🖨️ QBM POS Printer Configuration

Complete User Guide for Point of Sale Printer Setup

📋 Overview

The QBM POS Printer Configuration screen allows you to configure multiple receipt printers for your Point of Sale system. This powerful feature enables you to:

🖨️

Multiple Printers

Configure different printers for different purposes (receipts, kitchen orders, labels, etc.)

📄

Template Assignment

Assign specific print templates to each printer for customized output

🌐

Network Printing

Configure printers on different computers across your network

💰

Cash Drawer Control

Configure automatic cash drawer opening with ESC/POS commands

✂️

Auto-Cut Configuration

Set up automatic paper cutting after each receipt

⚙️

Custom Formats

Design receipt formats to match your business needs

💡 Key Feature: Each printer can have its own template, format, and design settings. This means you can have one printer for customer receipts with your logo and branding, another for kitchen orders with large text, and a third for shipping labels - all operating simultaneously!
✅ Network Capability: Printers don't have to be connected to the POS computer directly. You can configure network printers located anywhere in your store or facility. For example, the kitchen printer can be in the kitchen while the customer receipt printer stays at the POS station.

🚀 Accessing Printer Configuration

Open Options Menu

From the QBM main screen, navigate to:

  • Click on Home Page tab
  • Click on Options button or menu

Navigate to Printer Tab

In the Options window, you'll see several tabs at the top:

  • General
  • Setup
  • Transactions
  • View
  • Inventory
  • Display
  • Printer ← Click this tab
  • Sales Receipt
  • Reports

View Printer Configuration

You'll now see two main sections:

  1. Printer Grid (top section): Lists all configured printers
  2. Cash Drawer Settings (bottom section): Controls cash drawer behavior
💡 Quick Tip: The Printer tab is specifically for POS Edition of QBM. If you don't see this tab, verify that you're using the POS edition of the software.

📊 Understanding the Printer Grid

Grid Layout

The printer configuration grid displays all your configured printers with the following columns:

Name
Print Template
Format
Design
Notes
Microsoft Print to PDF
POSReceiptArabicWithVAT33
...
...
...

Column Descriptions

📝 Name
Printer Identifier

Purpose: The Windows printer name or network printer path

Examples:

  • Epson TM-T88VI - Local USB printer
  • \\SERVER\KitchenPrinter - Network printer
  • Microsoft Print to PDF - Virtual PDF printer

How to set: Click in the Name cell and type the exact printer name as it appears in Windows

📄 Print Template
Template Assignment

Purpose: Specifies which print template design to use for this printer

Examples:

  • POSReceiptArabicWithVAT33 - Receipt with Arabic text and VAT
  • StandardReceipt - Basic receipt template
  • KitchenOrder - Kitchen order format
  • CustomerCopySmall - Compact customer receipt

How to set: Click in the Print Template cell and select from dropdown or type template name

Note: Templates are created and designed in the Template Designer. Each template controls what information prints, layout, fonts, logo placement, etc.
📐 Format
Paper & Layout Settings

Purpose: Defines paper size, orientation, and margins

Common Settings:

  • Paper Width: 80mm (standard receipt), 58mm (compact), 210mm (A4)
  • Paper Type: Continuous roll, cut sheet
  • Orientation: Portrait (typical for receipts)

How to set: Click the ... button to open format configuration dialog

🎨 Design
Template Designer Access

Purpose: Opens the template designer to modify receipt layout and appearance

What you can customize:

  • Header and footer content
  • Logo placement and size
  • Font styles and sizes
  • Column widths
  • What fields to show/hide
  • Custom text and messages

How to access: Click the ... button to open the template designer

📝 Notes
Documentation Field

Purpose: Add notes or comments about this printer configuration

Examples:

  • "Main customer receipt printer at Front Counter"
  • "Kitchen printer - prints orders only"
  • "Backup printer - use when main is down"
  • "Network printer in Warehouse area"

How to set: Click in the Notes cell and type your comments

Grid Operations

Operation How To Purpose
Add New Printer Click the ➕ button below the grid Add a new printer configuration row
Delete Printer Select row, click ➖ or Delete button Remove a printer from configuration
Edit Settings Click directly in any cell to edit Modify printer name, template, or notes
Open Format Dialog Click ... in Format column Configure paper size and margins
Open Designer Click ... in Design column Customize template layout and content
Select Row Click anywhere in the row Highlight row for editing/deletion
⚠️ Important: The yellow highlighted row in the grid indicates the currently selected printer configuration. Any changes you make to settings will apply to this selected printer.

💰 Cash Drawer Configuration

The lower section of the Printer tab controls cash drawer behavior. Most POS receipt printers support cash drawer connections, allowing automatic drawer opening when printing receipts.

Cash Drawer Settings

🔌 Connected to the printer
Checkbox

Purpose: Indicates whether the cash drawer is connected to the receipt printer via RJ-12 cable

When to check:

  • ✅ Check if your cash drawer plugs into the printer (most common setup)
  • ❌ Uncheck if drawer has separate connection (serial/USB)

Why it matters: When checked, the system sends ESC/POS commands to the printer to open the drawer. When unchecked, commands are sent directly to the drawer's port.

📡 Open Commands
Text Input - ESC/POS Command Sequence

Purpose: The ESC/POS command sequence to send to open the cash drawer

Default Value: 27,112,0,250,250

Command Breakdown:

  • 27 - ESC character (starts command)
  • 112 - 'p' character (pulse command)
  • 0 - Drawer #1 (use 1 for Drawer #2)
  • 250 - Pulse ON time (in milliseconds × 2, so 500ms)
  • 250 - Pulse OFF time (in milliseconds × 2, so 500ms)
Alternative Commands:
  • 27,112,0,25,250 - Shorter pulse (50ms on, 500ms off)
  • 27,112,0,50,50 - Quick pulse (100ms on, 100ms off)
  • 27,112,1,250,250 - Open drawer #2 instead of #1
✂️ Cut Commands
Text Input - ESC/POS Command Sequence

Purpose: The ESC/POS command sequence to automatically cut paper after printing

Default Value: 27,112,0,75,250 or 29,86,66,0

Common Cut Commands:

  • 29,86,0 - Full cut
  • 29,86,1 - Partial cut (most common)
  • 29,86,66,0 - Full cut with feed
  • 27,105 - Partial cut (older printers)
  • 27,109 - Full cut (older printers)
⚠️ Note: Cut commands vary by printer model. Check your printer's ESC/POS documentation for the correct command sequence. Using wrong commands may cause printer errors.
📏 Height
Numeric Input

Purpose: Sets the receipt height/length in millimeters or printer units

Default Value: -1 (auto-adjust based on content)

Common Values:

  • -1 - Automatic (recommended)
  • 297 - A4 length (for testing)
  • 150 - Fixed 150mm height
📏 Footer Height
Numeric Input

Purpose: Reserves space at the bottom of receipt for footer content before cutting

Default Value: -1 (auto-calculate)

Typical Values:

  • -1 - Automatic footer sizing
  • 50 - 50mm footer space
  • 30 - 30mm footer space (compact)
💡 Why Footer Height Matters: If your receipt is being cut too early and the last line is missing, increase the footer height. If there's too much blank space at the bottom, decrease it.
⚙️ Auto Configure
Checkbox

Purpose: Automatically detects and configures printer settings

When checked: QBM will attempt to detect paper size, margins, and other settings from the printer

When unchecked: Use manual settings specified in template and format dialogs

✅ Recommendation: Keep this checked for most thermal receipt printers. It ensures settings match the printer's capabilities.

Testing Cash Drawer

How to Test Drawer Opening

  1. Configure all settings as described above
  2. Click Apply or OK to save settings
  3. Print a test receipt from POS
  4. Cash drawer should open automatically

If drawer doesn't open:

  • Verify drawer is connected to printer correctly (RJ-12 cable)
  • Check "Connected to the printer" is checked
  • Try different Open Commands sequences
  • Consult printer manual for correct ESC/POS codes
  • Test drawer manually by inserting key

📟 ESC/POS Commands Reference

ESC/POS (Epson Standard Code for Point of Sale) is a command language used by most receipt printers. Understanding these commands helps you customize cash drawer and cutting behavior.

Command Format

Commands are entered as comma-separated decimal values. Each number represents one byte sent to the printer.

Example: 27,112,0,250,250
  • This is 5 bytes sent to the printer
  • Byte 1: 27 (ESC character)
  • Byte 2: 112 (letter 'p')
  • Byte 3: 0 (drawer number)
  • Byte 4: 250 (pulse duration)
  • Byte 5: 250 (pulse spacing)

Common ESC/POS Commands

Command Decimal Sequence Description
Open Drawer #1 (Standard) 27,112,0,250,250 Opens cash drawer #1 with 500ms pulse
Open Drawer #1 (Quick) 27,112,0,25,250 Opens drawer #1 with 50ms pulse
Open Drawer #2 27,112,1,250,250 Opens cash drawer #2 (if connected)
Partial Cut 29,86,1 Partial cut (leaves small tab)
Full Cut 29,86,0 Complete cut through paper
Full Cut with Feed 29,86,66,0 Advances paper then full cut
Partial Cut (Legacy) 27,105 Older Epson printers
Full Cut (Legacy) 27,109 Older Epson printers

Drawer Pulse Timing

The timing parameters in drawer commands control how long the electrical signal lasts:

Parameter Value Actual Duration Use Case
25 50 milliseconds Very quick pulse - minimal drawer movement
50 100 milliseconds Quick pulse - standard for most drawers
100 200 milliseconds Medium pulse - reliable opening
250 500 milliseconds Long pulse - maximum reliability
⚠️ Important: The timing value is multiplied by 2 to get milliseconds. So a value of 250 = 500ms actual duration.

Finding the Right Commands for Your Printer

Check Printer Documentation

  1. Locate your printer's user manual or technical documentation
  2. Look for "ESC/POS Commands" or "Command Reference" section
  3. Find commands for "Cash Drawer" and "Paper Cut"
  4. Convert hex values to decimal if needed

Trial and Error with Common Commands

  1. Start with standard commands: 27,112,0,250,250
  2. If doesn't work, try: 27,112,0,25,250
  3. Still not working? Try: 27,112,0,50,50
  4. For second drawer: Change 0 to 1 in command

Contact Manufacturer Support

If standard commands don't work:

  • Contact printer manufacturer technical support
  • Provide printer model number
  • Ask for ESC/POS command sequence for cash drawer
  • Ask for paper cut command sequence
💡 Pro Tip: Most Epson, Star, and Citizen thermal printers use the standard ESC/POS commands. Only proprietary or specialized printers require different command sequences.

🎯 Common Configuration Scenarios

Scenario 1: Single Receipt Printer Setup

Basic POS Configuration

Situation: You have one receipt printer for customer receipts

Configuration:

Setting Value
Name Epson TM-T88VI
Print Template StandardReceipt
Connected to printer ✅ Checked
Open Commands 27,112,0,250,250
Cut Commands 29,86,1
Auto Configure ✅ Checked

Scenario 2: Multi-Language Receipt Setup

Arabic and English Receipts

Situation: You need both Arabic and English receipt formats

Configuration:

Row 1 - Arabic Receipt:

Setting Value
Name Epson TM-T88VI
Print Template POSReceiptArabicWithVAT33
Notes Arabic customer receipts with VAT

Row 2 - English Receipt:

Setting Value
Name Epson TM-T88VI
Print Template POSReceiptEnglish
Notes English customer receipts
Note: Same printer, different templates. The POS system will use the appropriate template based on customer language preference or user selection.

Scenario 3: Multi-Printer Restaurant Setup

Front Counter + Kitchen Printer

Situation: Restaurant with customer receipts at front and kitchen orders in back

Row 1 - Customer Receipt Printer:

Setting Value
Name Epson TM-T20III
Print Template CustomerReceipt
Notes Front counter - customer receipts

Row 2 - Kitchen Printer:

Setting Value
Name \\SERVER\KitchenPrinter
Print Template KitchenOrder
Notes Kitchen - order printing (network printer)
✅ Benefit: Customer gets formatted receipt with logo and branding. Kitchen gets simplified order with large text and item modifiers highlighted.

Scenario 4: Network Printer Configuration

Printing to Different Computers

Situation: Printers are connected to different computers on your network

Configuration Examples:

  • Local printer: Epson TM-T88VI
  • Shared Windows printer: \\COMPUTER1\ReceiptPrinter
  • Network printer by IP: \\192.168.1.100\Printer
  • Server printer: \\SERVER\Kitchen-Printer-1
⚠️ Network Requirements:
  • Printer must be shared on the network
  • POS computer must have access permissions
  • Printer drivers must be installed on POS computer
  • Network path must be accessible (test with Windows Explorer)

Scenario 5: PDF Receipt Archive

Saving Digital Copies

Situation: You want to keep PDF copies of receipts for records

Configuration:

Setting Value
Name Microsoft Print to PDF
Print Template POSReceiptArabicWithVAT33
Notes Digital archive - saves receipts as PDF
💡 Usage: When you select this printer in POS, instead of printing to physical printer, Windows will prompt you to save the receipt as a PDF file. Great for email receipts or digital record keeping!

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues & Solutions

❌ Issue: Printer Not Found

Symptoms: Error message "Printer not found" or "Printer not available"

Solutions:

  1. Verify printer name exactly matches Windows printer name
    • Open Windows Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners
    • Copy the exact printer name (case-sensitive)
    • Paste into QBM Name field
  2. Check printer is turned on and connected
  3. For network printers: Test network path in Windows Explorer
  4. Verify printer drivers are installed on POS computer

❌ Issue: Cash Drawer Won't Open

Symptoms: Receipt prints but drawer doesn't open

Solutions:

  1. Check Physical Connection:
    • Verify RJ-12 cable is securely connected to printer
    • Verify other end is connected to cash drawer
    • Try different RJ-12 port on printer (if multiple)
  2. Verify Settings:
    • Confirm "Connected to the printer" is checked
    • Try different Open Commands sequences
    • Common alternatives: 27,112,0,25,250 or 27,112,0,50,50
  3. Test Drawer Manually:
    • Use physical key to open drawer (verify it's not stuck)
    • Check drawer cable isn't damaged
    • Try drawer on different printer port if available
  4. Check Printer Model:
    • Some printers require specific ESC/POS commands
    • Consult printer manual for correct drawer commands
    • Contact manufacturer for command sequence

❌ Issue: Paper Not Cutting

Symptoms: Receipt prints but paper doesn't cut

Solutions:

  1. Verify Cut Commands:
    • Try: 29,86,1 (partial cut)
    • Try: 29,86,0 (full cut)
    • Try: 29,86,66,0 (cut with feed)
    • For older printers: 27,105 or 27,109
  2. Check Printer Cutter:
    • Some printers have physical cutter enable/disable switch
    • Check for paper jam in cutter mechanism
    • Clean cutter blade (consult manual)
  3. Printer Settings:
    • Check printer's built-in menu for auto-cut settings
    • Ensure auto-cut is enabled in printer firmware

❌ Issue: Wrong Template Printing

Symptoms: Receipt prints with wrong format or language

Solutions:

  1. Verify correct template is assigned in Print Template column
  2. Check template name spelling (case-sensitive)
  3. Ensure template exists in Template Designer
  4. Verify POS is selecting correct printer row from grid

❌ Issue: Receipt Cut Too Early (Missing Bottom Text)

Symptoms: Last lines of receipt are cut off

Solutions:

  1. Increase Footer Height value
    • If currently -1, try 50
    • If currently 30, try 50 or 70
  2. Adjust template design to reduce footer content
  3. Check if cut command includes feed: 29,86,66,0

❌ Issue: Too Much Blank Space at Bottom

Symptoms: Excessive blank paper before cut

Solutions:

  1. Decrease Footer Height value
    • If currently 50, try 30
    • If currently 70, try 40
  2. Enable Auto Configure checkbox
  3. Check template for excessive spacing in footer

❌ Issue: Network Printer Not Accessible

Symptoms: Can't print to network printer

Solutions:

  1. Test Network Path:
    • Open Windows Explorer
    • Type network path in address bar: \\SERVER\PrinterName
    • Verify you can access it
  2. Check Permissions:
    • Ensure POS computer user has print permissions
    • Verify printer is shared on network
    • Check firewall isn't blocking printer access
  3. Install Drivers:
    • Install printer drivers on POS computer
    • Add network printer to Windows devices
    • Test print from Windows before using in QBM

Testing Checklist

✅ Before Going Live - Test Everything

  1. ☐ Print test receipt - verify all content appears correctly
  2. ☐ Test cash drawer opening - verify it opens automatically
  3. ☐ Test paper cutting - verify clean cut in right location
  4. ☐ Test all configured printers - each should work independently
  5. ☐ Test network printers - verify connectivity from POS station
  6. ☐ Test during peak times - ensure no delays or errors
  7. ☐ Verify template designs - logo, text, alignment all correct
  8. ☐ Test different receipt types - sale, return, void, etc.
  9. ☐ Print multiple consecutive receipts - check for issues
  10. ☐ Test with real transactions - verify accuracy

Getting Help

If problems persist:

  1. Contact QBM Support with:
    • Exact error messages
    • Printer model and connection type
    • Screenshot of your configuration
    • What you've already tried
  2. Consult printer manufacturer:
    • For ESC/POS command questions
    • For hardware issues
    • For driver problems

⭐ Best Practices

📝

Document Your Setup

Use the Notes column to document each printer's purpose, location, and any special settings. This helps troubleshooting and training new staff.

🔄

Keep Backup Configuration

Take screenshots or document your printer settings. If settings are lost, you can quickly restore the configuration.

🧪

Test Before Production

Always test new configurations with dummy transactions before using in live environment. Print several test receipts.

🎨

Create Multiple Templates

Design different templates for different purposes: customer receipts, kitchen orders, gift receipts, returns, etc.

🌐

Plan Network Topology

Place printers logically: customer receipt at POS, kitchen printer in kitchen, label printer near packaging area.

🔧

Regular Maintenance

Clean printer regularly, replace paper before it runs out, test cash drawer mechanism monthly.

💡 Pro Tips for Restaurant/Retail

  • Dual Receipts: Configure one printer for customer receipts (formatted) and another for merchant copy (simplified)
  • Kitchen Display: Use large, bold fonts in kitchen templates for easy reading from distance
  • Multilingual Support: Create templates in each language you serve, assign to same printer
  • Backup Printer: Configure a backup printer row with same template, switch quickly if main printer fails
  • Auto-Print: Set POS to auto-print receipts after sale completion for faster service

📖 Quick Reference

Common ESC/POS Commands

Function Command
Open Drawer (Standard) 27,112,0,250,250
Open Drawer (Quick) 27,112,0,25,250
Partial Cut 29,86,1
Full Cut 29,86,0
Full Cut with Feed 29,86,66,0

Grid Column Summary

Column Purpose Example
Name Windows printer name Epson TM-T88VI
Print Template Template to use StandardReceipt
Format Paper/margin settings Click ... to configure
Design Template designer access Click ... to edit
Notes Documentation Front counter printer