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Device onlyprinterdevicesession scope
^MD

Media Darkness

^MD configures media Darkness. It applies to the printer session and subsequent formats and controls printer hardware or connectivity rather than label pixels.

ZPLr compatibility note

  • Recognized by the renderer but has no label-raster effect.

These are code examples only. This printer or session command does not produce a standalone label image.

Syntax
^MDa
a

Media darkness level

Sets media darkness level. It can be omitted when the documented default is suitable.

Range
-30–30
Required
No
Documented values030

a variations

Compare values side by side; other parameters remain at representative defaults.

Side-by-side comparison2 variations

a = 0

Uses 0 for media darkness level while the other command values stay at representative defaults.

ZPLcaret-md-a-1.zpl
^MD0

a = 30

Uses 30 for media darkness level while the other command values stay at representative defaults.

ZPLcaret-md-a-2.zpl
^MD30

Primary source

Official Zebra reference

Use the manufacturer reference for printer- and firmware-specific behavior beyond ZPLr’s pinned rendering profile.

Open Zebra documentation