Desktop Designer uses a standard Windows-based interface.
The Desktop Designer's top section interface segments are described below.
Tabs represent subsets of Desktop Designer features. The tabs contain interrelated commands that are available to the user in an organized way – grouped, and labeled:
-
File (background): opens the print form and document management panel.
-
Home: offers commonly used commands such as copy/paste, print, and style commands.
-
Data: offers data source related commands.
-
View: gives you control over layout tools, zooming options and element markers visibility.
-
Solution: allows adding new labels and forms, starts printing actions and enables label file importing and exporting.
-
Contextual tabs: appear after clicking an object. They allow you to define object-specific settings. The type of contextual tabs adapts to the selected object.
-
Help: besides offering the access to F1 help, this tab leads you to multiple helpful resources that make your work with Desktop Designer easier and more efficient.
Ribbon is a rectangular area that spreads across the top of an application window. Related commands are divided into ribbon groups. The ribbon changes along with the selected tabs and adapts to the currently used tools using the contextual tabs.
The following Desktop Designer dialog boxes are equipped with a dedicated ribbon:
File tab serves as document management panel. The following options are available:
-
Start: takes you to the Desktop Designer landing page.
-
New: creates a new stand-alone label or a complete solution.
-
Open: allows opening existing label and solution files.
-
Import: allows you to import labeling files from non-NiceLabel labeling software.
-
Save: saves the active label or solution.
-
Save As: allows saving the active label or solution file by defining its name and location.
-
Print: opens the printing form.
-
Store: stores the current label as a template on the printer to be used in store/recall mode.
-
Protection: prevents the label or solution from editing.
-
Close: closes the current Desktop Designer document.
Tip
This note is applicable if you have Open or create documents in new instances option enabled.
If a document is closed while another document is already open, its instance (NiceLabel 10 window) is closed as well.
-
Options: opens the dialog for configuring the program defaults.
-
About: provides license and software version information.
-
Exit: closes the application.
Start panel takes you to Desktop Designer landing page. Use it to create or open documents, access recently opened files, preview files, and learn more about Desktop Designer.
New Label creates a new stand-alone label. New Label Setup Wizard opens after clicking this button.
New Solution creates a complete solution including (multiple) labels and printing forms. Solution designer opens after clicking this option.
Note
Adding new labels or forms is also available in the Solution explorer. See section Solution explorer for more details.
Tip
There are two ways of opening new labels or solutions. You can open each additional document in a separate instance (window) of Desktop Designer. An alternative way is to open documents within the already opened instance. To select the way that suits you better, go to File > Options > Designer.
Open dialog allows opening existing label and solution files.
Browse allows selecting the label or solution files on local or connected network drives.
Document storage opens the document storage location of the connected NiceLabel Control Center .
Recent Files field lists the latest files that have been edited. Click any of them to open the file.
Import allows you to import files into a solution. Supported file formats are:
-
Solution file (.nsln)
-
Label file (.nlbl)
-
Label file (V6) (.lbl)
-
Form File (V6) (.xff)
When an import command is issued, the Open dialog opens. Select the file you want to import. The imported file becomes visible in the solution manager.
Note
Label .lbl and form .xff files are legacy NiceLabel file types used with version 6 and earlier.
Save panel saves the active label or solution using the same file name that was used to open it.
Note
If a file has been opened for the first time, Save directs you to the Save as on the File tab.
Save as allows saving the active label or solution file by defining its name and location.
Recent folders field lists the folders that were recently used to save the label or solution files.
Print opens the print pane. In Desktop Designer, the print pane hosts a powerful and customizable default printing form.
Printing form customization options are described here.
Store/Recall printing mode is a method for speeding up the printing process. It increases printer response by reducing the amount of data that needs to be sent during repetitive printing tasks.
Note
Store option becomes visible in File tab if enabled in the label properties printer panel and supported by the currently selected printer.
With store/recall mode activated, does not need to resend the complete label data for each printout. Instead, default labels (templates) and internal printer elements (graphics, fonts) are stored in the printer memory, and only sends recall commands which render the stored label content during the printing process. Typically, a few bytes of data are sent to the printer as compared to a few kilobytes in the case of normal printing.
The action consists of two processes:
-
Store label. During this process, creates a description of the label template formatted in the selected printer's command language. When done, sends the created command file to the printer memory and stores it.
-
Recall label. A label stored in the printer's memory is printed out immediately. Using the recall process, creates another command file to instruct the printer which label from its memory should be printed. The recall label command occupies a few bytes of data only. The actual amount of data depends on the current situation. For fixed labels without any variable contents, the recall command file only contains the recall label command. For variable labels that contain variable fields, the command file includes the values for these variables and the recall label command.
Note
Before activating this mode, make sure the appropriate printer driver is selected for the label printer. Not all label printers have the ability to use the store/recall printing mode.
Follow these steps to activate the Store/Recall printing mode:
-
Double-click the label design surface. Label Properties dialog appears.
-
To enable the mode, select Use store/recall printing mode on Printer tab. Click OK.
-
Define label template(s). All label objects with variable content must be formatted as internal printer elements:
-
Text object content must only use internal printer fonts (not Truetype!).
-
Use internal printer barcodes in barcode objects.
-
If using variable objects with Truetype fonts, variable pictures or database fields, the default values are sent to the printer during the label store process.
-
-
Click File > Store. Make sure the Store variant points to the correct memory location in the printer.
Click File > Store. Make sure the Printer memory location points to the correct memory location in the printer.
-
Insert or select values for variable objects that are not formatted as internal printer objects. These variables will be given the same value on each label. They will behave as objects with fixed values.
-
Click Store to printer to create the command file with label template description and to send it to the printer.
-
Insert values for prompted label variables. These variables are linked with internal printer objects on the label. For this reason, their values can be changed during each printing.
-
Click Print to send variable values and recall label command to the selected label printer.
Protection prevents the label or solution from editing.
-
Prevent document from editing: locks the label or solution. Enabling this option prevents any unauthorized changes on file – only copying and printing are possible.
-
Requires a password to unlock document: prevents file editing with password protection. Check this option to set a password. A file becomes editable only after entering the correct password.
To customize the general program configuration of Desktop Designer, open the Options dialog which is accessible from the File tab.
Desktop Designer configuration options are grouped on the following tabs:
-
Folders: allows you to set the default locations for storing the labels, forms (solutions), databases and picture files.
-
Language: selects the user interface language. Select the preferred language from the listed options.
-
Global Variables: storage location for global variables.
-
Printer usage: locally logged usage of installed printers.
-
NiceLabel Control Center: allows you to enable and configure the monitoring of events and print jobs.
-
Automation: enables you to configure NiceLabel Automation settings.
-
Designer: enables you to configure opening behavior of NiceLabel 10.
When moving or sharing the documents you create in Desktop Designer, the locations of related documents and files might become inaccessible. To prevent broken references, define the default search locations that instruct Desktop Designer to search for the documents and files on alternative locations.
Use the Folders tab to define the default search locations for the documents and files that you work with in Desktop Designer. These folders serve as the default search location if:
-
Desktop Designer cannot find labels on the specified locations. In this case, Desktop Designer searches for them in the Labels folder.
-
Desktop Designer cannot find solutions on the specified locations. In this case, Desktop Designer searches for them in the Solutions (Forms) folder.
-
Desktop Designer cannot find the connected database on the specified location. In this case, Desktop Designer searches for the database in the Database folder.
-
Picture object file paths in labels or solutions are incomplete or missing. In this case, Desktop Designer searches for them in the Picture folder.
Example:
A form in your solution includes a picture file named picture.png without a specified path. This is why Desktop Designer cannot locate the requested picture.
Solution: When searching for a graphic file named picture.png, Desktop Designer goes to C:\Users\user\Documents\NiceLabel\Graphics. This is the location defined in the Folders tab.
Note
Make sure read/write rights are granted to the account under which the Desktop Designer is running.
Tip
Details about the check algorithm which is used to locate the label and solution files is described in detail https://help.nicelabel.com/hc/articles/4405121431953.
Note
When opening and saving your documents, Desktop Designer remembers the last used location. The next time you open or save your documents, Desktop Designer goes to the last used location.
Language tab allows selecting the Desktop Designer interface language. Select the appropriate language and click OK.
Note
Restart is necessary to make the user interface appear in the selected language. Make sure you save your work before closing the program.
Global Variables tab allows defining which location with stored global variables should be used:
-
Use global variables stored on the server (NiceLabel Control Center): sets the global variable storage location on the NiceLabel Control Center.
Note
Select the NiceLabel Control Center before selecting this option.
Note
This option becomes available when using the NiceLabel Label Management Solution license.
-
Use global variables stored in a file (local or shared): sets the global variable storage location in a local or shared folder. Enter the exact path or click Open to locate the file.
By default, global variables are stored in Globals.tdb file in: C:\ProgramData\NiceLabel\Global Variables\.
Tip
These two options become useful when designing solutions for multiple customers with their own sets of global variables.
Licensed Printers tab displays printers which have been used with NiceLabel 10.
Note
Printer usage logging is available with multi-seat license. Details about printer licensing is available in section Printer Licensing Mode.
Printer usage information group displays how many of the permitted printer ports are used by printing on multiple printers.
-
Number of printers allowed by license: number of permitted printers to be used with the current Desktop Designer license.
-
Number of used printers in the last 7 days: number of printers that have been used with Desktop Designer during the last 7 days.
Note
If the used printer count exceeds the permitted number of used printers, NiceLabel 10 activates the grace period. The software grants the end-user a 30-day time extension during which the number of licensed printers is doubled. If the doubled number is also exceeded, printing becomes disabled on the additional printers.
Printing statuses are visible in multiple columns:
-
Printer: name or model of the printer that was selected for the print job.
Note
If the connected printer is shared, only printer model is displayed.
-
Location: name of the computer from which the print job has been sent.
-
Port: port used by the printer.
-
Last Used: time passed since the last print job.
-
Reserved: prevents the printer from being removed after being idle for more that 7 days.
Note
If a printer remains unused for more then 7 days, it is removed automatically unless the Reserved option is enabled.
Permissions group allows you to lock printer usage on local workstation.
Note
Before activating this option, make sure at least one printer is reserved. With no printers reserved, an error is reported if you try to edit a label. Printing is disabled as well.
-
This workstation can only use reserved printers: with this option enabled, only reserved printers are allowed for label editing and printing in NiceLabel 10.
Tip
Use this option to avoid exceeding the number of available licensed printer seats by printing on unwanted printers or print-to-file applications. Reserve dedicated thermal or laser labeling printers and limit printing only to them to ensure continuous printing of labels with a multi-user licence.
This option can also be enabled using the
product.configfile:-
Navigate to the System folder.
Example:
%PROGRAMDATA%\NiceLabel\NiceLabel 10
-
Make a backup copy of the
product.configfile. -
Open
product.configin a text editor. The file has an XML structure. -
Add the following lines:
<Configuration> <Activation> <ReservePrinters>Example Printer</ReservePrinters> </Activation> <Common> <General> <ShowOnlyReservedPrinters>True</ShowOnlyReservedPrinters> </General> </Common> </Configuration> -
Save the file. The
Example Printeris reserved.
-
Control Center tab allows you to enable and configure the monitoring of events and print jobs. The use of NiceLabel Control Center enables centralized event and print job reporting, and centralized storage of global variables.
This tab is available only if LMS license is activated.
Address group defines which NiceLabel Control Center server should be used.
-
Control Center server address: URL of the connected NiceLabel Control Center server. You can select from the list of automatically discovered servers on the network, or enter a server address manually.
Note
The license keys on the NiceLabel Control Center server and on the workstation must match to enable the connection.
Note
If your connected NiceLabel Control Center uses the application authentication, each NiceLabel 10 startup requires you to type in your user name and password. Read more about the authentication types and user privileges in the NiceLabel Control Center user guide, section Authentication.
Event handling in the NiceLabel Control Center allows central management of labeling workstation activities. Activities like label printing, errors, alerts, middleware application triggering, etc. are reported and logged to NiceLabel Control Center.
Event Monitoring group defines what types of events should be logged by the connected NiceLabel Control Center:
-
Print Events: logs the print related events from the workstation.
-
Error Events: logs all reported errors.
Note
By default, Print Events and Error Events are logged to NiceLabel Control Center.
-
Trigger Activity: logs all fired triggers.
-
Trigger Status Change Events: logs the trigger status changes which have been caused by the fired triggers.
Print Job Monitoring group enables you to log the completed and ongoing print jobs to the NiceLabel Control Center.
-
Enable Print Job Logging to Server: activates print job logging.
-
Detailed printing control: enables monitoring of statuses that are reported by the connected printer.
Note
There are two requirements to make this option available:
-
The printer must support bidirectional communication.
-
Loftware printer driver must be used for printing.
Automation tab enables you to configure NiceLabel Automation settings.
Note
This tab becomes visible with NiceLabel PowerForms Desktop and LMS licenses.
Service Communication group defines the communication settings.
-
Service communication port: number of the port which is used by the Automation service for communication.
Log group configures how the below listed messages reported by the Automation Manager are logged.
Note
The default data retention time is 7 days. To minimize log database size on busy systems, reduce the retention period.
-
Clear log entries daily at: selects the time at which the daily log entries are cleared.
-
Clear log entries when older than (days): sets the log retention time in days.
-
Log messages: selects the message types that are logged.
-
All messages: saves all message types in the log.
-
Errors and warnings: saves errors and warnings in the log.
-
Errors: saves errors in the log.
-
No log: no messages are logged.
-
Performance group enables improving the time-to-first label and general performance of the Automation service.
-
Cache files from document storage and network shares: To improve the time-to-first label and to increase performance in general, NiceLabel Automation supports file caching. After you load the labels, images, and database data from network shares, all required files must be fetched before the printing process can begin.
Tip
If you enable local caching, the effect of network latency is reduced as label and picture files are loaded from your local disk.
Automation service uses the following local folder to cache the remote files:
%PROGRAMDATA%\NiceLabel\NiceLabel 10\FileCache.-
Refresh intervals (minutes): Defines the time interval within which the files in the cache are synchronized with files in the original folder. This is the time limit for the system to use a version that may not be the latest.
-
Delete unused cached files after (days): Defines the time interval after which all files are removed from cache.
Note
File caching supports label and picture file formats. After you enable file caching, restart Automation service to make the changes take effect.
-
-
Precache folders from document storage allows you to locally cache the files from Control Center document storage folders on your computer. With enabled precaching, the content of local cache keeps synchronizing with the selected document storage folders.
Note
In comparison with caching, precaching reduces the printing time for your first printed label.
Add each document storage folder in a separate line.
Note
Your Automation Builder must be connected to the Control Center to enable the offline synchronization of cached files.
Designer tab enables you to configure opening behavior of Desktop Designer.
Opening Mode group defines how your Desktop Designer opens new documents.
-
Display each document in its own window: If enabled, additionally opened documents appear in separate windows of Desktop Designer. This applies to both – newly created and existing documents.
If you decide to disable this option, additionally opened documents will appear within the currently active instance of Desktop Designer.
The About dialog page provides information about your NiceLabel product license, enables license purchasing (when in trial mode) and activation, provides software details, allows you to sign in to your NiceLabel Cloud account, and enables you to change the Desktop Designer product level.
-
Product level tells you the product level you are currently running.
-
Change product level: opens the product level selection dialog. When in trial mode, you can choose and evaluate all product levels. With an activated license, you can change your product level only to lower levels.
-
Trial mode duration: information about the remaining days for product evaluation.
-
Purchase License: button directs you to the NiceLabel online store.
-
Activate license: button opens the Desktop Designer license activation dialog. See NiceLabel 10 installation guide for details about the license activation process. After activating the license, this button is renamed to Deactivate License – after clicking it and confirming the deactivation, your copy of Desktop Designer is no longer activated.
Note
These segments are no longer visible after purchasing and activating the product license.
Note
Product level changes take effect after you restart Desktop Designer.
Note
If NiceLabel 10 has been installed with predefined product level (i.e., the level has been defined by the license key), product level selection is not required during first start.
-
License type: is the type of license that you are using to run the NiceLabel 10. If you activated the Desktop Designer by signing into the NiceLabel Cloud, here is where you see the Edition of your cloud.
-
Upgrade license: opens the product level upgrade dialog. See NiceLabel 10 installation guide for details about the license upgrade process.
Note
NiceLabel 10 upgrades automatically if the upgraded license is available on your network.
-
Printer limit: is the maximum number of printers that you can use with your NiceLabel license.
-
Account: if you are signed into NiceLabel Cloud, Desktop Designer displays the name of you cloud account.
-
User: if you are signed into NiceLabel Cloud, Desktop Designer displays your NiceLabel Cloud user name.
Software information contains information about the installed copy of NiceLabel 10 – license, license key, and installed version. If a newer version is available, a notification link appears on the page automatically. Click on the link to download and install the latest version.
Product level info
This section is applicable if your NiceLabel 10 is signed in to the NiceLabel Cloud
If your Desktop Designer is signed in to the NiceLabel Cloud, and you lose the internet connection, you must reestablish the connection in up to five days. Without reconnecting with your NiceLabel Cloud, Desktop Designer closes automatically.
After losing the internet connection, and if your computer stays offline, a warning appears in 5 days. Desktop Designer closes 5 minutes after you see the warning.
After you reestablish the internet connection, open Desktop Designer and sign in to the NiceLabel Cloud. This makes your copy of Desktop Designer active again.
Warning
Save your work to an offline location (your computer) to prevent losing any changes.
Home Tab provides access to frequently used commands and settings in the following ribbon groups:
-
Clipboard: group temporarily stores the selected elements, objects or groups of objects.
-
Font: group lets you define the font properties.
-
Action: group contains the Print button which starts the printing procedure or runs a form.
-
Management: group provides direct access to the Dynamic Data Manager and Document properties – active label or form properties dialog.
-
The Align group options define relative horizontal and vertical positioning for the object content.
-
Objects: group allows you to align, group or arrange label objects.
Font group defines font properties:
-
Show/hide printer fonts: button allows you to exclusively display internal printer fonts on the list of available fonts. Graphical fonts are hidden in this case. After pressing this button again, all available fonts are visible on the list once more.
-
Font: defines the font family to be used in a selected object.
-
Font Size: defines the text size in an object. Select the desired point size from the dropdown selector or enter it manually.
-
Font Style: defines the object text stylistic characteristics of text, such as bold or italic.
-
Alignment: defines horizontal text positioning in an object: Left, Center or Right.
-
Justify: makes a paragraph aligned along the left and right object margins.
Tip
When changing a font during the design process, Desktop Designer remembers the last used font type and size.
Action group creates a printing shortcut, starts the printing procedure, customizes printing, or runs a form.
Print button opens the Desktop Designer Print pane as defined by the Default Printing Form.
Customize Print opens multiple options to adapt the printing options.
-
Create Shortcut for Printing: allows you to create a printing shortcut to a label or a form in a solution. Creating the printing shortcut requires you to save the label or form document first.
Note
When creating shortcut to a solution, the shortcut is named Run [solution name]. After double-clicking it, the form is run instantly.
-
Printing form: defines which form in the solution is used as default printing form.
Note
Selection of the default printing form is available when editing a solution.
-
Edit Printing Form: allows adding, removing, or rearranging the objects on a printing form. Read more about the printing form customization here.
Note
If the printing form has not been selected yet, the Edit Printing Form option adds a new form and sets it as the default printing form. If an existing form is selected, the option opens it for editing.
-
Recreate Printing Form: resets the printing form to its default layout and reestablishes the dynamic content providers after being edited.
-
Add New Form: adds a new form to the solution. It can either be a blank form or a form designed as a printing form. Use Form name to name the newly added form and make it easily recognizable among other solution documents.
Run Form button runs the currently active form.
Note
If a label uses a customized printing form, this form remains open as a tab. The tab cannot be closed.
Management ribbon group provides direct access to:
-
Dynamic Data Manager dialog. Click the button to start managing the dynamic data sources that are connected to objects.
The Align group options define relative horizontal and vertical positioning for the object content:
-
Align Objects Left: aligns objects with the left border of the first selected object or with the leftmost object.
-
Align Objects Center: aligns objects with the horizontal center of the first selected object or with horizontal center of the largest object.
-
Align Objects Right: aligns objects with the right border of the first selected object or with the rightmost object.
-
Distribute Horizontally: distributes objects using equal horizontal spacing.
-
Align Objects Top: aligns objects with the upper border of the first selected object or with the highest object.
-
Align Objects Middle: aligns objects with the vertical center of the first selected object or with vertical center of the largest object.
-
Align Objects Bottom: aligns objects with the bottom border of the first selected object or with the lowest object.
-
Distribute Vertically: distributes objects using equal vertical spacing.
The Objects group helps you work with multiple objects.
-
Group objects unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects: separates the grouped objects.
Arrange the positions of the objects so that they appear either in front of or behind each other.
-
Send Backward: sends the element back one level.
-
Send to Back: sends the element behind all other elements on the label.
-
Bring Forward: brings the element forward one level.
-
Send to Front: sends the element in front of all other elements on the label.
Delete allows you to remove the selected individual or group objects from your label template.
Data tab displays the Desktop Designer ribbon with groups that enable you to instantly connect an object with commonly used data sources, or to define data connections in more detail:
-
Step-by-Step Database Wizard ribbon group opens database wizard for typical database connection types.
-
Data Source Management ribbon group gives direct access to the Dynamic Database Manager and Prompt Order dialogs.
Database wizard is a guided process that allows the user to configure a connection to a database and to select which tables and fields will be used.
Edit Database allows you to edit all existing connected databases using a wizard.
The wizard additionally allows you to sort, filter records, and to define how many label copies will be printed per database record.
Data Source Management ribbon group provides access to:
-
Dynamic Data Manager: dialog for managing and connecting to various data sources.
-
Prompt Order: dialog for defining the order of prompted variables on the print form.
Dynamic Data Manager is a dialog that enables the user to manage the dynamic data sources for label and form objects.
Label and formobjects can be connected to multiple variables, functions, and databases.
To open the dialog, click the Dynamic Data Manager button in the Desktop Designer ribbon.
Read more about how to define the data sources in the following sections:
Variable Prompt order dialog defines the order in which the variable values are prompted at print time.
The dialog displays the entire range of currently defined variables.
To change the prompt order, select a variable from the list and change its position using drag and drop or Move up and Move down buttons. Repeat this step for each variable, whose prompting position needs to be changed.
View Tab gives you control over document zooming, marker visibility, visual aids and design surface rotation. It makes the following ribbon groups available:
-
Zoom: defines design surface zoom level and Desktop Designer window zoom behavior.
-
Object Markers Visibility: defines visibility settings for object properties.
-
Alignment and Gridlines: sets object positioning behavior and defines properties for design surface gridlines.
-
Rotation: rotates the design surface clockwise for 90 degrees per click.
Zoom group defines the design surface zoom level.
-
Zoom to Document: displays the entire label in the Desktop Designer window.
-
Zoom to Objects: displays all objects in the Desktop Designer window.
-
Zoom In: magnifies the design surface by a percentage of the currently defined zoom level.
-
Zoom Out: decreases the design surface by a percentage of the currently defined zoom level.
-
Zoom percentage drop-down menu: allows you to type in or select the exact zooming percentage for your current document.
Alignment and Gridlines group sets object positioning behavior and defines properties for design surface gridlines.
-
Display gridline guides: makes the design surface grid dots visible.
-
Grid Size X: defines horizontal distance between the grid dots.
-
Grid Size Y: defines vertical distance between the grid dots.
-
Grid Offset X: defines the horizontal offset of the grid from the design surface center.
-
Grid Offset Y: defines the vertical offset of the grid from the design surface center.
-
Align to Objects: makes an object align with other objects on the design surface. When an object is aligned, a line which marks the object alignment appears.
-
Align to Gridlines: aligns the selected objects with gridlines.
-
Note
Certain continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer models only print on predefined label surface positions. If such printer is currently selected, grid settings are defined by the printer driver and grayed out for this label. The Align to Gridlines option is automatically enabled.
-
Do Not Align: makes the object position independent of gridlines and position of other object(s).
Rotate view button rotates the design surface clockwise. Horizontal and vertical rulers adapt to the current position of the design surface.
Tip
Rotation type is defined by the printer driver. Certain drivers support complete 360 degrees rotation (90 degrees per click), while others allow 90 degrees rotation clockwise (portrait/landscape).
Solution Tab enables quick and easy access to commands that are related to the entire print solution. The tab makes the following ribbon groups available:
-
Clipboard: stores selected objects or groups of objects.
-
New: allows adding additional labels or forms to the active solution.
-
Action: starts the printing procedure or runs a form.
-
Import and Export: allows importing, publishing and exporting the solution files.
Clipboard group temporarily stores the selected elements, objects or groups of objects. Use the selected and stored objects to transfer them from one label or solution to another.
Tip
Copying and pasting of textual (plaint text, RTF) and graphical (bitmaps) content between multiple applications is supported.
-
Paste: pastes a document (label/form) into the solution.
-
Cut: removes the selected document from the solution and adds it to the clipboard to be pasted elsewhere.
-
Copy: copies the selected document to the clipboard.
-
Delete: deletes the selected object from the solution.
New allows adding additional labels or forms to the active solution. Labels and form that are included in the solution are listed in the Solution explorer.
-
New Label: adds a new label to the active solution. After clicking the New Label button the Label Setup Wizard appears.
-
New Form: adds a new form to the active solution. After clicking the New Form button, a blank design surface appears. The form is ready for editing.
Set as Startup Form sets the current form as your default Desktop Designer form. Next time you open your Solution, the startup form is opened and ready to run or edit.
Import and Export group allows importing, publishing, and exporting the solution files.
Import into Solution allows you to import documents into the solution. Supported file formats are:
-
Solution file (.nsln)
-
Label file (.nlbl)
-
Label file (V6) (.lbl)
-
Form File (V6) (.xff)
When an import command is issued, the Open dialog opens. Select the file you want to import. The imported file becomes visible in the solution manager.
Note
Label .lbl and form .xff files are legacy file types used with version 6 and earlier.
Export Label: saves the document to disk and makes it available for use in another solution. After clicking Export Label the Export label dialog appears. Select a location to save the label to.
Contextual tab is a hidden tab that becomes visible when a specific label or form object is selected on the design surface. Contextual tabs appear on the right side of the standard Desktop Designer tab. The selection of displayed tabs depends on the object that you are currently editing.
When editing various label objects, the following contextual tabs appear depending on the selected object:
Design tab serves as a contextual tab that defines the layout and positioning of the selected label object.
The following groups of settings are available on the Design tab:
-
General: defines object's visibility and printability on a label.
-
Positioning: defines the object's position on the design surface.
-
Arrange: positions the object relative to neighboring objects on a label.
General group defines the object's visibility and printability on a label.
-
Not printable: when enabled, this option prevents the object from being printed on the label. The object remains visible on the label preview.
-
Visible: when disabled, the object neither appears on the print preview nor on the printed label. The object is treated as if it does not exist.
-
Visibility settings: define if the selected object is going to appear on the printed label or not.
-
Condition: an object is enabled and/or visible if the result of the given condition is "True".
-
-
Printing Optimization: allows activating the use of printer elements (available with rectangle, barcode, line, ellipse and inverse objects).
-
Use printer element if supported: speeds up the printing process.
If enabled by the printer model, a share of label element processing is handled directly by the printer: internal fonts, shapes, barcodes, etc.
-
Always print as graphics: sends and prints the objects as graphic files.
-
-
Name: allows you to enter object name and its description.
Positioning group sets the object location and size on a label.
Position button opens:
-
X and Y: coordinates set the exact position on the design surface.
-
Width and Height: object dimensions.
-
Keep Aspect Ratio: makes sure both object dimensions change proportionally while resizing.
-
Rotation angle: rotates the object clockwise.
Anchoring Point button defines the spot where an object is pinned to the design surface. Variable size objects increase or decrease their size in the direction that is opposite to the chosen anchoring point.
Keep Aspect Ratio: makes sure the object is resized proportionally.
Lock prevents the selected object from being moved during the design process.
Group objects: adds selected objects to a group.
-
Group objects: unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects separates previously grouped objects.
Arrange: defines how objects are positioned in a group.
-
Bring forward: moves the selected object up one layer.
-
Bring to front: moves the selected object to the top of the object stack.
-
Send backward: moves the selected object down one layer.
-
Send to back: moves the selected object to the bottom of the object stack.
Barcode tab serves as a contextual tab that defines the type, layout and positioning of barcode object.
The following groups of settings are available on the Barcode tab:
Barcode group allows you to choose the barcode type and to set the dimensions of your barcode symbol.
Note
Settings in Barcode group depend on the selected barcode type.
-
Barcode Type: defines the type of the barcode symbol to be used on a label.
Tip
By default, Code128 barcode type is selected. For more details about the available barcode types, see section Barcode Types and Available Settings.
-
DataBar Type: if one of the DataBar barcode types is selected, DataBar Type defines its specific subtype to be used on the label.
-
X dimension: width of the barcode's narrow bar in the selected Unit of measurement.
-
Height: vertical dimension of your barcode in the selected Unit of measurement.
-
Ratio defines the ratio between the barcode's narrow and wide bar widths.
Each barcode type's range of permitted ratios is limited by the standard. Desktop Designer only allows you to use valid ratios. By default, the ratio is set to 3. This means that the wide bar is 3 times the width of a narrow bar.
Note
The available ratios depend on the selected X dimension. If you are changing the X dimension, this also affects the selection of available ratios.
-
Row height defines the height of a single data row in 2D barcodes. Row height is specified as a multiple over the X dimension.
Settings group allows you to configure barcode details.
Human Readable button defines the human readable content's layout.
-
No human readable: makes the barcode appear without the human readable text.
-
Above barcode: locates human readable text above the barcode.
-
Below barcode: locates human readable text below the barcode.
Style group allows you to set custom properties for human readable text.
-
Custom Font: enables font and font size selection. Internal printer fonts cannot be used as a custom human readable font.
-
Auto font scaling: If enabled (default setting), human readable text grows or shrinks proportionally along with the changing size of the barcode. To set a custom size for human readable text, disable this option and select the appropriate font size.
-
Bold: makes human readable text appear bold.
-
Italic: makes human readable text appear italic.
Tip
Barcode Details differ according to the barcode standards. Define the options that are given with regard to the currently selected barcode type. Details for 1D and 2D barcodes are described in dedicated sections:
Tip
Check digit is derived from the preceding barcode digits and is placed as the final digit of a barcode.
Color: sets the barcode's line and human readable content color on the printed label.
Group objects: adds selected objects to a group.
-
Group objects: unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects separates previously grouped objects.
Arrange: defines how objects are positioned in a group.
-
Bring forward: moves the selected object up one layer.
-
Bring to front: moves the selected object to the top of the object stack.
-
Send backward: moves the selected object down one layer.
-
Send to back: moves the selected object to the bottom of the object stack.
Shape tab serves as a contextual tab that defines the appearance of ellipse, rectangle and line objects.
The following groups of settings are available on the Shape tab:
Outline group defines how the line of the selected shape should appear.
Outline Style button options are:
-
None: makes the object line invisible.
-
Solid: makes the object line solid.
-
Dot: makes the object line dotted.
-
Dash: makes the object line dashed.
-
Clear: makes parts of other objects underneath the line invisible.
Outline Color defines the color of the shape's line.
Thickness defines the object line's width.
Corner radius makes the rectangle corners round. Higher values make the curve broader.
Fill group defines the shape's fill style and color.
Fill Style options are:
-
None: makes the object completely transparent.
-
Clear: makes other objects beneath the active one invisible.
-
Solid: fills the object with solid color.
-
Right Diagonal: fills the object with diagonal lines that ascend toward the right side.
-
Left Diagonal: fills the object with diagonal lines that ascend toward the left side.
-
Vertical: fills the object with vertical lines.
-
Horizontal: fills the object with horizontal lines.
-
Cross: fills the object with crossed lines.
-
Cross Diagonal: fills the object with diagonally crossed lines.
-
25% of color: sets fill color opacity to 25 %.
-
50% of color: sets fill color opacity to 50 %
-
75% of color: sets fill color opacity to 75 %.
Background Color defines the color of the shape's fill.
Group objects: adds selected objects to a group.
-
Group objects: unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects separates previously grouped objects.
Arrange: defines how objects are positioned in a group.
-
Bring forward: moves the selected object up one layer.
-
Bring to front: moves the selected object to the top of the object stack.
-
Send backward: moves the selected object down one layer.
-
Send to back: moves the selected object to the bottom of the object stack.
Picture tab serves as a contextual tab that defines picture resizing options and object arranging.
The following groups of settings are available on the Picture tab:
Resize group defines if the picture adapts to the label size at print time or not.
Picture Fit button opens the picture sizing options.
-
Resize options: define how the source file dimensions adapt to the size of object at print time.
-
Keep original picture size: disables resizing. The source file is displayed using the object with its original dimensions.
-
Resize proportionally: makes the source file resize proportionally. The aspect ratio of source file dimensions is preserved.
-
Resize to the designed size: resizes the picture horizontally and vertically to make it fit into the bounding box. Using this option will most likely make the picture distorted.
-
-
Original size: displays the picture's Width and Height before resizing.
-
Revert to original picture size: removes resizing actions.
Keep Aspect Ratio makes sure both object dimensions change proportionally while resizing.
Group objects: adds selected objects to a group.
-
Group objects: unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects separates previously grouped objects.
Arrange: defines how objects are positioned in a group.
-
Bring forward: moves the selected object up one layer.
-
Bring to front: moves the selected object to the top of the object stack.
-
Send backward: moves the selected object down one layer.
-
Send to back: moves the selected object to the bottom of the object stack.
Text tab serves as a contextual tab that defines formatting of Text and Text box objects.
The following groups of settings are available on the Text tab:
-
Format: lets you define the text format.
-
Text Settings: lets you define the layout of any textual content that is added to label object.
-
Arrange: positions the object relative to neighboring objects on a label.
Format group lets you define the text format.
-
Show/hide printer fonts: button turns visibility of printer fonts on the font list on/off.
-
Font: allows specifying the typeface and its size. Fonts fall into two groups, OpenType fonts and Printer fonts.
Note
If the currently selected printer is a thermal printer, additional fonts will be visible on the list of available fonts. These are the Printer fonts identified by the printer icon in front of their names.
-
The font may appear Bold, Italic, Underlined or as a Strikethrough text.
-
Alignment buttons allow you to align the text to the left, center, right, or evenly.
-
Font color: specifies font and underscore color.
-
Increase/decrease font buttons allow you to gradually change the font size.
-
Scaling: factor that defines how much the font is stretched from its original proportions.
Note
If the stretch factor is set to 100 %, the font has a normal look. If factor is 200 %, it means that font is twice as wide as normal. If it is 50 %, the font is half as wide.
Text Setting group allows defining the layout of any textual content that is added to the object.
Character and Paragraph button opens line and character spacing options:
-
Line spacing: distance between each line in a paragraph.
-
Character spacing: distance between individual characters.
Effects button displays the available text effects:
-
Inverse: inverts the colors of text and background.
-
Mirror: mirrors the text.
-
RTL printing: prints the text from right to left.
Tip
Most thermal printers automatically print Arabic and Hebrew text from right-to-left. Enable this option it if the operating system does not provide native RTL support.
Text Fit button opens the automatic text sizing options:
-
None: disables the resizing. In this case, text field dimensions and font size do not adapt to the amount of inserted content in a text box.
-
Ignore excessive content: removes the text content that does not fit into the object.
Tip
When enabled, the object only uses the amount of text that can be contained in the box. The remaining text is discarded.
-
Adjust height to fit content: adapts the text box height to fit the content.
-
Fit content by adjusting font size: sets the acceptable label object font size range. Font size adapts to the text box size automatically.
Note
Text Fit button is available when configuring the Rich text box object.
Group objects: adds selected objects to a group.
-
Group objects: unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects separates previously grouped objects.
Arrange: defines how objects are positioned in a group.
-
Bring forward: moves the selected object up one layer.
-
Bring to front: moves the selected object to the top of the object stack.
-
Send backward: moves the selected object down one layer.
-
Send to back: moves the selected object to the bottom of the object stack.
Contextual tab is a hidden tab that is displayed in the tab row when a specific form object is selected on the design surface. Contextual tabs appear on the right side of the standard Desktop Designer tabs.
The following tabs appear offering easy access to the object-specific commands:
-
Object: allows defining object printability, its position, and arrangement.
-
Form Control: allows defining form object related specifics – its layout and assigned events.
-
Picture: gives access to picture-related events and picture resizing options.
Design tab serves as a contextual tab that defines the layout and positioning of the selected label object.
The following groups of settings are available on the Design tab:
-
General: defines object's visibility and printability on a label.
-
Positioning: defines the object's position on the design surface.
-
Arrange: positions the object relative to neighboring objects on a label.
General group enables/disables the object and defines its visibility on a form.
-
Enabled: defines if the object is going to be active (editable) at form startup or not.
-
Visible: defines if the selected object is going to appear on the form or not.
-
Conditions: an object is enabled and/or visible if the result of the given condition is "True".
-
Name: allows you to enter object name and its description.
Positioning group sets the object location and size on a form.
Position button opens:
-
X and Y: coordinates set the exact position on the design surface (in px).
-
Width and Height: object dimensions.
Anchoring Point button defines the spot where an object is pinned to the design surface. Variable size objects increase or decrease their size in the direction that is opposite to the chosen anchoring point.
-
Horizontally resize with form and Vertically resize with form: object size automatically adapts to the changing size of the form.
-
Horizontally resize with form: object width adapts to the resized form.
-
Vertically resize with form: object height adapts to the resized form.
-
Note
If both options are enabled, object width and height adapt to the resized form simultaneously.
Keep Aspect Ratio makes sure the object is resized proportionally.
Lock prevents the selected object from being moved during the design process.
Group objects: adds selected objects to a group.
-
Group objects: unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects separates previously grouped objects.
Arrange: defines how objects are positioned in a group.
-
Bring forward: moves the selected object up one layer.
-
Bring to front: moves the selected object to the top of the object stack.
-
Send backward: moves the selected object down one layer.
-
Send to back: moves the selected object to the bottom of the object stack.
Form control tab enables you to assign actions to the object, and to set its appearance.
The following groups of settings are available on the Form control tab:
-
Events: lets you define various events that can be run using the selected object.
-
Style: defines how the content of a form object should appear. This group adapts to the currently selected form object. The following variations are in use:
-
Style group for textual content (objects: Text, Button, Memo Field, Combo Box, List Box, checkbox,
-
Style group for graphical content (objects: Frame, Label Preview)
-
Style group for table content (objects: Database Table)
-
-
Arrange: positions the object relative to neighboring objects on a label.
Events group lets you define various events that can be run using the selected object.
-
Events button opens the list of available events for the selected object.
Example:
Typical events in Desktop Designer are On Click, On Focus, On Exit, etc.
Each event is run using actions. Actions... button provides access to the Actions editor which serves as a tool for managing actions in a labeling solution.
Style group defines how the textual content of a form object should appear.
Show/hide printer fonts button makes the printer fonts available on the typeface list or hidden.
Font allows specifying the typeface and its size. Fonts fall into two groups, OpenType fonts and Printer fonts.
Note
If the currently selected printer is a thermal printer, additional fonts will be available on the list of available fonts. They are Printer fonts identified by the printer icon in front of their names.
The font may appear Bold, Italic, Underlined or as a Strikethrough text.
Scaling is a factor that defines, how much the font is stretched from its original proportions. If the factor is 100%, the font has a normal look. If factor is 200%, it means that font is twice as wide as normal. If it is 50%, the font is stretched.
Text alignment defines horizontal positioning of the object content.
-
Align Left: places the text on the left border of an object.
-
Align Center: places the text at the center of an object.
-
Align Right: places the text on the right border of an object.
Font color allows specifying the font and underline colors.
Background Color defines the color of the object background.
Border Color button opens border color settings.
Text Settings defines the text layout.
Style group defines the layout of graphic form objects.
-
Show Border defines if the object border is visible or not.
-
Border Settings button opens Border color and Border width settings.
-
Background color defines the color of object background.
Style group defines the appearance of Database Table object on a form.
-
Table Style defines visual appearance of the object and its content.
-
Cell Style defines visual appearance of the selected cells in Database Table object.
Group objects: adds selected objects to a group.
-
Group objects: unites the selected objects and makes them behave as a single object.
-
Ungroup objects separates previously grouped objects.
Arrange: defines how objects are positioned in a group.
-
Bring forward: moves the selected object up one layer.
-
Bring to front: moves the selected object to the top of the object stack.
-
Send backward: moves the selected object down one layer.
-
Send to back: moves the selected object to the bottom of the object stack.
Picture tab serves as a contextual tab that defines picture resizing options and object arranging.
The following groups of settings are available on the Picture tab:
Document Storage contextual tab allows you to perform document storage actions within Desktop Designer.
Document Storage is a functionality of NiceLabel Control Center. It enables the NiceLabel Control Center to perform as a shared file repository on the server, where users can store their files, retrieve them, and control their revisions.
Document Storage contextual tab enables you to perform document storage actions straight from Desktop Designer. This makes accessing and opening the file in NiceLabel Control Center unnecessary.
Note
This contextual tab requires connection with NiceLabel Control Center. LMS Enterprise license is mandatory for such configurations.
Revisioning group allows you to perform the available document storage actions:
-
Check Out: checks out the file from NiceLabel Control Center document storage and makes it available for editing. The checked-out file is marked and locked for editing for any other user. All other users will see the current revision of the file, while the author (designer) already works on a new draft.
Note
After opening a document from the document storage (File > Open > Document Storage), the editing commands remain disabled until you check out the document.
-
Check In: checks the file to NiceLabel Control Center document storage after the editing is done. When you check in the file, its revision number increments by one. The entered comment is added to file log.
-
Discard Checkout: discards checkout of the current file and gives other users full access to the file.
Warning
If you click Discard Checkout, you irreversibly lose all changes that any of the users did after checking out the file. To keep the changes, check in the labels or solutions first.
-
Document Storage: opens document storage location of the connected NiceLabel Control Center.
Help tab provides direct access to various resources that help you design and use labels and forms quickly and efficiently.
Help ribbon group includes buttons with links to the following resources.
-
Help: Desktop Designer online help.
-
User Guides: online collection of NiceLabel user guides. The collection includes user guides for the entire product portfolio.
-
Training Videos: NiceLabel collection of training videos.
-
Knowledge Base: online library of articles that describe many technical solutions, tips, and solved issues for labels, and printing solutions.
-
Technical Support: connects you with NiceLabel technical support department.
Product ribbon group includes links to:
-
NiceLabel Home Page: www.nicelabel.com
The RFID Tag dialog allows you to select the appropriate RFID tag type, to define its content, and to configure which type of data is going to be encoded on the tag.
Note
RFID functionality is available with installed Loftware printer driver.
RFID Tag dialog allows you to configure how the tag content is encoded in a tag:
The Tag panel of the RFID Tag dialog allows you to select which tag type is going to carry the encoded data and how the data should be written to the tag.
Tag group includes the tag type selection.
Note
Select the printer (and the corresponding driver) for the label with RFID tag in the status bar.
Usage group defines the RFID Tag data sources and how the data is written to the tag.
-
RFID write enabled: Enables or disables data writing to the RFID tag.
Tip
Disabled writing might be useful during the label designing process or during specific workflow phases.
The encodable RFID data fields are added to the Dynamic Data explorer under RFID Tag.
Example 6. Example
Data Field Possibilities:
-
EPC: Data field with Electronic Product Code
-
User Data: Data field with the content to be encoded on the RFID tag
-
TID: Data field with unique ID of the RFID tag
-
GID Code: General identifier code for RFID tags
-
CID Code: Card identification number
The Content panel of the RFID Tag dialog allows you to define the content of an RFID tag. To encode the data in an RFID tag, complete the following steps.
Step 1: Select Data Fields
Data Fields group allows you to select the data fields. These fields are going to contain the encoded data of the RFID tag.
Note
The selection of available Data Fields with corresponding settings depends on the selected Tag type.
Data Field Examples:
-
TID: unique ID of the RFID tag
-
EPC: syntax for unique identifiers assigned to objects, unit loads, locations, or other entities that are included in business operations
-
User Data: payload data to be written in the RFID tag
-
RFID Tag Memory: the only data field available for non-Gen2 RFID tags
Step 2: Select Data Type
Data type defines the method for entering the Data field content. The availability of data types depends on the selected Data field.
-
Memory block: the table allows you to enter the data into individual RFID tag memory blocks. Each table row represents a single block of the selected Tag type.
Note
Memory block structure and properties of individual blocks depend on the selected Tag type.
Note
Data type can be defined for each block individually:
-
Electronic Product Code (EPC): added fields allow you to enter the RFID data according to the EPC standard.
-
ASCII string: RFID data to be entered as a string of ASCII characters.
-
HEX encoded string: RFID data to be entered as a string of hexadecimal pairs.
-
Numeric: RFID data to be entered as a string of digits.
Encoding type allow you to select the data encoding format that corresponds to your current Data type.
Step 3: Insert Value
Insert the value to be encoded in the RFID tag according to the selected Data type.
Security tab of the RFID Tag dialog allows you to configure the RFID tag security settings. These settings allow or deny access to RFID data writing or editing.
Security settings depend on the selected printer. There are three major configuration types.
Locking group includes an overview of the blocks that are included in the RFID tag memory. Each block can be locked individually.
To protect the block for editing and writing, enable the Block locked option.
Lock all blocks option allows you to lock all blocks in the memory field simultaneously or unlock them if they are already locked.
Access Protection group sets a password that must be entered before editing or writing the RFID data.
Data type defines the method for entering the Password.
-
ASCII string: Password should be entered as a string of ASCII characters.
-
HEX encoded string: Password should be entered as a string of hexadecimal pairs.
-
Numeric: Password should be entered as a string of digits.
Kill code defines the code that disables the RFID tag permanently and irreversibly.
Tip
Once the kill code is activated, the data can neither be retrieved from nor written to the tag.
Data type defines the method for entering the Kill code characters.
-
ASCII string: Kill code should be entered as a string of ASCII characters.
-
HEX encoded string: Kill code should be entered as a string of hexadecimal pairs.
-
Numeric: Kill code should be entered as a string of digits.
Additional settings from Multiple Memory Fields allow the user to set the locking for individual blocks within RFID tag memory fields.
Locking group includes an overview of the memory fields that are included in the RFID tag. Each memory field can be locked individually.
Select locking settings allows you to define how the blocks are locked.
-
Preserve original setting: original locking setting cannot be retrieved, but the default option assumes that the tag setting should remain unchanged.
-
Lock: block is locked and further changes are prevented.
-
Unlock: block is unlocked and editable.
-
Relock: RFID tag is unlocked for the changes to be applied. When done, the tag is relocked immediately.
-
Permanent lock, unlock or relock: makes the above described settings permanent. These settings cannot be undone.
Blocks for locking: defines the individual blocks or range(s) of blocks to be locked.
Tip
Individually locked blocks are defined with an index and separated by a comma (with or without inserting the space between). Ranges of blocks are defined with a dash.
Note
Available settings depend on your selected printer driver. If you do not see your settings described here, check your Driver User Guide.
Settings tab of the RFID Tag dialog allows you to configure various tag settings related to its structure and programming.
All available settings are listed in a table under the Settings group:
-
Antenna offset: defines distance between the top of the label and the embedded RFID inlay.
-
Power attenuation: specifies radio output power. Use it to adjust RF emission power from the antenna.
-
Maximum tags to stop: specifies how many tags are allowed to be programmed incorrectly before the printing of labels stops. The option can be used as a precautionary measure because it prevents endless consumption of erroneous labels. When the programming of the RFID tag fails, usually the word "VOID" is printed on the label.
-
Number of retries: specifies the number of times the printer tries to program the tag if the initial attempt fails. The parameter is sent to the printer along with the rest of the data.
-
Check for valid tag: before the tag programming begins, printer verifies if a proper RFID tag is available on the smart label. The printer also verifies if the tag is programmable.
-
Verify data write: once the data has been encoded into the RFID tag, the printer checks if the written data is equal to the original value.
-
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS): is an anti-theft system used where an electronically-detectable tag is attached to the item.
-
Preserve original EAS setting: original EAS setting cannot be retrieved, but the default option assumes that the tag setting should remain unchanged.
-
Enable EAS: enables surveillance in the RFID tag. If this was the original setting, the tag would remain unchanged.
-
Disable EAS: disable surveillance in the RFID tag. If this was the original setting, the tag would remain unchanged.
-
Permanently lock EAS tag setting: permanently locks the chosen setting for the EAS. This lock cannot be undone.
-
Note
The selection of available settings depends on the current Tag type.
This section describes how to define which data fields from the RFID tag should be read and printed on the label using the internal printer elements.
To configure the data field properties and to make the RFID encoded data on the label, drag it to design surface. After adding it to design surface, the data field appears as a normal Text label object with the following additional properties.
Data format defines the format in which the RFID data field content is written in the label object and printed.
Note
Available data formats and number of permitted characters are defined by the printer driver and selected tag type.
-
HEX encoded string: data field content is a string of hexadecimal pairs.
-
ASCII string: data field content is a string of ASCII characters.
-
Numeric: data field content is a string of numbers.
Note
You must select a printer's native font (those stored internally on the printer) to print. All other fonts will result in an error.
Preview presents the data field content as it would appear using the selected Data format. Preview field does not include the actual encoded data. Enter the characters manually. By default, the object contains as many question marks, as given by the length of the RFID data field.
Tip
The role of Preview field is to fill the object with dummy content during the label design process and to give an impression of its layout on the printed label. The object on the actual printed label displays the content which was read from the RFID tag.
Data Extraction group defines which part(s) of data field content should be read from the RFID tag and printed on the label.
Tip
By default, the entire range of encoded data is read from the RFID tag.
-
Select bytes: specifies which bytes of the encoded RFID tag data should appear in the label object.
-
Starting byte: the number of the byte in an encoded string which starts the selection.
-
Length in bytes: number of selected bytes which should be extracted from the encoded data.
-
-
Select blocks: specifies which blocks of the encoded RFID tag data should appear in the label object.
-
Starting block: the number of the block in an encoded string which starts the selection.
-
Number of blocks: number of selected blocks which should be extracted from the encoded data.
-