Edit text, print, measure, repeat
<STX>H3;o602,64;f0;c2;h3;w3;d3,24;<ETX> // was it 602 or 620? print again…
- Guess coordinates in a text file
- Send the job to the printer
- Check alignment with a ruler
- Throw the label away, start over
Design thermal labels visually.
Print them right the first time.
Zinq is a visual editor for printer languages like IPL. Load an existing label, move fields into place with dot-level precision and export clean code — no more tweaking coordinates in a text file and burning through test prints.
Try it — drag anything on the label, the IPL updates live.
Generated IPL
x — · y —
4.00 × 2.00 in · 812 × 406 dots
Built for IPL printers like
- PM43
- PC43
- PD43
- PM4i
- PX4i / PX6i
Why Zinq
Label design shouldn't feel like guesswork.
Printer languages are powerful but blind. You change a number, send the job, wait for the print, grab a ruler — and do it again. Zinq gives you the picture before the paper.
See it, place it, print once
- Drag fields on a true-to-dot canvas
- Type exact values when you need them
- Export clean IPL and print once
Features
A real design tool for printer languages.
Everything you'd expect from a graphics editor, tuned for the way thermal printers actually work.
True-to-dot canvas
Every element is drawn at printer resolution — 203, 300 or 600 dpi — with rulers in dots, millimetres and inches.
Import existing IPL
Open the label files you already have. Text fields, lines, boxes and barcodes become editable objects.
Clean, predictable export
Readable IPL you can diff, version control and send straight to the printer — no hidden magic.
Barcodes built in
Code 128, Code 39, EAN/UPC, Interleaved 2 of 5 and more, rendered live with real module widths.
Precision tools
Snapping, alignment guides, numeric inputs and single-dot nudging with the arrow keys.
Live code view
Canvas and source stay in sync. Select a field to jump to its command; edit the code and see the label change.
How it works
From text file to finished label in three steps.
-
1
Load
Open an existing
.iplor.txtprogram, or start from a blank label with your media size and printer dpi. -
2
Edit
Drag, align and resize fields on the canvas. Type exact coordinates, fonts and barcode settings in the properties panel.
-
3
Export
Copy or save the generated IPL and send it to your printer — confident it'll look exactly like the preview.
Formats
IPL first. More languages on the way.
Zinq is built around a format-agnostic label model, so new printer languages plug in without changing how you design.
IPL
First targetIntermec Programming Language — Intermec / Honeywell thermal printers.
ZPL
PlannedZebra Programming Language — the most widespread label language.
EPL
PlannedEltron Programming Language — common on older desktop printers.
DPL
ExploringDatamax Programming Language — Datamax-O'Neil industrial printers.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is IPL?
IPL (Intermec Programming Language) is the command language used by many Intermec — now Honeywell — thermal label printers. A label is described as a series of commands that place text fields, lines, boxes and barcodes at dot coordinates.
Do I need a printer connected to design labels?
No. Zinq renders the label at the printer's resolution on screen, so you can design and check layouts without printing. You only need the printer for the final run.
Can I open the label files I already have?
Yes — importing existing IPL programs is a core feature. Supported commands become editable objects; anything Zinq doesn't understand yet is preserved so your output stays complete.
Will Zinq support ZPL or other languages?
Yes. IPL is the first target, with ZPL and EPL planned next.
Which printers does it work with?
Any printer that understands IPL, including Intermec / Honeywell models such as the PM43, PC43, PD43, PM4i and PX4i / PX6i series.
Stop printing test labels.
Zinq is in active development for macOS and Windows. The first release is coming soon.