adapter, remove batteries immediately and stop 

using the machine if you notice abnormal odour, heat, 

discolouration, deformation or anything unusual while using or 

storing it.

 Caution

Follow these guidelines to avoid personal injury, 
battery leakage, burn and heat.

• Do not touch the cutter blade or any metal parts near the print head.

• Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter if you do not 

intend to use the P-touch for an extended period of time.

• 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. 

• Do not drop or hit the P-touch/AC adapter.

• Do not press hard on the LCD display.

• Make sure you do not trap your fingers when closing the cassette 

cover.

General Precautions

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

the label may unpeel or become irremovable, the colour of the label 

may change or be transferred to other objects. Before applying the 

label, check the environmental condition and the material.

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

in this guide. Doing so may result in accidents or damage to the 

machine.

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

do not have the 

 mark.

• Only use a soft, dry cloth to clean the machine; never use alcohol 

or other organic solvents.

• Use a cotton swab to clean the print head; never touch 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/battery/adapter in direct sunlight or rain, 

near heaters or other hot appliances, in any location exposed to 

extremely high or low temperatures (e.g. on the dashboard or in the 

back of your car), high humidity, or dusty locations.

• Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter lever.

• Do not try to print if the cassette is empty; it will damage the print 

head.

• Do not pull the tape while printing or feeding; it will damage the tape 

and machine.

• Any data stored in memory will be lost due to failure or repair of the 

P-touch, or if the battery expires and no adapter is connected.

• When power is disconnected for more than three minutes, all texts 

settings and any text files stored in the memory will be cleared.

 EC Declaration of Conformity 

Manufacturer

Brother Industries, Ltd.

15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8561, Japan
Plant

Zhuhai Brother Industries Co., Ltd.

254 Gangchang Road, Gongbei, Zhuhai City S.E.Z. Guang Dong, 

CHINA
Herewith declare that:
Products description

Model number

: P-touch

: PT-1290

is in conformity with provisions of the Electromagnetic 

Compatibility Directive (2004/108/EC) and we declare 

compliance with the following standards :
Harmonized standards applied:

EMC

EN55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 Class B

EN55024: 1998 + A1: 2001 + A2: 2003

EN61000-3-2: 2006

EN61000-3-3: 1995 + A1: 2001 + A2: 

2005

The optional AC adapter AD-24ES also conforms with EN60950-

1:2001+A11:2004 and follows the provisions of the Low Voltage 

Directive 2006/95/EC.
Year in which CE marking was first affixed: 2009

Issued by

: Brother Industries, Ltd.

  Quality Management Dept.

Power Supply and Tape Cassette

Open the cassette cover by pressing the 
indicated area at the back 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 cassettes.

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 of the same type.

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 cassette cover, making 
sure that it snaps into place.

After you have installed the tape, press 

 + 

to feed the tape once and then push in the tape cutter 
lever to cut the tape.

NOTE

When using optional AC adapter (AD-24ES)

1.

Insert the small plug on the adapter cord into the AC 

adapter socket on the top end of the machine.

2.

Insert the power plug into the nearest standard electrical 

outlet.

For memory back up, we recommend using AAA alkaline 

batteries (LR03) together when using the AC adapter.

1

Print head

Tape cutter lever

Cassette

cover

2

3

Cutter 

blade

End of tape

Tape exit slot

Tape guide

Toothed 

Wheel

Cutter 

Stopper

4

AC adapter socket

LCD Display & Keyboard

NOTE

The LCD shows one row of 15 characters; however, the 

text that you enter can be up to 80 characters in length.

1

2
3
4

9

10
11

12

13

14

15

5

6

7

8

16

17

19

18

20
21

22

23
14

25

24

1.

Size

2.

Font

3.

Cursor

4.

Caps

5.

Width

6.

Style

7.

Underline/Frame

8.

Label Length

9.

Escape key

10.

Power key

11.

Function key

12.

Font keys

13.

Character keys

14.

Shift key

15.

Caps key

16.

Cursor key (Use with 
Shift key to go to start/
end of the text.)

17.

OK key

18.

Print/Feed key

19.

Preview key

20.

DECO MODE key

21.

Backspace key

22.

Enter key

23.

Accent key

24.

Symbol key

25.

Space key

Initial Settings

1

Start your machine.

Supply power by using six AAA alkaline batteries (LR03)

or the optional AC adapter, and then press 

.

2

Set the language.

The default setting is [English].

 [

 Language] 

[English/Español/Français/Hrvatski/Italiano/

Magyar/Nederlands/Norsk/Polski/

Português/Român

ă

/Slovenski/Slovenský/

Suomi/Svenska/Türkçe/

Č

eský/Dansk/

Deutsch] .

3

Set the unit of measurement.

The default setting is [mm].

[Unit]   

[mm/inch] 

.

NOTE

• The machine automatically turns off if no keys are 

pressed within five minutes.

• To cancel operations, press 

.

Troubleshooting

X

Error message

X

What to do when...

Message

Cause/Remedy

Battery Weak!

The batteries are weak. Replace them with 
new ones.

Check Battery!

The installed batteries are running low.

Invalid!

• There is no text above the cursor when you 

selected [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.

•

 is pressed when no text is entered.

• You tried to select [Copies], [Numbering], 

[Mirror], or Text Preview when no text is 
entered.

Line Limit!

• You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing 

.

• You tried to print a 2 line text with 3.5mm or 

6mm tape installed.

No Cassette!

You tried to print a label with no cassette 
installed.

Cutter Error!

The tape cutter lever was used while printing.

Full!

The maximum number of characters (80 
characters, for DECO MODE 50 characters) 
have already been entered.

Text Too Long!

The text length exceeds the selected label 
length, Auto Format setting length and DECO 
MODE setting length.

No Frame OK?

Printing on 3.5mm tape with invalid Frame 

setting ON. (Select 

 to print with no 

Frame, 

 to cancel.)

OK to Feed?

Feeding tape after printing when [Chain print] 
is selected. Refer to “Setting Margin”.

Cooling

If the print head becomes too hot, your 
machine will stop printing and automatically 
start to cool down. The cool down time will be 
displayed. Once the print head is cool, printing 
will automatically continue.
Do not touch the P-touch while cooling.

Insert 12mm!

12mm tape is required for DECO MODE.

Message

Cause/Remedy

Problem

Solution

The display stays 
blank after turning 
on the machine.

• Check that the batteries are correctly 

inserted.

• If the batteries are weak, replace them.
• Check that the optional AD-24ES adapter is 

correctly connected.

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

• See “Setting Margin” 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 cassette cover is properly closed.

The settings and 
texts have cleared 
on their own.

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

three minutes, all texts, settings and any text 
files stored in the memory will 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.)

• Refer to “Resetting the P-touch”.

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 tape cutter lever was used while 

printing. Do not touch the cutter lever during 
printing.

How can I delete all 
text and format 
settings to create a 
new label?

• Press 

 + 

 and select 

[Text&Format].

How can I change 
the language 
setting?

• Refer to “Initial Settings”.

Problem

Solution

Entering Text

X

Setting Font

(Helsinki) or 

(Bohemia) 

Label image (Helsinki)

Label image (Bohemia)

X

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case

Upper case (

 ON)

Lower case (

 OFF)

X

Entering Two Lines of Text

Move the cursor to where the second line starts and press 

. 

Use either 9mm or 12mm wide tape for two line text.

Display

Label image

X

Entering Symbols

 Choose a symbol with 

 and 

press 

.

• Refer to the table of symbols (A) on the enclosed insertion 

sheet for a list of available symbols.

• To go to the next group, press 

.

• To cancel operations, press 

.

X

Entering Accented Characters

 -

/    

• Refer to the table of accented characters (B) on the 

enclosed insertion sheet for a list of available accented 
characters.

• To cancel operations, press 

.

• The order of accented characters differs by the selected 

LCD language.

X

To Clear

By pressing 

, the letters will be deleted one by one.

To delete all text and settings :

 + 

 [Text&Format] 

To delete text only :

 + 

 [Text Only] 

Designing Labels

1

Press 

, use 

 to select a function  under column [A], and then press 

. (The function 

can also be selected with the shortcut keys listed under column [C]. (

 + 

 to  ))

2

Use 

 to select a setting listed under column [B], and then press 

.

*1 These are the default settings. To return to the default setting, press 

.

*2 Frames can not be printed on 3.5mm tapes.
*3 You can also select the length by entering the length with the number keys. To turn to [Auto], press 

.

Design

[A]

[B]

Label image

[C]

Size

Size

Large*

1

Medium

Small

Width

Width

Normal*

1

x 2

x 1/2

Style

Style

Normal*

1

Bold

Outline

Shadow

Italic

Italic Bold

Italic Outl (Italic Outline)

Italic Shadow

Vertical

Underline/Frame*

2

Underline/Frame

Off*

1

Underline

Round

Leaf

Tile

Star

Heart

Square

Clip

Tab

Tab

• The cursor should be positioned where you set a tab.

Tab length

Tab Length

Auto*

1

/ 0-100mm*

3

The tab is set with the specified length.

Label length

Label Length

Auto*

1

/ 30-300mm*

3

The label is printed with the specified length.

Auto format

Auto Format

Off*

1

—

VHS Spine

140mm

MiniDV Spine

42mm

Audio Tape

89mm

CD Case Spine

113mm

File Tab

82mm

Divider Tab

42mm

 Printing Labels

X

Text Preview

You can preview the text before printing.

• The LCD shows the whole text and the label length (mm/

inch), then returns to the original text.

• Only the text can be previewed, not the font, style, size, 

underline/frame or any additional features.

X

Feeding (Tape Feed)

 + 

X

Setting Margin (

 +  )

[Margin]    

 [Full/Half/Narrow/Chain Print] 

[Full]/[Half]/[Narrow]

For leaving equal margins on both sides of the text.

[Chain Print]

For creating a label containing text in various styles.

1.

Enter text.

2.

Press 

, then [OK to Feed?] appears.

3.

Press 

 to enter more text. Press 

 to feed and 

print.

NOTE

• When [Half] or [Narrow] is set, feed the tape before using 

the cutter otherwise a part of the text may be cut off. Also, 
cut along the printed dots (:) with scissors so the text is 
centered in the label.

• To print more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin, 

set the margin to [Narrow] and select [Copies] in the [Print 
Options] menu.

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

cassette.

X

Printing

• To prevent damage to the tape, do not touch the cutter 

lever while the message “Print” or “Feed” is displayed.

• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the 

upper-right corner of the machine.

• Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label.

X

Using Print Options (

 + 

)

[Copies]

You can print up to 9 copies of each label.
• To print more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin, 

set the margin to [Narrow] and select [Copies] for [Print 
Options] function.

 [Print Options] 

[Copies]     

• You can also select the number of copies by entering it 

with the 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 Options] 

 [Numbering] 

• Select the highest number you wish to be printed when 

setting the number.

[Mirror]

 [Print Options] 

 [Mirror] 

 [Mirror Print?] 

• Use clear tape with [Mirror], so the labels can be read 

correctly from the opposite side when attached on glass, 
windows or other transparent surfaces.

Resetting the P-touch

You can reset the P-touch when you want to initialize the 
settings, or in the event the P-touch is not working properly.

1

Turn off the P-touch and then while holding 
down 

 and 

, press 

 to turn the P-

touch back on.

2

Release  

and 

.

The P-touch turns on with the internal memory reset.

NOTE

All text, settings and stored files are cleared.

DECO MODE

This function allows you to create unique labels by using 
some built-in templates. Refer to the DECO MODE format 
table (C) on the enclosed insertion sheet.

Example:

 Design 10 

 [Design 10] 

[Auto/30-200mm] 

 Bill Anderson 

 ABC Company, Inc. 

 [Print OK?] 

NOTE

• The formats marked in column [C] of the insertion sheet's 

DECO format table can require cooling. If the print head 
becomes too hot, your machine will automatically stop 
printing and begin to cool down. Once the print head has 
cooled, printing will automatically continue.
Do not touch the P-touch while cooling.

• If you select a format that is one line (Design 1 - Design 

9), only enter the text once.

• Printing and formatting of entered text may depend on the 

template style you have selected.

• The format of DECO MODE templates cannot be 

changed.

• The highlighted symbols in the table of symbols (A) on the 

enclosed insertion sheet are available in DECO MODE.

• To clear all text, press 

 and 

, then “Clear?” 

appears. Press 

 to clear. Press 

 to cancel.

• When you access DECO MODE, your most recently 

printed DECO MODE text and label length will be 
recalled.

• Press 

 to return to the previous step.

• To exit DECO MODE, press 

 until the display shows 

the text entry screen.

• DECO MODE feature is only available when using 12mm 

wide tape cassettes.

• The maximum label length is 200mm for DECO MODE.
• When [Auto] is selected for “Label Length”, the label will 

automatically adjust to the correct size for printing the text 
one time.

• Press 

 to return to the [Auto] setting for “Label 

Length” mode.

 Saving Label Files

X

Memory (

 +  )

You can save your original labels on to your machine. Up to 
nine labels can be saved and recalled for printing at a later 
date. You can also edit and overwrite the stored label.

[File]   

To Save:

[Save] 

To Print:

[Print] 

To Open:

[Open] 

NOTE

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

stored to that number, the message “Overwrite?” will 

appear. Press 

 to save your new label. Press 

 to 

cancel. 

Specifications

Accessories

If the cutter blade becomes blunt after repetitive use and the 

tape cannot be cut cleanly, replace with a new cutter unit 

(stock no. TC-5) from an authorized Brother reseller.

Contact Information

Contact may differ by country. 
See the Web http://www.brother.eu/

12mm

12mm

4mm

4mm

ABC

ABC

:

ABC

:

25mm

25mm

Full

Half

Narrow

ABC

ABC
DEF

Chain Print

(feed & cut)

Dimensions:
(W x D x H)

159 × 157 × 61.7mm

Weight:

485 g
(without batteries and tape cassette)

Power supply:

Six AAA alkaline batteries (LR03)
Optional AC adapter (AD-24ES)

Tape cassette:

Brother TZ tape (width)
3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm

Tape Cassettes:

See the included “Tape Catalog”.

AC Adapter:

AD-24ES

Cutter Unit:

TC-5 (replacement)

 CAUTION

• Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.
• Do not swallow the cutter stopper.