Label printer not working on macOS 27

Many printer drivers and label apps were made for Macs with an Intel chip. On a Mac with Apple silicon they only run through Rosetta, a translation tool from Apple. If Rosetta is not on your Mac, macOS asks whether you want to install it, or you get a message that the printer software is not compatible.

1. Open your printer's app.
2. If your Mac asks to install Rosetta, click Install and enter your password. Your Mac needs to be connected to the internet.

If you don't get that question, you can also use Terminal:

1. Open Terminal in Applications → Utilities.
2. Type or paste the command below and press Return.
3. Follow the instructions on screen.

Last login: Thu Oct  2 09:41:27 on ttys000
~ % softwareupdate --install-rosettasoftwareupdate --install-rosetta

After that your printer usually works again.

Rosetta works up to and including macOS 27. Apple says:

Rosetta is available for any Mac with Apple silicon using macOS 27 or earlier. Starting with macOS 28, the next major macOS release, Rosetta functionality will be available only for certain older, unmaintained games that rely on Intel-based frameworks.

Apple Support, Using Intel-based apps on a Mac with Apple silicon

Printer drivers are not part of that. If the manufacturer doesn't release a version for Apple silicon, your printer software will probably stop working after macOS 28. Apple recommends switching:

For optimal performance and future compatibility, update your Intel-based apps by replacing them with a "Universal" or "Apple silicon" version of the app, instead of relying on Rosetta to translate the app for use with Apple silicon.

Apple Support, Using Intel-based apps on a Mac with Apple silicon

1. In the Finder, click your printer's app once.
2. Press Command-I.
3. Look at Kind. Application (Intel) needs Rosetta. Application (Universal) or Application (Apple silicon) does not.

On macOS 27 you can also go to System Settings → General → About. In the macOS section, click Details next to Intel-based Apps. A separate driver without its own app does not always show up there.

LumenLabel sends your label straight to the printer, without the manufacturer's driver. The app is built for Macs with Apple silicon and does not need Rosetta.

LumenLabel works with these printers, among others:

• Zebra ZD220
• Zebra LP 2844-Z
• DYMO LabelWriter 450 Turbo
• DYMO LabelWriter 5XL
• Brother QL-820NWB
• Brother PT-1950
• Toshiba TEC B-EV4D-GS14
• SII SLP650
• Xprinter XP-460B
• Munbyn ITPP130B
• 123inkt LW650
• Fichero D11s

Many label printers work with LumenLabel. But not all of them yet. The printer page shows what has been tested for each model. If your printer is not on the list, get in touch at support@lumenlabel.io and we'll see what's possible.

Shipping labels from Vinted, for example, are printed from your browser. That normally goes through your printer's driver. To send them through LumenLabel instead:

1. In LumenLabel, go to Settings → Print connection.
2. Under Print from other apps, click Add printer. You need an administrator account on your Mac for this.
3. When you print (Command-P), choose the printer called LumenLabel. The label then goes through LumenLabel to your label printer.

Do I need to install Rosetta for LumenLabel?

No. LumenLabel is built for Macs with Apple silicon.

Will my printer driver still work after macOS 28?

If it needs Rosetta now, probably not. From macOS 28, Rosetta is only available for certain older games.

Is installing Rosetta safe?

Rosetta is made by Apple. Install it through the question your Mac asks or with Apple's Terminal command, not through a separate app from the internet.

Does LumenLabel work on an Intel Mac?

No, only on Macs with Apple silicon. macOS 27 only runs on Apple silicon too.