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Diagnosing Label Printing Issues: Preview vs Printer Output

Learn how to quickly determine whether a label printing issue is caused by Syncrostore or your printer, driver, or browser using the generated PDF as the source of truth.

Overview

If you are experiencing issues printing labels—such as nothing happening, incorrect alignment, or labels printing improperly—the fastest way to identify the issue is by checking the label PDF generated by Syncrostore.

This allows you to determine whether the issue is:

  • A Syncrostore formatting issue, or
  • A printer, driver, or browser issue

How Syncrostore Generates Labels

Syncrostore generates labels as a PDF file, where:

  • Each label is placed on its own page
  • The layout is pre-formatted for the selected label size
What you see in the PDF is exactly what should be printed

Syncrostore also supports integrated printing using QZ Tray. In both workflows, the generated label preview or PDF remains the source of truth for determining whether the labels were generated correctly.


If each label appears correctly on its own page in the PDF, Syncrostore has already produced a complete and accurate print file.

How to Tell Where the Issue Is

✅ If the PDF Looks Correct

  • Each label appears on its own page
  • Labels are aligned properly
  • No gaps or spacing issues
  • Print preview matches the PDF

This confirms Syncrostore has generated the labels correctly.

At this point, Syncrostore’s role in the printing process is complete.

Any issues after this point—such as:

  • Nothing printing
  • Labels printing too high/low
  • Misalignment on physical labels
  • Scaling or shifting

…are caused by your:

  • Printer
  • Printer driver
  • Browser or system configuration

This also applies to integrated printing workflows using QZ Tray. QZ Tray forwards print jobs to your locally installed printer using your printer’s existing default configuration and does not modify printer settings, label sizes, scaling, calibration, or orientation settings.

❌ If the PDF Looks Incorrect

  • Visible gaps between labels
  • Spacing or alignment issues
  • Content cut off or formatted incorrectly

This indicates a Syncrostore issue.

Please contact support and include:

  • A screenshot or copy of the generated PDF
  • The label type/size you are using

Example of a Correct Label PDF

Below are examples of a correctly generated labels from Syncrostore.correct Syncrostore label

When the label appears correctly formatted in the PDF (no gaps, proper alignment, one label per page), it confirms that Syncrostore has completed its portion of the process successfully.correct Syncrostore label2

Any issues that occur after this point are related to printer configuration, drivers, or browser behavior.

Incorrect labels with objects misplaced

Incorrect labels will have misplaced text, barcodes or prices.

If the issue is visible directly within the PDF (before printing), this indicates a formatting issue within Syncrostore and should be reported to support.

Barcode Types

Depending on the selected label format and available print area, Syncrostore may generate:

  • Traditional barcodes
  • QR codes
  • DataMatrix codes

These barcode types are not user configurable.

All supported barcode formats generated by Syncrostore are designed to scan properly at checkout when printed clearly and at the correct size.

Smaller labels may automatically use QR codes or DataMatrix codes because traditional barcodes may not physically fit within the available label space.

If a barcode appears correctly in the generated PDF or preview but does not scan after printing, the issue is typically related to:

  • Printer scaling
  • Print quality
  • Darkness settings
  • Incorrect label sizing
  • Driver or printer configuration

Common Causes of Printing Issues (When PDF Is Correct)

  • Outdated or unsupported Zebra printer drivers
  • Older or discontinued Zebra printer models
  • Browser compatibility issues (especially Chrome updates)
  • Incorrect label size or printer configuration
  • Print scaling settings (e.g., “Fit to Page”, "Fit to Printable Area" enabled)
  • Differences between Mac and Windows environments

Troubleshooting Steps

If your PDF looks correct but printing is not:

  1. Reinstall or update your printer driver
  2. Print a standard PDF outside of Syncrostore
  3. Ensure scaling is set to 100% (no “Fit to Page”)
  4. Try a different browser
  5. Verify label size and printer settings
  6. Contact Zebra support or a local IT professional if needed

  7. If using QZ Tray:

    • Verify QZ Tray is running
    • Confirm your printer drivers are installed correctly
    • Verify your default label size is configured correctly in your operating system printer preferences
    • Test printing outside of Syncrostore first

    If integrated printing continues to cause issues, you can uninstall or disable QZ Tray and return to the standard PDF printing workflow.

Scope of Support

Syncrostore support can assist with:

  • Verifying label PDFs are generating correctly
  • Confirming print jobs are triggered
Syncrostore support cannot fully manage or configure:
  • Local printer hardware
  • Printer drivers
  • Operating system printer settings
  • Browser-to-printer communication
  • Manufacturer specific printer utilities

Summary

The generated PDF is the source of truth.

  • If the PDF is correct → the issue is outside of Syncrostore
  • If the PDF is incorrect → contact Syncrostore support