K resin (black monochrome panel) is essential for creating crisp, scannable barcodes. Many printers allow you to fine-tune how and where K resin is applied.
Follow the steps below to adjust K resin settings and improve barcode print quality:
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions:
Open Printer Preferences
On your computer, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers (Windows)
Click your ID card printer, and choose Printing Preferences.
Locate the Ribbon or Color Settings Tab
In the settings window, look for a tab labeled “Ribbon,” “Color Settings,” “Advanced,” or “Image Transfer.”
The label may vary based on your printer model (Fargo, Zebra, Magicard, Evolis, etc.).
Adjust K Resin (Black Panel) Settings
Look for a section called “K Panel Usage” or “Black Panel Settings.”
Select an option that uses K resin for barcodes or black text only.
Define an Area for All-Black Printing (If Available)
Some printers allow you to designate a specific area to be printed using K resin only.
This is especially useful for barcodes—ensure your barcode falls within this defined K resin print zone.
Setting Resin Threshold
In the same settings area, locate the “Resin Threshold” option (may also be called “K Threshold” or “Black Threshold”).
This setting controls how dark an element must be to trigger K resin printing.
Recommended starting point: Set the resin threshold to a range of 80%. Decrease the percentage if your barcodes are not being picked up by the K panel, or increase if too much is being printed with resin.
Apply and Save Changes
Click Apply or OK to save your settings.
Print a Test Card
Print a card with a barcode and scan it using a physical barcode scanner
Confirm the barcode prints in true black, is crisp, and scans correctly.
🔧 Additional Tips:
Ensure barcodes in your card design are set to 100% black (#FFFFFF).
Do not use grayscale or composite black for barcodes.
Make sure you are using the correct ribbon type for your printer which has a K panel. (e.g., YMCK, YMCKO, or K).
If you still have trouble getting barcodes to scan, feel free to contact our support team at [email protected] or call 800-996-3581. We're here to help!