This guide walks you through setting up your Zebra ZP 450 thermal printer with UPS WorldShip desktop software. WorldShip is free from UPS and is designed for high-volume shippers who need to import shipment data and print labels fast.

Also works with: Zebra ZP 500, ZP 505, GC420d, GK420d, GX420d, and most 4-inch Zebra direct thermal printers.

Good news: WorldShip includes pre-installed Eltron/Zebra printer drivers. You do not need to download a separate driver from Zebra’s website.

Step 1: Unbox and Connect Your Printer

1. Connect the power supply to the round DC jack on the back of the printer. Plug into a surge-protected outlet. Wait for the green status light.
2. Load the labels: Open the top cover, place the 4×6 label roll with labels feeding from underneath (labels face up), pull the leading edge past the front, close the cover, and press Feed once.
3. Connect the USB cable from the printer to your computer.

What labels to use: The Zebra ZP 450 uses direct thermal labels (no ribbon required). For UPS shipping labels, use 4″ x 6″ direct thermal labels with a 1″ core. Available at thermalprinteroutlet.com.

Step 2: Open WorldShip Printing Setup

1. Open UPS WorldShip.
2. Click the Tools tab in the top menu bar.
3. Select System Preferences, then click Printing Setup.

The Printing Setup tab of the System Preferences Editor opens.

View the full UPS Thermal Label Printer Guide with screenshots for every step (PDF)

Step 3: Add Your Zebra Printer

1. In the Printer ID box, type a name for your printer (for example, Zebra-ZP450).
2. In the Printer Type dropdown, select Label.
3. Click Add.
4. The Label Printer Setup window appears. Under “Printer,” click Change Label Printer.
5. The Printer Selection window appears. Click Add Printer.

Step 4: Install the Zebra Driver in WorldShip

1. In the Printer Type Selection window, click the dropdown and select Eltron/Zebra.
2. Click Select.
3. The Zebra Printer Driver Installation window appears. Click Install Zebra Printer.
4. In the Selecting the Printer window:
   • Under Manufacturers (left column), select Zebra.
   • Under Printers (right column), scroll down and select ZP 450.
5. Click Next.

Step 5: Select the Communication Port

1. In the Print Options window, select the port your printer is connected to:
   • USB cable: Select USB001 (most common)
   • Serial cable: Select COM1 through COM4
   • Parallel cable: Select LPT1 through LPT3
2. Select your preferred language.
3. Click Next.

4. Wait for the installation to complete.
5. In the Printer Selection window, select your newly installed Zebra ZP 450 and click Select.

Step 6: Configure 4×6 Label Dimensions

1. The Label Printer Setup window reappears. Verify the printer name says ZP 450.
2. Under Label Configuration:
   • Set Label Stock Dimensions to Thermal 4×6 or 4×6¼
   • Set Extended Area Usage to (None)
3. Click Apply.
4. Back on the Printing Setup tab, check the Default Printer box if this is your primary label printer.

View the UPS Label Stock Configuration Guide (PDF)

WorldShip Label Size Options

Step 7: Print a Test Label

1. On the Printing Setup tab, select your printer in the grid.
2. Click Print Test Page.
3. A test label should print on your Zebra ZP 450.

If the test label prints correctly, your WorldShip setup is complete. Start creating shipments and labels will print to your Zebra automatically.

Troubleshooting

Official UPS Resources

Shipping from UPS.com instead of WorldShip? See our companion guide: How to Set Up Your Zebra ZP 450 for UPS.com Shipping Labels

This guide is provided by Thermal Printer Outlet, your trusted source for refurbished and new Zebra thermal printers, labels, and accessories. All Zebra ZP 450 printers sold by Thermal Printer Outlet are cleaned, tested, and shipped with a starter roll of 4×6 direct thermal labels.