Abstract: Techniques for encoding data identifying media type and roll length information on a print media for a large format printer. A method for described for identifying at least a media length value for a roll-type media to be printed upon to a printer controller in a printer. The method includes in one embodiment, keeping track of the length of media used during printing operations, prior to removing the roll from the printer, printing an indicia on a remaining portion of the roll which identifies at least the remaining length of the print medium, removing the roll from the printer, reinstalling the removed roll in the printer, reading the indicia to determine the remaining length of the media, and using the remaining length information during subsequent printing operations. The data can be encoded as a grayscale code which is read by the printer's optical sensor, or be a human-readable indicia.