Brother QL-1050 Quick Start Guide

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Paper guide surface

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AC Power cord

Power cord slot

USB port

USB cable

AC Power cord

Power cord slot

USB port

USB cable

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the QL-1050/1050N.
This guide briefly describes the steps to start using your QL-1050/1050N.
Refer to the Software User's Guide for more detailed information. The Software User's Guide can be found in the Manuals folder of the CD-ROM included with the QL-1050/1050N.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only)

Responsible Party:

Brother International Corporation
100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA
TEL: (908) 704-1700

declares that the product
Product Name:

Label Printer QL-1050

Model Number:

QL-1050

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 into 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.
• The enclosed interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a Class B digital device.
• A shielded interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a Class B digital device.
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Close the head cover until it 
clicks right and left side.

Connect the AC power cord to the QL-1050/1050N and then plug the power supply cord 
into a standard electrical outlet.

• Check that the electrical outlet is 120V AC before inserting the plug.
• Remove the power supply cord from the electrical outlet after you have finished using the QL-1050/1050N.
• Do not pull the cord when removing it from the electrical outlet. The wire in the cord may become damaged.

Check that the package contains the following before using your QL-1050/1050N. If any item is missing or 
damaged, please contact your Brother dealer.

Locate the printer near the outlet where the power plug can be pulled out easily.

Unpacking Your QL-1050/1050N

The installation procedure differs depending on the operating system running on your personal computer. Refer to the 
installation procedure for the appropriate operating system to install the software.
If you use the QL-1050N, please see the PS-9000 manuals and follow the PS-9000 manuals.

Installing the Software

Connecting to the Power Supply

Attach the label tray to the front of the QL-1050/1050N as shown in the figure.

• Remove the label tray when printing more than 10 labels continuously and cutting each label automatically.
• When you print continuous roll more than 6" length, please close the label tray, otherwise it will cause the 

paper jam.

Installing the Label Tray

Installing the DK Roll

When using Microsoft

®

 Windows

®

 2000 Professional/XP (Home/Professional)

Start up the PC and put the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM 
drive.

The QL-series Installer starts up and the P-touch Setup screen 
is displayed.

• It may take a short time to display the screen.

• If it does not start up automatically, double click the 

“

Setup.exe

”

icon on the CD-ROM.

If you are happy with your settings, click [Next].

• It may take some time to display this screen.

• If it is not set correctly, click [Back] and set it again.

The Add-In settings screen is displayed.

Read the license agreement carefully. If you agree with the 
terms and conditions of the license agreement, click [Yes] 
to continue the installation.

The Customer Information screen is displayed.

Click [Next].

The Add shortcut screen is displayed.

To instaIl to a different folder click [Browse] and select another 
folder.

USB cable

CD-ROM

Starter roll

Front

Back

FEED button

LED lamp

ON/OFF button

CUT button

DK Roll compartment cover

AC Power cord

Power cord slot

USB port

Serial port

· Make sure that the spool arms 

are inserted firmly in the spool 
guides on the left and right.

· Insert the spool with the DK 

Roll located on the right hand 
side of the QL- 1050/1050N.

See the reverse side for an example of creating a label.

See the reverse side for an example of creating a label.

Label tray

QL-1050

The QL-1050/1050N includes one starter roll of 
DK Die-cut 4" X 6" Labels, and one starter roll 
of DK Continuous Paper Tape 2-3/7".

<QL-1050N>

QL-1050N includes bellow material additionally.
*P-touch Print Server PS-9000
*CD for PS-9000
*2-way AC power cord
Please refer to the PS-9000 Setup Guide for details 
regarding the cord shapes and ways of connecting.

• Quick Start Guide
• DK Label & Tape Guide
• Warranty Card

Safety Precautions and Other Information

•Always hold the plug when removing the power cord from or inserting it into the outlet. Do not pull on the cord when removing it from the electrical socket. The wire in the cord may become damaged.
•Do not use included power cord for other products. Do not use the damaged power cord.
•Use only the approved power source (120V AC) and USB cable for the QL-1050/1050N.
•Unplug the power cord immediately and stop using the printer if you notice any abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual whilst the printer is in use or storage.
•Do not remove the power cord from nor insert it into the electrical outlet with wet hands.
•Be sure to disconnect the QL-1050/1050N from the power outlet when not using the QL-1050/1050N for any extended period of time.
•Place the printer near a standard electrical outlet that is easily accessible.
•The internal parts of the printer become very hot right after using the label printer. Never touch the printer head with bare hands since this could cause burns.
•Do not place the QL-1050/1050N in direct sunlight, near heaters or other hot appliances, in any location exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, high humidity, or dusty locations. Standard operating 

temperature range: 50F to 95F.

•When using the printer, place it on a stable desk, shelf, or table.
•Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents. Only use a soft, dry cloth.
•Remove all dust from the printer before use.
•If a paper jam should occur due to a build up of adhesive on the paper guide surface, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet and wipe away the adhesive buildup 

on the paper guide surface with a swab dipped in ethanol or isopropyl  (rubbing) alcohol.

•Do not touch the thermal print head. Printing problems can occur.
•Do not insert any objects into or block the label output or USB port or a serial port.
•Do not place any heavy objects on top of the QL-1050/1050N. Do not use the QL-1050/1050N with a foreign object in it. If water, metallic substance or any foreign object enters 

the QL-1050/1050N, disconnect the machine from the power, and contact Brother Customer Service.

•Do not disassembles the QL-1050/1050N. For inspection, adjustment, and repair of the QL-1050/1050N, contact Brother Customer Service.
•Do not put plastic packing bag near face, mouth or nose as bag may present the choking hazard. Dispose of keep the plastic bag out of reach of children.
•To prevent injury from cutter unit, follow these points: Close the top cover when operating the cutter unit.
•Cutter unit is not replaceable. The average number of cuts is depending on the operating environment.
•Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter unit.
•Do not touch the blade of the cutter unit.
•Do not connect the QL-1050/1050N to your personal computer until directed to do so when installing the printer driver.
•Be careful not to scratch the CD-ROM. Do not place the CD-ROM in any location exposed to high or low temperatures. Do not place heavy objects on the CD-ROM or bend it.
•The software on the CD-ROM is intended for use with the QL-1050/1050N and may be installed on more than one PC.
•Use only genuine Brother accessories and supplies (with DK LABEL      , DK TAPE       marks). Do not use any unauthorized accessories or supplies.
•The last label on the DK roll is not attached to the core. As a consequence, the last label may not be cut correctly, however this does not indicate a problem with the QL-1050/1050N. Should there be a problem with the 

last label, remove any existing labels, insert another DK Roll and re-print. Each roll contains more labels than the number shown. The last few labels might not be printable but the number of sheets will be never be 
less than shown.

•Always test the label on a sample area before use.
•Scratching the printed surface of the label with your finger nails or metal objects, or touching the printed surface with hands dampened by water, sweat, or medicated cream, etc., can cause the color to change or fade.
•Some DK Rolls use permanent adhesive for their labels. These labels cannot be easily peeled off once attached.
•Prior to using CD/DVD labels, be sure to follow the instructions in your CD/DVD player's instruction manual regarding applying CD/DVD labels.
•Do not use CD/DVD labels in a slot loading CD/DVD player, for example a CD player in a car where the CD is slid into a slot in the CD player.
•Do not peel off the CD/DVD label once it is applied to the CD/DVD, a thin surface layer may come off, resulting in damage to the disk.
•Do not apply CD/DVD labels to CD/DVD disks designed for use with ink jet printers. Labels peel off these disks easily and using disks with peeled labels can result in loss or damage of data.
•When applying CD/DVD labels, use the applicator included with the CD/DVD label rolls. Failure to do so could cause damage to the CD/DVD player.
•User's shall take full responsibility for applying CD/DVD labels. Brother accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage of data caused by the inappropriate use of CD/DVD labels.
•This equipment should not be used by children.
•LED indication

-Lights up in green- QL-1050/1050N is operating normally.
-Flashes in green- QL-1050/1050N is receiving data. Please do not power off.
-Lights up in orange- The cover is opened.
-Flashes in orange- Cooling.
-Flashes in red- Errors (user solvable)
-Lights up in red- System error (user unsolvable)

•Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, USA.
•Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
•The names of other software or products used in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies that developed them.

Click 

“

Standard 

Installation

”

.

The preparation for 
installing the software 
starts and the License 
Agreement screen is 
displayed.

Each button selects the 
following operations.

Standard Installation

P-touch Editor 4.2, P-touch Address Book 1.0, Printer Driver, 
and Software User's Guide are all installed.

Custom Installation

P-touch Editor 4.2, P-touch Address Book 1.0, Printer Driver, 
and Software User's Guide can be installed individually.

Display User's Guide

The Software User's Guide PDF manual can be viewed without 
actually installing the QL-1050/1050N software.

Acrobat Reader will be installed.

Adobe

®

 Acrobat

®

 Reader

®

 can be installed so that you can view 

the Software User's Guide (PDF Manual).

Adobe

®

 Acrobat

®

 Reader

®

 5.1 will be installed. If you have a 

later version already installed you do not have to install the 
program.

Click [Finish].

The software installation is 
now complete.
To complete the driver 
installation, connect the 
printer to the PC and press 
the ON/OFF button to power 
on the printer.

When the installation is 
complete, you may be 
prompted to reboot the PC. 
To restart the PC, select 

“

Restart

”

 and click [Finish].

Select if you want to register your printer and then [Next].

• If you select 

“

Yes, display the page

”

, you will be directed to 

the online user registration page. After user registration, 
continue with the installation (registration is recommended).

• If you select 

“

No, do not display the page

”

, the installation will 

continue.

Starting up the installed software.

• When starting P-touch Editor, click [Start] - [All Programs 

(Programs)] - [Brother P-touch] - [P-touch Editor 4.2].

• When starting P-touch Address Book, click [Start] - [All 

Programs (Programs)] - [Brother P-touch] - [P-touch Address 
Book 1.0].

Check the box for each 
Microsoft

®

 Office

®

application that you 
want to install the Add-
in for, then click [Next].

Make sure that you have 
closed all Microsoft

®

Office

®

 applications.

For details on Add-In 
setting, See the 
“Software User's Guide 
(PDF Manual)”.

The Driver Setup (Brother P-touch) screen is displayed.

When using Mac OS

®

 X10.1~10.4.7

The Pre-Installation 
Summary screen is 
displayed.

Click [Next].

You can choose which 
programs are installed. 
Uncheck any programs that 
you do not want to install.

The Choose Alias Folder 
screen is displayed.

Check the ‘Software License Agreement’ and click [Continue].

The License agreement screen is displayed.

When continuing the installation, click [Agree].

The Select a Destination screen is displayed.

Start up your Mac

®

 and put the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

The QL-Series screen is displayed.

If it does not start up automatically, double click the QL-Series (CD-ROM) 
icon.

Click [Install].

The screen in which the name and password of the administrator is 
now displayed.

Input the “Name” and the “Password” of the administrator and 
click [OK].

The screen to check the installation is displayed.

When continuing the installation, click [Continue Installation].

The installation starts.

Select the destination you 
want to install, and click 
[Continue].

The Easy Install screen is 
displayed.

Select the drive where the 
Mac OS

®

 X is installed.

When the installation is completed and the message “The software 
was successfully installed” is displayed, click [Restart].

Your Mac

®

 will restart.

The installation of the printer driver is now complete.

Connect the USB cable to the USB port of the Mac

®

.

Press the ON/OFF button (   ) of the printer to turn on the power.

If you are using a USB hub and your Mac

®

 has problems recognizing the 

printer, try connecting the printer directly to your Mac

®

.

Double click the drive where Mac OS

®

 X is installed, and click in

order [Applications]-[Utilities]-[Printer Setup Utility (Print Center)].
The Printer List screen is displayed.

When the Printer List screen is displayed, click [Add].

After rebooting, connect the USB 
cable and power cord to the printer.

Remove the caution label before 
connecting the USB cable.

Select  “QL-1050” and [Add].

The screen returns to Printer 
List screen.

Click [Add] (Add Printer).

Check that “QL-1050” is added, and close the Printer List screen.

You can start using your Brother QL-1050/1050N.

Double click the drive where P-touch Editor is installed, click in 
order [Applications] - [P-touch Editor 3.2] and double click P-
touch Editor 3.2 icon. P-touch Editor will start. 

Check the ‘Introduction’ and click [Next].

The Important Information screen is displayed.

Do not connect the QL-1050/1050N to your personal computer until directed to do so when installing the printer driver.

Check the ‘Important Information’ and click [Next].

Click [Install].

The installation starts.

When the installation is complete, click [Done].

The software installation is now complete.
Next, install the printer driver.

Click [Continue].

The Important Information screen is displayed.

Click [Continue].

The Software License Agreement screen is displayed.

Select the location where you want to create the alias, and click 
[Next].

See the reverse side for an example of creating a label.

See the reverse side for an example of creating a label.

Click the [Mac OS X] folder and double click [P-touch Editor 3.2 
Installer].

P-touch Editor 3.2 Installer starts up and the Introduction 
screen is displayed.

Double click [QL-1050 Driver.pkg] in [Mac OS X] folder.

The Driver Installer starts up and the Driver Setup 
screen is displayed.

Enter your user name 
and company name, 
then click [Next].

The Choose the 
Destination Location 
screen is displayed.

Check the locations 
where you want the 
installer to add the 
program shortcuts and 
click [Next].

The Start Copying Files 
screen is displayed.

Click [Next].

The installation of the 
driver is completed, the 
User Registration screen 
is displayed.

Click [OK] on the Driver Setup (Brother P-touch) screen to 
start the installation.

QUICK START GUIDE

English

[Getting Started]

www.brother.com

Printed in China

LB6960001

4

Press the ON/OFF button to 
turn the QL-1050/1050N off. 
Pull up the left and right 
levers on the machine 
under the top cover, and 
open the cover.

1

Place the spool into the 
spool guides in the DK Roll 
compartment.

2

Thread the end of the DK roll 
under the protruding portion 
and gap in the cutter unit.

3

Thread it in until it can be seen 
from the other side and close the 
cover. Press the ON/OFF button 
to turn the QL-1050/1050N on, 
and then press the FEED button 
to set the roll.

AC Power cord

QL-1050N include 2-way 
power cord.

When using Mac OS 
10.1~10.3, Click [USB], 
“QL-1050” and [Add].

PS-9000 does not support Mac. So QL-1050N is not used in Mac environment.