Create-A-Label 3 for Windows

Copyright GrafTek Inc., 1989-1996. All rights reserved Create-A-Label is a trademark of GrafTek, Inc. Printed 7/96 All other brands and product names are trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders.

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INTRODUCTION

Create-A-Label 3 is a powerful label design software package that allows you to design many types of labels for virtually all types of industry. A label designed in Create-A-Label 3 can include text, bar codes, graphics, lines, and boxes. Create-A-Label 3 also gives you the ability to create or modify dBASE III / dBASE IV / ODBC datasource files and link the data within them to your labels. Picture files created in PCX, TIF, JPG, BMP and GIF format can be easily included 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 also support 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 the inventory 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 Requirements

Create-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 Installation 1. 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 Driver 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 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 Port By default, Eltron printers are assigned to port LPT1. If your printer is connected to a different port, then change the 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 Installation 1. 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 Driver 1. 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-Label3

1. 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-Label

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

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Create-A-Label Cursors

Create-A-Labels 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 located at the lower right-hand corner of an object on the current label.

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Create-A-Label Icons
Create-A-Label has certain icons to speed up your work. To use icons, position the arrow cursor on the desired icon and click the left mouse button. Open Open retrieves a previously created label file for printing or editing. Labels created with different label formats must be converted before they can be opened. Save Saves the current label file. If the active label file does not have a file name, the Save As command is called instead. Print Prints the current label. Snap to Grid Moves objects at increments defined by Grid (the grid variable is defined in the Configuration window of the Options menu). Zoom In Zooms in on a specific portion of the label. Zoom Out Zooms out so a greater portion of the label can be viewed. Label Rotation Rotates the current label, but doesnt change how it is printed. Add Text Adds text to the current label. Add Paragraph Adds a text paragraph to the current label. Add Barcode Adds a bar code to the current label. Add 2D Barcode Adds a 2-D bar code to the current label. Add Picture Adds a picture to the current label. Add Box Adds a box to the current label.

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Add Line Adds a line to the current label.

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New

New creates a new label file.

Open

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

Close

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

Erase Save

Erase deletes a selected file.

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

Save As Print

Saves the current label file with a file name determined by the user.

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

Test Print

Prints a sample of the current label file. All variables of type Database, When Printed, Serial and Linked will be represented by a string of Xs. The number of Xs is determined by the text attribute string length .

Printer Setup

Allows the user to select an Eltron printer

Selecting a Printer To 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 Printer To 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 printers assigned port. Changing the Printer Port To 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 port 4. Click the OK button.

Feed Label

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

Download Label

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

Generate Command File Import Other Label File Exit

Creates an Eltron printer command file.

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

Exits Create-A-Label3.

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Undo Move Copy

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

Changes the location of a selected object, or group.

Creates a duplicate of a selected object, or group.

Delete Block

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

A rectangle that allows functions to be performed on objects within a defined rectangle. There are 3 grouping functions 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 Setup

Allows the user to change the attributes of the current label.

Width The width of the label print area. Height The height of the label print area. Left Margin The distance from the left edge of the label to the beginning of the print area.

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Vertical Gap When printing more than one format down a page, the vertical gap between labels can be adjusted. By default, the Vertical Gap is zero. Label Across This field specifies the number of labels to print across the page. The maximum number of formats across depends on the label width, the left margin, and the horizontal gap between labels (see below). By default, the number of Labels Across is one. Horizontal Gap When printing more than one format across a page, the horizontal gap between labels can be adjusted. By default, the Horizontal Gap is zero. Print Speed The speed at which the label is printed. Reducing the Print Speed will usually increase the print quality. Print quality is determined by both print speed and temperature. Darkness The temperature at which the label is printed. Increasing the Temperature will usually increase the print quality. Print quality is determined by both print speed and temperature. Options

Print Rotation Determines the orientation of the label when it is printed. Label Stock If you are using the Create-A-Label Label Manager, You must select the name of the label stock you are using for this label. If you choose not to use a defined label stock you must select <non Inventory>. Sensor Type Select 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 Offset Similar to a top margin, setting the Label Offset changes the vertical print position. Valid inputs range between 0 and 1.97. Increment Method Determines 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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TEXT

Adds text to the current label.

Font Determines whether to use printer resident fonts or True Type fonts. The following table shows which attributes correspond to the available font types: 20.3 cpi x x 16.9 cpi x x 14.5 cpi x x 12.7 cpi x x 5.6 cpi x x True Type Fonts

Expand Height Expand Width True Type Fonts Point Size Font Set Style

x x x x

Expand Height Allows the user to expand the height of a resident font. Expand Width Allows the user to expand the width of a resident font. True Type Fonts The list of available fonts that appear on the printed label exactly as they appear on the screen. True Type fonts are scalable to any font size. Point Size Method used to measure the height of a font, where 1

72 points.

Font Set There 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. Style There are 4 character sets available for True Type Fonts: Regular Regular font. Bold Bold type font. Italic Italicized font. Bold & Italic Bold & Italicized font. Rotation Text 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 Source Determines 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 part number, which is then looked-up in a database to retrieve the name of the text file. Date Stamp Displays the date in one of several date formats. The date is retrieved from the computers internal clock and is displayed on the screen. Therefore, if the date changes before a print, the Eltron printer will print the new date and the computer will revise the date displayed on the screen. Note: Printers with Real Time Clocks may have different date settings from that of the computer. Time Stamp Displays the time in one of several time formats. The time is retrieved from the computers internal clock and is displayed on the screen. Therefore, if the time changes before a print, the Eltron printer will print the new time and the computer will revise the time displayed on the screen. Note: Printers with Real Time Clocks may have different time settings from that of the computer. 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 their respective files after printing. ODBC DB The text is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup is Windows Control 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 as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please 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 DB x x x x x x x x x x x

Text String String Length Prompt Justification Linked Fields Database

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Key Field Print Field Date Format Date Offset Time Format Serial File Text String The text string to be printed. String Length The maximum number of characters that may be entered at print time. Prompt The string to prompt the user for input. Justification Justifies 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 Fields Allows the user to link data from two or more objects. Database The name of the dBASE compatible database file. Key Field The key field is the Print Field Defines the database field that is retrieved from the database file and printed on the label. This field may be the same as the key field, or it may be any other field in the database. Date Format The available date formats are as follows: yy.mm.dd 93.05.29 mm/dd/yy 05/29/93 dd/mm/yy 29/05/93 dd.mm.yy 29.05.93 dd-mm-yy 29-05-93 mmm dd, yyyy May 29, 1993 yy-mmm-dd 93-May-29 yyddd 93149 yy 93 yyyy 1993 dd 29 ddd 149 mm 05 mmm May Date Offset Allows the user to offset the date stam by entering an integer value that will be added to the number of days(i.e. Date Format of yy.mm.dd, Date of 93.05.29 and Date Offset of 20 would print 93.06.18). x x x x x x

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Time Format The following time formats are as follows: hh:mm 14:18 hh 14 mm 18 ss 33 hh:mm(12h) 2:18pm Serial File Defines the name of a Create-A-Label serial file that contains the value for this field. Text Color The screen color of the text. Options 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 DB x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Field Name Reversed Increment Copies Hidden Leading Zeroes Custom Spacing Required Must Fill

Field Name The variable or constant name of the text object. command line printing.

Naming text objects allows data linking and

Reversed Text is displayed as black on a white background, but selecting reversed will display white text on a black background. Increment When 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 it could be anything, even negative amounts. Specifying an increment of zero tells the printer not to increment this field. Copies Prints the number of copies selected before incrementing. Hidden Displays the text on the screen, with a text color of red, but will not print it on the label. Leading Zeros The Leading Zeros option will ensure that leading zeros in a numeric field are inserted in your numeric text value. Custom Spacing

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Custom spacing allows the user to customize text output. The number 9 is used to perform a pattern match (i.e. to print the text 5555551234 in the format (555) 555-1234, the custom spacing should be entered as (999) 999-9999). Required Determines if input is required. Must Fill Determines if the data input must equal the string length.

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Paragraph

Adds a text paragraph to the current label.

Font Determines whether to use printer resident fonts or True Type fonts. The following table shows which attributes correspond to the available font types: 20.3 cpi x x 16.9 cpi x x 14.5 cpi x x 12.7 cpi x x 5.6 cpi x x True Type Fonts

Expand Height Expand Width True Type Fonts Point Size Font Set Style

x x x x

Expand Height Allows the user to expand the height of a resident font. Expand Width Allows the user to expand the width of a resident font. True Type Fonts The list of available fonts that appear on the printed label exactly as they appear on the screen. True Type fonts are scalable to any font size. Point Size Method used to measure the height of a font, where 1

72 points.

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Font Set There 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. Style There are 4 character sets available for True Type Fonts: Regular Regular font. Bold Bold type font. Italic Italicized font. Bold & Italic Bold & Italicized font. Rotation Text 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. Characters / Line The maximum number of characters per line. Maximum Lines The maximum number of lines in the paragraph. Line Spacing The number of dots placed between lines to create spacing. Word Wrap Determines whether to show the text that surpasses the Characters/Line, or to continue the text on the next line. Justification Justifies 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 Source Determines where to retrieve the ASCII text file from: Fixed The name of the paragraph text file is chosen from a list of files at design time. Database The name of the paragraph text file is retrieved from a dBASE compatible database 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 paragraph text file. ODBC DB The paragraph text file is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup is Windows Control 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 as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please refer to Appendix F - ODBC Setup. The following table shows which attributes appear when an available data source is chosen:

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Fixed x Database x x ODBC DB x x

Paragraph File Database Print Field

Paragraph File The name of the paragraph text file to display. Database The name of the dBASE compatible database file. Print Field The database field that is retrieved from the database file and printed on the label. Edit File Text editor to create paragraphs at design time.

Text Color The screen color of the text.

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Bar Code
Adds a bar code to the current label.

Bar Code Type Create-A-Label supports the following bar code symbologies: Codabar Numeric bar code system. Code 39 Alphanumeric bar code system. Code 93 Alphanumeric b ar 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 Readable Allows the user to print readable characters below the bar code. Rotation Bar codes 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. Bar-Width Ratio Determines the bar codes wide-narrow bar width ratio. Multiplier Increases the width of the bar codes wide and narrow bars.

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Height Determines the height of the bar codes wide and narrow bars. Data Source Determines 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 then looked-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 their respective files after printing. ODBC DB The bar code is retrieved from an ODBC data source that is setup is Windows Control 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 as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please 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 Serial File ODBC DB x x x x x x x x x x x x

Bar Code Value String Length Prompt Justification Linked Fields Database Print Field Serial Field

Bar Code Value The value for the bar code. String Length The maximum number of characters that may be entered at time of printing. Prompt The string to prompt the user for input. Justification Justifies 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 Fields Allows the user to link data from two or more objects. Database The name of the dBASE compatible database file. Print Field The database field that contains the name of the paragraph file that is printed on the label.

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Serial File The name of the serial file that contains the value of the serial number. Options The following table shows which attributes appear when an available data source is chosen: Fixed When Printed Linked Database Serial File ODBC DB x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Field Name Increment Copies Required Must Fill

Field Name The variable or constant name of the text object. command line printing.

Naming text objects allows data linking and

Increment When 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 it could be anything, even negative amounts. Specifying an increment of zero tells the printer not to increment this field. Copies Prints the number of copies selected before incrementing. Required Determines if input is required. Must Fill Determines if the data input must equal the string length, or not. Barcode Color Changes the display color of the bar code.

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2-D Symbology
Adds a 2-D bar code to the current label.

Bar Code Type Create-A-Label currently supports the PDF-417 2-D symbology. ECC Level The Error Correction Code Level controls how resistant the bar code is to destruction, and still able to maintain maximum readability. The size of the bar code is dependent on the level. Greater levels create larger bar codes, but increase error correction. ECC Percent If the Error Correction Code Level is set to Auto, then the size of the bar code is dependent on the ECC Percentage. Greater percent values create larger bar codes, but increase error correction. Dot Width Allows the user to change the width-height ratio. Dot Height Similar to the Bar Width Ratio of the convential bar codes, it allows the user to change the width-height ratio of the 2D bar code. Rotation Bar codes 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 Source There 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 then looked-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 is Windows Control 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 as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please refer to Appendix F - ODBC Setup.

The following table shows which attributes appear when an available data source is chosen: Fixed x Linked x x x x x Database ODBC DB

Text File Linked Fields Database Print Field

Text File The file name of the text to convert to a 2D bar code. Linked Fields Allows the user to link data from two or more objects. Database Defines the name of the dBASE compatible database file. Print Field 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. Options

Rows Sets the row count used for sizing a PDF bar code. Columns Sets the column count used for sizing a PDF bar code. Reduce Bar Height Enter the definitions here! Reduce Bar Width Enter the definitions here!

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Truncate Enables or disables truncated PDF symbols, where the PDF barcode generates a symbol with the right row indicator and stop pattern a replaced by a single width bar. This form of PDF occupies less printed area than a standard symbol, however there is a slight degradation in decode performance. Generate Determines how the software does its incrementing via the printer or software control. Printer generated PDF will be faster.

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Picture
Adds a picture to the current label.

Rotation Pictures 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. Fixed Ratio Determines the pictures height-width ratio. If the picture has a fixed ratio, then changing the pictures width or height will also change its height or width, respectively. Therefore, a fixed ratio picture will always have a ratio of height:width regardless of change in size. Conversely, a picture without a fixed ratio can be stretched to change its height:width ratio. Data Source Determines 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 then looked-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 is Windows Control 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 as price/unit. For more information on ODBC please refer to Appendix F - ODBC Setup The following table shows which attributes appear when an available data source is chosen: Fixed x Linked x Database x x ODBC DB x x

Picture Database Print Field Picture

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Lists all the picture files that are in the current picture file directory Database Defines the name of the dBASE compatible database file. Print Field It 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. Preview Allows the user to preview the picture file before it is opened.

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Box
Adds a box to the current label.

Horizontal Thickness Defines the horizontal line thickness of the box. Vertical Thickness Defines the vertical line thickness of the box.

Line
Adds a line to the current label.

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VIEW

Zoom In Zooms in on a specific portion of the label. Zoom Out Zooms out so a greater portion of the label can be viewed. Redraw Label Redraw refresshes the viewing screen. View Pictures When View Pictures is enabled, the picture file is displayed on the screen allowing the user to preview the picture 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 Paragraphs When View Paragraphs is enabled, the paragraph file is displayed on the screen allowing the user to preview the paragraph before printing. When View Paragraph is disabled, the paragraph file appears on the screen as a double box, and Create-A-Label3 will run faster. View Detailed Zoom Window If the current label is partially displayed on the screen, a Detailed Zoom Window will appear to the right of the window. When View Detailed Zoom Window is enabled, the zoom window is displayed in full detail. When View Detailed Zoom Window is disabled, the zoom window is displayed without the label detail, and Create-A-Label 3 will run faster.

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Database Editor

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

Creating A Database 1. 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 Records Once the structure of the database has been created, you may begin to add, edit, and delete records. Database Structure Each Field within a database must have the following attributes. Name This is the name of the field to be created. Each database field must have a name. Field names must be unique within the database; i.e. no two fields within a database file may have the same name. Type This 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-Label Label Editor. Numeric fields have a length limit of 19 if the Numeric field is a key. Character fields have a length limit of 150 characters. If you need a very long field length, choose a Memo field type and add it to you label as a paragraph object. Length This is the width of the field. For Numeric fields, it represents the total width of the field, including the sign, the decimal point, and the digits to the right of the decimal point. For Date fields, the width is fixed at eight. Decimal Select the number of decimal places required. Adding a Database Record 1. 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 Record 1. 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 Record 1. 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 Records 1. Click the left mouse button and drag the cursor through all the data you wish to delete. Click the 2. This action will Delete ALL records. Modifying a Database Structure 1. Select Edit from the menu bar. 2. Select Modify Structure from the Edit menu. 3. Select the field to modify Selecting A Database Index Field You 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 Record Create-A-Labels 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 File 1. 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).

button.

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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) than specify it in this screen. Exporting A Data File 1. 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 Files

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

Label Inventory

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

Label Stock Name The name of the Label stock; each label stock must have a unique name. Width The width of the label stock. The width is specified in inches. Height The height of the label stock. The height is specified in inches. Reorder Point The level of inventory that will trigger reorder messages. Create-A-Label will warn you any time you attempt to print or edit a label file that has a quantity on hand lower than its reorder quantity.

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

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New
To 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.

Edit

To 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. To 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>.

Delete

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System Security

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

May Modify Labels Allows the user to create, edit or erase existing labels formats. May Print Labels Allows the user to print labels. May Modify Database Allows the user to modify a database file. May Modify Serial files Allows the user to add, erase or edit serial files. May Modify Configuration Allows the user to modify the system configuration. May Modify Label Inventory Allows the user to modify the label inventory. May Modify User Rights A user with this right may add, and delete users, and also modify their rights.

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New Create 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. Edit Modify 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. Delete Removes a user from the systems 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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Configuration

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

Default Label Height This value will appear as the default height when creating a new label. Default Label Width This value will appear as the default width when creating a new label. Convert From DOS DOS 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 Graphics TrueType fonts would be sent to printer as a Graphics file. downloadable font capabilities. This would only apply to printers that have

Language Allows the user to determine which language to run Create-A-Label 3 in. Direct Printing Enter the definition here! Units Determines the units of measure, millimeters (mm) or inches. Grid Determines the incrementation between the width and length when Snap to Grid is on.

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Directories

Path of Serial Files Type the path of the directory in which your serial files will be located, or click the browse button to select the appropriate path. Path of Picture Files Type the path of the directory in which your picture files will be located, or click the browse button to select the appropriate path. Path of Database Files Type the path of the directory in which your database files will be located, or click the browse button to select the appropriate path. Path of Text Files Type the path of the directory in which your text files will be located, or click the browse button to select the appropriate path.

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

Install Software Key

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

Uninstall Software Key

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

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Configure Printer

There are 16 Eltron printer configuration commands. These commands allow the user to control the printers builtin features (for more detail refer to your Eltron EPL2 Programmers manual ):

Print Label Form Info Print 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 Form Allows the user to select and erase a label form from the Eltron memory cartridge. Erase all Label Forms Erases all of the label forms stored in the Eltron memory cartridge. Print Graphics Info Prints all of graphics stored in the memory cartridge. Note: This command will not decrement the label stock inventory. Erase a Graphic Allows the user to select and erase a graphic stored in the Eltron memory cartridge. Erase all Graphics Erases all of the graphics stored in the Eltron memory cartridge. Print Soft Font Info Prints all the soft fonts stored in the memory cartridge. Note: This command will not decrement the label stock inventory. Erase a Soft Font Allows the user to select and erase a soft font from the Eltron memory cartridge. Erase ALL Soft Fonts Erases all soft fonts stored in the Eltron memory cartridge.

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Print Configuration Prints the current Eltron printer configuration with the information: Note: This command will not decrement the label stock inventory. 1. Printer Model Number 2. Firmware Version 3. Serial Port Settings 4. Print Head Test Pattern 5. Amount of RAM Installed 6. Memory Configuration 7. Character Set Currently Selected 8. Speed, Density, Reference Point, Print Direction and Error Status 9. Label Size 10. Current Sensor Values Memory Partition Partitions the printers memory for formats, graphics and image memory. Executing the memory partition command is will erase ALL forms, graphics and soft fonts from memory. Character Set Select the Code page, and country code you are using for the printer resident fonts. Serial Port Setting configures the printers COM port Settings such as Baud rate, parity, Data bits, and stop bits. Set Printer Clock Allows the user to reset the printers internal clock, which is independent of the computers internal clock and may initially differ. The time and date that appears in the Set Printer Clock dialog box is retreived from the computers internal clock. To view the printers time and date settings execute the Printer Configuration command.

Note: Your Eltron printer should be checked to see if its clock settings match that of the computers. Enable Cutter Enable the printer to cut after every label is printed. Disable Cutter Disables the printers cutter.

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Command File

Command 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 file name including path, i.e

c:\lblview.exe /CMD test.cmd

- or -

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

Command File Functions There 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 command file. Each time the LABELNAME command appears, all subsequent commands will refer to the latest 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 this command is included in every file. Note: The printer name must be entered exactly as it appears 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 to the key field PART

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Command File Setup

Command File Type Determines if the command file is to be treated as an ASCII file or a DBF file. Time Interval This defines the cycle time for checking if the selected command file has been updated. If the command file has been updated and the monitoring option has been chosen, then the command file will be executed at the end of the cycle. Delete Command File After Executing After an ASCII command file has been executed, this option will cause Create-A-Label 3 to delete it. If the monitoring option was selected and another command file is created with the same file name, then it will be executed after the next time interval. Monitor Only New Records

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Help System Status

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

Version The Create-A-Label 3 for Windows version number. Build Date The Create-A-Label 3 for Windows build date. Printer Type The Eltron printer that is currently selected. Free User Resources Specifies the percentage of free user resources. Free System Resources Specifies the percentage of free system resources. Objects The number of each object that appears in the current label, including hidden and non-hidden objects.

About Create-A-Label

This 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 these drivers. Create-A-Label works with ODBC drivers v2.0, preferably 16bit not 32bit. Create-A-Label does not function with 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 will be 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-Label Create-A-Label allows you to use ODBC drivers setup in WINDOWS control panel to access your already created data 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 255 characters 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 hexidecimal representation 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 the conditional being TRUE, and result2 is the result of the conditional being FALSE. There are 6 operators that may be used: = <> < > <= >= 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 or equal 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 return 7.92. 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.

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