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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.
  • 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.

  • 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 BrandInstallation Steps
Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo printer using 30256-sized labelsWindows: Dymo LabelWriter 550 TurboMac: Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo
Zebra GK420d Label Printer QL810W using Adhesive Badges for Zebra PrinterWindows: Zebra GK420dMac: Zebra GK420d
Brother Wireless Label printer QL810W using compatible Brother labels DK-2205Windows: Brother QL810WMac: Brother QL810W

Windows: Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo

Instructions for installing Windows drivers for the Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo.

The instructions below detail the steps for installing and configuring our supported label printers used for printing check-in badges.
  1. Visit Dymo's website to download and install the full software package and user guides.
  2. 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.
  3. Click the Dymo 550 Turbo, then select Set as default.
  4. Click Printer Properties, then click the Advanced tab > Printing Defaults.
    1. Set Orientation to Landscape.
    2. Click Advanced..., set Paper Size to 30256 Shipping, click OK.
    3. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. In the lower right of the Preferences window, click the Advanced button.
  7. Click OK two times to close the Advanced tab and Preferences window.
  8. Click Printing Preferences, and verify the settings. If the settings are not the same, make the same changes.
  9. Click Printer Properties, then click Print Test Page.
Your printer should now be configured.
CAUTION: Use 30256-sized labels in your Dymo printer. Labelwriter 550 requires genuine Dymo labels.
Install QZ for check-in so you can print check-in badges.

Windows: Brother QL810W

Instructions for installing Windows drivers for the Brother QL810W label printer.

The instructions below detail the steps for installing and configuring our supported label printers used for printing check-in badges.
  1. Visit Brother's website to download and install the full software package.Be sure to select the correct operating system.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  4. Make this the default printer for your computer:
    1. Click the Windows search icon, type the words "Control Panel", and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
    2. Select View Devices and Printers.
    3. Right-click the printer, then select Set as default printer.
  5. Right-click on the printer again, then select Printer Properties.
  6. Click on the Advanced tab, then click Printing Defaults.
  7. When the window opens, edit the following settings:
    1. Set the Paper Size to 2.4.
    2. Set the Paper Type to Black/Red (unless using monochrome labels).
    3. Set the Length to 4.00.
  8. Click Apply, then OK.
  9. In the lower left corner, click Printing Defaults and make sure the settings are correct. If not, make the same changes as above.
  10. On the General tab, click Preferences.
  11. Verify that the settings are correct, and if not, make the needed updates.
  12. Click OK twice.
  13. Click Printing Preferences, and verify the settings. If the settings are not the same, make the same changes.
  14. Click Printer Properties, then click Print Test Page.
Your printer should now be configured.
CAUTION: Use Brother-compatible DK-2205 labels in your Brother printer
Install QZ for check-in so you can print check-in badges.

Windows: Zebra GK420d

Instructions for installing Windows drivers for the Zebra GK420D label printer.

The instructions below detail the steps for installing and configuring our supported label printers used for printing check-in badges.
  1. Visit Zebra's website to download and install the setup utility.
  2. 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.
  3. Click the Zebra GK420d, then select Set as default.
  4. Click Printer Properties, then click the Advanced tab > Printing Defaults.
    If Printing Defaults is grayed out, click the General tab, then Change Properties to sign in with your Windows Credentials.
  5. When the window opens, edit the following settings:
    1. Set the Paper Format to inch and landscape.
    2. Set the Width to 2.25.
    3. Set the Height to 4.00.
  6. Click Apply, then OK.
  7. On the General tab, click Preferences.
  8. Verify that the settings are correct, and if not, make the needed updates.
  9. Click OK twice.
  10. Click Printing Preferences, and verify the settings. If the settings are not the same, make the same changes.
  11. Click Printer Properties, then click Print Test Page.
Your printer should now be configured.
CAUTION: Use only ADHSV Badges in your Zebra Printer.

Mac: Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo

Instructions for installing Mac drivers for the Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo.

The instructions below detail the steps for installing and configuring our supported label printers used for printing check-in badges.

These instructions also work for the Dymo Labelwriter 450 Turbo

  1. Visit Dymo's website to download and install the full software package and user guides. Click the Support tab to view drivers.
  2. Make this the default printer for your computer:
    1. From the Apple Menu Apple menu icon click System Preferences > Printers and Scanners.
    2. Click the Default Printer pop-up, then select this printer.
  3. To verify your settings are correct, print a test page.
    1. Click on the Dymo printer, then click Open Print Queue.
    2. Click Printer, then select Print Test Page.
Your printer should now be configured.
Note: Use 30256-sized labels in your Dymo printer. The LabelWriter 550 Turbo requires genuine Dymo labels.
Install QZ for check-in so you can print check-in badges.

Mac: Brother QL810W

Instructions for installing Mac drivers for the Brother QL810W label printer.

The instructions below detail the steps for installing and configuring our supported label printers used for printing check-in badges.
  1. Visit Brother's website to download and install the full software package.
  2. Make this the default printer for your computer:
    1. From the Apple Menu Apple menu icon click System Preferences > Printers and Scanners.
    2. Click the Default Printer pop-up, then select this printer.
  3. To verify your settings are correct, print a test page.
    1. Click on the Brother printer, then click Open Print Queue.
    2. Click Printer, then select Print Test Page.
Your printer should now be configured.
CAUTION: Use Brother-compatible DK-2205 labels in your Brother printer
Install QZ for check-in so you can print check-in badges.

Mac: Zebra GK420d

Instructions for installing Mac drivers for the Zebra GK420D label printer.

The instructions below detail the steps for installing and configuring our supported label printers used for printing check-in badges.
  1. Visit Zebra's website to download and install the CUPS driver download, located under Third Party.
  2. Make this the default printer for your computer:
    1. From the Apple Menu Apple menu icon click System Preferences > Printers and Scanners.
    2. Click the Default Printer pop-up, then select this printer.
  3. To verify your settings are correct, print a test page.
    1. Click on the Zebra printer, then click Open Print Queue.
    2. Click Printer, then select Print Test Page.
Your printer should now be configured.
CAUTION: Use only ADHSV Badges in your Zebra Printer.
Install QZ for check-in so you can print check-in badges.