Here is some helpful information to assist you and your team with our preferred IDP Printer.
Our recommended printer models are: IDP Smart 31S or 51S
- Here you will find the printer driver information (start here) Search for "Printer Driver SMART-51, SMART-31 & SMART-21" for Windows or MAC accordingly.
- If you encounter any trouble replacing the ribbon. Please watch this helpful walk through video.
- If your printer ribbon happens to tear you can repair it. Please watch this helpful video walking you through that fix.
- Each printer ribbon can print 250 badges.
- We'd like you to know, while you all purchase these printers from us. We are happy to help with any simple questions and we will guide you all and be a resource as things come up from time to time.
- However, we are limited in our range of support. That being said we do have an agreement with the vendor that includes their warranty as well as access to their support. If at any time you encounter an issue that is not related to our software but rather the printer itself you may reach out to IDP support directly for assistance. They are incredibly helpful. You can reach them at: 401-400-7111 and Option 2 is support.
*If you'd like a step-by-step guide to install the drivers please see below:
Install IDP SMART-31 or SMART- 51 Driver on Windows (step-by-step guide)
A) Prep the printer (before software)
Plug in the power cable to the printer (leave the power switch OFF).
Install the ribbon into the cartridge and insert the cartridge into the printer.
Connect the USB cable from the printer to your PC (keep the printer OFF for now).
B) Download the Windows driver
Option 1 (IDP official download page):
4. Go to IDP’s downloads page and find: “Printer Driver SMART-51, SMART-31 & SMART-21 for Windows” and click Download.
Option 2 (IDP Americas guide path):
4. Go to the vendor’s driver download flow (they reference cardprinterpro.com / IDP Americas) and download the latest SMART driver.
C) Extract the ZIP
5. When the download finishes, locate the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
D) Run the installer
6. Open the extracted folder.
7. Find and run DDInstall (often named DDInstall.exe).
8. Follow the on-screen prompts. When the installer reaches the step where it finishes the main install (often shown as “Step 3” progress), click Close.
E) Reboot + power on
9. Restart your computer to finalize the driver installation.
10. After reboot, turn the printer ON and confirm Windows sees it under Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
Quick troubleshooting if it doesn’t show up
If the printer doesn’t appear after install: restart again (seriously—this fixes a lot).
Try a different USB port (directly into the PC, not a hub).
Re-run DDInstall as Administrator.