Official driver
Check that CL-E321 is selected on Citizen’s download page. It lists Windows Driver for Windows 10 and 11, plus separate CUPS drivers for macOS and Linux. Check the selected download’s notes for your OS version and architecture.
Label Printer Utility configures the printer. Choose VCOM Driver only for software that needs a virtual serial port. Use Windows Driver for a standard Windows print queue.
Open official Citizen CL-E321 driversModel and connections
The CL-E321 is a 203 dpi model with built-in USB 2.0, RS-232 and 10/100 Ethernet. For USB, check the computer’s USB printer queue. For Ethernet, check that the print port uses the printer’s actual address. If the label on the printer says CL-E321EX or CL-E331, follow that model’s connection and driver information.
Media and sensors
Select direct thermal for heat-sensitive labels or thermal transfer for stock that uses a ribbon. For labels separated by gaps, select the transmissive sensor. For stock with a black mark on the back, choose the reflective sensor. Select continuous media for stock without gaps or marks. If the printer skips labels or prints in the wrong place, compare the sensor position and media setting with the roll. Sensor position diagram
Print a test label
- Load media and close the top cover. With the printer off, hold FEED while switching it on. Three short beeps and a light alternating green and red indicate special function mode.
- Tap FEED twice for test print mode. Look for fast green flashing and two short beeps. Hold FEED for at least 3 seconds and release it at the long beep.
- Use FEED to select the loaded media. One short beep is for label media and two are for continuous stock. Hold FEED again for at least 3 seconds and release it at the long beep to start the test print.
- Switch the printer off and back on to return to normal mode. In test mode, pressing FEED again prints another sample instead of feeding blank stock.
If the test label looks right but a computer job fails, check the connection and print port, then verify the CL-E321 driver and queue.
Status light and beeps
These combinations apply when the status light flashes red during normal operation. The startup mode indicators above have a different purpose.
- Two short beeps. Check that the top cover is fully closed.
- Three short beeps. Check for an empty or incorrectly loaded roll.
- Four short beeps. The sensor may have missed a gap or black mark, or media may be jammed. Check media and sensor selection. Clear any obstructing media and reload.
- Five short beeps. Check for an empty or incorrectly loaded ribbon. If you are using direct thermal labels, also check the print mode.
Official sources
CL-E321 product page · CL-E321 datasheet (PDF) · Official drivers · English online user manual · Test print pp. 114–115 (PDF) · Error indications p. 127 (PDF)