Brother Model Numbers: What Do They Mean?
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Have you ever looked at your Brother printer’s model number and wondered what all those letters and numbers actually mean? You’re not alone! While it might look like a jumble of random characters at first, Brother model numbers are actually quite organized — and they tell you a lot about the features and functions of your printer.
Whether you're shopping for a new printer or trying to understand what your current device can do, this simple guide will help you decode these model numbers with ease.
The full list of Brother model numbers will be provided by the end of the article.
Breaking Down the Model Number
Brother printer model numbers typically consist of a few letters before the number, a series of numbers, and sometimes letters at the end. Each part has a meaning, and once you know how to read them, you'll be able to understand the printer’s capabilities at a glance.
1. The Prefix (Letters Before the Number)
The letters at the beginning of the model number identify the type of printer or device family it belongs to. This is a great way to quickly know what kind of functionality to expect.
For example:
- DCP – Digital Copier Printer (all-in-one printer)
- MFC – Multi-Function Center (all-in-one printer with fax)
- HL – High-speed Laser (single-function laser printers, no scanning or copying)
- J – Stands for JET as in Inkjet (Colour inkjet printer)
- L – Stands for LASER (Laser printer / all-in-one)
2. The Suffix (Letters After the Number)
Letters that appear after the model number usually indicate additional features the printer includes. These are very helpful in distinguishing between similar models.
Some common suffixes include:
- D – Duplex (automatic double-sided printing)
- W – Wireless (Wireless network)
- N – Network-ready (Wired network)
- T – Tray (Comes with an extra paper tray)
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C – Colour (Colour Printers)
Unlike the prefixes, the printer model suffixes can be combined to list all specifications available to the printer, such as CDW indicating that the printer is a Colour Duplex Wireless printer.
Why This Matters
Understanding Brother’s model naming system helps you:
- Choose the right printer for your needs
- Easily find compatible supplies and accessories
- Know what features you're getting — or missing — before you buy
It’s a simple way to shop smarter and get the most out of your Brother device.
Here is the full list of Brother Printer Model abbreviations and their meanings.
Final Thoughts
Brother has done a pretty good job of building important information right into their model numbers — once you know what to look for. Hopefully, this guide has taken some of the mystery out of it!
If you're ever unsure about what a particular model offers, you can always refer back to this guide, or check the product’s official specifications on Brother’s website. But now, you’ve got the tools to start understanding your Brother printer at a glance.