Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method, in an impact matrix printer, for extending print ribbon life when used in printing bar codes and for improving the quality of bar codes printed by the ribbon, the printer including a dot matrix print head having a plurality of print pins and print hammers. The printer includes a medium to receive printed indicia thereon, and a print ribbon intermediate the print head and the medium, and means for effecting relative movement between the print head, the medium and the print ribbon so as to position opposite the print head different portions of the medium from time to time when the printer is operational and printing and to position different portions of the print ribbon intermediate the print head and the medium at preselected times when the printer is operational and printing.