Brother TP-M5000N User manual

User’s Guide
TP-M5000N
Before using this machine, be sure to read this
User’s Guide. We suggest that you keep this
manual for future reference.

i
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Brother TP-M5000N (hereafter referred to as “the machine”). Be
sure to read the User’s Guide (this manual) before using the machine. The latest version of the
User’s Guide can be downloaded from the Brother Solutions Center website
(support.brother.com). We suggest that you keep this manual for future reference.
Important Information
The contents of this document and specifications of the machine are subject to change without
notice.
The contents of this document may not be duplicated or reproduced, partially or in full, without
permission.
We assume no responsibility for damages arising from earthquakes, fire, other disasters,
actions of third parties, the user’s intentional or negligent operation, misuse or operation under
other special conditions.
We assume no responsibility for damage (such as losses, loss of income, lost profits, business
disruptions, a lost means of communication or claims from third parties) that may result from
the use or inability to use this machine.
The actual windows and dialog boxes of the software as well as the machine screens may
differ from those described in this manual, depending on your machine, or the operating
system running on your computer.
Before using this machine, be sure to read all included documentation for details on its safe
and correct use.
In the event that this machine is defective due to faulty manufacturing, we shall repair or
replace it. We shall not be obligated to repair or replace the product under any other
circumstances.
We assume no responsibility for damages that may result from a malfunction of this machine
from connecting incompatible equipment or using incompatible software.
Brother Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to modify, without notice, materials and
specifications published in this document. In addition, we assume no responsibility for
damages (including consequential damages) resulting from the use of published materials,
including typographical errors or any other error included in the publications.
This machine is approved for use only within the country where it was purchased. Since
regulations for electronics may differ by country, do not use this machine in any country other
than where it was purchased.
Windows Vista®is the general term in this manual for all editions of Windows Vista®.
Windows®7 is the general term in this manual for all editions of Windows®7.
Windows®8 is the general term in this manual for all editions of Windows®8.
Windows®8.1 is the general term in this manual for all editions of Windows®8.1.

ii
Windows Server®2008 is the general term in this manual for all editions of Windows Server®
2008 and Windows Server®2008 R2.
Windows Server®2012 is the general term in this manual for all editions of Windows Server®
2012 and Windows Server®2012 R2.
Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc.
Precautions for Creating Tape and Fabric Ribbon
Observe the following precautions when creating tape and fabric ribbon.
Copyrighted material
Creating tape or fabric ribbons of copyrighted material is prohibited, except for personal use.

iii
Table of Contents
1 Getting Started 1
Product Safety .......................................................................................................1
Safety Precautions ..........................................................................................2
Operating Precautions.....................................................................................7
Trademarks............................................................................................................8
Open Source Licensing Remarks ..........................................................................8
Regulation.............................................................................................................. 9
LAN Connection ..............................................................................................9
Disconnect device ...........................................................................................9
Included Items .....................................................................................................10
Consumables (Not Included) ......................................................................... 11
General Description .............................................................................................12
Operation Panel.............................................................................................12
Setting Up the Machine ....................................................................................... 14
Connecting the Power Supply .......................................................................14
Installing the Tape Cassette ..........................................................................14
Installing the Ink Ribbon Cassette .................................................................15
Installing the Paper Core Holder ...................................................................15
About the Tape Cassettes, Fabric Ribbon Cassettes
and Ink Ribbon Cassettes .........................................................................18
Installing the Printer Driver and Software ............................................................19
Connecting the Computer and Machine ..............................................................21
USB Cable Connection..................................................................................21
Wired Network Connection............................................................................21
2Software 22
About the Software ..............................................................................................22
Using P-touch Editor............................................................................................22
Operation Modes ...........................................................................................23
Creating/Printing Tapes or Fabric Ribbons in P-touch Editor........................26
Creating Multiple Tapes or Fabric Ribbons ...................................................30
Image Files ....................................................................................................31
Using P-touch Library (For Windows®only) ........................................................31
Registering Templates With P-touch Library .................................................32
Using P-touch Library ....................................................................................32
Using the P-touch Update Software
(For Windows®only).........................................................................................34
Updating P-touch Editor or the Firmware ......................................................34
3 Printer Setting Tool 36
Printer Setting Tool for Windows®.......................................................................36
Before Using the Printer Setting Tool ............................................................36
Using the Printer Setting Tool for Windows®....................................................... 36
Communication Settings for Windows®...............................................................37
Settings Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 37
Menu Bar .......................................................................................................38

iv
Applying Setting Changes to Multiple Tape Creators....................................40
Device settings for Windows®............................................................................. 41
Menu Bar .......................................................................................................41
Printer Setting Tool for Mac .................................................................................42
Before Using the Printer Setting Tool ............................................................42
Using the Printer Setting Tool for Mac.................................................................43
Settings Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 43
4 Network Features (For Windows®only) 44
Specifying the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway ...................................... 44
Using the BRAdmin Light Utility..................................................................... 44
Other Management Utilities .................................................................................45
Using Web-Based Management (Web Browser)...........................................45
Using the BRAdmin Professional Utility.........................................................45
Managing With Web-Based Management (Web Browser).................................. 46
Configuring Machine Settings Using Web-Based Management
(Web Browser)........................................................................................... 46
Network Specifications ........................................................................................ 48
5 Maintenance 49
Print Head Maintenance ......................................................................................49
Ink Ribbon Guide Roller Maintenance .................................................................50
Platen Roller Maintenance...................................................................................50
Bottom Cover Maintenance ................................................................................. 50
Paper Core Holder Maintenance .........................................................................50
6 Troubleshooting 51
When Indicators are Lit or Blink...........................................................................51
When Messages Appear ...............................................................................52
Problems and Solutions.......................................................................................53
Frequently Asked Questions .........................................................................53
General.......................................................................................................... 53
Network ......................................................................................................... 57
7 Appendix 60
Product Specifications .........................................................................................60

1
1
1
Product Safety 1
If the machine malfunctions, immediately stop using it, and contact your reseller or Brother
Customer Service for assistance.
In order to prevent injuries or damage to the machine, follow the safety information in this chapter.
The following symbols and conventions are used throughout the documentation.
Getting Started 1
WARNING
This indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if the product is handled
without following the warnings and instructions, could result in death or serious
injuries.
CAUTION This indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injuries.
IMPORTANT This indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in damage to property or loss of product functionality.
Indicates risk of fire under certain circumstances
Indicates risk of injury, such as electric shock, if the indicated part of the machine is disassembled
Indicates risk of electric shock under certain circumstances
Indicates risk of electric shock if the machine is exposed to water
Indicates risk of burns under certain circumstances
Indicates an action that must be performed
Indicates an action that must not be performed
Indicates that the power cord must be unplugged from the power outlet
Indicates risk of combustion if fire is nearby
Indicates that flammable sprays must not be used
Indicates that organic solvents such as alcohol and liquids must not be used
Indicates supplemental information or operations for the machine

Chapter 1
2
Safety Precautions 1
WARNING
Machine
Do not use the machine if it is operating abnormally (for example, if it produces smoke or an
unusual odor or noise), otherwise fire, electric shock or damage to the machine may result.
Immediately turn off the machine, unplug the power cord from the power outlet, and then contact
your reseller or Brother Customer Service for assistance.
Keep out of the reach of children, particularly infants, otherwise injuries may result.
Do not allow children to play with the plastic bag that contained the machine. Dispose of the bag
or keep it away from infants and children. There is a risk of suffocation.
Do not try to disassemble or alter the machine, otherwise fire, electric shock or damage may
result. Contact your reseller or Brother Customer Service for machine servicing, adjustments or
repairs. (The warranty does not cover damage resulting from disassembly or alterations
performed by the user.)
Do not use or store the machine in the following locations, otherwise fire, electric shock or
damage may result.
Near water, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, near a water heater, or in an extremely humid
location
In a location where it is exposed to rain or moisture
In an extremely dusty location
Near open flames, heaters or volatile combustible material
In an extremely hot location, such as in direct sunlight
In a location where condensation may form
Do not touch the machine during a severe thunderstorm, as this may result in electric shock.
Do not spill liquids of any type on the machine, otherwise fire, electric shock or damage may
result.
Do not use the machine near open flames, otherwise fire, electric shock or damage may result.
Do not place the following objects on the machine. Fire, electric shock or damage may result if
any of these objects come into contact with the internal electrical parts. If any of these objects
enter the machine, unplug the power cord from the power outlet, and then contact your reseller
or Brother Customer Service for assistance.
Metal objects such as necklaces or bracelets
Objects containing water or liquids, such as cups, flower vases or flower pots
In order to assure proper ventilation, do not place the machine in a location where its vents
would be blocked, otherwise heat will accumulate, which may result in fire.

Getting Started
3
1
Do not use combustible sprays when cleaning the machine or near it, otherwise fire or electric
shock may result.
Clean the machine by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth.
Examples of combustible sprays:
Dust removing cleaners
Pesticides
Disinfectants and deodorizers that contain alcohol
Organic solvents or liquids such as alcohol
Do not allow organic solvents, such as benzene, thinner, polish remover or deodorizers, to come
into contact with the plastic cover of the machine. These may cause the plastic cover to warp or
dissolve, resulting in electric shock or fire.
Do not insert foreign objects into the machine or its connectors and ports. Fire, electric shock or
damage may result if metal objects, such as paper clips or staples, or liquids come into contact
with internal machine parts. If foreign objects enter the machine, immediately turn it off, unplug
the power cord from the power outlet, and then contact your reseller or Brother Customer
Service for assistance.
Before cleaning the machine, be sure to turn it off and unplug the power cord from the power
outlet, otherwise fire, electric shock or damage may result.
Do not touch any metal parts near the print head. The print head becomes very hot during use
and remains very hot for some time after use. Do not touch it directly with your hands.
Power cord
Only use the included power cord and the specified power supply.
Use under any other conditions may result in a fire, electric shock or damage.
Do not touch the power cord or the power plug with wet hands, otherwise it may result in an
electric shock.
Do not spill liquids of any type on the machine, otherwise fire, electric shock or damage may
result.
Keep out of the reach of children, particularly infants, otherwise injuries may result.
Do not use the machine near open flames, otherwise the covering of cables may melt, resulting
in fire, electric shock or damage.
Do not insert objects into the power cord jack, USB port or Ethernet network port, otherwise fire,
burns, electric shock or damage may result.
WARNING

Chapter 1
4
Regularly remove the power plug from the power outlet, and clean the base of the prongs and
between the prongs. If the power plug is left in the power outlet for an extended period of time,
dust will accumulate at the base of the power plug prongs. This could cause a short circuit that
may result in fire.
Do not allow organic solvents, such as benzene, thinner, polish remover or deodorizers, to come
into contact with the cables. These may cause the cables to warp or dissolve, resulting in electric
shock or fire.
Do not use damaged power plugs or a bent power outlet, otherwise fire, electric shock or
damage may result.
Do not overload power outlets or plug multiple devices into the same power outlet, otherwise
fire, electric shock or damage may result.
When unplugging the power cord from the power outlet, do not pull on the cord. Hold the power
plug and pull it out of the power outlet, otherwise fire, electric shock or damage may result.
Use the cables correctly and observe the following precautions, otherwise fire or electric shock
may result.
Do not damage them.
Do not modify them.
Do not twist them.
Do not severely bend them.
Do not pull on them.
Do not place objects on them.
Do not subject them to heat.
Do not bind them.
Do not allow them to be pinched.
Fully insert the power plug into the power outlet and power cord connector into the power cord
jack, otherwise fire, electric shock or damage may result.
Brother strongly recommends that you DO NOT use any extension cord.
However, if an extension cord is required, use it correctly and in compliance with the general
guidelines for its use. If an extension cord is incorrectly used, fire, electric shock or damage may
result.
When connecting cables and installing either tape or fabric ribbon cassettes and ink ribbon
cassettes, be sure to connect and install them correctly and in the correct order.
Only connect items that are designed specifically for this machine, otherwise fire or injury may
result. Refer to the User's Guide when making connections.
WARNING

Getting Started
5
1
CAUTION
Machine
Make sure that small children do not put their fingers between moving parts or in openings of
the machine.
Do not hold the machine with only one hand. The machine may slip out of your hand.
Do not hold the machine by its cover. There is a risk of injury if the cover detaches and the
machine falls.
Do not place the machine on an unstable surface, such as an unsteady table or a high shelf. If
the machine falls, injuries may result.
Do not place heavy objects on top of this machine. If the objects fall, injuries may result.
Power cord
If the machine will not be used, unplug the power cord from the power outlet.
Tape cassette/fabric ribbon cassette/ink ribbon cassette
Do not place the tape cassette, fabric ribbon cassette or ink ribbon cassette on an unstable
surface, such as an unsteady table or a high shelf. If the cassette falls, injuries may result.
Print head cleaning pen
Do not place the print head cleaning pen in your mouth or allow it to contact your eyes or skin.
Do not put it into a fire.
IMPORTANT
Machine
The machine may malfunction if left near a television, radio, microwave oven, etc. Do not use
the machine near any device that can cause electromagnetic interference.
Do not drop, hit or otherwise damage the machine.
Do not remove the labels affixed to the machine. These labels provide operational information
and indicate the machine’s model number.
Do not use paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or any other organic solvents to clean the machine,
otherwise damage to the surface finish may result. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the machine.

Chapter 1
6
CD-ROM
Do not scratch the CD-ROM, expose it to extremely high or low temperatures, place heavy
objects on top of it, or bend it.
The software contained on the CD-ROM is meant for use with this machine only. See the
License on the CD-ROM for details. This software may be installed on multiple computers for
use in an office, etc.
Warning label
The following warning labels appear on the machine. Fully understand the contents of each
warning label and perform operations while observing the precautions that are described. In
addition, be very careful that the warning labels do not peel off and are not scratched.
Other warnings/precautions
Make sure that the power cord is accessible so that it can be removed in an emergency.
Do not place objects on or near the power cord.
Always keep the top cover and bottom cover closed when printing.
If the machine will not be used for an extended period, remove the tape cassette before storing
the machine.
Do not touch the machine with wet hands, otherwise a malfunction may result.
IMPORTANT

Getting Started
7
1
Operating Precautions 1
When transporting the machine, hold it with both hands at the areas indicated below. Do not
hold the machine at any areas other than those indicated.
Since the machine may become extremely hot if it is used for an extended period, do not touch
any internal machine parts, other than to install the tape cassette, fabric ribbon cassette, ink
ribbon cassette and paper core.
Do not leave the machine for an extended period with its cover open, otherwise dust may
accumulate on the internal machine parts.
Do not touch sensors inside the machine.
Do not leave rubber or vinyl on the machine for an extended period.
If the machine will not be used for an extended period, unplug the power cord from the power
outlet before storing the machine.
When the machine is purchased, a protective film is attached to the LCD. Peel off the
protective film before using the machine.
Pausing and resuming printing will leave a gap in the printed tape or fabric ribbon. Take care
when pausing prints.

Chapter 1
8
Trademarks 1
BROTHER is either a trademark or a
registered trademark of Brother Industries,
Ltd.
© 2016 Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights
reserved.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and
Windows Server are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
in the United States and/or other countries.
Adobe and Reader are either registered
trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated
in the United States and/or other countries.
Each owner whose software title is
mentioned in this document has a Software
License Agreement specific to its proprietary
programs.
Any trade names and product names
appearing on Brother products, related
documents and any other materials are all
trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Open Source
Licensing Remarks 1
To see the open source licensing remarks, go
to the manual download section on your
model’s web page of Brother Solutions
Center at support.brother.com

Getting Started
9
1
Regulation 1
LAN Connection 1
Caution : Connect this product to a LAN connection which is not subject to overvoltages.
Disconnect device 1
This product must be installed near a power outlet that is easily accessible. In case of
emergencies, you must disconnect the power cord from the power outlet in order to shut off power
completely.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only)
Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation
200 Crossing Boulevard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA
TEL : [phone]
declares, that the products
Product Name:
Model Number:
Brother Tape Creator
TP-M5000N
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Important
The enclosed interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a Class
B digital device.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.

Chapter 1
10
Included Items 1
Before using the machine, check that all of the following contents are included. If any item is
missing or damaged, contact the retailer where it was purchased.
(The illustrations may differ from the original items.)
Tape and fabric ribbon that can be printed with TP-M5000N 1
TP-M5000N Paper core holder
Power cord CD-ROM
User’s Guide
(this manual)
Quick Setup Guide Print head cleaning pen USB cable
Tape Fabric ribbon
Material PET OPP Polyester satin
Width 0.59" (15 mm) 1.49" (38 mm) 1.96" (50 mm) 0.59" (15 mm) 1.49" (38 mm)
Paper Core Inner
Diameter 3" (76.2
mm)
Maximum Wound
Length
27 yds. (24.6
m)
72 yds. (65.8
m)
72 yds. (65.8
m)
27 yds. (24.6
m)
27 yds. (24.6
m)

Getting Started
11
1
Consumables (Not Included) 1
NOTE
• For Tape Creator information, visit our website - brother-usa.com.
• In this manual, “ink ribbon cassettes for printing tape” and “ink ribbon cassettes for printing
fabric ribbon” are simply referred to as “ink ribbon cassettes”.
Tape cassette Fabric ribbon cassette
*For printing tape *For printing fabric ribbon
Ink ribbon cassette for printing tape Fabric ink ribbon cassette for printing fabric ribbon
Paper core

Chapter 1
12
General Description 1
Front 1
1Topcover
2 Operation panel
3 Open button
4 Bottom cover
5 Print head
6 Ink ribbon guide rollers
7Cutter
8 Platen roller
Back 1
1 Power cord jack
2USBport
3 Ethernet network port
Operation Panel 1
1LCD
Shows the amounts of tape, ribbon and ink in
the machine, as well as various menus and
error messages.
2 Power indicator
3 Power button ( )
Press to turn power on/off.
4 Pause button ( )
While printing, hold down this button to pause
printing. Then, you can select whether to
resume or cancel printing.
5 Set button ( )
Press after attaching tape or fabric ribbon to
the paper core in order to prepare for printing.
6 Cut button ( )
Cuts the tape.
1
4
2
3
5
6
8
7
12
3
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Getting Started
13
1
*Fabric ribbon cannot be cut by pressing this
button. Use scissors to cut fabric ribbon.
7 Status indicator
8 MENU/ESC button
While the machine is in standby, press this
button to display the parameters that can be
specified from the machine.
While performing operations with the buttons,
press this button once to return to the previous
screen.
Settings for the following parameters can be
specified from the machine.
Display Setting
Switches the main screen between the
Details Mode and the View Mode.
•Details Mode
•View Mode
NOTE
When the remaining quantity of tape, ribbon
and ink is less than a set amount, “!” appears
on the screen.
Backlight
Unit
Language
Set the language for the screens that
appear.
Auto Power Off
LCD Contrast
Cut Option
Check Size
By default, a message will appear if the ink
ribbon cassette is wider than the installed
tape cassette. Printing will be possible after
pressing the OK button.
To set the machine so no message
appears when the installed ink ribbon
cassette is wider than the tape cassette,
select [Off].
Printer Configuration
Network Configuration
Displays the IP address, subnet mask and
gateway address for the machine.
Reset
9 / buttons
Continues to the next screen, or returns to the
previous screen.
10 OK button
Press to apply the selection.

Chapter 1
14
Setting Up the Machine1
Connecting the Power Supply1
aPlug the power cord into the power cord
jack on the machine.
bPlug the power cord into the power
outlet.
cPress the power button ( ) on the
machine to turn it on. The power
indicator will illuminate green, and the
machine is in standby.
Installing the Tape Cassette 1
Install the tape cassette in the machine. The
tape cassette integrates a reel wound with
tape and a reel wound with backing paper.
When printing on fabric ribbon, use the fabric
ribbon cassette.
* The tape cassette is used in the procedures
and illustrations.
aOpen the top cover and bottom cover of
the machine.
Press the open buttons (1) to open the
covers.
bMake sure that there is no slack in the
tape cassette.
If there is slack in the tape, turn the
reel as shown to remove any slack.
If there is slack in the backing paper,
turn the reel in the direction of the
arrow to remove any slack.
Unbundle the power cord before use.
1

Getting Started
15
1
cMake sure that the end of the tape (or
fabric ribbon) extends from the tape
cassette (or fabric ribbon cassette).
dHold the tape (or fabric ribbon) cassette
with both hands, and then insert it into
the machine with the tape (or fabric
ribbon) reel toward the back of the
machine.
Installing the Ink Ribbon
Cassette 1
aMake sure that there is no slack in the
ink ribbon cassette.
If there is slack in the ink ribbon, turn the
gear in the direction of the arrow to
remove any slack.
bInstall the ink ribbon cassette on top of
the tape cassette.
Align on the ink ribbon cassette with
on the machine.
Installing the Paper Core
Holder 1
Install, onto the paper core holder, the paper
core to be wound with the printed tape.
* The paper core holder for tape is used in the
procedures and illustrations.
Do not directly touch the tape or fabric
ribbon with your fingers.
Hold the ink ribbon cassette as shown.
Do not directly touch the ink ribbon with
your fingers.