Epson TM-T88III series Operating instructions

ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
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ESC/POS
CONFIDENTIAL
Printers & Commands
What’s New in This Version?
About This Guide
Character Code Tables
How to Use This Guide
ESC/POS Information
EPSON
404394101
Confidentiality Agreement
Paper Roll Printers ESC/POS®Application
Programming Guide
Version 10.01

ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
EPSON
•Commands in Alphanumeric Order
•Commands Arranged by Function
•Commands Arranged by Printer
CONFIDENTIAL
TM-T88III
TM-T90
TM-L60II
TM-L90
TM-J2000/J2100
TM-U210
TM-U220
TM-U230
TM-U300A/U300B
TM-P60
printers & commands

ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
EPSON
CONFIDENTIAL
how to use this guide
Text
Any text colored blue is a link to another screen.
Click the text to go to that topic.
Printer information
Most information applies to all printers in a category.
If there is information specific to one printer, you see
its name in colored text, with a different color for
each printer. The model dependent information
appears if you click on the name of the printer or
look at the bottom of the screen for text in the
appropriate color.
blue
text
PRINTER
name

ESC/POS
ESC/POS
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ESC/POS
ESC/POS
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ESC/POS
EPSON
CONFIDENTIAL
what’s new in this version?
Version 10.00
TM-U220 added.
This guide (Paper Roll Printers) is now
separate from the guides for other
types of printers.
Version 10.01
TM-P60 added.

ESC/POS
ESC/POS
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ESC/POS
CONFIDENTIAL
ESC/POS®Application Programming Guide for Paper Roll Printers
Version 10.01
Seiko Epson Corporation, System Device Division
Notice: The contents of this manual
are subject to change without notice
EPSON and ESC/POS are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Acrobat®Reader™copyright ©1987–2002 Adobe Systems Incorporated.
All rights reserved.
Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
EPSON
about this guide

ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
ESC/POS
EPSON
CONFIDENTIAL
confidentiality agreement
BY USING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE TERMS OF THIS
AGREEMENT. PLEASE RETURN THIS DOCUMENT IMMEDIATELY IF YOU DO NOT
AGREE TO THESE TERMS.
This document contains confidential, proprietary information of Seiko Epson
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THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” WITHOUT
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CONFIDENTIAL
Paper roll ESC/POS proprietary command system
Ver. 10.01 p. 7
ESC/POS proprietary command system
The market for store automation equipment is changing rapidly with the widespread introduction of POS (point of sale)
terminals. These terminals are now appearing even in small retail stores and specialty shops.
As personal computers begin to be used as POS terminals, the demand for matching uniform peripheral devices is expected to
rise. At present, however, many of the competing POS terminal printers on the market employ mutually incompatible
command sets. This imposes limits on the expandability and range of applications possible with PC-based systems. There is a
need for a new command set designed to provide the expandability and universal applicability demanded by the market.
ESC/POS
EPSON took the initiative by introducing ESC/POS, a proprietary POS printer command system, which includes patented or
patent pending commands and enables versatile POS system construction with high scalability. Compatible with all types of
EPSON POS printers and displays, this proprietary control system also offers the flexibility to easily make future upgrades. Its
popularity is worldwide.
ESC/POS is designed to reduce the processing load on the host computer in POS environments. It comprises a set of highly
functional and efficient commands that enables the full realization of the potential of printers.
A command set designed for universal applicability
The commands that are supported by all EPSON POS printers and those that are specific to individual models are clearly
described. This means that ESC/POS compatible software will work with any system and be suitable for a wide range of
applications.
Superb expandability allowing the addition of new functions
New functions can be added and accommodated by the categories already provided in the command system.
Allows more effective use of software
Once a software application has been created for one printer in the TM series, it can be used as the basis for versions for the
other printers in the series. Only a small portion of the program source code needs to be modified.
ESC/POS®PROPRIETARY COMMAND SYSTEM

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Paper roll Command classification
Ver. 10.01 p. 8
Command classification
ESC/POS printer commands are classified by functions such as print, character, print position, printing paper, line spacing,
panel button, paper sensor, mechanism control, status, bar code, bit-image, macro function, control option, and miscellaneous
functions. The classification is called function classification.
ESC/POS printer commands are also classified by sheet and grade. The sheet and grade classification is called matrix
classification.
The sheet classification is divided into single sheet commands and multiple sheet commands. The grade classification is
separated into basic commands and extension commands.
Basic commands are defined as fundamental printer controls, including print commands and character type selection
commands. Extension commands are defined as control codes for functions specific to individual printers. These commands
are further divided into mechanical extension commands that relate to additional mechanical functions such as stamp and
autocutter units, hardware extension commands that relate to additional hardware functions such as panel button and status
transmission controls, and software extension commands that relate to additional software functions such as user-defined and
bar code controls. The next screen is an overview diagram of the matrix classification of ESC/POS.
COMMAND CLASSIFICATION

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Paper roll Command classification
Ver. 10.01 p. 9
Multiple sheet
Single sheet commands
Multiple sheet
Single sheet
Sheet
Basic commands
commands
Extension commands
Grade
Hardware extension commands
Mechanical extension commands
Software extension commands

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Paper roll Overview of data processing
Ver. 10.01 p. 10
Overview of data processing
Character Data and Normal Commands
The printer stores data sent from the host computer in the receive buffer temporarily, and then the printer interprets the data
and classifies them into commands or character data sequentially. If the data from the receive buffer is a normal command,
the printer processes the command corresponding to its function; for example, if the data interpreted is ESC 3, the printer
changes a setting value for the line spacing, and if it is LF, the printer prints the data in the print buffer and feeds the paper
one line.
If the data from the receive buffer is character data, the printer reads the appropriate font data from the resident character
generator and writes image data to the print buffer.
Real-time Commands
The printer stores data sent from the host computer in the receive buffer, interprets the data, and processes the commands
corresponding to their function one line at a time. The real-time commands are the commands that consist of a DLE
extension, such as DLE EOT or DLE ENQ. They are processed immediately. The real-time commands are ignored as
undefined codes in the main processing.
OVERVIEW OF DATA PROCESSING

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Paper roll Overview of data processing
Ver. 10.01 p. 11
Data processing diagram
Host
computer
Interface
Character generator
(Font data)
Print buffer Mechanism
Receive buffer
Real-time
command
processing
Main processing
[Data analysis/processing]
(Character data/normal command)

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Paper roll Definitions Ver. 10.01 p. 12
Definitions
Normal commands
Normal commands are all the commands except real-time commands. The normal commands are stored in the
receive buffer temporarily and then processed sequentially.
Real-time commands
Real-time commands are the commands that consist of a DLE extension (such as DLE EOT or DLE ENQ). The real-
time commands execute processing when received. After executing, they are stored in the receive buffer and then
discarded as undefined codes when the normal commands are processed.
Receive buffer
The receive buffer is used to store data from the host computer. All received data is stored in this buffer and
processed in the order received. Buffer capacity depends on the printer model used.
Obsolete commands
These are commands that will not be supported by future printer models. The command descriptions give a better
command to use for the same function.
Print buffer
The print buffer is used to store image data for printing.
Print buffer-full
This state occurs when the print buffer becomes full.
Print buffer-full printing
If new print data (such as characters or bit images) or horizontal tabs are processed in standard mode when the print
buffer is full, the image data already stored in the print buffer is printed, and a line feed is executed. This is the same
operation as LF. The data (print data or horizontal tab) that causes the print buffer-full is processed from the
beginning of the next line.
If new print data (such as characters or bit images) or horizontal tabs are processed in page mode when the print
buffer is full, the printer moves the print position to the beginning of the next line (the same operation as LF) and
processes the data (print data or horizontal tabs) that causes the print buffer-full.
DEFINITIONS

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Paper roll Definitions Ver. 10.01 p. 13
Beginning of the line
The beginning of the line meets all of the following conditions:
•No data exists in the print buffer.
•No spaces are skipped by HT in the print buffer.
•The print position has not been specified by ESC $ or ESC \.
In standard mode, the beginning of the line is the left margin.
Printable area
This is the maximum printable area specified for each printer model.
This can be changed by setting the paper width with GS ( E fn = 5 or DIP switch or setting of paper layout that is
supported by the label printer model.
Printing area
This is the printing range set by a command. The printing area should be equal to or smaller than the printable area.
In standard mode, the printing area is set by GS L and GS W, and in page mode, it is set by ESC W.
Ignoring a command
This is the printer state in which the printer does nothing after receiving all codes, including parameters.
Horizontal/vertical direction
Horizontal direction is the direction that is perpendicular to the paper feed direction. Vertical direction is the paper
feed direction. In page mode, however, horizontal/vertical direction differs, depending on the print direction of a
character, not the paper feed direction.
Baseline
The baseline for character sets that are 9 dots high (for example, 7 ×9 and 9 ×9) is the invisible line marking the
bottom of the character matrix (the bottom of the lowest dot possible). For other character sets, the baseline is the
bottom of all characters, excluding descenders, such as the bottom parts of “g” and “y”, which are below the
baseline.
Setting commands
Setting commands change printer status by processing a command and affect printer operation and print results
thereafter. The commands that can specify enhanced characters, set paper feed amount, and select a character are
setting commands as are some of the normal commands.

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Paper roll Definitions Ver. 10.01 p. 14
Executing commands
Executing commands affect printer operation and change the printer status temporarily but do not affect the
following printer operation. Functions of printing, paper cutting, and status transmission are executing commands
and the real-time commands and some of the normal commands are executing commands.
MSB
Most Significant Bit
LSB
Least Significant Bit
Obsolete commands
These are commands that will not be supported by future printer models. The description of each of these
commands gives a better command to use for the same function.
“Reserved” bit
“Reserved” bits are as follows:
• Bit that will be used for an extended function in the future.
• Bit that has a function in the ESC/POS specification; however, the printer does not support the function.
Use a bit with a value indicated in a table.
“Fixed” bit
Use a bit only with a value indicated in a table.

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Paper roll TM-T88III supported commands
Ver. 10.01 p. 15
TM-U375 supported commands
Command Classification Name Function type
HT EXECUTING COMMAND Horizontal tab PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
LF EXECUTING COMMAND Print and line feed PRINT COMMANDS
FF (in page mode) EXECUTING COMMAND Print and return to standard mode PRINT COMMANDS
CR EXECUTING COMMAND Print and carriage return PRINT COMMANDS
CAN EXECUTING COMMAND Cancel print data in page mode CHARACTER COMMANDS
DLE EOT EXECUTING COMMAND Real-time status transmission STATUS COMMANDS
DLE ENQ EXECUTING COMMAND Real-time request to printer MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
DLE DC4 (fn = 1) EXECUTING + SETTING Generate pulse at real-time MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
DLE DC4 (fn = 8) EXECUTING + SETTING Clear buffer MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
ESC FF EXECUTING COMMAND Print data in page mode PRINT COMMANDS
ESC SP SETTING COMMAND Set right-side character spacing CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC ! SETTING COMMAND Select print mode(s) CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC $ EXECUTING COMMAND Set absolute print position PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
ESC % SETTING COMMAND Select/cancel user-defined character set CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC & SETTING COMMAND Define user-defined characters CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC ✻EXECUTING COMMAND Select bit-image mode BIT-IMAGE COMMANDS
TM-T88III SUPPORTED COMMANDS

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Paper roll TM-T88III supported commands
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ESC – SETTING COMMAND Turn underline mode on/off CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC 2 SETTING COMMAND Select default line spacing LINE SPACING COMMANDS
ESC 3 SETTING COMMAND Set line spacing LINE SPACING COMMANDS
ESC = SETTING COMMAND Select peripheral device MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
ESC ? SETTING COMMAND Cancel user-defined characters CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC @ EXECUTING + SETTING Initialize printer MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
ESC D SETTING COMMAND Set horizontal tab positions PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
ESC E SETTING COMMAND Turn emphasized mode on/off CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC G SETTING COMMAND Turn double-strike mode on/off CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC J EXECUTING COMMAND Print and feed paper PRINT COMMANDS
ESC L EXECUTING COMMAND Select page mode MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
ESC M SETTING COMMAND Select character font CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC R SETTING COMMAND Select an international character set CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC S EXECUTING COMMAND Select standard mode MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
ESC T SETTING COMMAND Select print direction in page mode PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
ESC V SETTING COMMAND Turn 90°clockwise rotation mode on/off CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC W SETTING COMMAND Set printing area in page mode PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
ESC \ EXECUTING COMMAND Set relative print position PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
Command Classification Name Function type

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Paper roll TM-T88III supported commands
Ver. 10.01 p. 17
ESC a SETTING COMMAND Select justification PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
ESC c 3 SETTING COMMAND Select paper sensor(s) to output paper-end
signals PAPER SENSOR COMMANDS
ESC c 4 SETTING COMMAND Select paper sensor(s) to stop printing PAPER SENSOR COMMANDS
ESC c 5 SETTING COMMAND Enable/disable panel buttons PANEL BUTTON COMMAND
ESC d EXECUTING COMMAND Print and feed
n lines PRINT COMMANDS
ESC p EXECUTING COMMAND Generate pulse MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
ESC t SETTING COMMAND Select character code table CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC { SETTING COMMAND Turn upside-down printing mode on/off CHARACTER COMMANDS
GS ! SETTING COMMAND Select character size CHARACTER COMMANDS
GS $ EXECUTING COMMAND Set absolute vertical print position in page mode PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
GS ( A EXECUTING COMMAND Execute test print MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
GS : EXECUTING + SETTING Start/end macro definition MACRO FUNCTION COMMANDS
GS B SETTING COMMAND Turn white/black reverse printing mode on/off CHARACTER COMMANDS
GS H SETTING COMMAND Select printing position of HRI characters BAR CODE COMMANDS
GS I EXECUTING COMMAND Transmit printer ID MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
GS L SETTING COMMAND Set left margin PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
GS P SETTING COMMAND Set horizontal and vertical motion units MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
GS V EXECUTING COMMAND Select cut mode and cut paper MECHANISM CONTROL COMMANDS
Command Classification Name Function type

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Paper roll TM-T88III supported commands
Ver. 10.01 p. 18
GS W SETTING COMMAND Set printing area width PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
GS \ EXECUTING COMMAND Set relative vertical print position in page mode PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
GS ^ EXECUTING COMMAND Execute macro MACRO FUNCTION COMMANDS
GS a EXECUTING + SETTING Enable/disable Automatic Status Back (ASB) STATUS COMMANDS
GS b SETTING COMMAND Turn smoothing mode on/off CHARACTER COMMANDS
GS f SETTING COMMAND Select font for HRI characters BAR CODE COMMANDS
GS h SETTING COMMAND Set bar code height BAR CODE COMMANDS
GS k EXECUTING COMMAND Print bar code BAR CODE COMMANDS
GS r EXECUTING COMMAND Transmit status STATUS COMMANDS
GS w SETTING COMMAND Set bar code width BAR CODE COMMANDS
Command Classification Name Function type

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Paper roll TM-T88III supported commands
Ver. 10.01 p. 19
The following commands are supported only by Japanese/Simplified Chinese/Traditional Chinese/Korean supporting models.
Command Classification Name Function type
FS ! SETTING COMMAND Set print mode(s) for Kanji characters KANJI COMMANDS
FS & SETTING COMMAND Select Kanji character mode KANJI COMMANDS
FS ( A SETTING COMMAND Define character effects of Kanji characters. KANJI COMMANDS
FS – SETTING COMMAND Turn underline mode on/off for Kanji characters KANJI COMMANDS
FS . SETTING COMMAND Cancel Kanji character mode KANJI COMMANDS
FS 2 SETTING COMMAND Define user-defined Kanji characters KANJI COMMANDS
FS C SETTING COMMAND Select Kanji character code system KANJI COMMANDS
FS S SETTING COMMAND Set Kanji character spacing KANJI COMMANDS
FS W SETTING COMMAND Turn quadruple-size mode on/off for Kanji
characters KANJI COMMANDS
FS ? SETTING COMMAND Cancel user-defined Kanji characters KANJI COMMANDS

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Paper roll TM-T90 supported commands
Ver. 10.01 p. 20
TM-U375 supported commands
Command Classification Name Function type
HT EXECUTING COMMAND Horizontal tab PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
LF EXECUTING COMMAND Print and line feed PRINT COMMANDS
FF (in page mode) EXECUTING COMMAND Print and return to standard mode PRINT COMMANDS
CR EXECUTING COMMAND Print and carriage return PRINT COMMANDS
CAN EXECUTING COMMAND Cancel print data in page mode CHARACTER COMMANDS
DLE EOT EXECUTING COMMAND Real-time status transmission STATUS COMMANDS
DLE ENQ EXECUTING COMMAND Real-time request to printer MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
DLE DC4 (fn = 1) EXECUTING + SETTING Generate pulse at real-time MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
DLE DC4 (fn = 2) EXECUTING + SETTING Turn off the power MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
DLE DC4 (fn = 8) EXECUTING + SETTING Clear buffer MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
ESC FF EXECUTING COMMAND Print data in page mode PRINT COMMANDS
ESC SP SETTING COMMAND Set right-side character spacing CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC ! SETTING COMMAND Select print mode(s) CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC $ EXECUTING COMMAND Set absolute print position PRINT POSITION COMMANDS
ESC % SETTING COMMAND Select/cancel user-defined character set CHARACTER COMMANDS
ESC & SETTING COMMAND Define user-defined characters CHARACTER COMMANDS
TM-T90 SUPPORTED COMMANDS