^XF — Recall Format

Plain English

Loads a label format previously stored with `^DF`, then merges in per-print variable data via `^FN<n>^FD<value>^FS` lines. The stored format contains numbered placeholders (`^FN1`, `^FN2`, …) at field positions; the recall job supplies one `^FN<n>^FD<value>^FS` per placeholder. The path is the same `d:name.ext` form as `^DF`/`^XG`: `R:` volatile RAM, `E:` flash (default if `d:` omitted, persistent), `B:` optional memory module. `^XF` is the **consumer side** of the `^DF`/`^XF`/`^FN` template pattern — meaningless without a corresponding `^DF` having stored the format earlier.

When to use

For high-volume production where labels share a fixed layout (shipping, asset tags, manufacturing serials) and only a handful of fields change per print. Sending only the `^FN<n>^FD<value>` lines uses far less bandwidth than re-transmitting the full layout per label, and lets the printer cache the parsed format. Pair every `^XF` with a matching `^DF` (typically run at provisioning) and number the `^FN` placeholders consistently between them. Use `^FN<n>` ordering or by name as supported by your firmware.

Syntax

^XFd:o.x

Parameters

Example

^XA
^XFE:LABEL.ZPL
^FN1^FDPart-A1234^FS
^FN2^FDLot-2026-04^FS
^XZ

Recall the format previously stored at `E:LABEL.ZPL` (which contains `^FN1` and `^FN2` placeholders) and substitute runtime values: `Part-A1234` into the field at `^FN1`, `Lot-2026-04` into `^FN2`. Compare to the producer side: `^DF` example shows the matching store step.