What is QZ Tray?
QZ Tray is software installed on a computer that lets a web page print straight to local printers and talk to devices such as scales. A browser cannot do that on its own.
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What it is
For safety, a browser keeps web pages away from printers and attached hardware, apart from the standard print dialog. QZ Tray is a small program that runs on the computer and listens for requests from a web page. When the page asks, it prints directly to a chosen printer.
It can send raw commands that label and receipt printers understand, such as ZPL for Zebra printers. It can also talk to devices like scales over serial or USB connections. The web page drives it through a JavaScript API. The software is open source. A paid license adds support and a signing certificate, which removes the security prompts that otherwise interrupt printing. Hosted alternatives such as PrintNode send jobs through the internet instead.
Why it matters to a business
- Thermal labels from a web page: a web application prints a shipping label on a thermal printer when an item is packed.
- Browser-based registers: a point of sale that runs in a browser prints to the receipt printer beside it.
- No printer prompt: staff are not asked to choose a printer for each job.
- Scales and other devices: a web page can read a weight directly instead of someone typing it in.
How KawaConnect works with QZ Tray
Our software work regularly involves a web application that has to print on site, including label printing in our own product Tagestry. When QZ Tray is the bridge, we also look after the printers and the computers it is installed on.
The choice between QZ Tray and a cloud service like PrintNode usually comes down to one question: must printing keep working when the internet is down? QZ Tray talks to the printer locally, so a dropped connection need not stop it, as long as the web application itself is reachable.
Related services
Software
Web applications that print labels and receipts directly, including Tagestry.
Managed IT
Support for the counter and packing-station computers that run QZ Tray.
Cannabis IT
Label and receipt printing for regulated retail and production.
Learn more
- QZ Tray websiteThe project's home page, with downloads and a short demo for anyone evaluating it.
- QZ Tray documentationGuides and API reference for the developer who will connect a web page to it.
- QZ Tray on GitHubThe open source code, useful for technical staff who want to see how it works.
Want a browser to print labels directly?
Tell us which printers and devices you use. We will plan the setup with you.
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