When printing drifts off the label or skips down the roll, work through the causes in order: driver label size, sensor type, loading path, calibration and cleanliness. Change one thing at a time and print one label after each change.
Match the Symptom to a Likely Cause
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Print shifted down, spilling onto the next label | Wrong label length or sensor not yet matched to the stock |
| Print shifted sideways | Roll guides off-center or wrong width in the driver |
| Blank label between prints | Sensor type does not match the stock |
| Slow drift label by label | Dirt on the sensor or on the rollers |
| Print cut off at an edge | Page size larger than the label, or scaling on |
Step-by-Step Checks
- Check the driver size. Set the page width and height to the exact label stock, and turn off any fit-to-page scaling.
- Check the sensor setting. Choose the setting that matches your stock, such as gap, mark or continuous.
- Reload the roll. Confirm the liner follows the marked path and the guides touch both edges lightly.
- Run calibration. Use the routine in the guide so the printer learns the label length and gap.
- Clean the sensor and rollers. Dust or adhesive can confuse the gap sensor and cause slip.
- Print a single label. Compare it with the template and note any remaining offset.
- Adjust offsets. Use the horizontal or vertical offset setting for fine shifts, if the printer offers it.
Check the Source of the Layout
Sometimes the printer is fine and the file is wrong. If you print from a shipping tool or a browser, the page may contain extra margins or a letter-sized layout with a label in one corner. Look at the print window and choose actual size.
When the Stock Is the Problem
Labels with uneven gaps, curled backing or poor die cuts can confuse sensors. Try another roll from a different batch, and keep a note of what changes.
Write Down the Working Settings
Once labels line up, note the page size, sensor type, darkness, speed and offset values in a short card beside the printer. When a new roll or driver update causes drift, you can compare against the card and restore the settings quickly. If you share the printer between computers, make sure each one uses the same label size in its driver, since each computer keeps its own copy.
FAQ
Why does it work after calibration, then drift again?
Dirt, a loose guide or a changed roll type may be the cause. Clean and recheck the load path.
Do I need new labels?
Not at first. Check driver and sensor settings, which fix most problems.
The Short Version
Match the driver size and sensor setting to the stock, reload, calibrate and clean. Test with one label per change, then check stock if the issue stays.