Set up Printers for Check-In
Learn about supported label printers for check-in and how to install and configure them on computers. iPads and other mobile devices cannot print badges.
If you want to print name badges during check-in you must install print drivers (the software that runs the printer) on each computer you use. We recommend you set up each computer several hours or days ahead of your first check-in event, giving you time to test each station.
After drivers are installed, you must also select the default printer for both your computer and the browser. Instructions for installing each printer follows, along with a link to the manufacturers' website where you can download the latest software and user guides.
- We recommend Windows users have at least Windows 11 installed. Check-in may not work with previous versions of Windows.
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Your printer must be supported by a laptop or desktop on which you can load the printer's drivers. Tablets, Chromebooks, and other mobile devices typically cannot do this. After the printer is set up, tablets can be used to remotely check people in and print badges.
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Make sure you select your operating system (Windows or Mac) prior to downloading drivers or software.
We don't recommend or support using print servers for badge printing.
Tip: Make sure you select your operating system (Windows or Mac) prior to downloading drivers or software. Download and print a copy of our Children's Check-In Implementation Guide
Supported Label Printers for Printing Security Badges
| Printer Brand | Installation Steps | |
|---|---|---|
| Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo printer using 30256-sized labels | Windows: Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo | Mac: Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo |
| Zebra GK420d Label Printer QL810W using Adhesive Badges for Zebra Printer | Windows: Zebra GK420d | Mac: Zebra GK420d |
| Brother Wireless Label printer QL810W using compatible Brother labels DK-2205 | Windows: Brother QL810W | Mac: Brother QL810W |
Windows: Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo
Instructions for installing Windows drivers for the Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo.
- Visit Dymo's website to download and install the full software package and user guides.
- To access the Printers & Scanners in Windows System Settings, click the Windows search icon, type the word printer. Click Printers & Scanners in the search results.
- Click the Dymo 550 Turbo, then select Set as default.
- Click Printer Properties, then click the .
- Set Orientation to Landscape.
- Click Advanced..., set Paper Size to 30256 Shipping, click OK.
- Click Paper/Quality, check the Custom option and click OK.
If Printing Defaults is grayed out, click the General tab, then Change Properties to sign in with your Windows Credentials. - Click the General tab and click Preferences at the bottom. Make sure the settings applied in Printing Defaults are the same. If not, make the same changes.
- In the lower right of the Preferences window, click the Advanced button.
- Click OK two times to close the Advanced tab and Preferences window.
- Click Printing Preferences, and verify the settings. If the settings are not the same, make the same changes.
- Click Printer Properties, then click Print Test Page.
Windows: Brother QL810W
Instructions for installing Windows drivers for the Brother QL810W label printer.
- Visit Brother's website to download and install the full software package.Be sure to select the correct operating system.
- To access the Printers & Scanners in Windows System Settings, click the Windows search icon, type the word printer. Click Printers & Scanners in the search results.
- Click the Brother QL810W printer then select Set as default.If Printing Defaults is grayed out, click the General tab, then Change Properties to sign in with your Windows Credentials.
- Make this the default printer for your computer:
- Click
, type the words "Control Panel", and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
- Select View Devices and Printers.
- Right-click the printer, then select Set as default printer.
- Click
- Right-click on the printer again, then select Printer Properties.
- Click on the Advanced tab, then click Printing Defaults.
- When the window opens, edit the following settings:
- Set the Paper Size to 2.4.
- Set the Paper Type to Black/Red (unless using monochrome labels).
- Set the Length to 4.00.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- In the lower left corner, click Printing Defaults and make sure the settings are correct. If not, make the same changes as above.
- On the General tab, click Preferences.
- Verify that the settings are correct, and if not, make the needed updates.
- Click OK twice.
- Click Printing Preferences, and verify the settings. If the settings are not the same, make the same changes.
- Click Printer Properties, then click Print Test Page.
Windows: Zebra GK420d
Instructions for installing Windows drivers for the Zebra GK420D label printer.
- Visit Zebra's website to download and install the setup utility.
- To access the Printers & Scanners in Windows System Settings, click the Windows search icon, type the word printer. Click Printers & Scanners in the search results.
- Click the Zebra GK420d, then select Set as default.
- Click Printer Properties, then click the .If Printing Defaults is grayed out, click the General tab, then Change Properties to sign in with your Windows Credentials.
- When the window opens, edit the following settings:
- Set the Paper Format to inch and landscape.
- Set the Width to 2.25.
- Set the Height to 4.00.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- On the General tab, click Preferences.
- Verify that the settings are correct, and if not, make the needed updates.
- Click OK twice.
- Click Printing Preferences, and verify the settings. If the settings are not the same, make the same changes.
- Click Printer Properties, then click Print Test Page.
Mac: Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo
Instructions for installing Mac drivers for the Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo.
These instructions also work for the Dymo Labelwriter 450 Turbo
- Visit Dymo's website to download and install the full software package and user guides. Click the Support tab to view drivers.
- Make this the default printer for your computer:
- From the Apple Menu
click
- Click the Default Printer pop-up, then select this printer.
- From the Apple Menu
- To verify your settings are correct, print a test page.
- Click on the Dymo printer, then click Open Print Queue.
- Click Printer, then select Print Test Page.
Mac: Brother QL810W
Instructions for installing Mac drivers for the Brother QL810W label printer.
- Visit Brother's website to download and install the full software package.
- Make this the default printer for your computer:
- From the Apple Menu
click
- Click the Default Printer pop-up, then select this printer.
- From the Apple Menu
- To verify your settings are correct, print a test page.
- Click on the Brother printer, then click Open Print Queue.
- Click Printer, then select Print Test Page.
Mac: Zebra GK420d
Instructions for installing Mac drivers for the Zebra GK420D label printer.
- Visit Zebra's website to download and install the CUPS driver download, located under Third Party.
- Make this the default printer for your computer:
- From the Apple Menu
click
- Click the Default Printer pop-up, then select this printer.
- From the Apple Menu
- To verify your settings are correct, print a test page.
- Click on the Zebra printer, then click Open Print Queue.
- Click Printer, then select Print Test Page.