Brother PT-90 User's Guide

ELECTRONIC LABELING SYSTEM

User’s Guide

PT 90

PT 90

PT 90

/ Español

English

Introduction

With your PT-90, 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.
The contents of this guide and the specifications of this 
product are subject to change without notice.

Safety Precautions

 Warning

Follow these guidelines to avoid the risk of fire, burn, 
injury, electric shock, damage, overheating, abnormal 
odors or smoking.

• Do not use the machine in places of high humidity such as 

bathrooms.

• Do not swallow the cutter stopper.
• Do not get the machine wet, such as by handling it with wet hands 

or spilling beverages on to it.

• Do not disassemble or modify the P-touch labeler/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.
• Remove batteries immediately and stop using the machine if you 

notice abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything 
unusual while using or storing it.

 Caution

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

• Do not touch the edge of the cutter near the print head.
• Remove the batteries if you do not intend to use P-touch labeler for 

an extended period of time.

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

format settings and any text files stored in the memory will 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. 

• Do not drop or hit the P-touch labeler.
• Do not press hard on the LCD display.
• Do not put your finger between the covers when you close the back 

cover. 

General Precautions

• 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.

• 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 M tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that 

do not have the 

 mark.

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

other organic solvents.

• Use a soft wipe to clean the print head; never touch the print head.
• Do not put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot, etc.
• Do not place the P-touch labeler/battery 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 labeler, or if the battery expires.

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.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Important

• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother 

Industries, Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Power Supply and Tape Cassette

Changeable Faceplates

The PT-90 comes with a variety of different faceplates - enabling users to customize the machine. To change the faceplates, follow the steps below.

Remove the cassette cover by pressing the 

above indicated area.

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 four new AAA alkaline batteries 

(LR03), making sure that their poles point in 

the correct directions.

• Always replace all four 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.

• Use only Brother M tapes with this machine.

Insert the two hooks at the bottom of the 

cassette cover into the slots on the machine 

(

1

), and then close the cover securely until 

it snaps into place (

2

).

After you have installed the tape, feed the tape (see 

“Feeding”) once and then push in the tape cutter lever 

to cut the tape.

Remove the cassette cover by pressing the 

above indicated area. Slide the front cover 

back and lift up from machine.

• Make sure that the power is turned off when 

replacing the faceplate.

Remove the inserted faceplate, and then 

replace it with another one.

• Be sure to remove the protective film from the front 

side of the faceplate before replacing.

• Do not insert more than one faceplate at a time. If the 

front cover is forcedly closed with more than one 

faceplate inserted, the faceplates may get wrinkled 

or the front cover will not be able to be closed firmly.

Insert the hooks on the front cover into the 

slots on the machine, and slide back the 

cover into place.

Insert the two hooks at the bottom of the 

cassette cover into the slots on the machine 

(

1

), and then close the cover securely until 

it snaps into place (

2

).

1

Print head

Tape cutter lever

Cassette 

cover

2

3

Cutter’s 

edge

Tape 

exit slot

Tape guide

End of tape

1

2

4

Cassette cover

Front cover

1

Faceplates

2

3

Hook

Slot

1

2

4

LCD Display & Keyboard

NOTE

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

Width

Size

Bold

Cursor

Num Lock

Caps

Label Length

Frame

DECO MODE key

Preview key

Print key

Character key

Num Lock key

Shift key

Symbol key

Caps key

Cursor key

Function key

Cursor key
Power key
Backspace key

Enter key

Shift key

Accent key

Space key

Underline

Italic

Vertical

Outline

Shadow

Initial Settings

1

Start your machine.

Supply power by using four AAA batteries, and then 
press

  .

2

Set the language.

The default setting is [English].

[Language]  

[English/Español/Français/

Italiano/Nederlands/Norsk/Português/

Svenska/Dansk/Deutsch] 

• You can also display [Language] by pressing 

 and 

.

3

Set the unit of measurement.

The default setting is [inch].

[Unit]  

[inch/mm] 

• You can also display [Unit] by pressing 

 and 

.

NOTE

• The machine automatically turns off if no keys are 

pressed within five minutes.

• To cancel operations, press 

.

• To initialize the P-touch labeler back to factory settings, 

see “Resetting the P-touch”.

Troubleshooting

X

Error message

X

What to do when...

Message

Cause/Remedy

Low Battery!

The batteries are weak. Replace them with 

new ones.

Full!

The maximum number of characters (80 

characters for regular text, or 50 characters 

for DECO MODE) have already been 

entered.

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.

•

 is pressed when no text is entered.

• You tried to select [Copies] when no text is 

entered.

•

 is pressed when no text is entered in 

the text entry screen of DECO MODE.

Line Limit!

• You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing  

(Maximum printable lines is 2).

Invalid!

Invalid number is selected for [Label Length].

Text Limit!

• The text length exceeds the selected label 

length.

• The text length exceeds 7.8" (200mm) 

when [Label Length] is set to [Auto] in 

DECO MODE.

• If the minimum label length (1.2"/30mm) is 

selected, some frame types (Leaf or Star) 

will not allow you to enter additional text.

Cooling XXX

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 labeler while cooling.

Message

Cause/Remedy

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.

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 setting has 

cleared on its own.

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

than three minutes, all text & formats in the 

display will be lost. Language and Unit 

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.)

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 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 

 while holding down 

, or go 

into Function mode and select  

.

To change language 

setting

Refer to “Initial Settings”.

Problem

Solution

Entering Text and Symbols

X

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case

Upper case (

 ON)

Lower case (

 OFF)

X

Entering Numbers

Num Lock ON

Num Lock OFF

X

Making a Two Line Label

1.

Enter the text for the first line and press 

.

2.

Enter the text for the second line and press 

.

• Do not press 

 after the second line; otherwise “Line 

Limit!” error message will appear.

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

line text.

Display

Label image

X

Entering Symbols

Example:

 Entering 

[Pictograph]  

[A7] 

Display

Label image

• Pictographs are displayed on the LCD display with the 

corresponding alphabet and number of the Pictograph 
table. For the Pictograph table and Pictograph List, refer 
to “Symbols”.

X

Entering 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 :

 + 

 [Txt&Format] 

To delete text only :

 + 

 [Text Only] 

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

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 Default setting. To return to the default setting, press 

.

*2 You can select the length by entering the length with the Number Keys 

~

. To return to [Auto], press 

.

Design

[A]

[B]

Label image

[C]

Size

Size

Large*

1

 + 

Small

Width

Width

Normal*

1

 + 

×2

×1/2

Style

Style

Normal*

1

 + 

Bold

Outline

Shadow

Italic

Italic Bold

Italic Outline

Italic Shadow

Vertical

Underline/Frame

Undl/Frame

Off*

1

 + 

Underline

Round

Leaf

Tile

Star

Heart

Square

Bubble

Label length

Length

Auto*

1

/1.2" - 12.0" (30mm - 

300mm)*

2

The label is printed with the specified length.

 + 

Printing Labels

X

Text Preview

You can preview the text before printing.

• 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 style, size, 

underline/frame or any additional features.

X

Feeding (Tape Feed)

 + 

The machine will feed 1.0" of tape, which may be needed 
when installing a new tape cassette.

X

Printing

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

lever while the message “Printing…” or “Feeding…” is 
displayed.

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

upper-left corner of the machine.

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

X

Making Copies (

 + 

)

You can print up to 9 copies of each label.

[Copies]  

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

the Number Keys 

~

.

X

Removing the Label Backing

This machine is equipped with a peeler that allows you to 
easily remove the backing from labels.

1.

Insert the label, with the printed surface facing down, 

as far as possible into the built-in peeler.

2.

Fold back the label to the right and quickly pull out the 
label. The end of the backing is separated from the 

label.

Resetting the P-touch

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

1

Press 

 to turn off the power.

2

While holding down 

 and 

, press 

 to 

turn on the power.

3

Release 

, and then release 

 and 

.

The internal memory is reset, and all text, settings and 
stored files are cleared.

DECO MODE

This function allows you to create unique labels by using 
some built-in templates. You can choose from 8 types of 
templates.

Example:

 Design 8 

 [Design 8] 

[Auto/1.2"-7.8" 

(30-200mm)] 

 ABC 

[Print] 

NOTE

• Some Deco Mode formats may require cooling (indicated 

on the above table). 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 labeler while cooling.

• Only one line of text can be entered in DECO MODE.
• Depending on the selected format, the entire text entered 

may not be printed.

• The formats of the DECO MODE templates cannot be 

changed.

• Symbols surrounded by a box in the Basic table are 

available in DECO MODE. For the Basic table, refer to 
“Symbols”.

• To clear all the entered text, press 

 and 

. 

“Clear?” is displayed. Press 

 to clear the text, or 

 to 

cancel this operation.

• 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 returns 

to the text entry screen. You can also exit this mode by 
pressing 

 when [Print] is displayed, and selecting 

[Quit].

• 1/2" (12mm) wide tape cassettes are recommended 

when using the DECO MODE feature.

• The maximum label length is 7.8" (200mm) for DECO 

MODE.

• When [Auto] is selected for [Label Length], the label will 

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

• Press 

 to return to [Auto] for [Label Length] mode.

Saving Label Files

X

Memory (

 + 

)

You can save your original labels on to your machine. Up to 
three labels can be saved and recalled for printing at a later 
time. 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, a message “Overwrite?” will appear. 
Press 

 to save your new label. Press 

 to cancel. 

Symbols

The following symbols are available.

Basic

Pictograph

• To display the next group, press 

.

• To cancel operations, press 

.

• Symbols surrounded by a box in the Basic table are 

available in DECO MODE.

• The rows of symbols (A to L) in the Pictograph table can 

be selected by pressing the corresponding character.

X

Printing the Pictograph List

 [Print List] 

Label image

Specifications

See the attached “Supplies and Accessories Guide” for 
detailed info of tape variation.

Design

Label Image

Cooling

1

2

3

4

5

6

9

7

9

8

9

Dimensions:
(W × D × H)

Approx. 6.14" × 4.37" × 2.22"
(Approx. 156 × 111 × 56.5mm)

Weight:

Approx. 0.6 lb. (Approx. 250 g)
(without batteries and tape cassette)

Power supply:

Four AAA alkaline batteries (LR03)

Tape cassette:

Brother M tape (width) :
3/8" (9mm), 1/2" (12mm)

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-BROTHER
Web: www.brother-usa.com
Fax: 1-901-379-1210

If you need to locate a service center, please call 
1-877-BROTHER or visit us at www.brother-usa.com

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Printed in China
LW4039001