A WML file is made up of tags, which are similar to HTML tags. For a list of the supported WML tags, see WML Tags.
Using WML on the printer is dependent on the presence of a single
index.wml
file, stored in the printer's E: memory. The
index.wml
file can contain one or more “cards”, with each card defining the content of a single menu. Everything within the card tag (<card> </card>) constitutes one complete front panel menu. Cards can also contain hyperlinks to other menus. If the index.wml has three cards, with links between the cards, that means there are three front panel menus. It is also possible to create multiple .wml files, with links between them and the index.wml file. In cases where multiple .wml files are used, it is recommended that each file should be structured to provide a link back to the main menu as described in the index.wml card.
Only one
index.wml
file can reside on a printer at any time
WML defined menus can use Set-Get-Do (SGD) commands to retrieve or set printer settings. For example, a menu might display the printer’s current baud rate, while also offering other potential baud rate settings for the printer selection. In more advanced uses, WML defined menus can cause ZPL command files, stored in the printer E: memory, to be injected into the printers command engine – where they will be read in and acted upon. In this use, the ZPL command file files are known as .nrd files.
For example, a WML defined menu could call an .nrd file that contains a customized set of printer configuration commands. In this way, different profiles can be created for the printer - making it possible for the printer operator to select the appropriate configuration profile needed for the task the printer is being used in.
An important concept to consider is that the WML menu completely defines what is displayed on the printers screen. If an item is not included in the WML menu definition it will not be displayed to the user.
The
index.wml
file must reside on the printer’s
E:
drive for the WML menu to display. If the
index.wml
file is on a drive other than
E:
, then the standard front panel menus display. 3
When a WML menu is resident on the printer, the standard menu system can be easily be accessed by holding down the Cancel and Setup/Exit buttons (on the ZM400) or the Cancel and Setup/Exit buttons (on Xi4) or the Select button (on GX) on the front panel while the printer powers up. Hold the buttons down until the PRINT READY message displays on the front panel. To return to the WML defined menu, reset the printer again.3
