^MM configures how the printer handles media after printing each label. Different media types and application setups require different modes.
**Tear-off (T):** The default for most printers. The media advances to the tear bar after printing so the operator can tear off the label manually.
**Peel (P):** The printer peels the label from the liner and holds it at the peel point for the operator to take. Requires a printer with a peel assembly. The printer will not advance to the next label until the current one is removed (detected by the peel sensor).
**Rewind (R):** The printed labels are wound back onto a take-up spool. Used in automated application systems.
**Cut (C):** A cutter module severs the label from the liner after printing. Requires a cutter-equipped printer.
**Applicator (A):** Used with external label applicator equipment. The printer halts at a fixed position for the applicator mechanism to pick and place the label.
^MM is a persistent setting — it survives power cycles and affects all subsequent formats until changed. For the second parameter (b), setting Y enables tear-off in cut or peel mode (the last label of a batch is advanced to the tear bar).
Syntax
^MMa[,b]
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | T | P | R | C | A | T | Print mode: T = tear-off, P = peel-off, R = rewind, C = cut, A = applicator. |
| b | Y | N | N | Enable tear-off at the end of a batch (for C and P modes): Y = yes, N = no. |
Examples
Set tear-off mode (default)
Try in Viewer^XA ^MMT ^FO50,50^A0N,36,36^FDTear-off Mode^FS ^XZ
Set cut mode with end-of-batch tear-off
Try in Viewer^XA ^MMC,Y ^FO50,50^A0N,36,36^FDCut Mode Label^FS ^PQ1 ^XZ
Common Mistakes
- !Setting ^MM to cut (C) on a printer without a cutter module — the printer either errors or ignores the command.
- !Expecting ^MM to reset between jobs — it's a persistent setting and will affect subsequent formats.
- !Confusing ^MM with ^PQ's cut parameter — both can trigger cuts but at different scopes.