1
Download the Software
Visit the official QZ Tray download page and click Direct Download for your operating system (e.g. Windows Intel).
Installation
Follow these steps to download and install on your computer.
2
Install and Verify QZ Tray Is Running
Run the downloaded installer and follow the setup wizard. After installation, QZ Tray starts automatically and appears in the system tray (near the clock).
- Click the up arrow (^) in the Windows taskbar to show hidden icons.
- Look for the QZ Tray icon (white cube/box shape).
Tip: Enable Advanced → Automatically start so QZ Tray launches every time you log in.
Configuration
Configure QZ Tray security settings and certificates so your web application can connect without repeated prompts.
3
Block Anonymous Requests
Right-click the QZ Tray icon in the system tray and review the security options:
- Right-click the QZ Tray tray icon.
- Enable Block anonymous requests to prevent untrusted websites from connecting without a valid certificate.
- Use Advanced → Automatically start to keep QZ Tray running in the background.
4
Open Site Manager
Site Manager controls which websites and certificates are allowed to communicate with QZ Tray.
- Right-click the QZ Tray tray icon.
- Go to Advanced → Site Manager...
5
Add a Certificate to Allowed Sites
In Site Manager, add your application's digital certificate to the Allowed list so it can connect securely.
- In the Site Manager window, select the Allowed tab.
- Click the blue + button below the site list.
- Choose Browse... to import an existing certificate file, or Create New... to generate one.
Note: The demo certificate QZ Industries, LLC (QZ Tray Demo Cert) is pre-installed for testing at demo.qz.io. For production, use your own site certificate.
Usage
Once QZ Tray is installed and configured, connect your web application and start printing.
6
Test with the Demo Page
Before using your own application, verify QZ Tray works by opening the official demo page.
- Go to https://qz.io/download/.
- Click the Demo link in the top navigation bar.
- Or open https://demo.qz.io directly.
7
Allow Browser Permission
When your web application first tries to connect to QZ Tray, the browser asks for permission to access local apps and services on your device.
- A popup appears: "[your-site] wants to: Access other apps and services on this device."
- Click Allow to grant access.
8
Allow QZ Tray Connection
QZ Tray shows a security dialog when a website requests a connection.
- When the Action Required dialog appears, click Allow.
- Check Remember this decision to avoid being prompted on every visit.
- On the demo page, click the blue Connect button if the connection is not automatic.
9
Verify Connection and Print
Once connected, the demo page shows an active connection and you can select a printer to send a test print.
- Confirm the status reads Connection: Active (connected to
localhost:8181). - In the Printer section, search for your printer (e.g. type zebra for Zebra label printers).
- Click Find Printer or Find Default Printer.
- Choose a print language (EPL2, ZPLII, ESC/POS, etc.) and click a sample file to send a test print.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and how to resolve them.
- QZ Tray icon not visible: Click the taskbar arrow (^) to reveal hidden icons. If missing, reinstall QZ Tray and enable Automatically start.
- Connection stays on "Waiting": Ensure QZ Tray is running in the system tray. Click Connect on the demo page and allow both browser and QZ Tray permission dialogs.
- Repeated permission prompts: Check Remember this decision when allowing. Add your site's certificate in Site Manager under the Allowed tab.
- Printer not found: Verify the printer is installed in Windows and powered on. Use Find All Printers on the demo page to list available devices.
- Connection blocked: Review Site Manager — your site may be on the Blocked tab. Move or add the correct certificate to Allowed.
- Need to restart the service: Right-click the tray icon → Advanced → Reload.