Zebra GK420d Desktop Label Printer
Zebra · GK420d · Direct thermal desktop label printer
Part numbers on our live stock: GK42-202520-000 and GK42-202521-000 (with label peeler)
Request a Quote · View Live Stock · Call 01252 511409
The Zebra GK420d is a compact direct thermal desktop label printer, built for shipping labels, product and inventory labels, wristbands and receipts on busy benches and counters. It prints at 203 dpi, supports both ZPL and EPL, and connects over USB, serial and parallel as standard.
Two GK420d configurations are listed on our live stock: GK42-202520-000 ("GK420D, Thermal Printer, 4” P/W, USB, Serial, Parallel, 8MB SDRAM/4MB Flash, 203dpi, EPL, ZPLII") and GK42-202521-000, the same specification with a label peeler. Availability changes often, so enquire and we'll confirm directly.
Before you buy: GK420d end of support
We want you to buy with the full picture. According to Zebra's GK420d support page, the GK420d was discontinued in EMEA on 31 January 2022, and Zebra's service and support for the region ended on 30 April 2025. Zebra lists the ZD421 as its successor.
The GK420d still prints well, and it's a sensible choice if you're matching an existing fleet, keeping label formats and drivers unchanged, or replacing a failed unit like for like. For repairs and parts after end of support, our Farnborough service centre provides expert Zebra repair. Read our guide: Zebra GK420d after end of support: keep it running, repair it or replace it?
Key features
- Direct thermal printing: no ribbon to load or change. Zebra notes the GK420d "offers only direct thermal printing".
- 203 dpi print quality for sharp text, barcodes and graphics.
- Print speeds up to 5"/127 mm per second.
- 4.09"/104 mm maximum print width, suited to 4" shipping labels.
- ZPL and EPL as standard, so it works with existing label formats and legacy applications.
- Triple connectivity: USB, parallel and serial, with optional internal 10/100 Ethernet.
- OpenACCESS design for easy media loading, plus auto-calibration of media.
- Tool-less printhead and platen replacement, which keeps maintenance simple.
- Dual-wall frame and a small, clamshell footprint for space-constrained desks.
- Optional dispenser (label peel and present) with a label-present sensor, as on GK42-202521-000.
- ENERGY STAR qualified.
Specifications
| Specification | Zebra GK420d |
|---|---|
| Print method | Direct thermal |
| Resolution | 203 dpi / 8 dots per mm |
| Maximum print speed | 5"/127 mm per second |
| Maximum print width | 4.09"/104 mm |
| Maximum print length | 39"/991 mm |
| Memory | 4 MB Flash, 8 MB SDRAM (standard) |
| Programming languages | ZPL II and EPL2 (EPL Line Mode supported) |
| Interfaces | USB V1.1 (bi-directional), RS-232 serial, Centronics parallel |
| Networking (optional) | Internal 10/100 Ethernet (replaces serial and parallel ports) |
| Media sensors | Fixed reflective and transmissive sensors |
| Media roll size | Up to 5"/127 mm outside diameter on a 1"/25.4 mm or 1.5"/38 mm core |
| Label and liner width | 0.75"–4.25"/19–108 mm |
| Media thickness | 0.003"–0.007"/0.08–0.18 mm |
| Media types | Roll-fed or fan-fed, die-cut or continuous direct thermal labels with or without black line, tag stock, continuous receipt paper, wristbands |
| Fonts | 16 resident expandable ZPL fonts, one resident scalable ZPL font, 5 resident expandable EPL2 fonts; Unicode compliant |
| Barcode support | Linear barcodes including Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, UPC-A and GS1 DataBar; 2D codes including Data Matrix, QR Code, PDF417, MaxiCode and Aztec |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 6.75" × 6" × 8.25" / 171 × 152 × 210 mm |
| Weight | 3 lbs / 1.4 kg |
| Operating temperature | 4.4–41 °C / 40–105 °F |
| Electrical | Auto-detectable 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz; ENERGY STAR qualified |
| Options | Dispenser (peel and present with label-present sensor), internal 10/100 Ethernet, font packs, ZKDU and KDU Plus keyboard display units |
| Software | ZebraDesigner, ZebraDesigner Pro, ZebraNet Bridge Enterprise, ZebraNet Utilities v7.0, ZebraDesigner Windows driver |
Specifications from Zebra's official Advanced Desktop Printers datasheet (GK420t, GK420d, GT800): https://www.zebra.com/content/dam/zebra_new_ia/en-us/solutions-verticals/product/Printers/Desktop%20Printers/gt800-desktop-printer/GT800%20Desktop%20Printer/datasheet/GK420-GT800-Datasheet-ENG-APAC-English.pdf. Zebra states that specifications are subject to change without notice.
Related services for your GK420d
- Expert Zebra repair: GK420d repairs at our Farnborough service centre, including printhead replacement and alignment, sensor recalibration, and belt, roller and platen repairs. See our label printer services.
- Refurbishment: bring your existing GK420d printers back to strong working condition with full diagnostics, component replacement and print-test validation.
- Buy-back: upgrading to a newer model? Turn your surplus GK420d printers into value, with environmentally responsible recycling.
- Rental: cover peaks, projects or printers away for repair with Zebra label printer rentals, with maintenance and support included.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Zebra GK420d discontinued?
Yes. Zebra's GK420d support page lists a discontinuation date of 31 January 2022 for EMEA, and service and support for the region ended on 30 April 2025. The printer still works after these dates, and we continue to support it with expert Zebra repair.
What replaced the Zebra GK420d?
Zebra lists the ZD421 as the successor to the GK420d. If you'd rather keep your GK420d fleet, it is listed on our live stock, and we offer expert repair, refurbishment and spare parts.
How do I get a price for a Zebra GK420d?
Request a quote by calling 01252 511409 or emailing info@barcodetrade.co.uk, quoting part number GK42-202520-000, or GK42-202521-000 for the model with a label peeler. We'll confirm availability and send you a quote.
Can you repair my GK420d?
Yes. Our Farnborough service centre provides expert Zebra repair for the GK420d, including printhead replacement and alignment, sensor recalibration, and belt, roller and platen repairs. Our Assess & Quote service gives you a full diagnostic and an itemised quote before any work starts.
Where can I download the GK420d driver?
Zebra provides the ZebraDesigner Windows driver and setup utilities for the GK420d on its GK420d support page. If a driver problem persists after a PC replacement or Windows update, call us and we'll help you check whether the fault is the driver or the printer.
Sustainable by design
Choosing a GK420d that is already in circulation, and keeping your existing printers working, avoids the footprint of manufacturing a new device. Through repair, refurbishment, rental, buy-back and responsible ITAD, Barcodetrade has saved 950,000+ devices from landfill and prevented 350,000 kg CO₂e. Estimate your own impact with our CO₂ calculator.
Talk to our team
Call 01252 511409 or email info@barcodetrade.co.uk to request a GK420d quote, book a repair, or discuss your label printer fleet. Barcodetrade has supported barcode and label printing hardware from Farnborough since 2005.