> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.trytalkvalue.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect a printer

> Pair a Zebra label printer to TalkValue Badge directly from the template editor.

Badge prints from your browser to a Zebra label printer. There is no print queue and no driver install on macOS. Plug in a supported printer, pair it from the template editor, and you can print test badges within a minute. Windows machines may need a one-time driver replacement (see Troubleshooting below).

<Note>
  **Prerequisites**

  * A supported [Zebra label printer](/badge/printer-setup/supported-zebra-models)
  * Google Chrome browser on the print-station laptop
  * The print-station laptop physically next to the printer
  * A Badge template open in the editor for the event you're printing
</Note>

## Pair the printer

<Steps>
  <Step title="Power on the printer and connect via USB">
    Plug the printer's power cable in and switch it on. Connect the printer to the laptop with a USB cable. Wait for the status light to turn solid (typically green).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open a Badge template">
    In TalkValue Badge, open the event, go to **Templates**, and open the template you want to print.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Connect printer">
    In the editor toolbar, click **Connect printer** in the left sidebar. Chrome opens a permission dialog listing connected USB devices.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your Zebra printer">
    Pick your printer from the dialog (it shows as the Zebra model name, for example `ZD420`) and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Print a test badge">
    Click **Print test**. A single test badge prints within 1 – 2 seconds. When it does, the printer is paired for this session.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Printer pairings are per browser profile. If you close the browser or switch profiles, you'll need to pair again. Keep the print-station laptop awake during the event. See [Sync status](/platform/concepts/sync-status) for what happens if the print station drops.
</Note>

## Name the print station

When you have multiple printers at a venue, give each station a name that matches its physical location. For example, `Main entrance`, `VIP lounge`, or `Hall B`. The station name appears on the staff handoff card and helps your event staff route attendees to the right pick-up point.

Set the name from the print station's **Setup** screen inside Station mode, before doors open.

## Troubleshooting

### The printer doesn't appear in the Chrome dialog

**On macOS:** the USB cable is usually loose or the printer is still booting. Unplug, wait 5 seconds, plug back in, and click **Connect printer** again.

**On Windows:** the printer is usually claimed by the default Windows print driver, which prevents Chrome from accessing it directly. Replace the driver with **WinUSB** using [Zadig](https://zadig.akeo.ie/):

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download Zadig">
    Download Zadig from the official site. It runs as a portable executable, no install needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="List all devices">
    Open the **Options** menu in Zadig and check **List All Devices**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your Zebra printer">
    Pick your printer from the dropdown.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Replace the driver with WinUSB">
    Choose **WinUSB** as the target driver and click **Replace Driver**. Wait for the operation to finish.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reboot and re-pair">
    Restart the laptop, then run the pairing steps above again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Pairing succeeds but the test print is blank or misaligned

The label media loaded in the printer doesn't match the template's printer settings. Open [Calibration and troubleshooting](/badge/printer-setup/calibration-troubleshooting) for the calibration recipe and label-size reference.

### The print station shows as DISCONNECTED in the event view

The browser tab closed, the laptop slept, or the USB cable came loose. Reopen the template editor on the print-station laptop and re-pair the printer. The event returns to **ACTIVE** automatically once the connection is restored. See [Sync status](/platform/concepts/sync-status).

## Related

* [Supported Zebra models](/badge/printer-setup/supported-zebra-models). Confirm your printer is on the list before pairing.
* [Calibration and troubleshooting](/badge/printer-setup/calibration-troubleshooting). Fix print quality, alignment, and label-size issues.
* [Sync status](/platform/concepts/sync-status). What `PENDING` / `ACTIVE` / `FAILED` / `DISCONNECTED` mean during printing.
* [Get the access code](/badge/staff-stations/get-access-code). Share staff access for mobile check-in once printing is set up.