Create-A-Label 3 Users Manual

Create-A-Label 3for

Windows

© Copyright GrafTek Inc., 1989-1996. All rights reservedCreate-A-Label is a trademark of GrafTek, Inc.

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All other brands and product names are trademarks and/orcopyrights of their respective holders.

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INTRODUCTIONCreate-A-Label 3 is a powerful label design software package that allows you to design many types of labels forvirtually all types of industry. A label designed in Create-A-Label 3 can include text, bar codes, graphics, lines, andboxes.

Create-A-Label 3 also gives you the ability to create or modify dBASE III / dBASE IV / ODBC datasource files andlink the data within them to your labels. Picture files created in PCX, TIF, JPG, BMP and GIF format can be easilyincluded into any label file.

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Software Features• Label Design Functions in WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) graphical display allows the user to

create labels on the screen that accurately reflect the actual printed label.

• Multiple Data Sources allow the user to retrieve data from various external sources, such as dBASE files,serial files, ASCII files, and graphic files. The graphic files include PCX, TIF, JPG, BMP and GIF formats.

• System Security that allows a system administrator to structure rights to multiple users. Restrictions include:printing labels, modifying labels, and modifying label inventory.

• Database Editor that allows the user to create and edit dBASE III / IV compatible data files. It will alsosupport editing of ODBC data sources. The data in these database files can later be linked to a label.

• Label Inventory Manager allows the user to keep a count of available labels and notifies the user when theinventory reaches a predetermined reorder point.

• Software Compatibility with files previously created with Create-A-Label Tools and Create-A-Label 3 for Dos.

Basic System RequirementsCreate-A-Label requires the following:

• IBM 386 or higher computer certified for use with Microsoft Windows versions 3.X, ‘95, NT 3.51 or NT 4.0.

• 6 MB of free space on your hard drive.

• 4 MB of RAM (8 MB recommended).

• Parallel and/or serial port.

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Create-A-Label 3 Installation Using Windows 3.x

Program Installation1. Put disk #1 into the a: drive.2. Select File of the Program Manager.3. Select Run.4. Type a:\setup.exe on the Run command line.5. Click OK.6. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Installing A Printer Driver1. Choose the Main group in Program Manager.2. Open the Print Manager Icon.3. From the Options menu, choose Printer Setup.4. Choose the Add button from the Printers dialog box.5. In the List of Printer box, choose the Install Unlisted or Update printer entry.6. Choose the Install button.7. Insert the Create-A-Label for Windows Install disk #3 in drive A:8. Choose the OK button in the Install Driver dialog box.9. Select the printer that you wish to install from the list of printers in the Add Unlisted or Updated Printer

dialog box, and choose the OK button.10. Go to step number 4 of the next section if you need to change the port that your printer is assigned to.

Otherwise, choose the Close button.

Selecting a Printer PortBy default, Eltron printers are assigned to port LPT1. If your printer is connected to a different port, then changethe port assignments.

To change the port assignment:1. Choose the Main group in Program Manager.2. Open the Print Manager Icon.3. From the Options menu, choose Printer Setup.4. Choose the Connect button.5. If you select a COM port, then you may need to change your communication parameters.6. If you need to change you communication setting, then choose the Settings button. After you have completed

the settings, choose the OK button to return to the Connect dialog box.7. To exit, choose the OK button in the Connect dialog box, and choose Close in the Printers dialog box.

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Create-A-Label 3 Installation Using Windows ’95 & NT

Program Installation1. Put disk #1 into the a: drive.2. Press the Start button.3. Select Run.4. Type a:\setup.exe on the Open command line.5. Click OK.6. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Installing A Printer Driver1. Select the Settings entry from the Start menu.2. Select the Printers entry from the Settings menu.3. Double-click the Add Printer icon.4. Click the Next button.5. Determine how your printer is connected (most likely it is local).6. Click the Next button.7. Click the Have Disk button.8. Put the disk #3 - Driver Disk into the a: drive.9. Click the OK button.10. Highlight the corresponding Eltron printer model.11. Click the Next button.12. Highlight the corresponding printer port.13. Click the Configure Port button to configure your port settings (refer to your printer manual for more details).14. Click the Next button.15. Click the Next button (do not change the printer name).16. Choose No (do not print a test page).17. Click the Finish button.

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Running Create-A-Label 31. Display the Program Manager window.2. Open the Create-A-Label for Windows group if necessary.3. Double click on the Create-A-Label icon.

Making A Backup Of Create-A-LabelFor backup purposes only, we suggest that you make copies of your original Create-A-Label diskettes. To backupyour diskettes use the Windows File Manager Copy Diskette command.

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Create-A-Label CursorsCreate-A-Label’s mouse cursor can assume the following shapes:

Used to move objects.

Prompts the user to enter text.

Prompts the user to choose a menu option or icon.

When an object is created, it allows the user to change the size of the object.

It allows the user to resize the object, and appears when the cursor is locatedat the lower right-hand corner of an object on the current label.

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Create-A-Label IconsCreate-A-Label has certain icons to speed up your work. To use icons, position the arrow cursor on the desired icon and click the leftmouse button.

OpenOpen retrieves a previously created label file for printing or editing. Labels createdwith different label formats must be converted before they can be opened.

SaveSaves the current label file. If the active label file does not have a file name, theSave As command is called instead.

PrintPrints the current label.

Snap to GridMoves objects at increments defined by Grid (the grid variable is defined in theConfiguration window of the Options menu).

Zoom InZooms in on a specific portion of the label.

Zoom OutZooms out so a greater portion of the label can be viewed.

Label RotationRotates the current label, but doesn’t change how it is printed.

Add TextAdds text to the current label.

Add ParagraphAdds a text paragraph to the current label.

Add BarcodeAdds a bar code to the current label.

Add 2D BarcodeAdds a 2-D bar code to the current label.

Add PictureAdds a picture to the current label.

Add BoxAdds a box to the current label.

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Add LineAdds a line to the current label.

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NewNew creates a new label file.

OpenOpen retrieves a previously created label file for printing or editing. Labels created with different label formatsmust be converted before they can be opened.

CloseClose exits the current label file. If a label is modified, then the user will be prompted to save the file before exiting.

EraseErase deletes a selected file.

SaveSaves the current label file. If the active label file does not have a file name, the Save As command is called instead.

Save AsSaves the current label file with a file name determined by the user.

PrintPrompts the user for any print-time data fields and prints the label.

Test PrintPrints a sample of the current label file. All variables of type Database, When Printed, Serial and Linked will berepresented by a string of X’s. The number of X’s is determined by the text attribute string length .

Printer SetupAllows the user to select an Eltron printer

Selecting a PrinterTo select a printer do the following:

1. Click the button.2. Choose the Eltron printer from the pull-down list of available printers.3. Click the OK button.

Note: If the Eltron printer is not on the list, follow the instructions to install a new Eltron printer.Installing a new printer:

Installing a New PrinterTo install a new printer do the following:1. Click the Install button.

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2. Go down the list of Available Printer Drivers and select the corresponding Eltron printer.3. Click the Install button.4. If the printer is connected to the appropriate port, click the OK button. Otherwise click the Connect button

and follow the instructions to change the printer’s assigned port.

Changing the Printer PortTo change the printer port do the following:1. Go down the list of Installed printers drivers and select the corresponding Eltron printer.

2. Click the Connect button.

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3. Choose the correct port4. Click the OK button.

Feed LabelFeed label is used to feed a blank label on supporting Eltron printers.

Download LabelDownloads the label format along with any fonts or graphics associated with it.

Generate Command FileCreates an Eltron printer command file.

Import Other Label FileAllows the user to import label files from other software products, but converts all fonts to the Arial True Type font.

ExitExits Create-A-Label3.

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UndoAllows the user to undo an object creation, modification or movement.

MoveChanges the location of a selected object, or group.

CopyCreates a duplicate of a selected object, or group.

DeleteRemoves a selected object, or group of objects, from the current label.

BlockA rectangle that allows functions to be performed on objects within a defined rectangle. There are 3 groupingfunctions available:

Copy Copies a group of objects and positions them.Delete Deletes a group of objects.Move Changes the position of a group of objects.

Label SetupAllows the user to change the attributes of the current label.

WidthThe width of the label print area.

HeightThe height of the label print area.

Left MarginThe distance from the left edge of the label to the beginning of the print area.

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Vertical GapWhen printing more than one format down a page, the vertical gap between labels can be adjusted. By default,the Vertical Gap is zero.

Label AcrossThis field specifies the number of labels to print across the page. The maximum number of formats acrossdepends on the label width, the left margin, and the horizontal gap between labels (see below). By default, thenumber of Labels Across is one.

Horizontal GapWhen printing more than one format across a page, the horizontal gap between labels can be adjusted. Bydefault, the Horizontal Gap is zero.

Print SpeedThe speed at which the label is printed. Reducing the Print Speed will usually increase the print quality. Printquality is determined by both print speed and temperature.

DarknessThe temperature at which the label is printed. Increasing the Temperature will usually increase the printquality. Print quality is determined by both print speed and temperature.

Options

Print RotationDetermines the orientation of the label when it is printed.

Label StockIf you are using the Create-A-Label Label Manager, You must select the name of the label stock you are usingfor this label. If you choose not to use a defined label stock you must select <non Inventory>.

Sensor TypeSelect the media type of the label you are using:

Gap Gap between labels.No Sensor Continuous paper.Reflective Backmark.Peel off Dispense label.

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Label OffsetSimilar to a top margin, setting the Label Offset changes the vertical print position. Valid inputs range between0 and 1.97.

Increment MethodDetermines the method of incrementation:

Printer Returns an integer that has been incremented/decremented by the printer.Software Returns an integer that has been incremented/decrement ed by the software.Hexadecimal Returns a hexadecimal that has been incremented/decremented by the software.

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TEXTAdds text to the current label.

FontDetermines whether to use printer resident fonts or True Type fonts. The following table shows which attributescorrespond to the available font types:

20.3 cpi 16.9 cpi 14.5 cpi 12.7 cpi 5.6 cpi True Type FontsExpand Height x x x x xExpand Width x x x x xTrue Type Fonts xPoint Size xFont Set xStyle x

Expand HeightAllows the user to expand the height of a resident font.

Expand WidthAllows the user to expand the width of a resident font.

True Type FontsThe list of available fonts that appear on the printed label exactly as they appear on the screen. TrueType fonts are scalable to any font size.

Point SizeMethod used to measure the height of a font, where 1” ≈ 72 points.

Font SetThere are 4 character sets available for True Type Fonts:

Characters Used Set of characters used.Numeric Number set.Standard ASCII Standard ASCII set.

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Extended ASCII Extended ASCII set.

StyleThere are 4 character sets available for True Type Fonts:

Regular Regular font.Bold Bold type font.Italic Italicized font.Bold & Italic Bold & Italicized font.

RotationText fields may be rotated in four different ways:

Normal 0 degree rotation.Sideways Down 90 degree rotation .Upside Down 180 degree rotation.Sideways Up 270 degree rotation.

Data SourceDetermines where to retrieve the ASCII text file from:

Fixed The text is entered at design time.When Printed The text is entered at print time.Linked The text is taken from one or more other text or bar code objects on

the current label.Database The name of the text file is retrieved from a dBASE compatible

database file. The user is prompted for a key value, such as partnumber, which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve the name ofthe text file.

Date Stamp Displays the date in one of several date formats. The date is retrievedfrom the computer’s internal clock and is displayed on the screen.Therefore, if the date changes before a print, the Eltron printer willprint the new date and the computer will revise the date displayed onthe screen. Note: Printers with Real Time Clocks may have differentdate settings from that of the computer.

Time Stamp Displays the time in one of several time formats. The time is retrievedfrom the computer’s internal clock and is displayed on the screen.Therefore, if the time changes before a print, the Eltron printer willprint the new time and the computer will revise the time displayed onthe screen. Note: Printers with Real Time Clocks may have differenttime settings from that of the computer.

Serial File Retrieves serial number the from a serial file and displays it on thescreen. Serial numbers that are incremented, or decremented will beupdated in their respective files after printing.

ODBC DB The text is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup isWindows Control Panel. The user is prompted for a key value, such aspart number, which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve otherinformation, such as price/unit. For more information on ODBCplease refer to Appendix F - ODBC Setup

The following table shows which attributes appear when an available data source is chosen:

Fixed When Printed Linked Database Date Stamp Time Stamp Serial File ODBC DBText String xString Length xPrompt x xJustification x x x xLinked Fields xDatabase x x

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Key Field xPrint Field xDate Format xDate Offset xTime Format xSerial File x

Text StringThe text string to be printed.

String LengthThe maximum number of characters that may be entered at print time.

PromptThe string to prompt the user for input.

JustificationJustifies the displayed and printed text, as follows:

Left On the left-side of the text window.Center Centered in the text window.Right On the right-side of the text window.

Linked FieldsAllows the user to link data from two or more objects.

DatabaseThe name of the dBASE compatible database file.

Key FieldThe key field is the

Print FieldDefines the database field that is retrieved from the database file and printed on the label. This fieldmay be the same as the key field, or it may be any other field in the database.

Date FormatThe available date formats are as follows:

yy.mm.dd 93.05.29mm/dd/yy 05/29/93dd/mm/yy 29/05/93dd.mm.yy 29.05.93dd-mm-yy 29-05-93mmm dd, yyyy May 29, 1993yy-mmm-dd 93-May-29yyddd 93149yy 93yyyy 1993dd 29ddd 149mm 05mmm May

Date OffsetAllows the user to offset the date stam by entering an integer value that will be added to the numberof days(i.e. Date Format of yy.mm.dd, Date of 93.05.29 and Date Offset of 20 would print 93.06.18).

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Time FormatThe following time formats are as follows:

hh:mm 14:18hh 14mm 18ss 33hh:mm(12h) 2:18pm

Serial FileDefines the name of a Create-A-Label serial file that contains the value for this field.

Text ColorThe screen color of the text.

OptionsThe following table shows which attributes appear when an available data source is chosen:

Fixed When Printed Linked Database Date Stamp Time Stamp Serial File ODBC DBField Name x x x x x x x xReversed x x x x x x x xIncrement x x x x x x xCopies x x x x x x xHidden x x x x x x x xLeading Zeroes x x x x x x x xCustom Spacing x x x x x x x xRequired xMust Fill x

Field NameThe variable or constant name of the text object. Naming text objects allows data linking andcommand line printing.

ReversedText is displayed as black on a white background, but selecting reversed will display white text on ablack background.

IncrementWhen printing labels, it is sometimes necessary to increment certain fields, such as serial numbers.The amount specified here is the amount of the increment. Typically, the increment is one, but itcould be anything, even negative amounts. Specifying an increment of zero tells the printer not toincrement this field.

CopiesPrints the number of copies selected before incrementing.

HiddenDisplays the text on the screen, with a text color of red, but will not print it on the label.

Leading ZerosThe Leading Zeros option will ensure that leading zeros in a numeric field are inserted in yournumeric text value.

Custom Spacing

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Custom spacing allows the user to customize text output. The number “9” is used to perform apattern match (i.e. to print the text 5555551234 in the format (555) 555-1234, the custom spacingshould be entered as (999) 999-9999).

RequiredDetermines if input is required.

Must FillDetermines if the data input must equal the string length.

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ParagraphAdds a text paragraph to the current label.

FontDetermines whether to use printer resident fonts or True Type fonts. The following table shows which attributescorrespond to the available font types:

20.3 cpi 16.9 cpi 14.5 cpi 12.7 cpi 5.6 cpi True Type FontsExpand Height x x x x xExpand Width x x x x xTrue Type Fonts xPoint Size xFont Set xStyle x

Expand HeightAllows the user to expand the height of a resident font.

Expand WidthAllows the user to expand the width of a resident font.

True Type FontsThe list of available fonts that appear on the printed label exactly as they appear on the screen. TrueType fonts are scalable to any font size.

Point SizeMethod used to measure the height of a font, where 1” ≈ 72 points.

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Font SetThere are 4 character sets available for True Type Fonts:

Characters Used Set of characters used.Numeric Number set.Standard ASCII Standard ASCII set.Extended ASCII Extended ASCII set.

StyleThere are 4 character sets available for True Type Fonts:

Regular Regular font.Bold Bold type font.Italic Italicized font.Bold & Italic Bold & Italicized font.

RotationText fields may be rotated in four different ways:


Characters / LineThe maximum number of characters per line.

Maximum LinesThe maximum number of lines in the paragraph.

Line SpacingThe number of dots placed between lines to create spacing.

Word WrapDetermines whether to show the text that surpasses the Characters/Line, or to continue the text on the next line.

JustificationJustifies the displayed and printed text as follows:

Left On the left-side of the text window.Center Centered in the text window.Right On the right-side of the text window.Full Pads the paragraph with blanks so the left and right sides of each line are

flush.

Data SourceDetermines where to retrieve the ASCII text file from:

Fixed The name of the paragraph text file is chosen from a list of files at designtime.

Database The name of the paragraph text file is retrieved from a dBASE compatibledatabase file. The user is prompted for a key value, such as part number,which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve the name of the paragraphtext file.

ODBC DB The paragraph text file is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup isWindows Control Panel. The user is prompted for a key value, such as partnumber, which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve other information,such as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please refer to Appendix F- ODBC Setup.


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Fixed Database ODBC DBParagraph File xDatabase x xPrint Field x x

Paragraph FileThe name of the paragraph text file to display.


Print FieldThe database field that is retrieved from the database file and printed on the label.

Edit FileText editor to create paragraphs at design time.

Text ColorThe screen color of the text.

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Bar CodeAdds a bar code to the current label.

Bar Code TypeCreate-A-Label supports the following bar code symbologies:

Codabar Numeric bar code system.Code 39 Alphanumeric bar code system.Code 93 Alphanumeric bar code system.Code 128 Alphanumeric bar code system.Deutsche Post German postal code.EAN European Article Numbering system. Numeric bar code system.Interleaved 2 of 5 Numeric bar code system .UCC Uniform Code Council.UPC Universal Product Code. Numeric bar code system.

Human ReadableAllows the user to print readable characters below the bar code.

RotationBar codes may be rotated in four different ways:


Bar-Width RatioDetermines the bar code’s wide-narrow bar width ratio.

MultiplierIncreases the width of the bar code’s wide and narrow bars.

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HeightDetermines the height of the bar code’s wide and narrow bars.

Data SourceDetermines where to retrieve the bar code file from:

Fixed The value of the bar code at design time.When Printed The value of the bar code is entered at print time.Linked The bar code is taken from one or more other text or bar code objects on the

current label.Database The name of the bar code file is retrieved from a dBASE compatible database

file. The user is prompted for a key value, such as part number, which is thenlooked-up in a database to retrieve the name of the bar code file.

Serial File Retrieves serial number the from a serial file and displays it on the screen.Serial numbers that are incremented, or decremented will be updated in theirrespective files after printing.

ODBC DB The bar code is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup is WindowsControl Panel. The user is prompted for a key value, such as part number,which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve other information, such asprice/unit. For more information on ODBC please refer to Appendix F - ODBCSetup


Fixed When Printed Linked Database Serial File ODBC DBBar Code Value xString Length xPrompt xJustification x x x xLinked Fields xDatabase x xPrint Field xSerial Field x

Bar Code ValueThe value for the bar code.

String LengthThe maximum number of characters that may be entered at time of printing.

PromptThe string to prompt the user for input.

JustificationJustifies the displayed and printed text, as follows:

Left On the left-side of the text window.Center Centered in the text window.Right On the right-side of the text window.



Print FieldThe database field that contains the name of the paragraph file that is printed on the label.

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Serial FileThe name of the serial file that contains the value of the serial number.

OptionsThe following table shows which attributes appear when an available data source is chosen:

Fixed When Printed Linked Database Serial File ODBC DBField Name x x x x x xIncrement x x x x xCopies x x x x xRequired xMust Fill x

Field NameThe variable or constant name of the text object. Naming text objects allows data linking andcommand line printing.

IncrementWhen printing labels, it is sometimes necessary to increment certain fields, such as serial numbers.The amount specified here is the amount of the increment. Typically, the increment is one, but itcould be anything, even negative amounts. Specifying an increment of zero tells the printer not toincrement this field.

CopiesPrints the number of copies selected before incrementing.

RequiredDetermines if input is required.

Must FillDetermines if the data input must equal the string length, or not.

Barcode ColorChanges the display color of the bar code.

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2-D SymbologyAdds a 2-D bar code to the current label.

Bar Code TypeCreate-A-Label currently supports the PDF-417 2-D symbology.

ECC LevelThe Error Correction Code Level controls how resistant the bar code is to destruction, and still able to maintainmaximum readability. The size of the bar code is dependent on the level. Greater levels create larger bar codes,but increase error correction.

ECC PercentIf the Error Correction Code Level is set to Auto, then the size of the bar code is dependent on the ECCPercentage. Greater percent values create larger bar codes, but increase error correction.

Dot WidthAllows the user to change the width-height ratio.

Dot HeightSimilar to the Bar Width Ratio of the convential bar codes, it allows the user to change the width-height ratio ofthe 2D bar code.

RotationBar codes may be rotated in four different ways:


Data SourceThere are several possible sources of data for a bar code field:

Fixed The bar code is entered at design time.Linked The bar code is taken from one or more other text or bar code objects on the

current label.Database The name of the bar code file is retrieved from a dBASE compatible database

file. The user is prompted for a key value, such as part number, which is thenlooked-up in a database to retrieve the name of the bar code file.

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ODBC DB The bar code file is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup isWindows Control Panel. The user is prompted for a key value, such as partnumber, which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve other information,such as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please refer to Appendix F- ODBC Setup.


Fixed Linked Database ODBC DBText File xLinked Fields xDatabase x xPrint Field x x

Text FileThe file name of the text to convert to a 2D bar code.


DatabaseDefines the name of the dBASE compatible database file.

Print FieldThe database field that contains the name of the paragraph file that is printed on the label. This fieldmay be the same as the key field, or it may be any other field in the database.

Options

RowsSets the row count used for sizing a PDF bar code.

ColumnsSets the column count used for sizing a PDF bar code.

Reduce Bar HeightEnter the definitions here!

Reduce Bar WidthEnter the definitions here!

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TruncateEnables or disables truncated PDF symbols, where the PDF barcode generates a symbol with the right rowindicator and stop pattern a replaced by a single width bar. This form of PDF occupies less printed area than astandard symbol, however there is a slight degradation in decode performance.

GenerateDetermines how the software does its incrementing via the printer or software control. Printer generated PDFwill be faster.

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PictureAdds a picture to the current label.

RotationPictures may be rotated in four different ways:


Fixed RatioDetermines the pictures height-width ratio. If the picture has a fixed ratio, then changing the picture’s width orheight will also change its height or width, respectively. Therefore, a fixed ratio picture will always have a ratioof height:width regardless of change in size. Conversely, a picture without a fixed ratio can be stretched tochange its height:width ratio.

Data SourceDetermines where to retrieve the picture file from:

Fixed The name of the picture file is chosen from a list of files at design time.Linked The name of the picture file is taken from one or more other text or bar code

objects on the current label.Database The name of the picture file is retrieved from a dBASE compatible database

file. The user is prompted for a key value, such as part number, which is thenlooked-up in a database to retrieve the name of the picture file.

ODBC DB The picture file is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup isWindows Control Panel. The user is prompted for a key value, such as partnumber, which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve other information,such as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please refer to Appendix F- ODBC Setup


Fixed Linked Database ODBC DBPicture x xDatabase x xPrint Field x x

Picture

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Lists all the picture files that are in the current picture file directory

DatabaseDefines the name of the dBASE compatible database file.

Print FieldIt defines the database field that contains the name of the paragraph file that is printed on the label.This field may be the same as the key field, or it may be any other field in the database.

PreviewAllows the user to preview the picture file before it is opened.

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BoxAdds a box to the current label.

Horizontal ThicknessDefines the horizontal line thickness of the box.

Vertical ThicknessDefines the vertical line thickness of the box.

LineAdds a line to the current label.

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VIEW

Zoom InZooms in on a specific portion of the label.

Zoom OutZooms out so a greater portion of the label can be viewed.

Redraw LabelRedraw refresshes the viewing screen.

View PicturesWhen View Pictures is enabled, the picture file is displayed on the screen allowing the user to preview thepicture before printing. When View Pictures is disabled, the picture file appears on the screen as a double box,and Create-A-Label will run faster.

View ParagraphsWhen View Paragraphs is enabled, the paragraph file is displayed on the screen allowing the user to preview theparagraph before printing. When View Paragraph is disabled, the paragraph file appears on the screen as adouble box, and Create-A-Label3 will run faster.

View Detailed Zoom WindowIf the current label is partially displayed on the screen, a Detailed Zoom Window will appear to the right of thewindow. When View Detailed Zoom Window is enabled, the zoom window is displayed in full detail. When ViewDetailed Zoom Window is disabled, the zoom window is displayed without the label detail, and Create-A-Label 3will run faster.

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Database EditorThe Database Editor is provided to allow you to create your own databases and edit any existing databases you mayhave. The Database Editor reads and writes dBase files with the extension .DBF, and if ODBC drivers are installedon your PC, it will edit ODBC data files.

Creating A Database1. To create a new database, select File from the menu bar.2. Select New from the File menu.3. Enter the field name, field type, field length, and Decimal length if the field type is numeric.4. Continue step 3 until all the desired fields have been added.5. Click on the Save button.6. Enter the name of the new database file.

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Adding, Editing & Deleting RecordsOnce the structure of the database has been created, you may begin to add, edit, and delete records.

Database StructureEach Field within a database must have the following attributes.

NameThis is the name of the field to be created. Each database field must have a name. Field names must be uniquewithin the database; i.e. no two fields within a database file may have the same name.

TypeThis is the type of field to be added. Valid types are Character, Numeric, Date, Logical, and Memo Field.Note: Numeric and Date field will be converted to Character fields when be used in the Create-A-LabelLabel Editor. Numeric fields have a length limit of 19 if the Numeric field is a key. Character fields have a lengthlimit of 150 characters. If you need a very long field length, choose a Memo field type and add it to you label as aparagraph object.

LengthThis is the width of the field. For Numeric fields, it represents the total width of the field, including the sign, thedecimal point, and the digits to the right of the decimal point. For Date fields, the width is fixed at eight.

DecimalSelect the number of decimal places required.

Adding a Database Record1. Select Record from the Menu bar.2. Select add record or click the button from the toolbar.3. Insert data into the new record's fields. Once all the data has been entered, the location of new record will be

moved accordingly based on the Indexed field.

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Editing a Record1. Move cursor to the desired record.2. Edit the desired record. Once the Record has been edited, the location of new record will be moved

accordingly based on the Indexed field.

Deleting a Record1. Move cursor to the desired record.2. Mark desired record for deletion.3. Click the button or select Del from the Record menu.3. Select Record from the menu Bar.4. Select Pack database.5. Packing physically removes deleted records from dBase tables.6. Select OK

Deleting All Records1. Click the left mouse button and drag the cursor through all the data you wish to delete. Click the button.2. This action will Delete ALL records.

Modifying a Database Structure1. Select Edit from the menu bar.2. Select Modify Structure from the Edit menu.3. Select the field to modify

Selecting A Database Index FieldYou may change the database index field in the following ways:

1. Select Sort from the menu bar or click 2. Select the index field for the database.You may also double click on any field name when in table view.This will show a “>“ character indicating the indexed field.Note: The index field used in the database editor has no bearing on the database when used in the label

editor. The database editor's index is used solely to help the user search for records when editing a database.

Finding A RecordCreate-A-Label’s Find function enables you to find a record that matches a certain criteria.1. Select Edit from the Menu Bar.2. Select Find from the Edit Menu.3. Enter the Value to Search for.Create-A-Label will then Move to the first match within the database.Note: Create-A-Label will prompt you for the index field if no index has been selected.

Importing A Data File1. Select File from the menu bar.2. Select “Import from ASCII File” from the menu.3. Select the file type, Create-A-Label can Import from an ASCII SDF(space delimited file) or an ASCII

Delimited (comma delimited file).

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Figure 1 - Sample ASCII SDF file

Figure 2 - Sample ASCII Delimited File

3. Select the file to Import.

There are several parameters than can be set for file importation.If the import file has a specific delimiter, set it. If you wish to include the first line during import (header) thanspecify it in this screen.

Exporting A Data File1. Select Options from the menu bar.2. Select Export from the Options menu.3. Select the file type, Create-A-Label can Import from an ASCII SDF(space delimited file) or an ASCII

Delimited (comma delimited file).

Figure 3 - Sample ASCII SDF file

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Figure 4 - Sample ASCII Delimited File

4. Select the format to export.5. Select the file name of the exported file.

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Note Pad

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Serial FilesSerial File editor used to add, modify or delete Serial Files.

Label InventoryLabel Inventory Manager used to Add, Modify, or delete Label Stocks.

Label Stock NameThe name of the Label stock; each label stock must have a unique name.

WidthThe width of the label stock. The width is specified in inches.

HeightThe height of the label stock. The height is specified in inches.

Reorder PointThe level of inventory that will trigger reorder messages. Create-A-Label will warn you any time you attempt toprint or edit a label file that has a quantity on hand lower than it’s reorder quantity.

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Quantity on HandThe Quantity of labels available. This amount will be adjusted every time a label printed.

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NewTo create a new label stock, do the following:1. Select the Label Inventory entry from the Options pull-down menu to bring up the Label Inventory dialog

box.2. Click the New button.

3. Type in a new Label Stock Name, Width, Height, Reorder Point and Quantity on Hand .4. Click the OK button.

EditTo change a label stock, do the following:1. Select the Label Inventory entry from the Options pull-down menu to bring up the Label Inventory dialog

box.2. Choose the inventory item by selecting it with the cursor.3. Click the Edit button.

4. Update the label stock attributes.5. Click the OK button when finished.

DeleteTo delete a label stock, do the following:1. Select the Label Inventory entry from the Options pull-down menu to bring up the Label Inventory dialog

box.2. Choose the inventory item by selecting it with the cursor.3. Click the Delete button.4. Click the Yes button.

Note: Any label file that uses a label stock that has been deleted will be switched to <non Inventory>.

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System SecurityThe Create-A-Label system security feature allows you to restrict specific users from certain sections of Create-A-Label

May Modify LabelsAllows the user to create, edit or erase existing labels formats.

May Print LabelsAllows the user to print labels.

May Modify DatabaseAllows the user to modify a database file.

May Modify Serial filesAllows the user to add, erase or edit serial files.

May Modify ConfigurationAllows the user to modify the system configuration.

May Modify Label InventoryAllows the user to modify the label inventory.

May Modify User RightsA user with this right may add, and delete users, and also modify their rights.

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NewCreate a new user and assign system rights.1. Select the Security entry from the Options pull-down menu to bring up the Security dialog box.2. Click the New button.3. Type in a new User Id, Password .4. Select the rights assigned to this user.5. Click the OK button.6. Click the Exit button.

EditModify the existing rights of a user.1. Select the Security entry from the Options pull-down menu to bring up the Security dialog box.2. Highlight the user to be edited.3. Click the Edit button.4. Enter modifications.5. Click the OK button.6. Click the Exit button.

DeleteRemoves a user from the system’s security list.1. Select the Security entry from the Options pull-down menu to bring up the Security dialog box.2. Highlight the user to be edited.3. Click the Delete button.4. Click the Yes button.5. Click the Exit button.

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ConfigurationAllows the user to configure Create-A-Label 3.

Default Label HeightThis value will appear as the default height when creating a new label.

Default Label WidthThis value will appear as the default width when creating a new label.

Convert From DOSDOS and Windows use different character maps which could cause certain extended characters to change.Convert from DOS allow you to use extended characters from Database and Text files created in DOS.

TrueType fonts as GraphicsTrueType fonts would be sent to printer as a Graphics file. This would only apply to printers that havedownloadable font capabilities.

LanguageAllows the user to determine which language to run Create-A-Label 3 in.

Direct PrintingEnter the definition here!

UnitsDetermines the units of measure, millimeters (mm) or inches.

GridDetermines the incrementation between the width and length when Snap to Grid is on.

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Directories

Path of Serial FilesType the path of the directory in which your serial files will be located, or click the browse button to select theappropriate path.

Path of Picture FilesType the path of the directory in which your picture files will be located, or click the browse button to select theappropriate path.

Path of Database FilesType the path of the directory in which your database files will be located, or click the browse button to select theappropriate path.

Path of Text FilesType the path of the directory in which your text files will be located, or click the browse button to select theappropriate path.

Snap To GridWhen Enabled Snap to grid allows fields to move at user defined amounts such as .25. If Snap To Grid is disabledall objects move at .01 interval.

Install Software KeyInstalls the Software security key from your floppy disk to your Hard Drive.

Uninstall Software KeyRemoves the Software security key from your hard drive and places it onto your floppy disk.

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Configure PrinterThere are 16 Eltron printer configuration commands. These commands allow the user to control the printer’s built-in features (for more detail refer to your Eltron EPL2 Programmer’s manual ):

Print Label Form InfoPrint label form Information will print a list of all forms stored in memory.Note: This command will not decrement the label stock inventory.

Erase a Label FormAllows the user to select and erase a label form from the Eltron memory cartridge.

Erase all Label FormsErases all of the label forms stored in the Eltron memory cartridge.

Print Graphics InfoPrints all of graphics stored in the memory cartridge.Note: This command will not decrement the label stock inventory.

Erase a GraphicAllows the user to select and erase a graphic stored in the Eltron memory cartridge.

Erase all GraphicsErases all of the graphics stored in the Eltron memory cartridge.

Print Soft Font InfoPrints all the soft fonts stored in the memory cartridge.Note: This command will not decrement the label stock inventory.

Erase a Soft FontAllows the user to select and erase a soft font from the Eltron memory cartridge.

Erase ALL Soft FontsErases all soft fonts stored in the Eltron memory cartridge.

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Print ConfigurationPrints the current Eltron printer configuration with the information:Note: This command will not decrement the label stock inventory.1. Printer Model Number2. Firmware Version3. Serial Port Settings4. Print Head Test Pattern5. Amount of RAM Installed6. Memory Configuration7. Character Set Currently Selected8. Speed, Density, Reference Point, Print Direction and Error Status9. Label Size10. Current Sensor Values

Memory PartitionPartitions the printers memory for formats, graphics and image memory. Executing the memory partitioncommand is will erase ALL forms, graphics and soft fonts from memory.

Character SetSelect the Code page, and country code you are using for the printer resident fonts.

Serial Port Settingconfigures the printers COM port Settings such as Baud rate, parity, Data bits, and stop bits.

Set Printer ClockAllows the user to reset the printer’s internal clock, which is independent of the computer’s internal clock andmay initially differ. The time and date that appears in the Set Printer Clock dialog box is retreived from thecomputer’s internal clock. To view the printer’s time and date settings execute the Printer Configurationcommand.

Note: Your Eltron printer should be checked to see if its clock settings match that of the computer’s.

Enable CutterEnable the printer to cut after every label is printed.

Disable CutterDisables the printers cutter.

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Command FileCommand File processing allows Create-A-Label to be controlled from an instruction file.

Command Files may be run from a standard WINDOWS command line, where xxx.cmd is your command filename including path, i.e

c:\lblview.exe /CMD test.cmd- or -

c:\lblview.exe /CMD n:\network\here\it\is\thefile.cmd

Command File FunctionsThere are five Command File functions:

LABELNAME = “label_file_name”

Assigns the name of the label to print. This command must be the first command of the commandfile. Each time the LABELNAME command appears, all subsequent commands will refer to thelatest label.

Example: LABELNAME = ”RADIO.LBL”

specifies RADIO.LBL as the current label

LABELQUANTITY = “quantity_to_print”

Specifies the number of labels to print. This command must preceed the PRINTER command. Note:If this command is called after the PRINTER command, the printer will print 2 label sets.

Example: LABELQUANTITY = “1”

print one copy of the label

PRINTER = “printer_name_on_Port_x”

Specifies the printer and port. This command is optional. However, it is recommended that thiscommand is included in every file. Note: The printer name must be entered exactly as itappears in the Print Manager, or the Create-A-Label 3 will be unable to find it.

Example: PRINTER= “Eltron TLP2242 on LPT1”

use the Eltron TLP2242 on port LPT1

prompt = “value”

Assigns a value to objects of type When Printed.

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Example: part_num = “836773”

assigns the numeric value 836773 to the variable part_num

prompt = “database_key_value”

Assigns a value of type database key to retrieve the associated database entry.

Example: PART = “1/4”

assigns ¼ to the key field PART

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Command File Setup

Command File TypeDetermines if the command file is to be treated as an ASCII file or a DBF file.

Time IntervalThis defines the cycle time for checking if the selected command file has been updated. If the command file hasbeen updated and the monitoring option has been chosen, then the command file will be executed at the end ofthe cycle.

Delete Command File After ExecutingAfter an ASCII command file has been executed, this option will cause Create-A-Label 3 to delete it. If themonitoring option was selected and another command file is created with the same file name, then it will beexecuted after the next time interval.

Monitor Only New Records

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Help

System StatusContains the system information, including the number of objects that are on the current label.

VersionThe Create-A-Label 3 for Windows version number.

Build DateThe Create-A-Label 3 for Windows build date.

Printer TypeThe Eltron printer that is currently selected.

Free User ResourcesSpecifies the percentage of free user resources.

Free System ResourcesSpecifies the percentage of free system resources.

ObjectsThe number of each object that appears in the current label, including hidden and non-hidden objects.

About Create-A-LabelThis dialog box contains copyright and version information.

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Appendix A - Odbc Setup

The first step in using ODBC is installing ODBC drivers on your PC. You may already have ODBC drivers. Look in

Windows Control Panel for this icon .

If you do not see this icon, you must install ODBC drivers on to your PC. You must call Microsoft to obtain thesedrivers. Create-A-Label works with ODBC drivers v2.0, preferably 16bit not 32bit. Create-A-Label does not functionwith ODBC drivers before version 2.0.If you do have ODBC drivers installed,

1. Double click on the icon in control panel.2. If you already have some ODBC drivers installed, click the setup button and follow the instructions on the

screen. The most important element with ODBC is specifying the correct source directory where your data willbe located.

3. By clicking the "Select Directory" button, you can specify where your data is located.4. The correct directory location is essential for Create-A-Label to properly locate the data when you want to design

a label.5. Any errors you receive while setting up ODBC drivers are generated by Microsoft WINDOWS. Please contact

Microsoft, or the ODBC driver manufacturer for technical support. We cannot offer support in this area.

Using ODBC Drivers in Create-A-LabelCreate-A-Label allows you to use ODBC drivers setup in WINDOWS control panel to access your already createddata sources:

1. Go to the Options + Configuration menu and select "Directories".2. Click on the "Data Sources" button to select the ODBC data source you wish to use. Note: You are only allowed to use one ODBC data source per label.3. At this point Create-A-Label will attempt to connect to your ODBC data source. If a failure occurs, recheck your

WINDOWS control panel ODBC settings.4. You may now add a field to your label and select ODBC as the data source.5. Using an ODBC data source is identical to using a regular database (dbf) data source, with one exception.6. You may choose to define your field length with ODBC. This is very important when using the Microsoft Excel

ODBC driver.7. Because Excel is a spreadsheet , with non fixed length fields, you must specify the field length for each field or

Create-A-Label will return a "Too wide to fit on label" error message, since by default Excel fields are 255characters wide.

8. By selecting each individual field, you can specify unique field lengths. Or you can select the "Use it for all fields"option which will force all the fields to have the same length as the one you're just defined.

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Appendix B - Functions For Linked Data Sources

+Form: str1 + str2

Concatenates str2 to the end of str1.

Example: The function abcde + fghij returns abcdefghij.

add

Form: add(var1, var2, n )

Returns the sum of var1 and var2, and returns a number with a mantissa length of n.

Example: The function add(100, 7, 2) returns 107.00.

chr

Form: chr(n), 0 < n < 255

Returns the character with the ASCII value of n.

Example: The function chr(48) returns 0.

div

Form: div(numerator, denominator, n )

Returns the quotient of numerator and denominator , and returns a number with a mantissa length of n.

Example: The function div(100, 7, 2) returns 14.28.

dollar

Form: dollar(price)

Returns the US dollar amount representation of price.

Example: The function dollar(2395) returns $23.95.

f1()

Form: f1()

F1() will return the Code 128 Function 1 character for the current printer.

Example: “123” + f1() + “ABC” will return a value of Function 1

hex

Form: hex(x, n)

Converts the integer x to a hexidecimal number of length n. However, if the number of digits in the hexidecimalrepresentation is more than n characters, the full hexidecimal value is printed.

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Example: The function hex(605627, 7) returns 0003DBB.

if()

Form: if(expression1 operator expression2 , result1 , result2)

Returns the result of the conditional statement expression1 operator expression2, where result1 is the result of theconditional being TRUE, and result2 is the result of the conditional being FALSE. There are 6 operators that may beused:

= equal

<> not equal

< less than

> greater than

<= less than or equal

>= greater than or equal to

Example: The function if(quantity <= 500, 28.95, 19.95) would return 28.95 if the value of quantity is less than orequal to 500, and would return 19.95 if the value of quantity is greater than 500.

mod

Form: mod(numerator, denominator )

Returns the remainder of numerator divided by denominator .

Example: The function mod(100, 8) returns 4.

mod10

Form: mod10(var)

Returns the mod 10 check digit of var.

Example: The function mod10(100) returns 7.

mod43

Form: mod43(var)

Returns the mod 43 check digit of var.

Example: The function mod43(100) returns 1.

mult

Form: mult(var1, var2, n )

Returns the product of var1 and var2.

Example: The function mult(0.99, 8, 2) would return7.92.

pricedcd

Form: pricecd(var)

Calculates the UPC Random Weight Price Check Digit.

Example: The functions pricecd(1234) and pricedcd(12.34) would both return 9.

printqty

Form: printqty()

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Returns the value of Quantity from the Print Label dialog box.

Example: The function printqty() would return 5.

right

Form: right(str, n )

Copies the last n characters from the string str.

Example: The function right(“Wendel Clark”, 5) returns the string Clark.

sub

Form: sub(var1, var2, n )

Subtracts the value of var2 from the value of var1, and returns a number with a mantissa length of n.

Example: The function sub(100, 7, 2) returns 93.00.

substr

Form: substr(str, pos, n )

Creates a string containing a copy of not more than n characters from pos to the end of the string str.

Example: The function substr(Wendel Clark, 1, 6) returns the string Wendel.

ztrim

Form: ztrim(x)

Removes all preceeding zeros from a numeric string.

Example: The function ztrim(000200) returns the string 0.

Documents

Create-A-Label 3 Users Manual