Printable LV7 Help

LABELVIEW Help
Table Of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1
Help with Online Help ..................................................................................................................... 2
About the Help Window................................................................................................................ 2
Display Help Using the Contents Tab........................................................................................... 2
Display Help Using the Index Tab ...............................................................................................2
Display Help Using the Search Tab ............................................................................................. 2
Searching Help ........................................................................................................................... 2
Printing a Help Topic.................................................................................................................... 2
Installing and Uninstalling the Program............................................................................................. 4
System Requirements.................................................................................................................. 4
Security Key ............................................................................................................................... 4
Installing the Security Key......................................................................................................... 4
Installing the Label Design Software .............................................................................................. 4
Single User Installation ............................................................................................................. 4
Uninstalling the Program .............................................................................................................. 5
Network Installations ................................................................................................................... 5
Network Installations ................................................................................................................ 5
About License Manager ............................................................................................................. 6
Using License Manager.............................................................................................................. 6
Setting System Security ................................................................................................................. 7
About System Security ................................................................................................................ 7
Groups of Users ....................................................................................................................... 7
Setting Up Security for a User....................................................................................................... 7
Exploring the Design Environment.................................................................................................... 9
The Menu Bar ............................................................................................................................. 9
Style Bar.................................................................................................................................... 9
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Table Of Contents
Server Bar................................................................................................................................ 10
Drawtools Bar ........................................................................................................................... 10
Float Bar .................................................................................................................................. 11
Status Bar ................................................................................................................................ 12
Rotation Button......................................................................................................................... 12
Rulers...................................................................................................................................... 12
Customizing the Design Environment ............................................................................................. 13
Modifying Display Settings.......................................................................................................... 13
Displaying Toolbars ................................................................................................................... 13
Displaying Pictures and Paragraphs ............................................................................................. 13
Setting the Directory that Click Print Displays ............................................................................... 13
Setting Up a Printer...................................................................................................................... 15
Selecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................... 15
Installing a Printer Driver ........................................................................................................... 15
Creating, Opening, and Saving Labels............................................................................................. 17
Creating a New Label................................................................................................................. 17
Opening an Existing Label .......................................................................................................... 17
Opening Label Files from the Internet .......................................................................................... 17
Converting Old Label Files .......................................................................................................... 18
Importing a Label File ................................................................................................................ 18
Saving a Label .......................................................................................................................... 18
Setting Up a Label........................................................................................................................ 20
Setting the Default Label Width and Height .................................................................................. 20
Setting Label Setup Options ....................................................................................................... 20
Setting Up Label Inventory ......................................................................................................... 20
Adding Fields and Objects ............................................................................................................. 22
Data Sources ............................................................................................................................ 22
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LABELVIEW Help
Text and Paragraph Fields .......................................................................................................... 23

Adding Text ........................................................................................................................... 23
Adding a Paragraph ................................................................................................................ 23
Bar Code Fields ......................................................................................................................... 24
Adding a Linear Bar Code ........................................................................................................ 24
Using a Check Digit Function to Calculate a Check Digit............................................................... 24
Adding an HIBC Bar Code ........................................................................................................ 24
2D Bar Code Symbologies ....................................................................................................... 25
Adding a 2D Bar Code ............................................................................................................. 26
Pictures and Shapes .................................................................................................................. 26
Adding a Picture ..................................................................................................................... 26
About Shapes ........................................................................................................................ 27
Adding a Shape...................................................................................................................... 27
OLE Objects.............................................................................................................................. 28
About OLE Objects.................................................................................................................. 28
Adding an OLE Object ............................................................................................................. 28
Working with Linked OLE Objects ............................................................................................. 29
Converting an OLE Object to a Picture....................................................................................... 29
Lines and Boxes ........................................................................................................................ 30
Adding a Line......................................................................................................................... 30
Adding a Box ......................................................................................................................... 30
Working with Placed Objects ......................................................................................................... 32
Keyboard Shortcuts ................................................................................................................... 32
Moving and Sizing Fields ............................................................................................................ 33
Copying a Field ......................................................................................................................... 33
Selecting Multiple Fields ............................................................................................................. 34
Redrawing a Label ..................................................................................................................... 34
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Table Of Contents
Deleting a Field ......................................................................................................................... 34

Working with Databases ............................................................................................................... 35
About Database Data Sources..................................................................................................... 35
dBase ................................................................................................................................... 35
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC DB) ................................................................................... 35
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE DB) ................................................................................... 35
Using the Database Grid ............................................................................................................ 35
dBase Databases....................................................................................................................... 36
Setting the Path to Database Files ............................................................................................ 36
Adding a dBase Field............................................................................................................... 36
ODBC Databases ....................................................................................................................... 37
About ODBC Databases ........................................................................................................... 37
Installing the ODBC Data Source Administrator and Drivers ......................................................... 37
Configuring the ODBC Drivers .................................................................................................. 38
Adding an ODBC Field ............................................................................................................. 39
Creating a Customized SQL Statement ...................................................................................... 40
Refreshing ODBC Data at Print Time ......................................................................................... 41
OLE DB Databases .................................................................................................................... 41
About OLE DB Databases......................................................................................................... 41
Creating an OLE DB Connection................................................................................................ 41
Adding an OLE DB Field........................................................................................................... 42
Using Functions ........................................................................................................................... 44
Combining Fields....................................................................................................................... 44
Linked Expressions .................................................................................................................... 45
Functions for Building Linked Expressions .................................................................................. 45
Linked Functions Used to Manipulate Fields .................................................................................. 47
String Functions ..................................................................................................................... 48
LABELVIEW Help
Numeric/Currency Functions .................................................................................................... 54

Other Functions...................................................................................................................... 56
Linked Functions Used to Perform Logical Operations..................................................................... 58
Linked Functions Used to Perform Mathematical Operations............................................................ 63
Date and Time Functions............................................................................................................ 66
Check Digit Functions ................................................................................................................ 70
Using Serial Files and Accumulator Files.......................................................................................... 72
Serial Files ............................................................................................................................... 72
About Counters and Serial Files ................................................................................................ 72
Creating a Serial File............................................................................................................... 72
Accumulator Files ...................................................................................................................... 73
About Accumulator Files .......................................................................................................... 73
Creating an Accumulator File ................................................................................................... 73
Setting a Field to Accumulate................................................................................................... 74
Adding an Accumulator File Field .............................................................................................. 74
Entering Values at Print Time ........................................................................................................ 75
About Data Entered at Print Time ................................................................................................ 75
Sorting Prompts ........................................................................................................................ 75
When Printed............................................................................................................................ 75
Adding a When Printed Field .................................................................................................... 75
Pick List ................................................................................................................................... 76
Creating a Pick List File ........................................................................................................... 76
Data Dictionary ......................................................................................................................... 77
Configuring a Data Dictionary .................................................................................................. 77
Adding a Data Dictionary Field ................................................................................................. 79
Logging Label Data ...................................................................................................................... 80
About Logging .......................................................................................................................... 80
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Table Of Contents
General Label Reports ............................................................................................................. 80

Reports for Specific Labels....................................................................................................... 80
Enabling the Log Feature............................................................................................................ 80
Setting Up Logging for Label Fields.............................................................................................. 81
Displaying Log Files in Log Viewer ............................................................................................... 81
Working in Log Viewer ............................................................................................................... 81
Customizing Reports in Log Viewer .............................................................................................. 83
Adding Headers/Footers to Reports in Log Viewer.......................................................................... 83
Printing Labels............................................................................................................................. 85
Printing Options ........................................................................................................................ 85
Printing Labels .......................................................................................................................... 85
Printing a Test Label .................................................................................................................. 86
Printing a Label with a Database Field.......................................................................................... 87
Printing Labels Using Label Select ............................................................................................... 87
Separating Print Jobs ................................................................................................................. 88
Back Feed ............................................................................................................................. 88
Feed Label............................................................................................................................. 88
Run Separators ...................................................................................................................... 88
Command Line Printing .............................................................................................................. 88
Command Line Switches.......................................................................................................... 88
Printing Labels Automatically ......................................................................................................... 90
DataWatch ............................................................................................................................... 90
About DataWatch ................................................................................................................... 90
Using DataWatch to Print Records Automatically......................................................................... 90
Command Files ......................................................................................................................... 90
About Command Files ............................................................................................................. 90
Command Files that Use a Definition File ................................................................................... 91
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LABELVIEW Help
Command File Formatting........................................................................................................ 92

Command File Commands ....................................................................................................... 92
Setting Up the DBF File Command File Type............................................................................... 95
Setting Up the Single ASCII Command File Type ........................................................................ 96
Setting Up the Multiple ASCII Command File Type ...................................................................... 96
Setting Up the Multiple Raw Data Command File Type................................................................. 97
Setting Up a Command File Database ....................................................................................... 99
Executing Command Files........................................................................................................ 99
Label Select............................................................................................................................ 100
About Label Select................................................................................................................ 100
Configuring Label Select ........................................................................................................ 100
Setting Up a Database for Label Select.................................................................................... 101
Printing Labels Using Label Select........................................................................................... 101
Printing Labels from a Pocket PC .................................................................................................. 103
Printing Labels from PRINTPAD .................................................................................................... 104
Using Input from External Devices ............................................................................................... 105
About CommWatch.................................................................................................................. 105
CommWatch Settings .............................................................................................................. 105
Configuring CommWatch.......................................................................................................... 106
Adding a CommWatch Field ...................................................................................................... 106
Linking Database Fields to CommWatch ..................................................................................... 106
Advanced Features..................................................................................................................... 108
About Media Tracking .............................................................................................................. 108
Tracking.ini File.................................................................................................................... 108
OLE Automation ...................................................................................................................... 111
Job Modifier............................................................................................................................ 111
About Job Modifier ................................................................................................................ 111
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Table Of Contents
Job Modifier Commands ........................................................................................................ 112

Adding Instructions to a Job Modifier Script ............................................................................. 114
Examples of Job Modifier Scripts ............................................................................................ 114
DDE Server ............................................................................................................................ 115
About DDE Server ................................................................................................................ 115
Components of a DDE Conversation........................................................................................ 116
DDE Commands ................................................................................................................... 116
DDE Sample ........................................................................................................................ 117
Launching DDE .................................................................................................................... 118
Index ....................................................................................................................................... 121
ix
Introduction
This label design software is an easy-to-use, multi-purpose tool that can handle the most demanding label
production projects. More than 30 linear bar code symbologies and 12 two-dimensional and composite
symbologies are available to meet the needs of virtually any industry or specification. The software can
print to hundreds of thermal and thermal transfer printers, dot matrix or line printers and any Windows
printer.
Depending on the specific edition that you are using entry-level (BASIC) for standard labeling
applications, middle-range (PRO) or high-end (GOLD) with more advanced tools different features are
available. Although all features are described in this Help, they may not be available in your edition.
(Those features available only in the high-end "Gold" edition are indicated with the message "This is a
GOLD edition feature".)
View a feature chart (in PDF format) comparing the three editions of the label design software...
Help with Online Help

About the Help Window
The Help window is divided into two panes. The navigation pane is on the left and includes three tabs used
to select help topics. The right side is the topic pane that displays the topic that was selected in the
navigation pane.
If the navigation pane is not visible, click Show. Click Hide to display only the topic pane.
Display Help Using the Contents Tab

The Contents tab displays books and pages that represent the categories of information in the help
system. Click on a book to display the other books and pages it contains. Click on a page to select a topic
to view in the right pane.
Display Help Using the Index Tab

The Index tab displays a list of keywords associated with topics. To open a topic in the right pane
associated with a keyword, select the word and click Display.
Display Help Using the Search Tab

The Search tab is used to search for words and locate topics that contain those words. Enter a word or
phrase to search for and click List Topics.
Searching Help
If you are unable to find the information you need by selecting topics from the Contents, you can search
using the Index or Search tabs.
Use keywords to refine your search

1.
In the navigation pane click on the Index tab.
2.
In the Type in a keyword to find box, enter a keyword for your search, or select a keyword
from the list.
3.
Click Display.
Search Help by entering a phrase or question

1.
In the navigation pane click on the Search tab.
2.
In the Type in a keyword to find box, enter one or more words for your search.
3.
Click List Topics.
4.
Select the topic, then click Display.
Printing a Help Topic

Help topics can be printed right from the Help Viewer.
To print a Help topic

1.
From the Contents tab, select a topic so it is displayed in the right-hand pane.
2.
From the Help window toolbar, click Print.
Help with Online Help
3.
To print the current topic, select Print the selected topic.
4.
To print all topics contained in a book, select Print the selected heading and all subtopics.
5.
Select the required print options.
6.
Click Print.
Installing and Uninstalling the Program

System Requirements
The basic software and hardware requirements needed to run the label design software are similar to
those of most applications running on Microsoft Windows. You will need:
IBM-compatible, 486 or higher computer
Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or
Windows XP
16 MB RAM with Windows 95 (32 MB recommended)
32 MB RAM with Windows 98 or Windows Me (64 MB recommended)
64 MB RAM with Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows XP (128 MB recommended)
VGA monitor or better
Hard drive with at least 50 MB free disk space
CD-ROM drive
Security Key
The software includes a security key that must be installed on a PC to run the software. The security key
is a small device that contains information about the software version and the number of users that are
authorized to run the label design software.
If you have a PRINTPAD terminal, the key is not necessary to print labels, but it is needed on the PC
during the label design process in order for your labels to print properly from any source (PC or
PRINTPAD).
Note: Without the software security key, the program will run as a Demo version and will place a demo
message on all labels printed with the software.
Installing the Security Key

The software security key is easy to usesimply connect it to your parallel (LPT) port or USB port BEFORE
launching the software. If a printer will be attached to the same parallel port, connect the printer cable to
the security key. The printer may need to be powered on before the key is recognized.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT connect the key to the back of the printer. The key and your printer are not
related. The security key MUST be connected to a parallel port (or a USB port if you have a USB key).
Installing the Label Design Software

Single User Installation
1.
Attach the software security key.
2.
Insert the CD. The CD's opening screen will appear. (If the CD does not automatically open, go to
the Windows Start button / Run dialog and type <Drive Letter>:\CDSetup.exe.)
Installing and Uninstalling the Program
3.
On the opening screen of the CD, select the product to install and then click the Run/Install
button.
4.
Follow the instructions displayed on the screen to select and install the software.
Uninstalling the Program

To remove the label design software from your PC, do one of the following:
From the Windows Start menu, select Programs and locate the label design software's program
group. Select Uninstall from the software's program group and following the dialogs to uninstall
the software.
OR
From the Windows Start menu, select Settings - Control Panel and double-click on
Add/Remove Programs. Scroll to locate the label design software, select it, and then click
Remove.
Note: Uninstalling will not remove the label design software's main directory as there are databases,
labels, and other files that it leaves intact.
Network Installations
Network Installations
Follow the guidelines below when installing a multi-user/network version of the label design software:
The label design software must be installed on a server along with the License Manager
application. Any workstation that will run the label design software must also have the software
installed locally.
The security key must be attached to the server. Only one security key is included with a network
version of the software, pre-programmed with the number of licenses purchased.
The hard drive on the machine where the key is attached must be shared and mapped allowing
full read/write access to all potential users. This is necessary for the network License Manager.
Note: The License Manager application is not compatible with Novell systems, so Novell network users
must designate a Windows workstation to be the key server.
Network Installation Procedure

1.
Select one computer on the network to act as the key server. It can be the network file server, or
any of the workstations. Install the label design software and the security key on this machine to
load the necessary files. This machine must be running in order for the users to access the label
design software.
2.
Run the LVLICENSEMANAGER.EXE application found in the program's root directory. This file is
needed only on the machine that has the key attached.
The License Manager application allows many users to access the label design software at the
same time, from anywhere on the network. When users are logged onto the program, their user
names will appear in the license manager window, so administrators can keep track of who is using
the program.
LABELVIEW Help
3.
Install the software on each workstation where the label design software will be used. Through
Windows, map the network drive where the label design software is installed. Refer to your
Windows Help or system administrator for the necessary instructions.
4.
On each workstation, run the label design software and configure it to the network, as follows:
A.
Select Configuration from the Options menu and then click the Network tab.
B.
Select the Network Key check box.
C.
In the Server Location box, specify the location of the system License Manager. This is
the map to the network drive that you defined earlier. Note: You can specify a drive and
then click Auto find to have the label design software find the location automatically.
D.
Shut down and restart the label design software to complete the network installation.
About License Manager

The License Manager (LVLICENSEMANAGER.EXE) program, included with the network installation package,
controls access to the security key across the network. It must be running if anyone is to have access at
the proper level. If this program is not active, then all users will operate in Demo mode. The location of
this program must be shared, allowing other workstations full read/write access.
The License Manager application allows many users to access the label design software at the same time,
from anywhere on the network. When users are logged onto the program, their user names will appear in
the License Manager window, so administrators can keep track of who is using the program.
Using License Manager

The License Manager must be installed and running for users on the network to have full access to the
label design software. License Manager also serves to inform the system administrator of the name and
number of users currently logged in to the label design software.
To run and use License Manager

1.
Launch License Manager from the program Start menu.

The License Manager dialog box appears displaying a list of users, if any, who are currently using
the label design software.
2.
Use the following buttons to use License Manager and display information:
Closes License Manager.
Updates the display to show the users currently logged in to the label design software. (The
display is automatically updated every few seconds.)
Displays License Manager version information.

3.
Click
to exit License Manager.
Setting System Security

About System Security
The system security feature allows you to restrict users to certain features of the program. You can set up
system security by assigning a user ID and password and then selecting the tasks the user may perform.
When you restart the program after setting up a user, the security feature is enabled, and all users will be
required to log in before using the program.
IMPORTANT: If you intend to set up system security, you must first define a user who will have access
to the entire system. Without this administrator access, you can become inadvertently locked out from
all or portions of the program.
Groups of Users
The user ID does not necessarily have to belong to an individual user. It can represent a group of users.
Here are some examples:
Set up a user ID for label designers (e.g., Designer), giving them access to all tasks associated
with designing and modifying labels, but not to administrative tasks such as modifying label
inventory or user rights.
Set up a user ID for those responsible for printing labels (e.g., Printing), and limit their access to
tasks associated with printing labels.
The administrator of system security should inform each user of the user IDs and passwords that give
them access to all the functionality they need to do their jobs.
Setting Up Security for a User

The program's system security features allow you to set up a user (or user group) with access to specific
areas of system functionality.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to set up an administrator with access to the entire system before enabling
system security. Without this administrator access, you can become inadvertently locked out from the
program or portions of the program.
To set up a user
1.
On the Options menu, click Security.
2.
Click New.
3.
Enter a user ID in User ID box. For example, for the administrator the User ID might be
"Admin".
4.
Enter a password in the Password box.
Note: The User Id and Password are each limited to 10 characters.

5.
Set up access privileges for this user by selecting the appropriate check boxes. For example, for
the administrator you would want to select all the check boxes to allow access to the entire
system and all system tasks.
6.
Click OK. The System Security dialog box appears displaying the new user.
7.
Click Exit to return to the design window.
LABELVIEW Help
System security does not take effect until you exit and restart the program. When you restart the
program, you will be prompted for a password.
To disable system security once it has been enabled
1.
On the Options menu, click Security.
2.
Delete all existing users.
3.
Exit and restart the program.
Exploring the Design Environment

The Menu Bar
The Menu Bar is composed of eight command menus: File, Edit, Draw, View, Tools, Options, Server
and Help.
To open a menu
1.
Using the mouse, click on the menu name to display its list of commands.
2.
Click the desired command.
Style Bar
The Style Bar contains a variety of tool buttons that are used to open and save labels, print labels and
control other label design display and setup properties. Many of the Style Bar functions are also available
from the File menu.
Button
Purpose
Displays the Label Setup tabs for you to
create a new blank label.
Displays the Open dialog box for you to
select an existing label to open.
Saves changes made to the current label
since you last saved it.
Displays the prompts or the printing
dialog box for you to print the current
label.
Displays the label design grid that forces
objects to line up according to the grid
settings.
Zooms in on the currently active label
design, allowing you to view images on
an enlarged scale.
Zooms out of the currently active label
design, allowing a larger portion of the
label to be viewed on the design screen.
Name Mode displays the fields using
their field names.
XXX Mode displays the maximum length
(using Xs) of the objects on the label; for
database fields, displays the maximum
LABELVIEW Help
length of the field.

Value Mode displays the value of the
object or, for database fields, displays a
sample value from the database
(typically the value from the first record
in the database).
Displays the online Help.
Server Bar
The Server Bar contains tool buttons that activate several advanced data integration features available in
this label design software.
Button
Purpose
Activates the DataWatch feature.
Activates the DDE Server feature.
Activates the Command File feature.
Activates the Label Select feature.
Drawtools Bar
The Drawtools Bar allows you to add text, bar codes, pictures and other objects to your label design. The
Drawtools Bar functions are also available from the Draw menu.
Button
Purpose
Adds a text field to the current label.
Adds a paragraph to the current label.
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Exploring the Design Environment
Adds a bar code to the current label.
Adds an HIBC bar code to the current

label (available only in the GOLD
edition).
Adds a 2D bar code to the current label.
Adds a picture to the current label.
Allows you to embed an object created in

another application
Adds a box or rectangle to the current

label.
Adds a line to the current label.
Adds a shape to the current label.
Float Bar
The Float Bar tool buttons are used to position objects on the label in relation to each other.
To use the Float Bar buttons you must first select the object in your label that you want to move. You can
select more than one object if you want to bring them into alignment with each other. With the object(s)
selected, click the Float Bar button that corresponds to the placement you want.
Button
Purpose
Aligns selected objects with the left edge
of the left-most object selected.
Aligns selected objects with the right
edge of the right-most object selected.
Aligns selected objects with the top edge
of the top-most object selected.
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LABELVIEW Help
Aligns selected objects with the bottom

edge of the bottom-most object selected.
Centers selected objects vertically.
Centers selected objects horizontally.
Spaces selected objects vertically.
Spaces selected objects horizontally.
Status Bar
The Status Bar is located at the bottom of the design screen. The left side of the Status Bar serves as a
message area that gives instructions and information as to what you are expected to do next. Other
information status indicators displayed from left to right include the name of the selected printer, the
communication port to which it is connected, and the coordinates of the current cursor position.
Rotation Button
The Rotation
button flips the displayed label format 90, 180, 270, and 360. The on-screen
rotation has no effect on printing; it only affects how the label appears on your screen.
Rulers
The Rulers help you position fields in a label. Rulers appear in the currently selected units of measure
(inches or millimeters). Select units of measure from the Configuration dialog box Display tab.
Tip: Right-click the ruler to change the color of its text or background.
12
Customizing the Design Environment

Modifying Display Settings
You can customize the label design environment by selecting your preferences for language, units of
measure, grid size, large/small icons, ruler colors, etc.
To modify the display settings

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click the Display tab.
2.
Select your preferences on the Display tab to customize the label design environment.
3.
Click OK.
Displaying Toolbars
The label design software provides toolbars for quick access to commonly used commands.
To display toolbars
On the View menu, click the toolbars you want to hide or display.
A checkmark indicates the toolbar is displayed.
Displaying Pictures and Paragraphs

Disabling the display of picture and paragraph objects can improve your computers processing speed.
With the picture/paragraph display disabled, an empty box marks the location on the label where the
object resides.
These commands do not affect how the label is printed; only the display is changed, the printed label will
contain the complete data.
To change the display of pictures and paragraphs
On the View menu, click View Pictures or View Paragraphs.

A checkmark indicates the command is selected.
Note: 2D bar codes are treated as pictures.
Setting the Directory that Click Print Displays

Click Print is programmed to display icons for all the label files in a specific directory. You can change the
directory that Click Print displays by modifying the command line for the Click Print program. You can also
set up added security for the default directory.
To set the directory that Click Print displays

1.
From Windows, on the Start menu, click Programs, click the name of your label design
software's program group, and then right-click on Click Print. Alternatively, if you have the
Click Print icon on your desktop, right-click on the Click Print icon.
2.
Click Properties.
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LABELVIEW Help
3.
In the Target box, edit the path to the directory where your label files are located. For example:
C:\LVWIN70\lv.exe /CP C:\LVWIN70\SAMPLES
In this path:
C:\LVWIN70\lv.exe executes the label design software
/CP executes the Click Print mode
C:\LVWIN70\SAMPLES is the path to the directory where the label files are stored.
4.
Click OK.
To secure the default Click Print directory so it cannot be changed

1.
Open the label design software's label.ini file in a text editor like Notepad.
2.
Edit the label.ini file using the following parameters:

"Default Directory=" specifies a directory to use if it is not specified on the command line
"Disable Browse=" if set to 1, it will remove the Browse button that normally displays on the
Quick Print dialog box
"Override Command Line Default Directory=" if set to 1, it will use the Default Directory value
regardless of whether or not it is passed on the command line
Example:
[Click Print]
Button Size=0
Default Directory=C:\lvwin 70\production labels\
Disable Browse=1
Override Command Line Default Directory=1
3.
14
When finished, save the label.ini file.
Setting Up a Printer
Selecting a Printer
The first step to designing a label is to select the printer you will use for printing. The printer model
selected determines what options are available as well as the label size limitations.
Note: If you plan to print labels from a PRINTPAD CE or Pocket PC device, you must select a native (V)
software driver (developed specifically for use with the label design software), designated by a (V)
appearing after the printer name.
To select a printer for your label design

1.
On the File menu, click Select Printer.
2.
Click on the Printer drop-down list to display a list of installed printers.
3.
Select the appropriate printer and click OK.
Note: If your label was designed for a different printer, a message will appear asking if you want to
modify the label. Click Yes to convert the label to work with the currently selected printer. The changes
made for the conversion will not be permanent until you save the label. You may need to do some finetuning if the label conversion is not exact, so be sure to print a test label before you commit to a large
print run.
If the printer you want to use does not appear in the Printer list, you must install it.
Installing a Printer Driver

This label design software contains printer drivers for thermal/thermal-transfer printers from many
different printer manufacturers. These printer drivers are loaded on your computer when the program is
installed. When designing and printing from the label design software, we recommend that you use these
printer drivers that are installed with the software.
You can also use any printer with a valid Windows driver (supplied by the manufacturer).
To install a printer driver for a thermal or thermal transfer label printer

1.
On the File menu, click Select Printer, and then click the Install button.
2.
Click the Native drivers-(V) and Extended drivers-(X) check boxes to view all available
drivers.
(V) = Driver is a native software driver (developed specifically for use with the label design
software).
(X) = Driver is from an extended driver set that provides support for hundreds of additional
printers. Note that when an extended (X) driver is selected, you can access the printer driver's
advanced driver properties, allowing you to take advantage of the powerful capabilities of your
printer. To access the advanced driver properties, click the Settings button on the Label Setup
Options tab (an extended driver must be selected in order for the Settings button to appear).
Depending on the type of printer you are using, there may be several driver choices available in
the software as some printers include both a native driver and an extended driver for the same
printer model. You may want to try all of the drivers available for your particular printer model to
determine which one works best for your label printing needs.
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LABELVIEW Help
Note: If you plan to print labels from a PRINTPAD CE or Pocket PC device, you must select a native (V)
driver.
3.
Using the Available Printer Drivers lists, select the manufacturer and model of the printer
driver you want to install.
4.
With the desired printer selected in the Printer Model list, click Install. The printer driver
appears highlighted in the Installed Printers list.
5.
By default, new printers are assigned to the LPT1 port. If this is not correct, click Connect and
choose the correct port.
If your printer is connected to a Serial port on your computer, click the Setting button to configure
the driver to properly reflect the printer device settings (baud rate, data bits, stop bits, parity, flow
control). The printer and the computer MUST be set to exactly the same values. Check your printer
documentation for the correct settings.
6.
Click OK, Close, and OK to return to the design window.

The selected printer appears in the Status bar. Printer device settingssuch as print speed, paper
feed mode, and cutter optionsare defined during label setup from the Options tab.
Tip: If you need to remove a printer driver, it is best to do it from within the label design program by
selecting the printer on the Install Printer Drivers dialog box and then clicking the Remove button.
16
Creating, Opening, and Saving Labels

Creating a New Label
1.
Do one of the following:
On the File menu, click New.
Click New
on the Style Bar.
2.
Set the Label Setup options as appropriate for your labeling application.
3.
Click OK when finished.
Opening an Existing Label

1.
On the File menu, click Open.

OR
2.
Click Open
on the Style Bar.
Click the Preview check box if you want to view a preview of each label file as you click on it.
If a preview does not appear for a label file, click Build Missing Preview Files to generate new
label previews for all files in the current directory.
3.
Locate the desired label file and double-click on it to open it in the label design software.
Note: If the label was originally created for a printer other than the one currently selected, you will be
asked if you want to convert the label to the new printer. Click Yes to convert the label to work with the
currently selected printer. The changes made for the conversion will not be permanent until you save the
label. If No is chosen, the label will not open.
Opening Label Files from the Internet

This label design software uses file transfer protocol (FTP), a standard communications format, to provide
access to label files over a network such as the Internet.
You can open a label format that is stored on the Internet. However, only the label file may be stored
there; any accessory files such as pictures, text files and fonts must be stored locally, and not at the
Internet site.
Note: You must have Internet access from your computer, and be connected to the Internet before
executing the Open From Internet command.
To open a label file from an Internet site

1.
Activate your connection to the Internet.
2.
On the File menu, click Open From Internet.
3.
Click Add/Modify.
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LABELVIEW Help
4.
In the Name of FTP Site box, type the Internet address you want to access.
5.
If the site requires a user name, select the User option and enter a valid user name.
6.
If the site requires a password, enter it in the Password box.
7.
Click Add. The address appears in the large text box along with any other addresses that have
already been set up.
8.
Select the address to connect to, and click Select/Add.

The Open File From Internet Locations (FTP) dialog box appears as the label design software
attempts to connect to the site you selected. If the connection is successful, the label appears in
the design window.
Converting Old Label Files

Label files can always be converted from earlier versions to a newer version, but once the label is saved in
the more recent version, it cannot be used again by the earlier version.
For example:
Version 7.02 will open label files saved in version 6.08.
Version 6.08 will NOT open a label file that was saved under version 7.02.
Importing a Label File
To import a label design from another label file format or printer file
1.
On the File menu, click Import Other Label Files.
2.
In the Files of type box, click the file format of the label you want to import.
The label design software supports the import of several different printer file formats, created by
other label design programs.
3.
In the Look in box, browse to the location of the file.
4.
Select the file to open, and click OK.

For printer files, you may be prompted for additional information (such as label size) before
conversion takes place. This is because some printer formats do not include all the label design
information.
5.
If prompts appear, enter appropriate data.

The file opens and is converted to this label design software's label file format (.lbl).
Saving a Label
If the current label design file has never been saved, you will be prompted to select a folder and enter a
name for the file. When you re-save an existing document you will not be prompted.
18
Creating, Opening, and Saving Labels
To save a new label design

1.
On the File menu, click Save.

OR
Click Save
on the Style Bar.
2.
In the Save as box, browse to the folder where the file will be saved.
3.
Enter a file name for the label design.
4.
Click Save.
19
Setting Up a Label
Setting the Default Label Width and Height
When you launch the label design software, a default label appears ready for you to design. If there is a
particular label size that you plan to use often, you can change the default label width and default label
height to match that label size.
To set the default label width and height

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click on the General tab.
2.
Set the Default Label Width and Default Label Height settings as desired.
3.
Click OK to return to the design window.

The next time you launch the label design software, the default label will appear with the width
and height you specified.
Setting Label Setup Options

Note: The printer you are using will determine the maximum label size and other attributes that you can
specify for printing. In addition, keep in mind that the label setup you define must fit on the media (paper
or labels) installed in the printer.
1.
On the Edit menu, click Label Setup.
2.
On the Label Setup tab, set the label width, height, margins, and other general setup options.
3.
Click on the Options tab and set up printer options for the label.
Note: The printer settings on the Options tab control the physical properties of the printer that you are
using. Not all options are available for all printers.
4.
If you want to set up security for the label, click on the Password tab and set the appropriate
password protection settings.
5.
If you want to assign a description to the label, click on the Label Description tab and enter the
description text.
6.
For advanced users, click on the Job Modifier tab if you want to modify the printer commands for
a label to affect the end result of the print job.
7.
Click OK to save your label setup.
Setting Up Label Inventory

Use the label inventory feature to identify the label stock types that you use and track label inventory.
When you create a new label, if you choose one of the available label types, its dimensions are loaded
automatically into the label setup. Then, as labels are printed, the program tracks your label usage. When
inventory is depleted to its reorder point, a message appears telling you to order more labels. You can
specify whether you want to track label inventory locally or throughout a network.
Note: During label setup, if you choose Non Inventory for the Label Stock setting on the Label Setup
tab, then your label usage will not be recorded.
20
Setting Up a Label
To set up label inventory

1.
On the Options menu, click Label Inventory.
2.
Click New.
3.
Set the following properties as appropriate for the label type you plan to use:
Label Stock Name: Enter a brief descriptive name for the label stock type.
Stock File Type: Select Network if you want the inventory tracking file (.inv file) to be shared
across the network. This will allow the label inventory quantity to change whenever anyone on
your network prints labels. Select Local if you want the label inventory quantity to be tracked only
on the local PC.
Network Directory: If Network is selected as the Stock File Type, enter the path to the folder
where the inventory tracking file (.inv file) will be stored. You must give the full shared network
path starting with "\\", even it is a local directory.
Width/Height: Specify the dimensions of one label.
Reorder Point: Enter a value to use as the reorder point. When label inventory is depleted to the
reorder point, a message appears telling you to order more labels.
Labels Across/Down: Specify the number of labels across/down when printing multiple labels
per page (as with sheets of labels).
Note: If you are printing sheets of labels with multiple labels per page, note that when the labels are
printed, the number subtracted from inventory reflects the actual number of labels printed (NOT the
number of sheets printed). For example, if you are printing sheets of labels with 3 across and 4 down on a
page, if you print one sheet of labels then 12 labels will be subtracted from your label inventory.
Qty on Hand: The number of labels currently in stock. When the label inventory is replenished,
this is the field you will need to update to reflect the new quantity.
Horizontal/Vertical Gap: If printing multiple labels per page, enter the horizontal/vertical gap
between labels.
4.
Click OK.
The Label Inventory dialog box appears listing the new stock.
5.
6.
Select Label Setup from the Edit menu.
7.
On the Label Setup tab, click the Label Stock drop-down list and select the name of the new
label stock type.
The dimensions of the label will automatically update to match the dimensions of the new stock.
8.
21
Adding Fields and Objects

Data Sources
This label design software allows you to use fixed or variable data sources for text, bar code, and picture
objects/fields. The selected data source will determine the origin from which the object will get its value.
The data source types available depend on the type of field you are adding.
An object with a fixed data source is defined when you create the object. An object with a variable data
source does not have its value defined at the time of creation, but instead receives its value from the data
source at the time of printing.
Your labels can include fields that use data from an outside source, but you must specify the data source
location directories before they can be available for use in a label design.
Note: Depending on the specific edition of the software that you are using, different features are
available. Although all features are described in this Help, they may not be available in your edition of the
software.
Depending on the type of field (text, bar code, etc.) you are adding, available data sources may include
the following:
Fixed: The Fixed data source requires you to enter the data when the object is created, and this data
never changes. Fixed is the default data source.
When Printed:
The When Printed data source prompts the operator to type in the data at print time.
Linked: The Linked data source allows you to take information from one or more other fields on the
label, or set up a linked expression to perform mathematical calculations, manipulate field data, perform
logical operations, etc.
dBase: With the dBase data source, the data is retrieved from a dBase III or IV compatible database.
The operator will be asked to enter the key field data at print time (e.g., "Enter Part Number:") which is
then used to retrieve other related information from the database, such as price/unit, color, etc. Before
retrieving data from a dBase database, you must first specify the location of your database files.
ODBC DB: With the ODBC DB data source, the data is retrieved from an ODBC database that must first
be set up through the Windows Control Panel. Once the ODBC data source has been set up, you must
select the driver to use by selecting Directories from the Options menu and then clicking the Data
Source button. When printing, the user is prompted for a key value, such as part number, which then
queries the database to retrieve related information, such as price/unit.
If you select ODBC DB as the data source, the SQL button appears, allowing you to define a customized
SQL statement if desired.
OLE DB: The OLE DB data source is similar to the ODBC DB data source in that it allows data from many
different formats to be added to labels. However, OLE DB technology is newer, is more stable, and is
easier to set up than ODBC. Select Configuration from the Options menu and then click on the OLE DB
Manager tab to set up the links before adding the field to the label.
Date/Time Stamp: With the Date or Time data source, the current date or time is retrieved from the
computer when the labels are printed. All labels in a single batch will have the same time printed on them.
Several common formats are available. or you can create your own custom date format. You can also
generate a real-time stamp using the printer's internal clock if you are using a Sato or Datamax printer
with the native drivers.
Serial File: With the Serial File data source, a serial number is retrieved from a serial file at the time of
printing. This file is updated after printing so that the information can be used again without operator
intervention. The label will begin counting again from the point where it finished. (Note: Depending on the
edition of the software you are using, this feature may not be available.) View Serial File setup
information...
22
CommWatch: The CommWatch data source is a GOLD edition feature that allows you to retrieve data
from an external device through the computer's serial port. This allows information to be included from
weigh scales, scanners, sensors, or PLCs. View CommWatch setup information...
Accumulator File: The Accumulator File data source can take data from any field on a label after printing
and add its value to a pre-determined file. This accumulator file can take data from multiple label formats.
The accumulated data can then be printed to any label as a data source. View Accumulator File setup
information...
Pick List: With the Pick List data source the data comes from a pre-configured drop-down list, allowing
exact entry of data with no user errors or unauthorized entries. View Pick List setup information...
Shift Code: A Shift Code data source allows the printed data to change depending on what time of day
the labels are printed. This type of data source is used to keep track of the work shift (day shift, night
shift, etc.) that printed certain labels by setting up the label to automatically include the shift information
on each label. View Shift Code setup information...
Data Dictionary: The Data Dictionary data source is a GOLD edition feature that calls a predefined series
of When Printed fields to be used with DDE exchanges and automated printing routines. View Data
Dictionary setup information...
Text and Paragraph Fields

Adding Text
1.
On the Draw menu, click Text.

OR
Click Add Text
on the Drawtools Bar.
2.
On the Text tab, set the text properties as appropriate for this field.
3.
Click on the Options tab to assign a unique field name to this field and if desired, set other
optional text properties.
4.
If you want to apply color to the text, click on the Color tab to access the color settings.
5.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the text.
Adding a Paragraph
1.
On the Draw menu, click Paragraph.

OR
Click Add Paragraph
2.
On the Paragraphs tab, set the paragraph properties as appropriate for this field.
3.
Click on the Options tab to assign a unique field name to this field.
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LABELVIEW Help
4.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the paragraph.
Bar Code Fields

Adding a Linear Bar Code
1.
On the Draw menu, click Bar Code.

OR
2.
Click Add Bar Code
Select the desired bar code type from the Bar Code Type drop-down list of choices.
The default values and properties appearing on the Bar Code tab will differ depending on the type
of bar code that you select.
3.
Still on the Bar Code tab, set the bar code properties as appropriate for this field.
4.
Click on the Human Readable tab to specify whether to print human readable text along with the
bar code.
5.
Click on the Options tab to access additional settings.
6.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the bar code.
Using a Check Digit Function to Calculate a Check Digit

1.
Add a bar code and set the data source to Linked.
2.
Select the appropriate check digit function from the Linked Fields drop-down list. Alternatively,
you can type a check digit function directly in the Linked Fields box, followed by opening and
closing parentheses ().
3.
Within the parentheses () following the check digit function, enter the value from which to
calculate the check digit, or enter the name of another field on the label that contains that value.
4.
Click OK and place the bar code on the label.
Note: Any function beginning with ADD will reprint the entire value with the check digit appearing at the
end of the string. Other functions will print only the calculated digit(s).
Examples
MOD10(1234) would produce
ADDMOD10(1234)
would produce
12342
If a field named NUMBER has a value of 98765, then MOD10(NUMBER) would produce 9
Adding an HIBC Bar Code

This is a GOLD edition feature.
24
Note: Before you add an HIBC bar code, you must first configure it for one or both of the industry
formats.
To add an HIBC bar code

1.
On the Draw menu, click HIBC Bar Code.

OR
2.
Click Add HIBC Bar Code
On the Bar Code tab, set the HIBC Type to LIC Primary or UCC Primary for your primary
code.
Note: You must place a primary code on the label before you can place a secondary code on the label; the
secondary code uses data from the primary code in its structure.
3.
Continue to set the other HIBC bar code properties using the settings on the Bar Code tab.
4.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the HIBC bar code.
To add an HIBC secondary code
Follow the process to add an HIBC code, only select HIBC-LIC Secondary or HIBC-UCC Secondary
as the HIBC Type.
Note: You do not have to enter data into all three secondary fields. The label design software
automatically constructs and formats the bar code according to published technical standards.
To enter primary and secondary HIBC bar code data at print time
1.
Select When Printed as the data source in the Bar Code dialog box.
At print time, the HIBC bar code appears with a browse
2.
Click
button beside it.
to display the dialog box and enter the appropriate LIC or UCC field values.
2D Bar Code Symbologies

Two-dimensional (2D) bar codes are capable of encoding a large amount of data into a very small space.
They are useful for labeling small parts, products and packages.
The 2D bar codes can be stacked codes, matrix codes, or composites.
Stacked codes are arranged in horizontal layers to create a multi-row bar code. Code 49 is an
example of a stacked code.
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LABELVIEW Help
Matrix codes are made up of a pattern of cells that can be square, hexagonal or circular in
shape. MaxiCode is an example of a matrix code.
Composites are two different codes (usually one is linear and the other is 2D) that contain
linked data and are printed in close proximity to each other. Aztec Mesa is an example of a
composite code.
Note: If your printer does not support a particular bar code that you have in your label, the bar code will
be sent to the printer as a graphic (requiring more printer memory) and thus will print significantly slower.
Aztec
Aztec Mesa
Code 16
Code 49
Data Matrix
MaxiCode
MicroPDF 417
PDF 417
QR Code
Adding a 2D Bar Code

1.
On the Draw menu, click 2D Bar Codes.

OR
2.
Click Add 2D Bar Codes
Select the desired 2D bar code type from the 2D Symbology drop-down list of choices.
The default values and properties appearing on the 2D Symbology tab will differ depending on
the type of symbology that you select.
3.
Still on the 2D Symbology tab, set the bar code properties as appropriate for this field.
4.
Click on the Options tab to access additional settings.
5.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the 2D bar code.
Pictures and Shapes

Adding a Picture
Pictures that have been saved in a graphic file format can easily be placed on a label. The label design
software supports over 45 different graphic file formats, including most popular formats such as BMP, JPG,
PCX, and TIF.
26
Note: Pictures placed on a label using the Picture command are not embedded or linked in any way to
the graphic file or to the application in which they were created.
To add a picture to your label

1.
On the Draw menu, click Picture.

OR
Click Add Picture
3.
On the Pictures tab, set the picture properties as appropriate for this field.
3.
If you are adding a color picture, click on the Options tab to access additional color settings.
4.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the picture.
Tip: Once you have placed the picture on the label, you can click and drag one of the picture corner
handles and easily change the size of the picture.
About Shapes
The label design software comes installed with a folder called Shapes. This folder contains subfolders of
shapes, signs and other symbols commonly used on labels. Each folder is named according to the
category of shapes it containsArrows, Basic, Fasteners, Miscellaneous, Packaging, Tools, Traffic Signs,
etc. Each shape is stored as a Windows Metafile (.wmf file format).
You can add your own categories of shapes, symbols or clip art by creating a new subfolder (for each
category) under the Shapes folder. Give the subfolder a name that represents the type of shapes it
contains (e.g., Equipment Safety Symbols). Add your custom shapes, stored as Windows Metafiles (.wmf),
to the subfolder.
During label design, when you add a shape to a label, the categories (subfolders) you created will appear
in the Shape Category list on the Shapes tab. When a user selects your custom category, the shapes you
included in that subfolder will appear for selection.
Note: Your custom "shapes" can be almost any type of symbols, icons, figures, logos, etc. The only
requirement is that they can be saved in Windows Metafile (.wmf) format.
Adding a Shape
1.
On the Draw menu, click Shape.

OR
2.
Click Add Shape
On the Shapes tab in the Shape Category drop-down list, select the category that contains the
shape you want. For example, if you are looking for a fire extinguisher icon, select the Fire Safety
category. All the available shapes for the selected category appear.
27
LABELVIEW Help
3.
Scroll through the displayed shapes and click the shape you want. It will appear in the lower
portion of the dialog box.
4.
In the Rotation box, select the orientation of the shape. The options are Normal, Sideways Up,
Sideways Down, and Upside Down.
5.
In the Ratio box, select one of these options for resizing the shape:
Fixed Ratio means both the height and width will remain proportional as you change
the size.
Stretchable means you have full control over the height and width of the image.
6.
If you want to apply color to the shape, click on the Options tab to access the color settings.
7.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the shape.
OLE Objects
About OLE Objects
An OLE object is an object that is created in an application other than this program (such as a word
processing, graphics or database program). Then, it is placed in a label using the OLE Object command.
OLE objects allow you to take advantage of the features of another program within a label design.
WordArt, graphics, Auto Cad files, data files, spreadsheets, etc. can all be included on labels.
An OLE object can be added to a label as either an embedded or linked object.
Embedded: An embedded object is one that is placed in the label using the OLE Object Create
New option, and is stored in the label file like any other field on the label. However, doubleclicking an embedded object opens the source program in which it was created, allowing you to
use the source program to change the object. Your changes appear in the label, but do not affect
the original source file.
Linked: A linked object is one in which a link is placed in the label using the OLE Object Create
from File option. This allows the object to appear in the label, but the actual object resides in
another file (a source file). The label file stores the link to the source file, not the object itself.
Double-clicking a linked object opens the source program in which it was created, allowing you to
use the source program to change the object. However, your changes affect the original source
file. Therefore, all links to this source file (in this and other labels) can be updated with your
changes.
IMPORTANT: When you open a linked object and modify it, you are changing its source file. If you do not
want to change the source file, then embed the OLE object instead of linking it.
Adding an OLE Object

1.
On the Draw menu, click OLE Object.

OR
28
Click Add OLE Object
2.
3.
Select one of the following options:
Create New: Allows you to select an application on your PC to create an entirely new
object. The selected application opens when you click OK so that the object can be
created. Note: Creating a new object does not create a new file; therefore, these objects
are embedded and not linked.
Create from File: If the object you want to use on the label is already saved on your
system, use this option to locate it and insert the object as a link. You will be prompted to
enter the location and file name, or you can browse to find it.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the object.
Working with Linked OLE Objects

When you add an OLE object to your label using the Create from File method, this object is considered a
"linked" object. By default, linked objects are updated automatically...
Each time you open the destination file (the document that contains the link)
Each time the source file is changed while the destination file is open
You can, however, change the default to update manually. By doing so, an object is updated only when
you choose to perform the update.
If you have added a linked object to your document, you can later disconnect the link but keep the object
(embedded) in your document.
To change update options, break links, and access the source file
1.
Place a linked object in your label.
2.
On the Edit menu, click Links.
3.
Click on the link you want to work with, and select any of the following options:
4.
Update Now: Updates the linked object to match its source file. Use this button to
update the link when you have Manual update selected.
Open Source: Opens the source file in the application in which it was created.
Change Source: Allows you to link the object with a different source file.
Break Link: Allows you to disconnect the object from its source file. This leaves the
object in your label as an embedded object.
Automatic: Causes the link to be updated automatically each time the destination file is
opened, or when the source file is changed while the destination file is open.
Manual: Prevents the link from being updated until you select it and click Update Now.
Click Close to exit the dialog and save your changes.
Converting an OLE Object to a Picture
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LABELVIEW Help
Once you have placed a picture in your label as an OLE object, you can convert it to a regular picture
object at any time. This is done when you no longer want the picture linked to a source file, or you no
longer need to modify the picture in its source application.
Note: If you convert an OLE object to a picture object, you cannot convert it back to an OLE object.
Instead, you would have to delete the picture and add it to the label again as an OLE object.
To convert an embedded or linked object to a picture object

1.
Open the label that contains the linked or embedded object.
2.
Right-click on the object, and then click Convert to picture object.

The Convert to Bitmap dialog box appears displaying a system-assigned default file name for the
object.
3.
Accept the default file name or replace it with a different name, and click OK.
The image is converted to a picture object.
Lines and Boxes

Adding a Line
1.
On the Draw menu, click Line.

OR
Click Add Line
2.
Click and drag the cursor (appearing as a crosshair in the design window) to draw a vertical or
horizontal line.
3.
To specify the thickness or color of the line, right-click on the line and select Edit.
Tip: Once you have drawn the line on the label, you can click and drag one of the line's handles to
change the line's thickness or length.
Adding a Box
1.
On the Draw menu, click Box.

OR
30
Click Add Box
2.
Specify the thickness and color of the horizontal and vertical sides of the box. If you have a
single-color printer, however, the box will print only in that color.
3.
Click OK and then click on the label in the position where you want to place the box (the cursor
position will be the upper left corner of the box).
4.
The box will appear with a default size. If you want to change the size of the box, click and drag
one of the box's handles until you have reached the desired size.
31
Working with Placed Objects

Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts allow you to perform menu functions using simple keystrokes. Each available shortcut
key sequence is shown next to its respective function name in each menu. To execute any shortcut key
function, enter the keystrokes listed next to the desired function.
Key
Combination
Function
Ctrl+N
Creates a new, blank label.
Ctrl+ O
Opens an existing label.
Ctrl+L
Displays the Label Setup tabs.
Ctrl+R
Redraws the label.
Ctrl+S
Saves the current label.
Ctrl+P
Prints the current label.
Ctrl+T
Prints a test label.
Ctrl+U
Allows you to undo the last unsaved

change made to the label.
F1
Displays online Help.
F4
Allows you to view the current Run

Separator label.
F5
Feeds a label.
F7
Allows you to view the system status.
Centers the currently selected field

horizontally (left-to-right) on the label.
Centers the currently selected field

vertically (top-to-bottom) on the label.
Esc
Cancels the current operation without

making any changes and returns you to
the previous screen.
Insert
Toggles insert mode On/Off while editing

a free-form attribute (i.e., data). The
INSERT key is also used as a shortcut for
32
Working with Placed Objects
copying a selected field.

Delete
Deletes the character to the right of the

cursor. The DELETE key is also used as a
shortcut for deleting a selected field.
Home
Moves the highlight bar to the first item

in a drop-down list.
End
Moves the highlight bar to the last item

in a drop-down list.
Page Up
Moves to the previous page of items in a

drop-down list.
Page Down
Moves to the next page of items in a

drop-down list.
Arrow Keys
When within a dialog box, the arrow keys

move the cursor to the next or previous
item.
Moving and Sizing Fields
To move a field or object

1.
Place the mouse cursor on the selected field (but not over the handles).
2.
Click the left mouse button and drag to move the field to the desired location.
To size a field or object

1.
Click once on the field to select it.
2.
Place the mouse cursor on the handles that border the selected field.
3.
Click the left mouse button on one of the handles and drag it to the desired size.
4.
To size the object while keeping the aspect ratio of the height and width the same, click on an
object handle in one of the four corners of the object (so the cursor is at a diagonal) and drag to
the desired size.
Copying a Field
To copy a selected field or fields:
On the Edit menu, click Copy.

OR
33
LABELVIEW Help
Press the INSERT key.

OR
Right-click on the field and select Copy.
Selecting Multiple Fields
To select more than one field or object on a label
Hold down the SHIFT key while clicking on each field you want to select.
OR
Draw a virtual frame around the fields by clicking and holding the left mouse button and dragging
a box that encloses the fields you want to select. Any field only partially within the box will NOT
be selected.
To select ALL fields
On the Edit menu, click Select All.
Redrawing a Label
The Redraw Label function should be used to refresh the view of the entire label as it is displayed on the
design screen. This is sometimes necessary if part of the label appears distorted or incomplete after
modifying a field.
To redraw a label
On the View menu, click Redraw Label.
Deleting a Field
To delete a selected field or fields:
On the Edit menu, click Delete.

OR
Press the DELETE key.

OR
34
Right-click on the field and select Delete.
Working with Databases

About Database Data Sources
You can use a database to populate a text, paragraph, bar code, 2D bar code, or picture field.
The connection to the database is established in one of three ways, depending in part on the type of
database you plan to use.
dBase
You can easily retrieve data from dBase III- or dBase IV-compatible databases by defining the path to
these databases in the Directories dialog box. Doing so makes all the .dbf databases in the defined
location available for selection when you use the dBase data source for a field.
This label design software includes a Database Editor that allows you to edit an existing database as well
as create your own database. The Database Editor reads and writes dBase (dBase III or IV) files with the
extension .dbf.
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC DB)

You can retrieve data from an ODBC-compliant database that has been assigned a data source name
(DSN) or a file source name (FSN). The source names can be assigned through the label design software
using Microsofts ODBC Data Source Administrator program. If the name is already assigned, you can
select the data source through the Directories dialog box.
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE DB)

OLE DB allows data from many different formats to be used with a label, and is more stable and easier to
set up than ODBC. You can access the setup options on the OLE DB Manager tab.
Using the Database Grid

The Database Grid allows you to select records for printing when printing a label with a database field. The
database records are displayed in a grid format, allowing you to select, scroll to, and search for the
records you want to print.
To access the Database Grid

1.
Open the label file containing the database field(s).
2.
On the File menu, click Print.

The Quick Printing dialog box appears.
Note: If you do not have Quick Printing enabled, then prompts will appear one at time.
3.
You should see a text box for each database prompt you previously added. Click the
next to the text box.
button
The Database Grid appears.
To select records
To select a record:
Click the record, and then click Select. Alternatively, you can right-click on a record, and then
click Select.
To select multiple records:

35
LABELVIEW Help
Hold down the CTRL key while you click each record you want, and then click Select.
To select multiple adjacent records:
Hold down the SHIFT key while you click the first and last record in the series that you want;
then click Select.
Alternatively, you can click Select Range, and then enter a value with a wildcard (*). For
example, you can enter 200* to print all the part numbers that start with 200. Select a quantity
to print of each label, and click OK.
To deselect records
Highlight one or more selected records, and click Unselect.
Alternatively, you can click Unselect All.
To specify a print quantity for a record
Right-click the record and click Set Quantity; type the quantity to print, and click OK.
To search the database by key field
In the Search box, type the first character(s) of the key field data that you want to locate. The
highlight moves to the data that matches the search character(s).
dBase Databases
Setting the Path to Database Files
Before retrieving data from a dBase database, you must provide the label design software with the
location of your database files.
To set the path to the .dbf database files

1.
On the Options menu, click Directories.
2.
In the Path of Database Files box, click Browse, and select the path to your .dbf database file.
3.
Adding a dBase Field

Note: Before retrieving data from a dBase database, you must provide the path to your database files.
1.
Add a text, paragraph, bar code, 2D bar code, or picture field to your label by clicking the
appropriate button on the Drawtools Bar.
2.
In the Data Source box, click dBase.
3.
Set the following properties as appropriate for your dBase field:
Note: The properties available will depend on the type of field (e.g., text, bar code, picture, etc.) you are
adding.
36
Database: The name of the database from which you want to retrieve data. All the .dbf databases
in the Path of Database Files directory (specified on the Directories dialog box) appear for
selection.
Key field: The database field that allows you to locate the desired record. For example, a part
number could be a key field because it can be used to obtain the name, description and price of a
particular item.
Print field: The database field that contains the data that you want to print on the label. It may
be the same as the key field, or it may be another field in the database.
Keyfield Data: Defines the source of the key field data; options are these:
Prompted: The user is prompted to enter the data at print time.
Linked: The data is obtained from an existing field on the label.
Prompt: Text that tells the user what to type of data to enter (e.g., Enter Part Number:) at print
time.
4.
Click the Options tab and if desired, set the following Database Options for your dBase field:
Update Database: (This setting is available only if you have an incrementing field with a
Database data source) If set to Yes, the database value will be updated after printing. The field in
the database must be set up as a NUMERIC field type in order for this option to work.
Clear After Print: If Yes, clears the last value in the field after printing. If No, the label design
software remembers the value of the last record printed, so the next print job can begin with the
next record.
5.
Set other Options tab settings as desired, and then click OK.
6.
Place the field in a blank area of the label.
Tip: Click one of the mode buttons on the Style Bar to change the way this field is displayed in the design
window. You can display the name of the field, the field length, or the value of the first record in the
database.
ODBC Databases
About ODBC Databases
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) is a method by which data files from one application can be shared
with other programs. For example, if you have an Excel spreadsheet that contains data you want to put
onto the label, ODBC provides the bridge.
There are two components to the ODBC setup:
1.
Installing the ODBC Data Source Administrator (the ODBC drivers)
2.
Configuring the ODBC drivers
Once these two setup procedures have been completed, you can then add an ODBC field to your label.
Installing the ODBC Data Source Administrator and Drivers

Working with ODBC databases requires the use of Microsofts ODBC Data Source Administrator program
(which includes the needed ODBC drivers).
37
LABELVIEW Help
Check to see if ODBC has already been installed on your system. The ODBC Data Source Administrator
program is typically installed with Microsoft Office, and is accessible through the Windows Control Panel.
(For Office 2000, it is located in the Administrative Tools folder.) If you see an ODBC Data Sources icon,
then the administrator and some drivers have already been installed on your computer. You can proceed
to the next step: Configuring the ODBC drivers.
If you do not already have the ODBC drivers installed (or if you have an old version and need to update
the drivers), you will need to download them from Microsoft's web site and install them. The file you need
is called MDAC_TYP.EXE. Once on your computer, run this program to automatically install the software
components onto your system. When the program has finished, restart your computer and access the
ODBC Data Source icon through the Control Panel.
Note: For applications not from Microsoft, you may also need to contact that program's vendor for the
appropriate ODBC driver. Each driver is installed and configured through the administrator.
Configuring the ODBC Drivers

First you need to verify that the ODBC drivers have been installed on your PC. Once the drivers are
installed, you can set up ODBC from within the label design software itself, or directly through the ODBC
Data Source Administrator. Setting up ODBC from within the label design software is the recommended
method, because it eliminates some of the issues that arise in setting permissions and access privileges in
the source program.
IMPORTANT: Users of Microsoft Excel may need to slightly modify the Excel file before proceeding.
To set up ODBC from within the label design software

1.
On the Options menu, click Directories.
2.
Click the Data Source button. The Select Data Source dialog appears.
Note: The Select Data Source dialog box and the dialog boxes following it are part of Microsofts ODBC
Data Source Administrator and, as such, are supported by Microsofts online Help. Any errors you may
receive while setting up ODBC drivers are generated by Microsoft Windows. Please contact Microsoft for
technical support.
3.
4.
Do one of the following depending on whether you want to create the ODBC connection for a
specific computer (machine data source) or stored to a file that can be distributed to other
computers (file data source):
To set up a machine data source, click the Machine Data Source tab.
To set up a file data source, click the File Data Source tab.
If the data source you want appears in the list, select the data source, and click OK.
The Directories dialog box appears displaying the ODBC data source that you selected.
That is all you need to do; do not continue with this procedure.
If the data source you want does not appear in the list, click New.
The installation wizard appears. Go to step 5 to set up a machine data source; go to step 6
to set up a file data source.
5.
38
For Machine Data Sources:
a.
Select whether you want to create a user data source or a system data source, and click
Next.
b.
Select the appropriate driver for the type of data source you want to use, and click
Next. (See special instructions for ASCII/Text data files).
c.
Confirm the data source information, and click Finish. The dialog box for the type of
data source you selected appears.
d.
Enter appropriate information, and click OK. The Select Data Source dialog box
appears listing the data source you just created.
e.
Go to step 7.
6.
For File Data Sources:
a.
Select the appropriate driver for the type of data source you want to use, and click Next. (See
special instructions for ASCII/Text data files).
b.
Type a name or select a location for the data source; then click Next. The dialog box for
the type of data source you selected appears.
Note: The default location for the data source will be in the ODBC Data Sources folder.
7.
c.
Confirm the data source information, and click Finish.
d.
Enter appropriate information, and click OK.
e.
Locate and select the database to which you want to connect, and click OK. The Select
Data Source dialog box appears listing the data source you just created.
f.
Go to step 7.
Select the data source, and click OK.

The Select Database dialog box appears.
8.
Browse to select your database file and click OK.

The Directories dialog box appears listing the selected data source. When you add a field to your
label using the ODBC DB data source, it is populated from the database represented by this name.
9.
Click OK to return to your label.
If you are using ODBC, you can proceed to add an ODBC field to your label.
If you are using OLE DB, you can proceed to configure your OLE DB connection.
Adding an ODBC Field

Once you have set up an ODBC data source, you can use it to populate a field on your label. You can use
only one ODBC data source per label, but your label can include as many fields from that database as you
require.
Note: The database that populates the field on your label is the one represented by the name in the
ODBC Data Source box in the Directories dialog box, specified previously when you set up your ODBC
data source.
39
LABELVIEW Help
To add an ODBC field to your label

1.
2.
In the Data Source box, click ODBC DB.

The Database box displays the file selected as the ODBC Data Source in the Directories dialog
box. Default values are based on the selected database.
3.
Set the following properties as appropriate for your ODBC field:

SQL: (Appears if Keyfield Data is Prompted) Allows you to customize the SQL statement for
creating special tables, sorting, defining selection criteria, etc.
Database: Name of the table from which data is retrieved. If this is not the database you want to
use, access the Directories dialog box and change the ODBC Data Source.
Key field: The database field that allows you to locate the desired record. For example, last
name could be a key field because it can be used to obtain the first name, title, and contact
information for a particular person.
Print field: The database field that contains the data that you want to print on the label. It may
Keyfield Data: Defines the source of the key field data; options are these:
Linked: The data is obtained from an expression or an existing field on the label.
Prompt: (Appears if Keyfield Data is Prompted) Text that tells the user what type of data to enter
(e.g., Enter Last Name:).
Key Expression: (Appears if Keyfield Data is Linked) The expression, or name of the field on the
label, that will supply the key field data value.
Define Field Length: Displays a dialog box for defining the field length of one or more fields in
the database.
4.
Click OK and place the field in a blank area of the label.
Tip: You can click the mode buttons on the Style Bar to change the way this field is displayed in the
design window. You can display the name of the field, the field length, or the value of the first record in
the database.
Creating a Customized SQL Statement

When you select the ODBC DB data source for text or bar code fields, the SQL button appears, which
provides access to the text box for customizing the SQL statement.
Note: The SQL button is NOT available if Keyfield Data is set to Linked.
To customize the SQL sentence

1.
40
Add a text or bar code field by clicking the appropriate button on the Drawtools Bar.
2.
In the Data Source box, click ODBC DB, and then click the SQL button. The Customize SQL
dialog box appears.
Note: You must first configure the ODBC drivers before you can add a field using ODBC DB as the data
source.
3.
Select the Customized SQL check box. The text box becomes active, displaying the currently
selected table name and key field name.
4.
Edit the SQL sentence.
5.
Click Test to execute the customized SQL and check for any syntax error.
6.
If the test completes successfully, click Save.
7.
To cancel the customized SQL once it has been saved, access the Customize SQL dialog box,
clear the Customized SQL check box, and then click Save.
At print time, the label design software will execute a SQL sentence based on the table name and
key field name.
Refreshing ODBC Data at Print Time

You can enable the label design software to automatically update ODBC data whenever you print the label.
To enable auto-refresh of ODBC data

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click the General tab.
2.
Select the Refresh ODBC data when printing check box.

When you print, the label design software will refresh the ODBC data fields to use the most current
data from the file.
OLE DB Databases
About OLE DB Databases
Object linking and embedding (OLE) allows database files created in other applications to be included in
label designs. OLE DB is similar to ODBC in that it allows data from many different formats to be added to
labels. However, OLE DB is newer, more stable, and easier to set up than ODBC.
Using the label design software's OLE DB Manager, you can create an OLE DB connection to establish links
between the label and database or spreadsheet files created in other applications (e.g., Microsoft Access
and Excel). With the link in place, data can be accessed to populate a field in your label.
Creating an OLE DB Connection

Before you can use data from a file created in another application, a connection must be established to the
data file. The label design software needs to know what kind of file is being read and where it is located on
your computer or network. You should also supply password information, if any is required to access the
file. This information is defined in the label design software in the OLE DB Manager.
To create an OLE DB connection

1.
In the label design software, select Configuration from the Options menu.
2.
Click the OLE DB Manager tab.
41
LABELVIEW Help
3.
Click New.
Note: The Data Link Properties dialog box and the dialog boxes following it are part of Microsofts Data
Link program and, as such, are supported by Microsofts online Help.
4.
Select the correct provider for your source file from the list provided.
For example, if your data is generated using SQL, choose the SQL provider; if Microsoft Access,
choose the Jet provider. Programs not listed (e.g., Excel) can use the ODBC provider, which must
be installed and set up before using.
5.
Click Next. The Connection tab appears.
Note: The properties on the Connection tab vary depending on the selected provider. Essentially the
name and location of the data file are required, as well as password information needed to open the file.
6.
Enter the information required for the selected provider. Then click OK. The OLE DB Connection
dialog box appears.
7.
In the Connection box, type a name for the connection, and click OK.
The Connections box displays the name (with the .odb file extension) of the connection that you
set up.
8.
Click Test.
The test succeeds if the setup was done properly and the label design software can access the
specified file.
9.
You can now proceed to add an OLE DB field to your label.
Adding an OLE DB Field

Once you have set up an OLE DB connection, you can use it to populate a field on your label.
To add an OLE DB field to your label

1.
2.
In the Data Source box, click OLE DB.
3.
In the Connection box, click one of the available connections.
Note: If no connections appear, you must use the OLE DB Manager to create an OLE DB connection.
4.
Set the following properties as appropriate for your OLE DB field:

Database: Name of the table from which data is retrieved.
Key Field: The database field that allows you to locate the desired record. For example, last
name could be a key field because it can be used to obtain the first name, title, and contact
information for a particular person.
42
Print Field: The database field that contains the data that you want to print on the label. It may
Key Field Data: Defines the source of the key field data; options are these:
Linked: The data is obtained from an existing field on the label.
Prompt: (Appears if Key Field Data is Prompted) Text that tells the user what type of data to enter
(e.g., Enter Last Name:).
Key Expression: (Appears if Key Field Data is Linked) The expression, or name of the field on the
label, that will supply the key field data value.
Define Field Length: Displays a dialog box for defining the field length of one or more fields in
the database.
5.
When you have finished setting the OLE DB field properties, click OK.
6.
Place the field in a blank area of the label.
Tip: You can click the mode buttons on the Style Bar to change the way this field is displayed in the
design window. You can display the name of the field, the field length, or the value of the first record in
the database.
43
Using Functions
Combining Fields
To combine two or more fields into one field

1.
Ensure that each source field that you will be using in the combined field has a unique field name,
set on the Options tab. The source fields can be set up as hidden, or may be printed or linked to
other fields.
2.
Add a new field, which will be the combined field, and set the Data Source to Linked.
3.
For the Linked Fields setting, type the names of the source fields in the order you want them to
appear. Alternatively, you can select the source field names by clicking the Linked Fields droplist and selecting each field in turn.
4.
Add a plus (+) sign between each field in the linked field expression.
5.
If you want to put a space between each field (e.g., you want JohnSmith to be John Smith), place
+" "+ between the two fields (include the "").
6.
Click OK and add the field to a blank area on the label.
Note: In a linked expression, data typed within quotation marks is printed exactly as typed. Data written
without quotes is treated as a field name or function.
View combined field examples...
For purposes of these examples, assume the following three fields already exist on the label:
Field Name
Value
PART
200700
DATE
11/27/02
SERIAL
AY1400998
Example of how to combine three fields into one field

1.
Add a Text field and set the Data Source to Linked.
2.
In the Linked Fields box, type this expression:

PART+DATE+SERIAL
3.
Click OK, and place the field in a blank area of the label.
When the label is printed, the output for this field will be:
20070011/27/02AY1400998
44
Using Functions
4.
To separate the fields with dashes, double-click on the combined field and change the Linked
Fields expression to the following:
PART+" - "+DATE+" - "+SERIAL
5.
When the label is printed, the output for this field will now be:
200700 - 11/27/02 - AY1400998
Example of how to combine text and fields in an expression

1.
In the same label used for the previous example, add another new text field and set the Data
Source to Linked.
2.
In the Linked Fields box, type this expression:

Part Number: PART
3.
When the label is printed, the output for this field will be:
Part Number: 200700
Linked Expressions
The Linked data source allows you to populate a field based on:
A link to another field on the label that contains the value
A field created by combining two or more fields on the label
The result of a logical, mathematical or other type of calculation that may or may not be based
on the values of other fields in the label
For example, you could create a bar code containing several different pieces of information (e.g., date,
serial number, and part number), all linked into the bar code from separate fields.
Note: When adding fields to your label it is good practice to give each field a unique name (using the
Field Name setting on the Options tab) so that you can easily distinguish it from other fields and use it
in an expression if necessary.
Functions for Building Linked Expressions

There are many types of functions that can be used to build a linked expression:
Functions used to manipulate a field or format characters
Functions used to perform mathematical operations
Functions used to perform logical operations
45
LABELVIEW Help
Functions used to perform check digit calculations

Functions for date and time fields
View an alphabetical listing of ALL linked functions...

ADD
FIND
OUTPUT
AND
FIXED
PAD
ADDMOD10/MOD10
GREATER
PLESSEY
ADDMOD10_212/MOD10_212
GREATEREQUAL
POW
ADDMOD43/MOD43
HEX
PRICECD
ASCII
HOUR
PRICECD5
ASCII Commands
IF
PRINTERNAME
BIMODULO11
IF2
PRINTQTY
CANADACUSTOMSCD
INT
QUOTIENT
CHECK128
LABELNAME
RECQTY
CHECKUPCE
LABELSELECTVALUE
REPLACE
CHR
LEFT
REPT
COMMANDFILENAME
LEN
RIGHT
CONCAT
LESS
ROUND
CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX
LESSEQUAL
SEARCH
CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10
LOWER
SUB
CR
MID
SUBSTR
CURRENCYTOEURO/EUROTOCURRENCY
MINUTE
SYS_DATE
CYCLEBASEX
MOD
TEXT
CYCLECHAR
MODULOx
TODAY
CYCLENUMBER
MODULOxIBM
TRIM
CYCLESTRING
MONTH
TRUNC
46
Using Functions
DAY
MULT
UPPER
DIV
NEGATE
UPSMOD10
DOLLAR
NOT
VALUE
EQUAL
NOTEQUAL
WEEKDAY
EXACT
NOW
YEAR
F1
OR
ZTRIM
Linked Functions Used to Manipulate Fields

The following linked functions allow you to manipulate a field by formatting its characters, extracting
characters, converting to a different currency, etc.
The following categories of functions allow you to manipulate a field:
String Functions
Numeric/Currency Functions
Other Functions
View an alphabetical listing of ALL functions used to manipulate fields...

ASCII
CHR
COMMANDFILENAME
CONCAT
CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX
CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10
CR
CURRENCYTOEURO/EUROTOCURRENCY
CYCLEBASEX
CYCLECHAR
CYCLENUMBER
CYCLESTRING
DOLLAR
F1
FIND
FIXED
HEX
LABELNAME
LABELSELECTVALUE
LEFT
47
LABELVIEW Help
LEN
LOWER
MID
OUTPUT
PAD
PRINTERNAME
PRINTQTY
RECQTY
REPLACE
REPT
RIGHT
SEARCH
SUBSTR
TEXT
TRIM
UPPER
VALUE
ZTRIM
String Functions
ASCII()= This function will output the ASCII character code number for the first character in the field.
Usage: ASCII(value)
value = Any alphanumeric string enclosed within quotes " ", or the name of a field already on the
label.
Examples:
If a field on the label is named FIRST and is equal to "Hello", and another field named SECOND is
equal to "hello", then...
ASCII(FIRST)
would produce
ASCII(SECOND)
ASCII("Bob")
ASCII("123")
72
would produce
would produce
would produce
104
66
49
CHR () = This function will allow an ASCII character to be inserted into a field. Enter the ASCII character
code number within the parentheses. There are also special ASCII commands (for the values from 00 to
31) that have additional functions which can be called by enclosing that function within angle brackets < >
(e.g., <STX>).
Usage: CHR(n)
n = A number between 0 and 255, selected according to an ASCII character code chart.
Examples:
CHR(13)
code).
<CR>
48
would produce a carriage return at the desired location (e.g., at the end of a bar
would also produce a carriage return.
Using Functions
CONCAT()= This function is used to combine two fields on the label into a single field.
Usage: CONCAT(string1,string2)
string1,string2 = Character strings enclosed within quotes " ", or the names of other fields
already on the label.
Examples:
If string1 is named FIRST and has a value of FOUR, and string2 is named SECOND and has a
value of SEASONS, then...
CONCAT(FIRST,SECOND)
would produce
FOURSEASONS
CONCAT("Hello","There")
would produce
HelloThere
CR () = This function inserts a carriage return at the specified location.

Usage: CR()
Examples:
"123ABC"+CR()
would add a carriage return to the end of the string "123ABC".
This has the same effect as using the CHR(13) command.
CYCLECHAR () = Creates a custom sequence of characters to cycle through.

Usage: CYCLECHAR("first_character","last_character",increment,copies)
first_character = The character printed on the first label in the series.
last_character = The last character in the cycle before starting over.
increment = (Optional) The value to increment each character by. If not included, then '1' is
used, unless the first character is larger than the last, in which case '-1' will be used. Negative
numbers will count down.
copies = (Optional) Specify the number of copies of each character to print before incrementing
to the next value. The default value is '1'.
Examples:
CYCLECHAR("A","C")
would produce labels sequenced
CYCLECHAR("A","C",1,2)
A B C A B C A B C....
A A B B C C A A B B...
CYCLESTRING () = This function allows you to create a group of words or characters which will be cycled
through like an incrementing field. The entire string must be enclosed within the quotes (" "), and each
word or set of characters must be separated from the others by a semi-colon (;).
Usage: CYCLESTRING("word_list")
word_list = The series of words or characters to cycle through.
Examples:
CYCLESTRING("Mon;Tue;Wed;Thu;Fri;Sat;Sun")
Thu Fri Sat Sun
would produce a sequence
Mon Tue Wed
The following example is for printing shelf labels using all letters in the alphabet except O and I.
CYCLESTRING("A;B;C;D;E;F;G;H;J;K;L;M;N;P;Q;R;S;T;U;V;W;X;Y;Z")
49
LABELVIEW Help
FIND() = This function returns the starting position of a character or string in another field.
Usage: FIND(string,key,start)
string = A string of characters enclosed within quotes " ", or the name of a field already on the
label.
key = This identifies what you are looking for within the stated string. It can be either a field
name, or the specific data to be found enclosed within quotes " ".
start = This allows you to specify the point within the string at which to start looking for the key.
It should be a number, or the name of another field on the label containing this value. Counting
is done from left to right, with the first character in the string being 1.
Examples:
If the field STRING contains the data "ABCDEFGHIJK", then...
FIND(STRING,"G",1) would produce
(G is the seventh character)
FIND(STRING,"G",3) would produce
(G is the fifth character after the 3rd position)
LEFT() = This function will extract the left-most number of characters specified in the named string.
Usage: LEFT(string,length)
label.
length = The number of characters to extract from the string, or the name of a numeric field
already on the label.
Examples:
If the field COMPANY contains the data "ABC Company", then...
LEFT(COMPANY,3)
would produce
LEFT("Hello There",5)
ABC
would produce
Hello
LEN () = This function will return the length of the specified field or string.
Usage: LEN(string)
label.
Examples:
If a field named PRICE had a value of 1234, then...
LEN(PRICE)
LEN("Hello")
LEN(01)
would produce 4
would produce
would produce
LOWER() = Use this function to convert the specified string all to lowercase characters.
Usage: LOWER(string)
label.
Examples:
50
Using Functions
If a field named COMPANY has a value of LMNOP, then...

LOWER(COMPANY)
would produce
LOWER("XYZ Sales")
lmnop
would produce
xyz sales
MID() = This function will extract any segment of a field. Use it to break apart a field into useable
chunks.
Usage: MID(field_name,start_pos,numb_chars)
field_name = The name of the field you want to break apart.
start_pos = The number of the character you want to start extracting from counting from the left
side of the field.
numb_chars = The number of characters that you want to extract. Include the start position and
count to the right.
Examples:
If a field named EMPLOYEE has a value of WENDEL CLARK, then...
MID(EMPLOYEE,1,6) would produce
WENDEL
MID(EMPLOYEE,8,5) would produce
CLARK
MID(EMPLOYEE,3,1)
would produce
OUTPUT() = This function will repeat the named field or string.

Usage: OUTPUT(string)
label.
PAD () = This function will add characters on the left side of a field to make the entire entry a
predetermined length. Any character can be selected to be the padding character.
Usage: PAD(number,length,pad_character)
number = The actual value (within double quotes ( " ) if it is a text string), or the name of the
field to be used.
length = The length the final field is to have.
pad_character = (Optional) Specify the character to use to pad the field. The default is '0' if
nothing is specified.
Examples:
If a field named GREETING had a value of HELLO, then...
PAD(GREETING,8)
PAD(5,3)
would produce
would produce
PAD("Nine",6,a)
000HELLO
005
would produce
aaNine
REPLACE() = This function will remove the specified number of characters from the string and replace
them with another set of characters.
Usage: REPLACE(string,start_num,num_chars,replace_with)
51
LABELVIEW Help
label.
start_num = The position within the string at which to start removing characters, counting the
left-most character at 1.
num_chars = The number of characters to remove from the string, starting at start_num.
replace_with = The new characters to replace the removed characters.
Examples:
If a field named COMPANY has a value of ABC Flower Shop and a field named NEW has a value of
Hardware, then...
REPLACE(COMPANY,1,3,"Bobs")
REPLACE(COMPANY,5,6,NEW)
would produce
would produce
Bobs Flower Shop
ABC Hardware Shop
REPT() = The Repeat function allows you to specify a string of characters to repeat and the number of
times to repeat the string.
Usage: REPT(string,num_repeats)
label.
num_repeats = Specify the number of times the string is to repeat across the label
Examples:
If a field named FIRST has a value of ABC then...
REPT(FIRST,5)
REPT("Hello",3)
would produce
would produce
ABCABCABCABCABC
HelloHelloHello
RIGHT () = This function extracts characters from the right side of the named field. The result is the
extracted character or characters.
Usage: RIGHT(field_name,number_of_chars)
field_name = The name of the field from which you want to extract the characters.
number_of_chars = The number of characters to extract.
Examples:
RIGHT(EMPLOYEE,5)
would produce
CLARK
RIGHT(EMPLOYEE,1)
would produce
SEARCH() = This function will output the numeric position of the first occurrence of a specified character
or group within a string. The search is not case sensitive; capital letters and lowercase letters are treated
the same. If the searched for target does not appear, the result will be zero ( 0 ).
Usage: SEARCH(string,find_what,start_pos)
label.
find_what = Enter the character, string, or field name containing the data you want to find.
start_pos = Specify at which point within string you wish to start the search.
Examples:
52
Using Functions
If a field named COMPANY has a value of "Monumental Record Company", and a field named
LETTER has a value of "m", then...
SEARCH(COMPANY,LETTER,1)
would produce
SEARCH(COMPANY,LETTER,2)
would produce
SEARCH("Hello There","o",5)
would produce
SUBSTR () = The Substring function will extract any segment of a field. The result is the extracted
character or characters.
Usage: SUBSTR(field_name,start_pos,numb_chars)
field_name = The name of the field from which you want to extract the characters.
start_pos = The number of the character you want to start extracting from, counting from the left
end of the field. If the starting character is beyond the end of the named field, only a space is
printed.
numb_chars = The number of characters to extract. Include the start position and count to the
right. If the specified length takes it beyond the end of the field, the extra characters are ignored.
Examples:
SUBSTR(EMPLOYEE,1,6)
would produce
WENDEL
would produce
CLARK
would produce
SUBSTR("Hello",4,5)
would produce
would produce
(a space)
lo
TEXT() = Use this function to format a specified string or field according to the given format.
Usage: TEXT(string,format)
label.
format = The format, enclosed within quotes, to use for the string.
Examples:
TEXT(012345678,"###-##-####")
would produce
TEXT(2125551212,"(###)###-####")
012-34-5678
would produce
(212)555-1212
TRIM() = Use this function to remove all of the spaces from a specified string or field.
Usage: TRIM(string)
label.
Examples:
If a field named FIRST has a value of "Believe it or not", then...
TRIM(FIRST)
would produce
TRIM("Now is the time")
Believeitornot
would produce
Nowisthetime
53
LABELVIEW Help
UPPER() = Use this function to convert all of the specified string to uppercase letters.
Usage: UPPER(string)
label.
Examples:
If a field named COMPANY has a value of "lmnop", then...
UPPER(COMPANY)
would produce
UPPER("XYZ Sales")
would produce
LMNOP
XYZ SALES
VALUE() = This function converts a string from a character data type to a numeric data type. In most
applications, it will simply repeat the entered value. Key fields in databases must be set as character,
even if they are numeric. This function will convert the value on the label into a numeric data type for
other uses (e.g., UPC bar codes only allow numbers).
Usage: VALUE(string)
label.
Numeric/Currency Functions
CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX() = This linked function is used to convert numbers from Base 10 to any
base numbering system. The label designer must define the base X numbering system within the linked
expression, and then the Base 10 number to convert to the new base. Both the base X definition field and
the Base 10 value can be linked to other fields on the label, but field names must not appear in quotes.
Usage: CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX (baseX_string ,base10_number_to_convert)
baseX_string = Gives all of the digits in the numbering system in order. For example, the
common Base 10 numbering system would be written as "0123456789".
base10_number_to_convert = Enter the value of the number in Base 10 that you want to convert
into base X. If the value entered is too large, the program will return an 1853 error. Acceptable
values depend upon the baseX_string and the number_to_convert.
Examples:
If a field named Base16 contains the string 0123456789ABCDEF, then...
CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX(Base16,12)
CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX (Base16,10)
CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX ("012345",9)
would produce
would produce
would produce
C
A
13
CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10() = This linked function is used to convert numbers from any base
numbering system into standard Base 10. The label designer must define the base X numbering system
within the linked expression, and then the base X number to convert into Base 10. Both the base X
definition field and the base X value can be linked to other fields on the label, but field names must not
appear in quotes.
Usage: CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10 (baseX_string,baseX_number_to_convert)
baseX_number_to_convert = Enter the value of the number in base X that you want to convert
into standard Base 10 number system. This value must appear in quotation marks " ". If the
value entered is too large, the program will return an 1853 error. Acceptable values depend upon
the baseX_string and the number_to_convert.
54
Using Functions
Examples:
CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10(Base16,"E")
would produce
CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10 (Base16,"10")
14
would produce
CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10 ("012345","23")
16
would produce
15
CURRENCYTOEURO / EUROTOCURRENCY() = This function is used to convert a value in one currency

to and from the EURO. The rate of exchange must first be set from the Configuration dialog's General tab.
Usage: CURRENCYTOEURO(amount) -OR- EUROTOCURRENCY(amount)
amount = This is the value of the currency to be exchanged to or from the Euro.
Examples:
If AMOUNT1 has a value of 55.99 units, and the Euro conversion rate is 1.5, then...
CURRENCYTOEURO(AMOUNT1)
would produce
37.33
(55.99/1.5)
EUROTOCURRENCY(AMOUNT1)
would produce
83.98
(55.99x1.5)
CYCLEBASEX() = Use this function to enable counting in any base numbering system. The number
system must be defined within the linked expression. The starting value, the amount of each increment,
and the number of copies of each number must also be specified. All of these values can be linked to other
fields on the label, but field names must not appear in quotes.
Usage: CYCLEBASEX(baseX_string,starting_value,increment,#copies)
starting_value = Enter the number from which the counting will begin. The value is entered in the
base X number system, and must appear within quotation marks " ". If the value entered is too
large, the program will return an 1853 error. Acceptable values depend upon the baseX_string
and the starting_value.
increment = Specify the amount to increment with each step. Negative numbers will cause the
counting to proceed in reverse order. This value must be entered as a Base 10 number (0-9).
#copies = Specify the number of copies of the same number that will be printed before
incrementing to the next value. This value must be entered as a Base 10 value (0-9).
Examples:
CYCLEBASEX(base16,"8",1,1)
would produce
8,9,A,B,C
CYCLEBASEX (base16,"F",-1,1)
would produce
F,E,D,C,B,A,9,8
CYCLEBASEX (base16,"B0",1,1)
would produce
B0, B1, B2
CYCLEBASEX ("012345","4",1,2)
would produce
4,4,5,5,10,10,11,11
CYCLENUMBER () = Typically, counting follows the normal progression of numbers or letters (0,1,2... or
A,B,C...). This function allows you to set up your own custom sequence of numbers.
Usage: CYCLENUMBER(first_number,last_number,increment,copies)
first_number = The number printed on the first label in the series.
last_number = The last number in the cycle before starting over.
55
LABELVIEW Help
increment = (Optional) The value to increment each number by. If not included, then '1' is used,
unless the first number is larger than the last, in which case '-1' will be used. Negative numbers
will count down.
copies = (Optional) Specify the number of copies of each number to print before incrementing to
the next value. The default value is '1'.
Examples:
CYCLENUMBER(1,3)
CYCLENUMBER(1,3,1,2)
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3...
1 1 2 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 1...
DOLLAR () = This will modify a field to represent a price.

Usage: DOLLAR(Field1)
Examples:
If a field named PRICE has a value of 199, then...
DOLLAR(PRICE)
would produce
$199.00
FIXED() = This function allows you to specify the number of decimal places to use for a numeric value,
and to specify whether or not to include the thousands separator (e.g., 10,000 or 10000).
Usage: FIXED(num1,#decimals,no-separator)
num1 = the number or the name of another field on the label to convert
#decimals = the number of decimal places to add to the value, zeroes are added after the
decimal
no-separator = use 0 to include a separator, 1 to omit
Examples:
FIXED(12345,2,0)
would produce
12,345.00
FIXED(12345,2,1)
would produce
12345.00
HEX () = This will convert a decimal number to hexadecimal (Base 16) format. Decimal (Base 10)
numbers have digits that range from 0-9 (0123456789), whereas hexadecimal go from 0-F
(0123456789ABCDEF). Use this feature to convert a number into hex notation.
Usage: HEX(n1,n2)
n1 = The number to convert, or the name of another field.
n2 = The total width of the result to be created by adding leading zeros.
Examples:
HEX(605627,7)
HEX(10,3)
would produce
would produce
0093DBB.
00A.
Other Functions
COMMANDFILENAME() = Including this field on a label will add the name of the command file being
used to control printing of the label. If command files are not being used to print the label, then this field
will be left blank.
Usage: COMMANDFILENAME()
No parameters are accepted between the () following the COMMANDFILENAME command.
56
Using Functions
Examples:
If the command file being used to print the label is called Printing.cmd, then...
COMMANDFILENAME()
would produce
Printing
F1 () = This function will return the special UCC/EAN function character, FNC1, which is required for
certain bar code standards.
Usage: F1()
Examples:
"123" + F1() + "ABC"
will encode a FNC1 character between the "123" and "ABC" data.
LABELNAME() = Including this field on the label design will add the name of the label to the printout.
Usage: LABELNAME()
No parameters are accepted between the () following the LABELNAME command.
Examples:
If the current label is called LabelName.lbl, then...
LABELNAME()
would produce
LabelName
LABELSELECTVALUE() = This function adds the key field data from the Label Select database used to
call the label onto the label design (if LabelSelect is not used to print the label, then this field will be left
blank). It can then be used to drive a second database containing additional information, since the Label
Select file only contains Label Name, Printer Name, and a key field. Additional database information must,
therefore, be contained in a separate data file. LabelSelectValue allows the supplemental database to be
controlled by the first, without the need for the operator to enter the data a second time. The second
database can be called by the key field in the Label Select database by using this function, then linking the
key field for the second database to this field. Refer to the entry on linking databases for more
information.
Usage: LABELSELECTVALUE()
Examples:
If the current Label Select database record has a key field value of 1001, then...
LABELSELECTVALUE()
would produce
1001
PRINTERNAME() = This function prints the printer name on the label. It uses the name of the printer to
which the label was sent.
Usage: PRINTERNAME()
No parameters are accepted between the () following the PRINTERNAME command.
Examples:
If the current printer is an HP LaserJet 4 on LPT2, then...
PRINTERNAME()
would produce
HP LaserJet 4 on LPT2
57
LABELVIEW Help
PRINTQTY () = This function will return the Print Quantity, which is the number of labels printed. (Useful
when logging the field to track the number of labels printed).
Usage: PRINTQTY()
RECQTY () = This function is used in conjunction with databases. When a field is set to use this
command, it will place on the label the quantity of labels printed for that specific record from the
database. If you select a series of records to print with varying quantities at the same time, this field will
print the number of each record printed.
Usage: RECQTY()
Examples:
If you have selected to print 5 copies of record number one from your database, 3 copies of
record number two, and 10 copies of record number three, this field will print '5' on all record one
labels, '3' on all for record two, and '10' on all of record three.
ZTRIM () = This function will trim all zeros from the left side of a numeric only field.
Usage: ZTRIM(field_name)
Examples:
If a field named WEIGHT has a value of 000200, then...
ZTRIM(WEIGHT)
would produce
200
Linked Functions Used to Perform Logical Operations

Logical operations and field comparisons can be performed with linked expressions. These expressions will
print a value of 1 or 0 depending upon the outcome of the statement. If the comparison is true (10>5),
then the program will print the value 1. If the comparison is false (10<5), the program will print the value
0. Linked expressions also allow you to write "IF statements" that will return conditional output based on
the parameters and true/false result values you specify.
AND
EQUAL
EXACT
GREATER
GREATEREQUAL
IF
IF2
LESS
LESSEQUAL
NOT
58
Using Functions
NOTEQUAL
OR
AND() = This function compares the results from two expressions and prints a 1 only if BOTH are true (a
0 (false) is printed otherwise). The two compared values are usually the result of an IF expression, or
some other operation occurring elsewhere on the label. Only 0 and 1 can be used as input for this
function.
Usage: AND(value1,value2)
value1,value2 = These are the results of two expressions occurring elsewhere on the label. They
must have a value of either 1 or 0.
Examples:
If field1 is named SMALL and has a value of 1, field2 is named BIG and has a value of 1, and field
3 is named FIRST and has a value of 0, then...
AND(SMALL,BIG)
would produce
AND(SMALL,FIRST)
AND(1,1 )
would produce
would produce
EQUAL() = This compares two numeric values and prints the number 1 only if the two compared values
are the same (a 0 is printed otherwise).
Usage: EQUAL(value1,value2)
value1,value2 = These are the two values being compared. They can be entered as numbers or
they can be the names of fields already on the label.
Examples:
If field1 is named SMALL and has a value of 10, field2 is named BIG and has a value of 20, and
field 3 is named FIRST and has a value of 20, then...
EQUAL(SMALL,BIG)
EQUAL(BIG,FIRST)
would produce
would produce
EQUAL(99,99 )
would produce
EQUAL(64,81 )
would produce
1
1
EXACT() = This compares two strings and prints the number 1 only if they are exactly the same (a 0 is
printed otherwise). This is similar to the EQUAL function, but it is for use with alphanumeric data.
Usage: EXACT(string1,string2)
string1,string2 = These are the two strings or fields being compared. They can be entered as a
string of characters enclosed within quotes " ", or they can be the names of fields already on the
label.
Examples:
If field1 is named FIRST and has a value of "Hello", and field2 is named SECOND and has a value
of "Goodbye", then...
EXACT(FIRST,SECOND)
would produce
59
LABELVIEW Help
EXACT("Bob","Bob" )
would produce
EXACT("Bob","bob" )
would produce
GREATER() = This compares two numeric values and prints the number 1 only if the first value is larger
than the second value (a 0 is printed otherwise).
Usage: GREATER(value1,value2)
value1,value2 = These are the two numbers being compared. They can be entered as numbers,
or they can be the names of fields already on the label.
Examples:
If field1 is named SMALL and has a value of 10, and field2 is named BIG and has a value of 20,
then...
GREATER(SMALL,BIG)
would produce
GREATER(BIG,SMALL)
would produce
GREATER(99,99 )
GREATER(100,50 )
would produce
would produce
0
1
GREATEREQUAL() = This compares two numeric values and prints the number 1 only if the first value is
larger than or equal to the second value (a 0 is printed otherwise).
Usage: GREATEREQUAL(value1,value2)
Examples:
then...
GREATEREQUAL(SMALL,BIG)
GREATEREQUAL(99,99 )
would produce
would produce
would produce
would produce
IF () = A linked expression that allows the label to have conditional output.

Usage: IF(field1 OPERATOR field2,TrueResult,False Result)
field1 OPERATOR field2 = The two field names which are being compared, separated by the
appropriate operator.
Operators:
= equal
<> not equal
< less than
> greater than
<= less than or equal
>= greater than or equal to
Examples:
60
Using Functions
If a company has a price structure as shown below...

Quantity
Price
0-500
$28.95
501-
$19.95
...and a field named QUANTITY, the following IF() function could be used:
IF(QUANTITY<=500,28.95,19.95)
IF2() = IF2 offers an alternate method (vs. the standard IF function) of creating a linked expression with
conditional output.
Usage: IF2(expr,TrueResult,False Result)
expr = A linked expression using a function to compare two strings separated by a comma.
TrueResult = The result if expr is true.
FalseResult = The result if expr is false.
Examples:
IF2(exact("string", "string"), "true","false"))
IF2(exact("s tring", "string"), "true","false"))
would produce
would produce
true
false
LESS() = This compares two numeric values and prints the number 1 only if the first value is smaller than
the second value (a 0 is printed otherwise).
Usage: LESS(value1,value2)
Examples:
then...
LESS (SMALL,BIG)
would produce
LESS (BIG,SMALL)
would produce
LESS (99,99 )
would produce
LESS (10,50 )
would produce
LESSEQUAL() = This compares two numeric values and prints the number 1 only if the first value is
smaller than or equal to the second (a 0 is printed otherwise).
Usage: LESSEQUAL(value1,value2)
Examples:
then...
LESSEQUAL(SMALL,BIG)
would produce
61
LABELVIEW Help
LESSEQUAL(99,99 )
would produce
LESSEQUAL(100,50 )
would produce
LESSEQUAL(50,100 )
would produce
NOT() = This logical operation will return the logical opposite of the input value. True (1) becomes False
(0), and False becomes True.
Usage: NOT(value1)
value1 = This is the value to invert. It must be a 1 or 0, or the name of another field that has
the value of 1 or 0.
Examples:
then...
NOT(SMALL)
NOT(BIG)
would produce
would produce
NOT(1)
would produce
NOT(0)
would produce
NOTEQUAL() = This compares two numeric values and prints the number 1 only if they are NOT the
same (a 0 is printed otherwise).
Usage: NOTEQUAL(value1,value2)
Examples:
and field3 is named FIRST and has a value of 20, then...
NOTEQUAL(SMALL,BIG)
NOTEQUAL(BIG,FIRST)
would produce
would produce
NOTEQUAL(99,99 )
would produce
NOTEQUAL(64,81 )
would produce
1
0
OR() = This is a logical operation that compares the results from two expressions and prints 1 if either
are true (a 0 is printed otherwise). These values are usually the result of an IF expression, or some other
operation occurring elsewhere on the label. Only 0 and 1 can be used as input for this operation.
Usage: OR(value1,value2)
value1,value2 = These are the results of two expressions occurring elsewhere on the label. They
must have a value of either 1 or 0.
Examples:
If field1 is named SMALL and has a value of 1, field2 is named BIG and has a value of 0, and field
3 is named FIRST and has a value of 0, then...
OR(SMALL,BIG)
OR(BIG,FIRST)
62
would produce
would produce
1
0
Using Functions
OR(1,0 )
OR(0,0)
would produce
would produce
1
0
Linked Functions Used to Perform Mathematical Operations

The functions listed below allow you to perform mathematical operations using numbers or numeric field
values on your label.
ADD
DIV
INT
MOD
MULT
NEGATE
POW
QUOTIENT
ROUND
SUB
TRUNC
ADD() = This function produces the sum of two numeric fields.

Usage: ADD(field1,field2,#_of_decimals)
field1,field2 = Two numbers or names of numeric-only fields on the label.
#_of_decimals = The number of decimal places to be used in the result.
Examples:
If a field named TOTAL had a value of 100 and a field named TAX had a value of 7, then...
ADD (TOTAL,TAX,2)
would produce
107.00
ADD (TOTAL,5.1)
would produce
105.1
DIV() = Use this function to divide the value of field1 by field2.

Usage: DIV(field1,field2,#_of_decimals)
#_of_decimals = The number of decimal places to use in the result.
Examples:
If field1 is named TOTAL and has a value of 100 and field2 is named TAX and has a value of 7,
then...
63
LABELVIEW Help
DIV(TOTAL,TAX,2)
DIV(TOTAL,3)
would produce
would produce
14.28
33
INT() = The given value will be rounded DOWN to the nearest integer. (Any decimal portion is dropped.)
Usage: INT(value)
value = A number or the name of a numeric-only field on the label.
Examples:
INT(234.56)
would produce
234
INT(-234.56)
would produce
-235
MOD() = Use this function to calculate the remainder when field1 is divided by field2 (useful in calculating
check digits for certain bar codes).
Usage: MOD(field1,field2)
Examples:
If field1 is named PRICE and has a value of 100 and field2 is named QTY and has a value of 8,
then...
MOD(PRICE,QTY)
would produce
(100/8 = 12 with a remainder of 4)
MULT() = This function will multiply field1 by field2.

Usage: MULT(field1,field2,#_of_decimals)
Examples:
If field1 is named PRICE and has a value of .99 and field2 is named QTY and has a value of 8,
then...
MULT(PRICE,QTY,3)
MULT(PRICE,3.1)
would produce
would produce
7.920
3.07
NEGATE() = Multiplies the given number by 1.

Usage: NEGATE(number)
number = A number or the name of a numeric-only field on the label.
Examples:
If a field is named NUM1 and has a value of 123 and another field is named NUM2 and has a
value of 987, then...
NEGATE(NUM1)
would produce
-123
NEGATE(NUM2)
would produce
987
NEGATE(69)
64
would produce
-69
Using Functions
POW() = This function is used to calculate exponential values or powers. Field1 is raised to the power of
field2. The result will be calculated to four decimal places.
Usage: POW(base,exponent)
base = The number being raised to a power. Enter either a number or the name of a numericonly field.
exponent = The power value (decimal values are permitted).
Examples:
POW(2,3) would produce
8.0000
POW(3,2) would produce
9.0000
POW(100,0.5)
would produce
10.0000
QUOTIENT() = This function gives the integer value of field1 divided by field2. (Any decimal portion is
dropped.)
Usage: QUOTIENT(field1,field2)
Examples:
If field1 has a value of 100 and field2 has a value of 8, then...
QUOTIENT(field1,field2)
QUOTIENT(field1,20)
would produce
would produce
12
ROUND() = Rounds the given number to the number of decimal places specified.
Usage: ROUND(number,#decimals)
number = A number or the name of a numeric-only field.
#decimals = The number of decimal places to use when rounding the number.
Examples:
ROUND(123.456,1)
would produce
123.5
ROUND(123.456,0)
would produce
123
SUB() = This function subtracts field2 from field1.

Usage: SUB(field1,field2,#_of_decimals)
Examples:
If field1, named TOTAL, has a value of 100 and field2, named TAX, has a value of 7, then...
SUB(TOTAL,TAX,2)
SUB(5,TAX,1)
would produce
would produce
93.00
-2.0
TRUNC() = This function returns the integer value of the given number. (Any decimal portion is
dropped.)
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LABELVIEW Help
Usage: TRUNC(number)
number = A number or the name of a numeric-only field.
Examples:
If field1 is named NUM and has a value of 98.765, then...
TRUNC(NUM)
TRUNC(-25.36)
would produce
would produce
98
-25
Date and Time Functions

The following functions generate the current date and/or time in varying formats. The result is based upon
the computers internal clock, which must be correct for these functions to be accurate.
DAY
HOUR
MINUTE
MONTH
NOW
TODAY
WEEKDAY
YEAR
SYS_DATE
SYS_DAY
SYS_HOUR
SYS_JULIAN
SYS_MINUTE
SYS_MONTH
SYS_SECOND
SYS_TIME
SYS_YEAR
DAY() = This function will print out the day of the month.
Usage: DAY(time)
time: This can be either of the NOW() or TODAY() functions. No other operator is permitted.
Example:
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Using Functions
If the current date is Monday, April 12, 1999, then...

DAY(NOW())
would produce
DAY(TODAY())
12
would produce
12
HOUR() = This function will print out the current hour. AM or PM has no effect upon the final output;
both will print the same value.
Usage: HOUR(time)
Example:
If the current time is 8:41 PM, then...
HOUR(NOW())
would produce
HOUR(TODAY())
would produce
MINUTE() = This function will print out the current minute value.
Usage: MINUTE(time)
Example:
MINUTE(NOW())
would produce
MINUTE(TODAY())
41
would produce
41
MONTH()= This function will print out the numeric value for the month of the year.
Usage: MONTH(time)
Example:
If the current date is Monday, April 12, 1999, then...
MONTH(NOW())
MONTH(TODAY())
would produce
would produce
4
4
NOW() = This function will print the current date and time value in the following format: mm/dd/yy
hh:mm am/pm. The NOW function is used as the key for many of the other date functions.
Usage: NOW()
No value can appear within the parentheses.
Example:
If the current date and time is 9:10 AM on September 22, 1999, then...
NOW()
would produce
09/22/99 09:10 am
TODAY() = This function will print the current date value in the following format: mm/dd/yy. The
TODAY function is used as the key for many of the other date functions.
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LABELVIEW Help
Usage: TODAY()
No value can appear within the parentheses.
Example:
If the current date is September 22, 1999, then...
TODAY()
would produce
09/22/99
WEEKDAY() = This function will print the current day of the week in numeric form, based upon Sunday
as the first day. SUNDAY=1, MONDAY=2, etc.
Usage: WEEKDAY(date)
date: This is either of the NOW() or TODAY() functions; both will produce the same result.
Example:
If the current day of the week is Wednesday, then...
WEEKDAY(now())
would produce
YEAR() = This function will print the current year in a 4-digit format (e.g., 1999).
Usage: YEAR(date)
date: This is either of the NOW() or TODAY() functions; both will produce the same result.
Example:
If the current year is 2001, then...
YEAR(now())
would produce
2001
SYS_DATE() = This function will print the current date in the following format: mm/dd/yy.
Usage: SYS_DATE()
Example:
If the current date is March 6, 2003, then...
SYS_DATE()
would produce
03/06/03
SYS_DAY() = This function will print the current day of the month in a 2-digit format.
Usage: SYS_DAY()
Example:
If the current date is March 6, 2003, then...
SYS_DAY()
would produce
06
SYS_HOUR() = This function will print the current hour in a 24-hour day.
Usage: SYS_HOUR()
Example:
68
Using Functions

SYS_HOUR()
would produce
15
SYS_JULIAN() = This function will print the current day of the year according to the Julian calendar.
Usage: SYS_JULIAN()
Example:
If the current date is March 6, then...
SYS_JULIAN()
would produce
65
SYS_MINUTE() = This function will print the current minute within the hour.
Usage: SYS_MINUTE()
Example:
SYS_MINUTE()
would produce
52
SYS_MONTH() = This function will print the current month in a 2-digit format.
Usage: SYS_MONTH()
Example:
If the current date is March 6, then...
SYS_MONTH()
would produce
03
SYS_SECOND() = This function will print the current second within the minute.
Usage: SYS_SECOND()
Example:
If the current time is 3:52:45 PM, then...
SYS_SECOND()
would produce
45
SYS_TIME() = This function will print the current time in the following format: hh:mm am/pm.
Usage: SYS_TIME()
Example:
SYS_TIME()
would produce
03:52 pm
SYS_YEAR() = This function will print the current year in a 2-digit format.
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LABELVIEW Help
Usage: SYS_YEAR()
Example:
If the current year is 2003, then...
SYS_YEAR()
would produce
03
Check Digit Functions

The following check digit functions can be used to calculate many of the most common bar code check
digits. Some of these check digits are calculated automatically within the respective bar code, but you can
also manually calculate a check digit using the following check digit functions.
BIMODULO11() Produces two check digits by calculating the Modulus 11 check digit on the bar code data,
and then calculating another Modulus 11 check digit using the new bar code data (including the check
digit) to produce the second check digit.
CANADACUSTOMSCD() Calculates the Canada Customs Standard check digit.
CHECK128() Calculates the MOD103 check digit found at the end of Code 128 bar codes. Calculated
values can be numbers, letters, or other characters which represent one of 103 single-digit values.
CHECKUPCE() Calculates the UPC-E bar code check digit. Valid check digit values are 0-9.
MOD10() Calculates the Modulus 10 check digit, typically used on Code 128, UPC, EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5,
HIBC and Postnet bar code types. Valid check digit values are 0-9.
ADDMOD10() Calculates the Modulus 10 check digit and includes the actual text string and the check
digit appended to the end of the string. Typically used on Code 128, UPC, EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5, HIBC
and Postnet bar code types, valid check digit values are 0-9.
MOD10_212() A variant of the standard MOD 10 check digit.
ADDMOD10_212() Calculates the Modulus 10_212 check digit (a variant of the standard MOD 10 check
digit), and includes the actual text string and the checksum appended to the end of the string.
MOD43() Calculates the Modulus 43 check digit, typically used on Code 39 and Code 93 bar code types.
Valid check digit values are capital letters A-Z, numeric 0-9, the space character, and symbols - . $ / + %.
ADDMOD43() Calculates the Modulus 43 check digit and includes the actual text string and the check
digit appended to the end of the string. Typically used on Code 39 and Code 93 bar code types. Valid
check digit values are capital letters A-Z, numeric 0-9, the space character, and symbols - . $ / + %.
MODULO10IBM() Calculates the IBM Modulus 10 check digit (a variant of the standard MOD 10 check
digit).
MODULO11() Calculates the Modulus 11 check digit.
MODULO11IBM() Calculates the IBM Modulus 11 check digit (a variant of the standard Modulo11 check
digit).
MODULO24() Calculates the Modulo 24 check digit.
MODULO32() Calculates the Modulo 32 check digit.
MODULO47() Produces two check digits by calculating the Modulus 47 check digit on the bar code data,
and then calculating another Modulus 47 check digit using the new bar code data (including the check
digit) to produce the second check digit. Typically used on Code 93 and Extended Code 93 bar code types.
PLESSEY() Calculates the Plessey check digit.
PRICECD() Calculates the 4-digit UPC Random Weight Price check digit.
PRICECD5() Calculates the 5-digit UPC Random Weight Price check digit.
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Using Functions
UPSMOD10() Calculates the UPSMOD10 (a variant of the standard MOD 10 check digit). Typically used
with a Code 128 Auto bar code to create the linear tracking number bar code used on UPS labels.
71
Using Serial Files and Accumulator Files

Serial Files
About Counters and Serial Files
Note: Depending on the edition of the software you are using, this feature may not be available. Refer to
the feature comparison chart (in PDF format) for information on the features included in your edition.
A counter is a text or bar code field, the value of which is set to increment or decrement as labels are
printed. A counter can be used to print sequential values such as serial numbers, shelf numbers and
inventory numbers.
The value by which a counter is incremented is defined in the Options tab of the text or bar code
properties dialog box.
The increment value can be any whole number (fractions and decimals are not allowed). You can also
enter a negative number (for example, 1) to have the value decrement (count backwards) with each
label printed.
Reset with Each Print Job

With the increment value defined, the counter will reset to the original value with each print job.
If you want counting to continue to the next print job, then in addition to defining an increment value, you
must create a serial file and then specify Serial file as the data source and link the field to a serial file.
Serial files are used to create labels that automatically print serial numbers, lot numbers or production
control numbers. The serial file contains the starting value for a counter field; that is, it contains the first
number to be printed.
The label design software uses the serial file to track the number of labels printed so that for the next
print job, counting can continue with the next value in the series.
Note: The value by which the counter is incremented or decremented is defined in the Options tab of the
fields properties dialog box.
Device/Method that Controls Counting

The device/method that controls counting is defined in the Options tab of the Label Setup dialog box by
selecting one of these values from the Increment Method box:
Printer: Sets the printer to control counting.
Software: Sets the label design software to control counting. This method may be slower but it is
more certain to count correctly. Best used when incrementing TrueType fonts.
Hexadecimal: Instead of counting using the standard base 10 number system (0123456789), this
will cause labels to count in base 16 (0123456789ABCDEF).
Creating a Serial File

Note: Depending on the edition of the software you are using, this feature may not be available. Refer to
the feature comparison chart (in PDF format) for information on the features included in your edition.
1.
On the Options menu, click Serial Files.
2.
Click New.
72
Using Serial Files and Accumulator Files
3.
Enter the starting value for the counter; that is, the first serial number to be printed.
4.
Click OK. The Save Serial Files dialog box appears prompting you to name the serial file.
5.
In the Serial file box, enter a name for the serial file, click OK, and then click Exit to return to
the design window.
Note: The serial (.srl) files are stored in the location defined for Serial/Accumulator files in the Directories
dialog box.
To add a counter to a label

1.
2.
In the Data Source box, click Serial file.
3.
In the Serial file box, select the .srl file you created previously.
4.
Click the Options tab.
5.
In the Increment box, enter the amount by which you want the counter to increment with each
label.
6.
The text field appears, displaying the value defined in the serial file.
Note: You can edit the serial file at any time to reset or change its current value.
Accumulator Files
About Accumulator Files
An accumulator file can take data from any numeric text or bar code field on a label (or from multiple
labels) after printing and add its value to a pre-determined accumulator file.
The accumulator file can then be selected as a data source for a field, so that you can print the
accumulated data on a label.
Accumulator files can be used to track work and printing. For example, you can use accumulator files to:
Count the number of items or labels being produced, and print an end-of-day production report.
Add the weight from all labels produced, accumulate the total weight, and then print a carton
label with the total weight of all items.
Count carton weights and print a pallet weight label, then clear the carton total after printing.
Note: Accumulator (.acm) files are stored in the location for Serial/Accumulator files defined in the
Directories dialog box.
Creating an Accumulator File

1.
On the Options menu, click Accumulator File.
2.
Click New and enter a starting value for the accumulator file (zero is the default).
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LABELVIEW Help
3.
Click OK. The Select Accumulator file dialog box appears.
4.
In the File name box, enter a name for the .acm file (up to 255 characters long) and click Save.
The new file appears in the list of accumulator files.
5.

The accumulator file is now available as a data source for adding an accumulator file field to your
label.
Setting a Field to Accumulate

This label design software allows you to create a numeric text or bar code field and set the field to
accumulate to an "accumulator" file (.acm file).
Note: Values accumulate for each label printed in each print job; they are not accumulated for multiple
copies of the same label in the same print job.
To send the value of a field to an accumulator file

1.
With the desired label file open, add a numeric text or bar code field to the label.
2.
3.
In the Acm File box, select the .acm file to which you want to add this field's value.
4.
When you print the label, the value of this field will be added to the accumulated total in the .acm
file.
Adding an Accumulator File Field

Before you can add an accumulator file field to your label, you must first create an accumulator (.acm)
file.
1.
Open the label file containing the previously created accumulator file (.acm file).
2.
3.
In the Data Source box, click Accumulator file.
4.
Set the following properties as appropriate for this field:

String length: The maximum number of characters that may be entered for this field. Characters
beyond this value will not be included.
Acm File: The accumulator file, the value of which will populate the text or bar code field.
Clear after Print: Returns the accumulator file to its original value (typically, 0) after printing.
5.

The current value in the accumulator file appears as the value for this field.
74
Entering Values at Print Time

About Data Entered at Print Time
There are several types of data sources that allow you to set up a field on a label and enter the value for
that field at print time. This is useful for entering information that changes from label to label, such as the
customer and purchase order data on shipping labels.
The When Printed data source allows you to enter a value for a field at the time the label is
printed.
The Pick List data source allows you to specify a list of valid choices, so that at print time you can
enter a value by selecting it from a list. You can limit user input to the Pick List, or allow other
entries besides those on the list.
The Data Dictionary data source (a GOLD edition feature) is a method for defining a data source
and providing a drop-down list of fields from which the label designer can choose. The use of a
data dictionary helps ensure that the label designer uses only field names that exactly match the
database field names. The selected field then acts the same as a When Printed data source, by
prompting the user for input at print time.
The database data sources (dBase, ODBC DB and OLE DB) also allow you to specify data at print
time to print a particular record.
Note: A value entered at print time applies to the entire print job. If you print multiple quantities, you will
not be prompted to enter values for each label. All the labels in the print job will have the same When
Printed or Pick List value.
Sorting Prompts
If your label contains several fields that require input at print time, you can sort the prompts for those
fields to appear in any particular order.
To sort the prompts that appear at print time

1.
On the Edit menu, click Sort Prompts.
2.
Click a prompt to select it.
3.
Use the arrow buttons to move the selected prompt to the first, previous, next, or last position.
4.
When finished arranging prompts, click OK to return to the design window.
When Printed
Adding a When Printed Field
To set up the When Printed data source, you must define all the properties of the field except its value,
which will be entered at print time.
To add a field for which the value will be entered at print time
1.
2.
In the Data Source box, click When Printed.
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LABELVIEW Help
Note: For paragraphs and 2D bar codes, the When Printed data source can only be used to populate the
field from an external controlling program (Visual Basic, command files, etc.).
3.
If you want to limit the number of characters that the user is allowed to type in this field at print
time, enter the maximum number of characters in the String Length box.
4.
In the Prompt box, enter a message (e.g., Enter part number:) to provide a prompt for the user
at print time.
5.
Click the Options tab and if desired, set the following When Printed options:
Required: If Yes, the user must enter a value for this field before proceeding with the print job. If
No, the user can leave the field blank and still print the label.
Must Fill: If Yes, the user must enter a data string that has the same number of characters as
that specified for the length of this field. If No, the user can enter a value shorter than the
specified length.
Clear After Print: If Yes, the field is cleared after the label prints. If No, the field retains the last
value entered.
6.
Pick List
Creating a Pick List File
A Pick List (.pkl) file contains the values from which a user can select at print time.
To create or edit a Pick List file

1.
On the Options menu, click Picklist Setup.
2.
Click New, or select an existing file and click Edit.
3.
Choose from the following options:

New: Allows you to enter a new value to appear in the Pick List.
Edit: Displays a text box for editing the selected value.
Delete: Deletes the selected value from the list.
As Default: Retains the selected value as the default value for the field.
Sort: Arranges the values in alphabetical order.
String Length: The maximum number of characters allowed in the field.
Force data to come from list: Prevents the user from entering a value other than one available
in the Pick List.
Allow update at print time: Allows the user to update (edit) the Pick List at print time.
Arrow buttons: Moves the selected value to the top, previous, next or bottom position in the list,
respectively.
76
4.
Once you have created/modified the Pick List file, click OK.
5.
If this is a new Pick List file, enter a file name (up to 255 characters long) and click OK to save
the file.
6.
Note: The Pick List (.pkl) files are stored in the location defined for Pick List files on the Directories dialog
box.
Data Dictionary
Configuring a Data Dictionary
Data Dictionary is a GOLD edition feature that allows you to define a data source and provide a dropdown list of fields from which the label designer can choose. The selected field then acts the same as a
When Printed data source, by prompting the user for input at print time.
The use of a Data Dictionary helps ensure that the label designer uses only field names that exactly match
the database field names. This exact match is required by third-party integrators using command files or
DDE routines.
To use the Data Dictionary, you need to create two new filesa program (.ini) file and the Data Dictionary
(.dd) file itself. You create the files using a simple text editor, such as Notepad.
The program file defines the name of the data source.
The Data Dictionary file defines the name of the data file, and the fields and field lengths
associated with that data file.
When you create a text or bar code field for your label, and select a Data Dictionary data source and file, a
drop-down list is provided for selecting the field name. The listderived from the Data Dictionary
ensures that only the exact field names and lengths are used.
View example of how to define the program (.ini) file...
For the following example, we will assume we are working with a database containing shipping data.
1.
In the label design software, select Notepad from the Tools menu.
2.
In the text box, add these lines:

[Data Dictionary]
Alias=Shipping Data
Allow Database=1
Allow Whenprinted=1
Note: The Alias is the name that will be available as a Data Source when creating a text or bar code field
to add to a label.
3.
On the File menu, click Save.
4.
Navigate to the program's main directory and in the File name box, type DATADICT.INI.
77
LABELVIEW Help
5.
Click Save to save the file to the program's main directory.
6.
In Notepad, click Exit.
View example of how to define the Data Dictionary (.dd) file...

The Data Dictionary is created in a simple text editor such as Notepad, and saved with the .dd file
extension. The file contains:
The name of the dictionary (e.g., Shipping Fields). This is the name that will appear in the Data
Files box when you are defining a field for the label.
The name of each field, followed by a comma, a space, and the number of characters allowed for
the field (field length). These fields will appear in the Description drop-down list when you are
defining a field for the label.
For the following example, we will assume our shipping database contains the following field names and
sizes:
Field Name
Field Length
Company
20
Address_1
35
Address_2
35
Ship_to_City
20
Defining the Data Dictionary file

1.
Select Notepad from the Tools menu in the label design software.
2.
In the text box, type the data file name followed by the field names and lengths that you want to
include on your label. For this example, type:
Shipping Fields
Company, 20
Address_1, 35
Address_2, 35
Ship_to_City, 20
Note: Type the names exactly as they appear in the database so that the third-party programs and DDE
routines will work.
78
3.
On the File menu, click Save. The Save As dialog box appears.
4.
Navigate to the program's main directory and in the File name box, enter a Data Dictionary file
name with the .dd file extension. For this example, type Shipping.dd.
Note: The Data Dictionary must have the .dd file extension.
5.
Click Save to save the file to the program's main directory.
6.
In Notepad, click Exit.
You can now proceed to add a Data Dictionary field to your label.
Adding a Data Dictionary Field

Data dictionary is a GOLD edition feature.
Once you have configured a data dictionary, you can use it to populate a field on your label.
1.
2.
In the Data Source box, select the data dictionary alias you previously assigned when creating
the DATADICT.INI file.
3.
In the Data Files box, select the name of the data dictionary (.dd file) to use.
4.
In the Description box, select the appropriate database field.
Note: The Description box presents a drop-down list of the fields defined in the data dictionary. When
the label is printed, the field you select appears as a prompt (similar to a When Printed field) that requires
user input.
79
Logging Label Data

About Logging
Logging is a GOLD edition feature. When you enable logging, the label design software generates report
files when labels are sent to print. The reports record the label formats being printed and the content of
specific fields that you have set to be logged.
Reports are stored in text files that can be viewed with a simple text editor, such as Notepad, or with
other programs for which the file extensions are compatible. You can also display reports in the label
design softwares Log Viewer, which provides a display grid similar to that used to display databases.
Note: If something occurs to disrupt the print jobsuch as a power failurethe failure of labels to print
will not be reflected in the report file. For example, if power is lost after 500 of 1000 labels have been
printed, the log file still records that 1000 labels were printed.
General Label Reports

With logging enabled, a report (lblview.rpt) is generated every time you print labels. The report is
cumulative; that is, the report name stays the same, and new data is added to it with every print job. You
can, however, select to have the current date appended to the file name so that a new report is generated
with each days print jobs.
The lblview.rpt file records this information:
Stock Item: Type of label stock used
Quantity: Number of labels printed
Width: Size of label
Height: Size of label
Printer Name: Name of printer
Date: Date printed
Time: Time printed
LabelName: Name of the label format
Reports for Specific Labels

When you set one or more fields on a label to be logged, a separate report (labelname.rpt) is generated
for that specific label when the label is printed. The report is cumulative; that is, each time the label is
printed, the current data is appended to the report.
The labelname.rpt file records this information:
Date: Date of printing
Time: Time of printing
Quantity: Quantity of labels printed
[Field Name]: The content of each field set to be logged
Note: If you make any changes to a label by adding or deleting logged fields, you must delete the existing
labelname.rpt file. Failure to delete the existing report will result in new data being improperly appended
to the report.
Enabling the Log Feature

Label logging is a GOLD edition feature that tells the label design software to generate a report every time
you print labels. Reports are only produced when you print labels.
Note: If you do not enable the log feature, then setting individual fields to be logged will have no effect.
80
Logging Label Data
To enable the log feature

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click on the Log tab.
2.
Select the Log check box.
3.
Set the options on the Log tab as appropriate for your labeling application.
4.
Click OK.
Logging is now enabled, and a lblview.rpt file will be created when you print a label. If you have
fields on a label that have the Log this Object property set to Yes, then a labelname.rpt will also
be generated.
Setting Up Logging for Label Fields

Label logging is a GOLD edition feature that tells the label design software to generate a report every time
you print labels. If you want the content of a specific field on a label to be recorded in a report for that
label, then you must set the fields Log this Object property to Yes.
Setting the Log property for a field

1.
Add a text or bar code field.
2.
3.
In the Log this Object box, click Yes.
4.
5.
On the File menu, click Save and save the label.
6.
On the File menu, click Print and print the label.

Two reports are generated: LBLVIEW.rpt and labelname.rpt.
Displaying Log Files in Log Viewer

Log Viewer is a GOLD edition feature that allows you to view and customize log reports in the label design
software.
To display log files in Log Viewer

1.
On the Tools menu, click LogView. Alternatively, you can launch Log Viewer from the program
Start menu.
2.
Now in Log Viewer, select Open Log File from the File menu.
3.
Locate and select the log file (i.e., LBLVIEW.RPT), and click Open.
The report appears in Log Viewer.
Working in Log Viewer

software. In the Log Viewer, you can customize the format of a displayed report by using the Grid
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LABELVIEW Help
Property and Cells Font commands available from the View menu. You can also search for data by
using the Find command.
To customize the Log Viewer display grid

1.
To access the Log Viewer from the label design software, select LogView from the Tools menu.
2.
Open the log report file you want to view.
3.
Select Grid Property from the View menu. The Display Settings dialog box appears.
4.
Select your preferences for the following display settings:
5.
3D-Buttons: Displays the field names in a raised button format.
Vertical Lines: Displays vertical lines.
Horizontal Lines: Displays horizontal lines.
Mark Current Row: The row number of the currently selected row appears pressed.
Mark Current Column: The column heading of the currently selected column appears
pressed.
Color: Click the item (Grid Lines, Fixed Lines, etc.) for which you want to specify color,
and then click a color box on the right to assign a color to it.
Preview: Displays a sample of the currently selected options. Click in the preview pane to
evaluate your settings.
User Properties: Displays properties attached to the current report.
Save settings to profile: Saves your changes as the default format for all reports that
you open. If you do not select this check box, then changes you make apply to the
current database only and are not saved after the database is closed.
Click OK.
To search for data
82
1.
With your log report file open in Log Viewer, click on the column/field in which to search. (The
Find command searches record data in the selected column only.)
2.
On the Edit menu, click Find.
3.
Enter the value to search for in the Find what box.
4.
If you want to search for values that match the Find what value exactly as typed, click the
Match case check box.
5.
Select the Direction to specify that the search look forward (Down) or backward (Up) through
the report.
6.
Click Find Next to perform the search.
Logging Label Data
Note: You can search for data, but you cannot replace it because the displayed reports are not editable.
Customizing Reports in Log Viewer

Log Viewer is a GOLD edition feature that allows you to view and customize log reports created in the
label design software. You can customize the format of printed reports by modifying the page setup.
To customize the format of printed reports

1.
Open your log report file (i.e., LBLVIEW.RPT) in the Log Viewer.
2.
On the File menu, click Page Setup.
3.
Customize the format of your printed report by setting your preferences for the following
settings:
Margins: Set the values for left, right, top, and bottom margins.
Row Headers: Prints a row number to the left of each line of data.
Column Headers: Prints a column header above each line of data.
Print Frame: Prints a border around the entire table of data.
Vertical Lines: Prints vertical lines between columns.
Horizontal Lines: Prints horizontal lines between rows.
Only Black and White: Does not print color.
First Rows, then Columns: If the number of columns and rows cannot fit on a single page, prints
complete row data on sequential pages first.
First Columns, then Rows: If the number of columns and rows cannot fit on a single page, prints
complete column data on sequential pages first.
vertical: Centers the content of the report vertically on the page, in relation to the top and bottom
margins.
horizontal: Centers the content of the report horizontally on the page, in relation to the left and
right margins.
Save settings to profile: Saves your changes as the default format for all reports that you open.
If you do not select this check box, then changes you make apply to the current report only and
are not saved after the report is closed.
4.
Click OK.
Adding Headers/Footers to Reports in Log Viewer

software. A log report header contains data that appears at the top of every page of the report. A footer
contains data that appears at the bottom of every page of the report. You can define whether to include
either headers or footers (or both), and their contents for each report.
To add headers and footers to a report in Log Viewer

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LABELVIEW Help
1.
Open your log report file (i.e., LBLVIEW.RPT) in the Log Viewer.
2.
On the File menu, click Header/Footer.
3.
Set your preferences for the following header/footer settings:

Header tab: Displays a grid for you to enter data for the header of the report. The columns
indicate the horizontal alignment of the data.
Footer tab: Displays a grid for you to enter data for the footer of the report. Date/time ($D) and
page number ($P/$N) codes appear for your convenience.
Font: Allows you to specify a font, style and size for each block of data.
Distance to Frame: The distance between the header or footer text and the outside edge of the
printable area.
First Page No.: If pages are numbered, you can set the number of the first page of the report.
Clear this box if you do not want to number the first page.
Save settings to profile: Saves your changes as the default format for all reports. If you do not
select this check box, then changes you make apply to the current report only and are not saved
after the report is closed.
4.
84
Click OK.
Printing Labels
Printing Options
To access this tab: On the Options menu, click Configuration. Click the Printing Options tab.
The label design software provides several configurations for printing labels.
Direct Printing: The label design software takes direct control of printing, bypassing the PC operating
system entirely. During printing, the label design software will be occupied and will not be available for
other functions as quickly as if you had used another printing option.
Use Windows Print Manager: The label design software translates the label design to printer commands
and sends them to the Windows operating system to control transmission of the data to the printer. Once
the job has been transferred, the label design software is available for other functions.
Use Print Station: The label design software's print manager, which is designed to work more effectively
than the Windows Print Manager, works more smoothly and returns more meaningful error messages
when there is a problem. It also provides additional functions, such as timed printing and paused printing.
View information on using Print Station...
Remote Print Station: Allows you to specify another computer on a network to handle the print jobs
using the Print Station installed on that machine. Click Browse to specify the location of the Print Station
program on that other machine.
Quick Printing: Enable this option if you have multiple variable data fields on one label and want to be
able to view all of the prompts on one dialog box. If Quick Printing is disabled, each of the variable field
prompts will be displayed one at a time in order, followed by the prompt for Print Quantity.
Printing Labels
1.
Open the desired label file.
2.

OR
3.
Click Print
on the Style Bar.
If you are printing a label containing database fields, or fields with a When Printed or Pick List
data source, you will be prompted to enter data. If your label does not contain these types of
fields, proceed to step 4.
Note: If you have Quick Printing disabled, you will see each of your variable data fields in order, one
screen at a time. You will be asked to enter the quantity and printer name last.
4.
In the Quantity box, enter the number of individual labels to print.
5.
Set other print options as appropriate for your print job:

Label Name: The name of the label to be printed. Browse to select a different label, if desired.
Printer: The name of the printer selected for this label. If you select a different printer, be sure
that the selected printer is capable of printing the current label format.
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LABELVIEW Help
Quantity: The number of individual labels to print.

Start Position: (Available only if a laser printer is selected.) Use this option to specify the label
from which to start printing when printing on a laser-fed sheet of labels. It will affect only the first
label printed; all subsequent labels will start printing from the upper-left corner of the page. Use
this feature if you have only a partial sheet of labels on which you want to print.
Print to file: Stores the print job to a file, for which you must specify a name and location.
Print to Picture: Creates a picture file of the label in any supported graphic file format. You will
be prompted for file type, resolution (dots per inch), color, and file name for the new graphic file.
When: (Available with Print Station) Allows you to select one of these options:
ASAP: Prints as soon as the printer is available.
Suspend: Holds the print job in a queue until the operator releases it for printing.
Timed: Allows you to define a time at which the label should print; the label design
software holds the print job in a queue until the specified time.
Printer Task: (Available if Run Separators are enabled) Allows you to send any combination of the
following print commands to the printer to specify the order of printing. The print commands can
appear in any order and may appear more than once. For example, PHP would print your print
batch twice with the Run Separator between them.
P: Prints the batch (this print job).
R: When printing from a database, prints one record and then performs whatever other
action you select, such as printing the run separator between each record instead of each
batch.
H: Inserts a run separator.
F: Feeds out a blank label.
W: Causes the printer to wait (pause) before printing.

(Note: Not all printers support the F and W commands.)
Preview: Displays a preview of how the first label will look when printed.
6.
Click Print to print your label.
Printing a Test Label

Test printing allows you to print a sample label without incrementing counters or serial files, or advancing
through database records. A test print produces a single copy of your label with none of the variable data
fields filled in. (You are not prompted for data input.) Such fields will be printed with all Xs to show the
limits of the field on the label.
To print a test label
86
1.
Open the desired label file.
2.
On the File menu, click Test Print.
Printing Labels
3.
Click OK.
The label is printed with Xs indicating the length of variable data fields.
Printing a Label with a Database Field

Labels that contain fields populated by a database can require user input at print time if the Key Field
Data property is set to Prompted. If set to Prompted, then at print time the prompt appears as well as a
button for displaying the database records.
To print a label that uses a database field

1.
Open the label file containing the database field.
2.

The Quick Printing dialog box appears, displaying a text box for each database prompt you
previously added.
Note: If you do not have Quick Printing enabled, then prompts will appear one at a time.
3.
Click the
button next to the database prompt text box to browse the database records.
The Database Grid appears.

The key field for the database, as defined on the label, will appear in the first column, and is
identified by a small gold key that appears in the column header. The number of labels currently
selected for printing appears in the upper right corner of this window.
Note: When printing from a database, if desired you can enter the key field data directly into the Quick
Print screen rather than browsing through the records in the Database Grid.
4.
Select the appropriate record(s) and click OK.
5.
Repeat steps 3-4 for each database field prompt.
6.
Click Print.
Labels are printed for each of the records according to the print quantity selected.
7.
Click Close to return to the label design screen.
Printing Labels Using Label Select

Label Select is a GOLD edition feature that automates the process of printing a variety of label formats,
each to their assigned printer and port, based on key field data entered by an operator. Once you have
completed configuring Label Select, you can launch Label Select to start printing labels.
Note: The label design software attempts to print labels to their designated printer and port. If the printer
is not installed on the expected port, a message is displayed and the label is not printed.
To launch printing using Label Select
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LABELVIEW Help
1.
In the label design software, select Label Select from the Server menu. Alternatively, you can
launch Label Select from the program Start menu.
The Label Select dialog box appears displaying the prompt for the key field data.
2.
Click Browse.
The Label Select database appears displaying the key field data from which you can select.
3.
Click on the appropriate data (e.g., the record associated with a printer that you have installed)
and click OK.
The label design software attempts to print the label to its designated printer and port. If the
printer is not installed on the expected port, a message appears and the label is not printed.
4.
Click Close to return to the design window.

The label for the data you selected appears.
Separating Print Jobs

There are several methods for making it easier to tear off the last label printed, and for determining the
end of one print job and the start of another. You can use the back feed option, feed label command, or
run separators.
Back Feed
The Back Feed option advances the label beyond the end of a batch to make it easier to tear off the last
label. When printing is resumed, the label is drawn back into the printer to the normal start position.
The Back Feed option is available on the Label Setup Options tab. Not all printers support back feed. Of
those that do, some allow you to set a value for back feed (how much of the label will be advanced), and
others just allow you to enable or disable it.
Feed Label
The Feed Label command causes one blank label to be ejected from the printer. You can use it to obtain a
blank label, or at the end of a print job to make it easier to tear off the last label printed.
The Feed Label command is available from the File menu, or by pressing F5.
Note: Not all printers support the use of this command.
Run Separators
A run separator is a header label that you can set to print either before or after a print job. Using a run
separator allows easy identification, separation and sorting of multiple print jobs.
Command Line Printing

A command line is a command appended to the path of a program executable for the purpose of launching
the program and executing a specific task from that program.
The command line is typically added to the Target path of a program icon, so that the task can be
executed from your PC desktop.
Command Line Switches

These are the switches and parameters that you can include in a command line, depending on the action
that you want to perform.
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Printing Labels
Switch
/DDE
/DWATCH filename.lbl
Action
Start DDE Server.
Start DataWatch on filename.lbl.
A prompt appears asking if you want to print the
existing records in the database.
/DWATCHp filename.lbl
Start DataWatch on filename.lbl and print all

existing records in the named database without
being prompted to do so.
/DWATCHi filename.lbl
Start DataWatch on filename.lbl and print only

new records in the named database as they are
added.
/CMD filename.cmd
Process the command file called filename.cmd.
/CMD filename.dbf
Process the command database file called

filename.dbf.
/CMD filename.def
Process the definition file called filename.def.
/CMDM filename.cmd
Monitor the command file called filename.cmd.
/CMDM filename.dbf
Monitor the command database file called

filename.dbf.
/CMDM filename.def
Monitor the definition file called filename.def.
/QP [filename.lbl]
Start Quick Print mode.

If the optional filename.lbl is given, load it.
/CP [directory]
filename.lbl
Run Click Print and display the specified

directory.
Load filename.lbl.
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Printing Labels Automatically

DataWatch
About DataWatch
DataWatch is a GOLD edition feature that allows you to monitor a database that is linked to a particular
label. Whenever DataWatch detects new records added in the database, it prints the records
automatically.
If you have multiple databases attached to your label, DataWatch monitors the first one; that is, the first
database field that you added to the label.
Using DataWatch to Print Records Automatically

DataWatch is a GOLD edition feature that allows you to monitor a database that is linked to a particular
label. Whenever DataWatch detects new records added in the database, it prints the records
automatically.
To set up DataWatch and start monitoring a database

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click the DataWatch tab.
2.
Set the properties on the DataWatch tab as appropriate for your label printing application.
3.
When you have finished setting the DataWatch options, click OK.
4.
Open a label that contains a database field.
5.
On the Server menu, click DataWatch Server.
6.
A dialog box appears asking if you want to print the records that are currently in the database. If
desired, click Yes to print the records. Otherwise, click No.
The DataWatch monitor appears. DataWatch monitors the database and prints new records as they
appear.
Command Files
About Command Files
Command file is a GOLD edition feature. A command file is a simple instruction file or database that can
be used to print labels automatically. It contains commands that identify the name of the label, the printer
to use, and the label quantity. Variable data can be provided in the command file, or it may be provided in
a separate data file.
Command files can be used to pass information generated by other systems and possibly other
computers, including mainframes or mini-computers. For example, an invoicing program could pass
information into a command file, which would in turn print a label.
Types of Command Files

A command file is an ASCII text file that can be created with any text editor. There are four types of
command files that can be used to execute command file processing. This table shows the file extension to
use with each type.
Command File
Type
Command File
Extension
File Type
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Multiple Raw Data
.def
Definition file
Multiple and Single

ASCII Files
.cmd
Command files
DBF File
.dbf
Database file
Multiple Raw Data: Uses a definition file as the command file and separate text files that
contain the data. The system reads the command file once, and then monitors the data file
directory for changes. When a new data file appears in the directory, the system prints the labels
according to the command file instructions.
You specify the name of the directory to be monitored. All data files are deleted after printing.
Multiple ASCII File: Uses multiple ASCII files that can contain both the commands and the
data. The system monitors the entire directory of command files for changes to any of them.
When changes appear, the system executes the command files and prints the labels.
You specify the name of the directory to be monitored. All command files executed in the
monitored directory are deleted after printing.
Single ASCII File: Uses a single ASCII file that can contain both the commands and the data.
The system monitors this one file for changes. When changes appear, the system executes the
command file and prints the labels.
You can select whether or not the single file is deleted after printing.
DBF File: Uses a database (.dbf) file that contains the commands and the data. The system
monitors the database for changes. When changes appear, the system executes the command
file and prints the labels.
The .dbf file is not deleted after printing.
Command Files that Use a Definition File

Command file is a GOLD edition feature.
The Multiple Raw Data command file type allows you to store variable data for command files outside the
command file itself, instead of internally. To do this, you create a definition file that contains only the
commands, and then set up separate text data files to contain the variable data. The benefit of using this
configuration is that only the data files are monitored for changes, processed, and deleted. The host or
third-party system only updates the data files. The command file remains intact until you replace it with
another command file.
All the text data files are stored in one folder; this is the folder that is monitored by the label design
software. Once these data files are processed, they are deleted. For this reason, you should store the
definition file in a separate folder.
To set up a command file that uses a definition file

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click the Command File tab.
2.
Select Multiple Raw Data as the command file type.
3.
In the Definition File box, enter the path of the command (definition) file.
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LABELVIEW Help
4.
Specify the extension (e.g., TXT) of the data files.
5.
In the Directory to Monitor box, enter the path of the folder that contains the text data files.
The definition file should have the .def file extension. For the sample below, the path in the Definition
File box would look like this: C:\LVWIN70\cdmfiles\load_aiag.def.
A sample definition file might look like this:
LABELNAME = C:\LVWIN70\LBL\AIAG.LBL
DATATYPE = DELIMITED
DELIMITER= ,
FIELD=PART
FIELD=QTY
FIELD=SUPPLIER
FIELD=SERIAL
For this sample, the path in the Directory to Monitor would look like this:
c:\LVWIN70\cmdfiles\WORKAREA.
A sample text data file would look like this:
1001, 2222, 3333, 4444
1002, 2222, 2222, 4444
Command File Formatting

There are many commands that can be issued in command files. Follow these guidelines when writing the
command file:
Be careful to include the spaces.
Using quotation marks (" ") around field names is optional, unless you are adding spaces in the
fields.
A semicolon ( ; ) indicates remarks or comment statements; characters that appear on a line

after a semi-colon will be ignored.
Command files are NOT case sensitive.
Sequence of Commands
In a command file, each batch normally begins with the LABELNAME command and finishes with
LABELQUANTITY. All other commands for that label should be between these two commands.
After the LABELQUANTITY command, you may add the LABELNAME command for the next label to be
printed.
Command File Commands

92
LABELNAME
The LABELNAME command identifies the name of the label to print, and must be the first line in any
command file. It can, however, appear multiple times in a command file specifying different labels to print
each time.
If the same label is being printed more than once in the same command file, it is not necessary to repeat
this command. The program will reprint the last label with the new data and quantity. It is good practice
to include the full path to the file; for example:
LABELNAME=C:\LVWIN70\Command Files\AIAG.LBL
DATATYPE
The DATATYPE command identifies the type of data file that this system can access:
DELIMITED: Each field in the command file is separated from the next field by a delimiting
character. When writing the command file, you must first give the DATATYPE command, followed
by the DELIMITER command that specifies the delimiting character. For example:
DATATYPE=DELIMITED
DELIMITER=,
FIXED: Each field occupies a specific number of spaces in the data file. Every record must be set
up the same for this to work. Fields that are shorter than the specified length must fill up the rest
of the space with blanks. The size of each field must be specified in the FIELD command.
ASSIGNED: The size of each field is defined in the command file structure. Each named field
from the label that requires data is assigned a value using the FIELD_NAME format. Only one
piece of data appears per line.
FIELD
The FIELD command is used for each data field on the label. The form depends on the data type being
used:
DELIMITED: Since delimited data is already separated by definition, there is no need to include
the starting and stopping position within the data file. Only the field name needs to be included.
For example:
FIELD=PART
FIELD=QTY
FIELD=SUPPLIER
FIXED: For fixed data, the start and stop positions must be specified. The field name should be
followed by the start and stop position of the data within the data file. For example:
FIELD=Company@110
ASSIGNED: For assigned data, the FIELD command is not used; instead, the FIELD_NAME
format is used to specify the data for the variable field.
FIELD_NAME
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LABELVIEW Help
For each variable data field (When Printed or database) on the label; there should be a statement in the
command file that assigns it a value. The value for FIELD_NAME in the command file must match exactly
the name of the field in the label; the variable data should appear after the equal sign within quotation
marks.
For database key data fields, the name of the key data field on the label should be the same as its name
in the database. If more than one label is being processed in the same command file, leaving a field name
blank results in the last assigned value for that name being reused. To leave a field blank, insert a null
character (two quotes with nothing in between, "" ) into the string. For example:
PART_NUM = "836773"
COMPANY=""
LABELDATA
The LABELDATA command identifies the location and name of the file that contains the data to be used.
For example:
LABELDATA=Data1.txt
If the data is in the same command file, set LABELDATA=THISFILE.
PRINTER
The PRINTER command is an optional command that identifies which printer to use. If omitted, then the
currently selected printer is used. For example:
PRINTER="Datamax DMX 430-(V) on COM2:"
Note: The printer name must be spelled exactly as it appears in Print Manager, including upper- and
lower-case letters.
Use this command to send the output of the command file to a picture file:
PRINTER = "PICTURE:name,dpi,color"
Where:
name = Name of the file. The extension you choose determines the format of the graphic (e.g.,
.bmp, .pcx). Include the full path to the file (e.g., c:\labels\pic.bmp).
dpi = The resolution of the image in dots per inch. The default is 300.
color = 0 (zero) is for black and white; 1 is for color images.
PRINTERTASK
The PRINTERTASK command can be used if you have enabled Run Separators. Using PRINTERTASK, you
can specify the order of printing using the standard printer tasks available. Include the appropriate letters
94
in the sequence you want them to occur. For example, PHP would print your print batch twice with the
Run Separator between them. For example:
PRINTERTASK=PHP
Note: The PRINTERTASK command must appear before the LABELQUANTITY command.
LABELQUANTITY
The LABELQUANTITY command specifies the number of labels to print, and should be the last line for each
label to be printed from the command file, since it is the active command. The label prints when this
command is encountered. If omitted, then only one label will print.
Do not include this command if you are using data files; one label or group of labels will be printed for
each line of data. For example:
LABELQUANTITY=5
QUITAPP
The QUITAPP command terminates the execution of the command file immediately, and so should be the
very last command in the file. The program will remain open after running a command file unless this line
is included.
QUITAPP should not be used in definition files; if included in a definition file, the program ignores it.
Setting Up the DBF File Command File Type

The DBF command file type uses a dBase-compatible database file. The file is not deleted after labels are
printed.
To set up the DBF file mode

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click on the Command File tab.
2.
Select the DBF File option.
3.
Set the following options as appropriate for your labeling application:
Monitor only new records: Prints only the records that are added to the database.
Otherwise, all records are printed when new records appear.
Timed Interval (in seconds): How often the directory is monitored for changes.
4.
5.
If data is available, execute the command file.
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LABELVIEW Help
Setting Up the Single ASCII Command File Type

The single ASCII file type uses one ASCII file. You can select whether or not the file is deleted after labels
are printed.
To set up the single ASCII file mode

1.
Select Configuration from the Options menu, and then click the Command File tab.
2.
Select the Single ASCII File option.
Note: The location of the single ASCII file is specified during the process of executing the command file.
3.
Process File Based on: Determines the order in which files are processed.
Date Time: Processing is based on the when the file was created (oldest first).
File Name: Files are processed in alphabetical order.
Minimize Main Window: The design window is minimized during command file
processing.
Create Backup before deleting (BAK): Saves a backup copy of each command file
after printing takes place.
Delete Command File after executing: Deletes the command file after executing it.
Otherwise, the file is not deleted.
Log Errors to File: Logs any errors encountered during the execution of the command
file. The file (named CMDFILE.ERR) can be found in the same directory as the command
file.
Stop Processing On Error: If an error occurs while printing any label it will stop the
print job, and prevent printing the remaining labels in the file. For example, a misspelled
field name will end the print job.
4.
5.
Setting Up the Multiple ASCII Command File Type

The multiple ASCII file type uses multiple ASCII files located in a folder that is monitored for changes.
After labels are printed, the command files are deleted. You may, however, select the option to save a
backup of each command file (.bak extension).
To set up the multiple ASCII file mode

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1.
2.
Select the Multiple ASCII File option.
3.
In the Directory to Monitor box, select the path to the folder that contains the command files.
4.
Date Time: Processing is based on when the file was created (oldest first).
Minimize Main Window: The design window is minimized during command file
processing.
Create Backup before deleting (BAK): Saves a backup copy of each command file
after printing takes place.
Log Errors to File: Logs any errors encountered during the execution of the command
file. The file (named CMDFILE.ERR) can be found in the same directory as the command
file.
Stop Processing On Error: If an error occurs while printing any label it will stop the
print job, and prevent printing the remaining labels in the file. For example, a misspelled
field name will end the print job.
5.
6.
Setting Up the Multiple Raw Data Command File Type

With the multiple raw data command file type, the system executes the command file once, and then
monitors the data files. This allows for faster processing, since the system is not executing the command
file over and over again each time the data files change.
When you do change the command file, you can move the old command file to the monitored folder where
it will be executed and deleted, so that the rest of the data files will be executed according to the new
command file.
Definition File
The commands for a multiple raw data file type are stored in a definition file that uses the .def file
extension. This is a sample of what a definition file may contain:
LABELNAME=C:\LVWIN70\Command Files\AIAG.lbl
DATATYPE=DELIMITED
DELIMITER=,
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LABELVIEW Help
FIELD=PART
FIELD=QTY
FIELD=SUPPLIER
FIELD=SERIAL
Data Files
The data file contains the data that populates the fields in the label. This is a sample of what a data file
may contain:
20700,10,ABC Company,123456
20701,20,ABC Company,654321
Data files may be generated by an outside system (e.g., inventory or accounting system) or computer,
and are sent to the directory that is monitored for changes. When changes appear in the directory, the
labels are printed and the data files are deleted.
To set up the multiple raw data mode

1.
2.
Select the Multiple Raw Data option.
3.
In the Definition File box, select the definition file that you want to use.
4.
In the Data Extension box, select the file extension for the data files that you are using.
5.
In the Directory to Monitor box, select the path to the folder that will contain the data files.
6.

Date Time: Processing is based on the when the file was created (oldest first).
Minimize Main Window: The design window is minimized during command file processing.
Create Backup before deleting (BAK): If your definition file is in the same directory as your
data files, saves a backup copy of each definition file after printing takes place.
Log Errors to File: Logs any errors encountered during the execution of the command file. The
file (named CMDFILE.ERR) can be found in the same directory as the command file.
Stop Processing On Error: If an error occurs while printing any label it will stop the print job,
and prevent printing the remaining labels in the file. For example, a misspelled field name will end
the print job.
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7.
8.
Setting Up a Command File Database

Command file is a GOLD edition feature. A command file is a simple instruction file or database that can
be used to print labels automatically.
IMPORTANT: The command file database (DBF file) you create must be stored in the label design
software's DBF folder. The default location is c:\LVWIN70\DBF.
A command file database requires these three fields:
LBLNAME: A character field specifying the full name and path of the label.
LBLPRINTER: This field contains the printer and port on which the label will be printed. The
syntax must be exactly the same as it appears in the Select Printer screen, including
capitalization, such as SATO 8400RV on LPT1:.
LBLQTY: Set the number of labels to print.
There can be other fields in the database. If there are any variable fields on your label (fields that would
normally be When Printed or Database), these fields should also be included in the command file
database.
Since multiple labels can be printed from one command file database, the variable fields for all of the
labels that are to be used should be in the database.
Set up the label as you normally would. Any database fields should call the command file database. Not all
of the fields in the command file database must be used, but any fields used must be in the command file
database.
Executing Command Files

Command files is a GOLD edition feature. Command files (including definition files) can be executed from
the label design software or from Windows. When typing a command, be sure to use the required
command file formatting and sequence.
To run a command file from the label design software
On the Server menu, click Command File.
To run a command file from Windows

1.
On the Start menu, click Run, and browse to select the path to the label design program's main
executable file (.exe extension). For example, c:\ProgramFolderName\lv.exe
2.
Type /CMD to signify that you are running a command file.
3.
Enter the path and file name of the command or definition file.
So, for example, your completed command line might look something like this:
c:\LVWIN70\lv.exe /CMD c:\LVWIN70\command files\monitor\sample.def
4.
Click OK to execute the command file.
Results of Command File Execution

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LABELVIEW Help
Results of running a command file (or definition file) depend on which command file type you are using:
Multiple Raw Data: The label design software executes the definition file first, monitors the data
directory for changes and, when changes appear, prints the labels.
Multiple ASCII Files: All of the command files in the selected directory are executed in order.
Single ASCII File: A prompt appears asking you to enter the name of the file to run, and
whether or not you want the file monitored for changes that will then be printed.
Database File: A prompt appears asking for the name of the file to use, and if you want the
database records currently in the file to be printed. The database file is monitored for any
changes and, when changes appear, labels are printed.
Command File Monitor

After you execute a command file that requires monitoring, the Command File Sentinel appears displaying
a log of the processed command files.
Note: For Multiple Raw Data command file types, the processed files are text data files.
Information in the monitor includes:
Definition file name (if using Multiple Raw Data)
Command file name (or text data file name)
Current printer name
Log of each file, including time of processing, file name, and status (processed, waiting, etc.)
Label Select
About Label Select
This GOLD edition feature automates the process of printing a variety of label formats, each to their
assigned printer and port, based on key field data entered by an operator.
To do this, Label Select uses a database that supplies the label and printer information, as well as any
variable (e.g., When Printed and database) data associated with individual labels.
For example, a database can be set up so that the operator is prompted for a part number. The part
number is the key field value that looks up a record containing the label format, printer, port, and any
variable data associated with the label. Label Select uses the record information to print the selected label
to the correct printer and port, and includes any variable data without requiring additional user input.
Configuring Label Select

each to their assigned printer and port, based on key field data entered by an operator. Once you have set
up the Label Select database, you must configure Label Select to use the database.
To configure Label Select
100
1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click the Label Select tab.
2.
Complete the settings on the Label Select tab as appropriate for your label printing application.
3.
Click OK to save the configuration and return to the design window.
Setting Up a Database for Label Select

This GOLD edition feature automates the process of printing a variety of label formats, each to their
assigned printer and port, based on key field data entered by an operator.
Before Label Select can be used, you must create a database that contains the required information for
each label. The Label Select database must have these fields:
Key field: Contains the key field valuessuch as part numbers, last names, or other values
that can be used to retrieve (look up) specific records in the database. This field must be set up
as a character data type.
Label name field: Contains the name of the label file, including the full path to each label. For
example, \ProgramFolderName\samples\label1.lbl. This field must be set up as a character data
type.
Printer name field: Contains the name of the printer and port for each label. The printer name
and port must match exactly what appears in the Printer box (in the Select Printer dialog box)
including upper- and lower-case characters, and all punctuation. This field must be set up as a
character data type.
Variable data fields: Contain the variable data values, if any, that you want to print for each
label. The name of the variable data field in the Label Select database must match the name of
the field in the label. If there is a match, then the label field will be populated with the value from
the Label Select database. If there is no match, then no variable data will be printed. For
example, if the Label Select database has a field called DEPT, and there is a variable field on the
label also named DEPT, then the DEPT field on the label will be populated with the value from the
Label Select database for that label.
Tip: A sample Label Select database, called l_select.dbf, is located in the program's DBF folder to
demonstrate how the Label Select feature works. You can use the program's Database Editor to display
the contents of the database.
Printing Labels Using Label Select

each to their assigned printer and port, based on key field data entered by an operator. Once you have
completed configuring Label Select, you can launch Label Select to start printing labels.
Note: The label design software attempts to print labels to their designated printer and port. If the printer
is not installed on the expected port, a message is displayed and the label is not printed.
To launch printing using Label Select

1.
In the label design software, select Label Select from the Server menu. Alternatively, you can
launch Label Select from the program Start menu.
The Label Select dialog box appears displaying the prompt for the key field data.
2.
Click Browse.
The Label Select database appears displaying the key field data from which you can select.
3.
Click on the appropriate data (e.g., the record associated with a printer that you have installed)
and click OK.
The label design software attempts to print the label to its designated printer and port. If the
printer is not installed on the expected port, a message appears and the label is not printed.
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LABELVIEW Help
4.
Click Close to return to the design window.

The label for the data you selected appears.
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Printing Labels from a Pocket PC

Pocket LABELVIEW is an application that allows you to take labels created in LABELVIEW label design
software, download them to your Windows CE/Pocket PC device, and print them using a direct or
network/wireless connection.
Learn more about Pocket LABELVIEW...
View the Pocket LABELVIEW Quick Start Guide (Adobe Acrobat PDF file format)...
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Printing Labels from PRINTPAD

The PRINTPAD is a portable, programmable device that allows you to store and retrieve label formats for
printing to a bar code printer without the need for a PC.
Learn more about PRINTPAD bar code printing terminals...
104
Using Input from External Devices

About CommWatch
CommWatch is a GOLD edition feature that allows the label design software to monitor a serial port on
your PC for input. Data can be read from a scale or a scanner, and can then be included on printed labels
using the CommWatch data source.
You must configure CommWatch to receive data from the particular device you have connected to the
serial port. The configuration defines the communication settings (port, baud rate, etc.) as well as the
termination, flow control, filter and polling options specific to your device.
The configuration data for each device is stored in a CommWatch (.cmw) file that must be specified when
using the CommWatch data source in a label.
Tip: The label design software installation includes many preconfigured .cmw files for the makes and
models of devices in common use. These files can be edited to match your configuration.
CommWatch Settings
To access this dialog: On the Options menu, click Configuration. Click the CommWatch tab and then
click New or select a file and click Edit.
your PC for input. Set the following CommWatch settings as appropriate for your device.
Device: The type of device being configured. If there is no device specific to your equipment, choose the
Generic Device. If you are connecting only a sensor to the port, select the Carrier Detect option.
Port: The port on your computer to which the device is connected.
Baud_Rate, Data_Bits, Parity, Stop Bits, Flow Control: Standard serial communication settings that
must match the settings for your external device exactly.
Filter: Allows the program to accept a long string from the device, which may contain extraneous
information specific to the device. The filter specifies the start and stop position of the meaningful data for
the program. For example, if your scale sends additional formatting commands that you do not want, the
filter allows you to select only the useful information from the string.
Terminator: A signal to CommWatch to start printing. CommWatch monitors a serial port for input until it
receives a Terminator; then it immediately prints the label. The Terminator may specify a length of time
after data has been received, or it may be a particular character included within the data itself. Terminator
options include:
Time Out: The length of time (in seconds) after data has been received.
CR or CR/LF: Carriage return, or a carriage return and line feed character.
Data Length: A required number of characters that must be received.
Character String: A value you specify.
Polling: If your device requires a signal from the PC before it sends its data, select the polling check
box, and type the polling string to be sent to the device. Do not include plus signs or spaces unless they
are part of the actual string itself. Enter the string exactly as it should be sent to the device. Required
ASCII control codes (e.g., "CHR(29)") should appear directly in the string with no separation from the
other characters. For example: @#$chr(29)%&^.
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LABELVIEW Help
Configuring CommWatch
your PC for input. You must configure CommWatch prior to using it as a data source in your label.
Tip: The label design software installation includes many preconfigured .cmw files for the makes and
models of devices in common use. These files can be edited to match your configuration.
To configure CommWatch for use with your PC and external device

1.
On the Options menu, click Configuration, and then click the CommWatch tab.
A list of preconfigured CommWatch files appears.
2.
Scroll through the list and select the device that matches what you have installed.
If there are no matches, select Generic Device.cmw.
3.
Click Edit. The settings dialog box appears for the selected device.
4.
Set the CommWatch settings as appropriate for your device.
5.
If you have a device connected, adjust the settings appropriately.
6.
Click OK to save your changes, and then click OK to return to the design window.
You can now proceed to add a CommWatch field to your label.
Adding a CommWatch Field

your PC for input.
Note: You must configure CommWatch prior to using it as a data source in your label.
1.
2.
In the Data Source box, click CommWatch.
3.
In the String Length box, type the maximum number of characters that may be entered for this
field. Additional characters will not be included.
4.
In the CommWatch Files box, click the CommWatch file that you previously configured.
5.
If you want to allow the user to change this data for each label printed (vs. allowing only the
CommWatch field to change), select the Repeat Prompts check box.
6.
Note: The CommWatch data source can be assigned to only one field on a label.
Linking Database Fields to CommWatch

your PC for input.
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Using Input from External Devices
You can link database fields in your label to CommWatch in order to use the input value as the key field
data for the database lookup. For example, you can scan part numbers for use as the key field data for
retrieving database records.
To use a CommWatch input value as your key field data

1.
Configure CommWatch for your input device.
2.
Add a text field to the label and select CommWatch as the data source.
3.
On the Options tab, enter a Field Name for the text field.
4.
Add another text field which is the key field from the database, and in the Key Field Data box,
click Linked.
5.
In the Key Expression box, click the name of the CommWatch field.
6.
7.
Continue creating the rest of your label, adding other database fields as desired.
When you print the label, the label design software looks to the PC's serial port for its data. Data
received from the external device (e.g., scanner) serves as the key field data, and results in the
database field(s) being populated by the value from the appropriate record.
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Advanced Features
About Media Tracking
Media Tracking is a GOLD edition feature that allows you to track media (i.e., label stock) usage and
report that usage information via e-mail to a designated recipient. Media usage is determined by tracking
actual print jobs and this information is automatically saved to a Job Status File (.JSF file extension).
By default, the JSF files are created in the email folder, located in the root directory of the label design
software (e.g., C:\LVWIN70\email). You can specify that the JSF files be saved to a different directory by
specifying this in the JobStatusDirectory field in the Tracking.ini file.
The print job information in the JSF is then reported via e-mail using one of the following methods:
An e-mail is sent immediately upon completion of each print job.
All accumulated JSF files are sent in one e-mail at a specified time each day (e.g., at 5 P.M. each
day)
All accumulated JSF files are sent in one e-mail based on a specified time interval (e.g., every 36
hours)
Note: The label design software must be running in order for the e-mails to be sent.
The content in the body of the e-mail (based on the information in the JSF file) includes the user name
(usually a company name), label format name, printer used, and quantity of labels printed.
Tracking.ini File
To configure and control the operation of the Media Tracking system, you must create a file named
Tracking.ini and save it to the root directory of the label design software (e.g., C:\LVWIN70\Tracking.ini).
The Media Tracking system looks at the options set in the Tracking.ini file to determine when Media
Tracking is turned ON/OFF, to configure the e-mail message to be sent, to determine when the e-mail
should be created and where the resulting e-mail should be sent.
The following is an example of the contents of a valid Tracking.ini file:
[Email_Config]
SendEmail=1
ProcessInterval=10
ProcessResendInterval=30
SMTP_Server=server.abccompany.com
Login_Name=jsmith@server.abccompany.com
Password=mypassword
Email_From=joe_smith@abccompany.com
Email_To=sales@labelreseller.com
[Email_Content]
Subject=Label Usage Notification
User=ABC Company
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Advanced Features
[Options]
EmailOnStartup=1
EmailOnShutdown=1
EmailOption=2
EmailTime=11
EmailTimeInterval=0
JobStatusDirectory="C:\Label Inventory\Label Tracking Emails"
The following is the same example as above, including explanations above each option set off by "//" in
blue.
[Email_Config]
//Enables or disables the Media Tracking system.
//Set to 1 to enable (turn on e-mail notification) or 0 to disable.
SendEmail=1
//Enter a time interval in minutes to specify how often the program
//should check for existing JSF files and send an e-mail notification.
//Valid settings are 1-1440 (1 minute to 24 hours) in minutes, with
//the default being 10 minutes.
ProcessInterval=10
//Enter a time interval in minutes to specify how often the program
//should try to resend an e-mail notification if it was unable to send.
//Valid settings are 1-1440 (1 minute to 24 hours) in minutes, with
//the default being 30 minutes.
ProcessResendInterval=30
//Enter your e-mail SMTP server here.
SMTP_Server=server.abccompany.com
//Enter your server login information here.
Login_Name=jsmith@server.abccompany.com
//Enter your server password here.
Password=mypassword
//E-mail address to appear on the From line of the e-mail message.
Email_From=joe_smith@abccompany.com
//E-mail address to which the notification message will be sent.
//Note: Only 1 "To" e-mail address is allowed.
Email_To=sales@labelreseller.com
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LABELVIEW Help
[Email_Content]
//This is the Subject line of the e-mail message.
Subject=Label Usage Notification
//This is the user's identification information.
//Usually the company name.
User=ABC Company
[Options]
//Sends an e-mail notification when the program is opened.
//Set to 1 to turn this option ON or 0 to turn OFF.
//Default is 1 (ON).
EmailOnStartup=1
//Sends an e-mail notification when the program is closed.
//Set to 1 to turn this option ON or 0 to turn OFF.
//Default is 1 (ON).
EmailOnShutdown=1
//Determines the when and how often the e-mail notifications will be
sent.
//1 = Send immediately upon completion of print job.
//2 = Send at a specified time each day. See EmailTime below for
setting time.
//3 = Send at fixed intervals. See EmailTimeInterval for setting
interval.
EmailOption=2
//Specify a number from 0-24 based on a 24-hour clock.
//Where 0 is 12:00 A.M. and 13 is 1:00 P.M.
//Note: This field is used only when EmailOption=2.
EmailTime=11
//Specify a number from 1-99.
//Where the number is the hours between sending e-mail notifications.
//Note: This field is used only when EmailOption=3.
EmailTimeInterval=0
//This is an optional field, to be used only if you want the
//generated job status files (.jsf files) to be saved to a
//directory other than the default directory.
//Default directory is <label design software root directory>\email
//(e.g. C:\LVWIN70\email).
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Advanced Features
JobStatusDirectory="C:\Label Inventory\Label Tracking Emails"
The following is a sample of what a resultant e-mail message might look like, based on the options set in
the above example.
FROM:
joe_smith@abccompany.com
TO:
sales@labelreseller.com
SENT:
Mon, 24 May 2004 11:00 AM
SUBJECT: Label Usage Notification

ABC Company, Label1, Zebra 170XiIII Plus - (X) , , 100
Where the body of the e-mail contains the following fields separated by commas:
ABC Company is the User field value
Label1 is the label file that was printed
Zebra 170XiIII Plus - (X) is the printer
(blank field) is a place holder reserved for future use
100 is the quantity of labels printed
View other Tracking.ini file examples...
OLE Automation
OLE Automation is an advanced GOLD edition feature that allows the program to be controlled and run
from another application that supports OLE Automation.
Learn more about OLE Automation...
Job Modifier
About Job Modifier
The Job Modifier utility provides a means for directly modifying the printer code for a label.
Using the Job Modifier utility, you can delete and insert lines of printer code, or modify lines using a
search and replace routine. The scripts you create can be saved to a file (.jms extension) for use with any
label format that uses the same printer.
Job Modifier scripts (.jms files) are printer specific and must be used only with the printer make and model
for which they were originally created. The label design software does not automatically convert JMS files
to work with other printers.
IMPORTANT: The Job Modifier utility is an advanced feature intended for use by those who are very
familiar with the printer code for each printer. Understanding the printer code is your responsibility; the
label design software manufacturer does not provide support in this area.
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LABELVIEW Help
Job Modifier Commands

There are two types of Job Modifier commands Target commands and Action commands. The Target
commands specify where in the print job the action is to occur, and the Action commands specify what to
do once the Target area has been reached.
Note: The underscore character is a necessary part of each command.
Target Commands
Action Commands
Allowable Target/Action Combinations
Specific Parameters
Target Commands
line_number(N)
Specifies the line number (N) on which the action will be performed.
line_starting_with("X")
Specifies the starting string (X) of the line on which the action will be performed. The action will
be applied only to the first line that starts with the string. The string (X) can contain as many
characters as necessary to clearly define the target.
lines_starting_with("X")
Specifies the starting string (X) of the lines on which the action will be performed. The action will
be applied to all the lines that start with the string. The string (X) can contain as many characters
as necessary to clearly define the target.
all
Specifies that the action will be performed on all the lines in the print job.
end
Specifies that the action will be performed after the last line of the print job.
line_containing("string")
Specifies that the action will be performed on the first line that contains the value entered for
string.
lines_containing("string")
Specifies that the action will be performed on all the lines that contain the value entered for
string.
Action Commands
delete_line
Removes the entire line specified by the Target.
insert_line("ABC")
Adds the line ABC before the line specified by the Target. ABC can be any combination of
characters that constitute a complete printer command.
append("ABC")
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Advanced Features
Attaches the string ABC to the end of the line specified by the Target.
insert("ABC")
Inserts the string ABC at the beginning of the line specified by the Target.
replace("ABC","DEF")
Replaces the ABC section of the line specified by the Target with DEF. Both ABC and DEF can be
as long as required to make the desired change. Use this Action to insert individual characters
into a line. For example: replace("helo","hello")
Allowable Target/Action Combinations

Each Target string can only be used with certain Actions. This table lists acceptable combinations.
Target
Supported Actions
line_number
delete_line, insert_line append,

insert, replace
line_starting_with

insert, replace
lines_starting_with delete_line, insert_line append,

insert, replace
line_containing

insert, replace
lines_containing

insert, replace
all
end
replace
insert_line
Specific Parameters
For Targets and Actions, you must manually enter specific values after the commands are inserted into the
editing window. To enter values in the editing window, click once to insert the cursor in the command, and
then type the required information.
When entering specific values, follow these guidelines:
Alphanumeric strings must be enclosed in quotation marks ("Hello"), but numbers may be
entered without quotes.
Field names already specified on the label can be used to include variable information in the
Targets and Actions. Enter the exact name, without quotes, given to the field on the label.
Any valid linked expression can be entered, without quotes, to specify the Target.
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Special command characters, such as SOH or STX, can be included in the script by placing them
in angle brackets; for example, <SOH>. Add these command characters as separate fields in a
longer string (e.g., <SOH>+123+BOB+"Hello").
Different values can be combined into a single expression by connecting them with a plus sign (
+ ).
Adding Instructions to a Job Modifier Script

A Job Modifier script contains instructions that require certain Job Modifier commands. Specifically, they
require a Target and an Action. The Target tells the utility where to place the new instruction; the Action
tells it what to do at that location. A colon separates the two strings. A script may contain multiple
instructions, each with a Target and an Action.
Note: Once created, Job Modifier scripts are stored in the path defined for Miscellaneous files in the
Directories dialog box.
To add instructions to a Job Modifier script

1.
On the Edit menu, click Label Setup, and then click on the Job Modifier tab.
2.
Select a Target command from the Target drop-down list of commands.
3.
Select an Action command from the Action drop-down list of commands.
4.
Click Insert to move the Target and Action commands into the editing window.
5.
Click in the editing window to add the specifics to the commands (e.g., specifying line numbers,
text to replace, and so on).
6.
If desired, click Save or Save As to save the contents of the script to a .jms file.
Examples of Job Modifier Scripts

The following examples are provided to show how you can add instructions to a Job Modifier script.
all:replace("BX2,2","BX3,3")
will find every occurrence of BX2,2 in the print job and change it to BX3,3.
To add these instructions from the Job Modifier screen:
1.
Click on the Target drop-down list and click all.
2.
Click on the Action drop-down list and click replace().
3.
Click the Insert button. The Target and Action commands appear in the script editing window.
4.
In the script editing window, click between the two parentheses ( ) and type "BX2,2","BX3,3"
including the quotes.
line_starting_with(<stx>+"M"):delete_line
finds the first line that starts with the ASCII code STX followed by an M character and removes the entire
line from the print job. Such commands must be enclosed in the angle brackets < > to be correctly
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Advanced Features
recognized by the utility, or their ASCII code number must be placed into a CHR(NN) string (e.g., STX =
CHR(02) ). Refer to an ASCII code chart for specific string equivalents.
1.
Click on the Target drop-down list and click line_starting_with().
2.
Click on the Action drop-down list and click delete_line.
3.
4.
In the script editing window, click between the two parentheses ( ) and type <stx>+"M"
including the quotes.
end:insert_line("This will be added to the end of the file")

will append the specified string after the last line of the print job.
1.
Click on the Target drop-down list and click end.
2.
Click on the Action drop-down list and click insert_line().
3.
4.
In the script editing window, click between the two parentheses ( ) and type "This line will be
added to the end of the file" including the quotes.
line_number(Line):replace(Month,Date+Sys_Julian)
will go to the line number specified by the field named "Line" on the label. It will replace the string, as it
appears on the label in a field called "Month", with the string from the field called "Date", followed by the
Julian date.
An explanation:
The three fields named Line, Month and Date must all be included somewhere on the label and
named accordingly. The information these fields contain, from whatever source (When Printed,
Database, Fixed, etc.), will be used to modify the final print job.
For example, the value Line could be set up on the label as a When Printed field, meaning that the
value entered by the operator at print time will be the line number modified in the print job.
If the Month field had a value of "ABCDE", the Job Modifier will search the specified line number
for this string, and replace it with the value contained in the field called Date, followed by the
Julian date (sys_julian linked function).
IMPORTANT: Using field names to specify the Action will work only if the affected field is set up using a
printer resident font.
DDE Server
About DDE Server
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LABELVIEW Help
DDE Server is a GOLD edition feature.

Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) is a means of importing data from other sources for use on labels.
The label design softwares DDE server uses a Visual Basic or C+ program, which you must provide, to
read data from another source for use in labels. This transaction is called a conversation.
You can use DDE to share and manipulate information that is in a common format between applications.
You can also control the operations of a server application (e.g., the label design software) from another
(client) application based on the needs of the client application that originated the conversation. For
example, in a Microsoft Word application, you can write DDE functions to control the printing of a label.
Components of a DDE Conversation

A DDE conversation is composed of at least three components:
[LABELNAME("file_name.lbl")]
[FIELDVALUE("Field_name","Field_value" )]
[PRINT(n)]
Note: The parameters for LABELNAME and FIELDVALUE must be placed in quotation marks.
Here is a sample of how these components are used:

handle = DDEInitiate("LABELVIEW")
[LABELNAME("AIAG.LBL")]
[FIELDVALUE("PART","12345")]
[Printername()]
[PRINT(100)]
DDETerminate handle
[Printername( )] is an optional parameter; not required. By default, the currently selected printer will be
used.
Use the [Printername( )] parameter if, as part of a DDE conversation, you choose to print your label to a
printer on a different port, or to another printer which is not the default. The printer name you specify
must be exactly the same as it appears in the Printer box in the Select Printer dialog box including upperand lowercase letters; otherwise, no labels will be printed.
DDE Commands
DDE Server is a GOLD edition feature. The following is a partial listing of DDE commands.
LabelName("file_name")
The name of the label file to be printed. Place the file name in quotes and include the file
extension (e.g., practice1.lbl).
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Advanced Features
PrinterName("printer_name")
The name of the printer to be used. This command is optional; by default, the printer for which
the label was originally designed is used.
StopOnWarning(n)
If set to ON (1), halts the program if there is a parameter error in the DDE transaction. The
default is OFF (0). Note: This can be used for synchronous transactions.
MsgLog(n)
If set to ON (1), which is the default, a message appears on the monitor window for each
transaction.
MsgWindow(n)
To minimize the message window, set to 0. To restore the message window, set to 1. To clear
the message window, set to 2.
Print(n)
Sets the number of labels to print.
Quit(n)
Disconnects from the DDE server and closes the DDE message window. If set to a value greater
than 0, exits the label design software.
FieldValue("objname", "value")
Assigns this "value" to a field in the label; "objname" represents the exact name of the field in
the label.
FieldValue("prompt", "value")
Assigns this "value" to a field with this prompt; "prompt" represents the exact prompt for the
field.
FieldValue("keyname", "value")
Assigns this "value" to the object that defines the database key field as "keyname".
FieldValue("keyname", "*", n)
Selects all the records in the database where the field name "keyname" is used by the object as
the database key field. The value for n is the quantity of each record to be printed. If n is not
present, 1 label will be printed.
When the FieldValue command is executed, the label design software searches first for the object
name, then the prompt, and then the database key field name for the object.
DDE Sample
Note: The following code is given for example purposes only.
Sample Microsoft Access DDE Code

1.
Design a label for your specific printer. Add four fields (two text fields and two bar code fields) to
the label and specify field names for all of them.
2.
On the Server menu, click DDE Server.

117
LABELVIEW Help
3.
Using the DDE Client application, initiate the DDE connection.
4.
The four field names are then referenced in the code below to pass data to the label.
5.
Print the label and close the DDE connection.
Sub Button8_Click ()
On Error Resume Next
Dim Chan
' Set up error handler.
' Declare variables.
Chan = DDEInitiate("LabelView", "Commands")

If Err Then Exit Sub
' Establish link.
' If error, exit.
DDEExecute Chan, "[LabelName(""a.lbl"")]"

label you designed.
' Load a.lbl, the
Textfld1.SetFocus
cmd$ = "[FieldValue(""Text1"",""" & Textfld1.Text & """)]"
DDEExecute Chan, cmd$
fields.
' Assign field value, repeat for all the
Textfld2.SetFocus
cmd$ = "[FieldValue(""Text2"",""" & Textfld2.Text & """)]"
Bcfld1.SetFocus
cmd$ = "[FieldValue(""Barcode1"",""" & Bcfld1.Text & """)]"
Bcfld2.SetFocus
cmd$ = "[FieldValue(""Barcode2"",""" & Bcfld2.Text & """)]"
DDEExecute Chan, "[Print(2)]"
DDETerminateAll
' Print 2 copies of a.lbl.
' Terminate all links.
End Sub
Launching DDE
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) is a feature that allows data files from almost any source to be imported.
Similar to ODBC, label files access the information directly. Unlike ODBC, you must first create a program
written in either C+ or Visual Basic to establish the connection between the label design software and the
data file. You must write and provide this program before a link can be set up.
To use DDE to connect to an outside source file

118
Advanced Features
Note: This process assumes that there is already a program written to import the data from the outside
source.
1.
Create a new label with the appropriate field types. Each variable data field included on the label
must be given a unique field name.
2.
In the label design software, select DDE Server from the Server menu.
The DDE Server appears and waits for conversations from your DDE client application. The label
design software monitor displays diagnostic reports as well as messages related to the DDE link.
119
Index
Adding
.
.ACM ................................................... 73, 74
2D bar codes ........................................... 26
.CMD ................................................... 90, 99
boxes ..................................................... 30
.CMW ...................................................... 105
linear bar codes ....................................... 24
.DBF......................................... 35, 36, 90, 95
lines ....................................................... 30
.DD ........................................................... 77
OLE object .............................................. 28
.DEF.................................................... 90, 97
paragraphs ............................................. 23
.INI .............................................. 77, 79, 108
pictures .................................................. 26
.INV .......................................................... 20
shapes.................................................... 27
.JMS.................................................111, 114
text........................................................ 23
.JSF ........................................................ 108
ADDMOD10................................................ 70
.PKL .......................................................... 76
ADDMOD10_212......................................... 70
.RPT ...............................................80, 81, 83
ADDMOD43................................................ 70
.SRL .......................................................... 72
Administrator ............................................... 7
.WMF......................................................... 27
AND .......................................................... 58
Arrows ...................................................... 27
2D bar codes
ASCII ........................................................ 47
adding .................................................... 26
Automation .........................................90, 100
symbologies ............................................ 25
Aztec ........................................................ 25
2D bar codes .............................................. 25
Aztec Mesa ................................................ 25
Access ....................................................... 41
Back feed .................................................. 88
Access to program features ............................7
Bar codes ....................................... 24, 25, 26
Accumulator file...............................22, 73, 74
BIMODULO11 ............................................. 70
Action commands ..............................112, 114
Boxes........................................................ 30
ADD .......................................................... 63
121
LABELVIEW Help
adding a field ........................................ 106
Calculating a check digit ........................ 24, 70
configuring............................................ 106
Calculations................................................ 63
linking database fields ............................ 106
CANADACUSTOMSCD .................................. 70
settings ................................................ 105
Carton weight............................................. 73
CommWatch .......................................22, 105
Check digit........................................... 24, 70
Comparing fields......................................... 58
CHECK128 ................................................. 70
Computer .................................................... 4
Checksum ............................................ 24, 70
CONCAT .................................................... 47
CHECKUPCE ............................................... 70
Conditional functions................................... 58
CHR .......................................................... 47
Configuring
Click Print .................................................. 13
CommWatch ......................................... 106
Clip art ...................................................... 27
Data Dictionary........................................ 77
Code ....................................................... 111
Label Select .......................................... 100
Code 16..................................................... 25
ODBC drivers .......................................... 38
Code 49..................................................... 25
Configuring ODBC drivers ............................ 38
Code Converter .......................................... 18
Connecting to an OLE DB data file................. 41
Combining fields ................................... 44, 45
Convert old labels ....................................... 18
Command File commands ............................ 92
CONVERTBASE10_TO_BASEX....................... 47
Command File database............................... 99
CONVERTBASEX_TO_BASE10....................... 47
Command File formatting............................. 92
Converting an OLE Object to a Picture ........... 29
Command Files ..........90, 91, 92, 95, 96, 97, 99
Converting labels ........................................ 18
Command Files that use a definition file......... 91
Coordinates ............................................... 12
Command line printing ................................ 88
Copying a field ........................................... 33
COMMANDFILENAME ................................... 47
Counters ..............................................72, 73
Commands................................................. 88
CR ............................................................ 47
CommWatch
Creating a new label ................................... 17
about.................................................... 105
122
Currency functions ...................................... 47
Index
CURRENCYTOEURO ..................................... 47
Date/Time stamp........................................ 22
Cursor position ........................................... 12
DAY .......................................................... 66
Custom shapes ........................................... 27
dBase
Customized SQL ......................................... 40
about ..................................................... 35
Customizing the display ............................... 13
adding a field .......................................... 36
CYCLEBASEX .............................................. 47
dBase........................................................ 22
CYCLECHAR................................................ 47
dBase file location....................................... 36
CYCLENUMBER ........................................... 47
DBF File as a Command File type .............90, 95
CYCLESTRING ............................................ 47
DDE ..........................................115, 116, 117
Default label width and height ...................... 20
Data Dictionary
Definition file.............................................. 91
about................................................ 22, 75
Deleting a field ........................................... 34
adding a field........................................... 79
Direct printing ............................................ 85
configuring .............................................. 77
Directory for Click Print ............................... 13
Data entry at print time ............................... 75
Disable security ............................................ 7
Data Matrix ................................................ 25
Display settings .......................................... 13
Data source.......................................... 22, 35
Displaying pictures and paragraphs............... 13
Database data sources .....................35, 36, 39
Displaying toolbars ..................................... 13
Database file directory................................. 36
DIV ........................................................... 63
Database for Label Select........................... 101
DOLLAR..................................................... 47
Database Grid ............................................ 35
Dongle ........................................................ 4
Database printing ................................. 35, 87
Drawtools Bar ............................................ 10
Database record selection ............................ 35
Drivers for ODBC ........................................ 37
DATADICT.INI file ....................................... 77
Drivers for printers ..................................... 15
DATATYPE.................................................. 92
Dynamic Data Exchange ............................ 115
DataWatch ................................................. 90
Date functions ............................................ 66
Editions ....................................................... 1
123
LABELVIEW Help
E-mail label usage report ........................... 108
Embedded files ........................................... 28
Hardware key............................................... 4
EQUAL ....................................................... 58
HASP key..................................................... 4
EUROTOCURRENCY ..................................... 47
Headers..................................................... 83
EXACT ....................................................... 58
Healthcare bar code .................................... 24
Excel ......................................................... 41
Height ....................................................... 20
Expressions.......................................... 44, 45
Help ............................................................ 2
Extended drivers......................................... 15
Help window ................................................ 2
HEX .......................................................... 47
F1 ............................................................. 47
HIBC ......................................................... 24
Features ......................................................1
HIBC-LIC ................................................... 24
Feed label .................................................. 88
HIBC-UCC.................................................. 24
FIELD ........................................................ 92
High-speed drivers...................................... 15
FIELD_NAME .............................................. 92
Hot keys .................................................... 32
File data source .......................................... 38
HOUR ........................................................ 66
FIND ......................................................... 47
Human readable ......................................... 24
Fixed ................................................... 22, 47
Float Bar.................................................... 11
IF58
Footers ...................................................... 83
IF statements............................................. 58
Functions .............................45, 47, 58, 63, 66
IF2 ........................................................... 58
Importing labels ......................................... 18
Gold edition..................................................1
Incrementing field ...................................... 72
Graphics .................................................... 26
Input....................................................... 105
GREATER ................................................... 58
Installation .......................................... 4, 5, 6
GREATEREQUAL.......................................... 58
Installing a printer driver ............................. 15
Groups of users ............................................7
Installing the program................................... 4

INT ........................................................... 63
124
Index
Integration................................................. 90
creating .................................................. 17
Introduction .................................................1
importing ................................................ 18
Inventory of label stock ........................20, 108
printing .................................................. 85
Labels ....................................................... 20
Job Modifier............................... 111, 112, 114
LABELSELECTVALUE.................................... 47
Job status files.......................................... 108
LEFT ......................................................... 47
LEN........................................................... 47
Key ..................................................... 4, 5, 6
LESS ......................................................... 58
Key field .................................................... 87
LESSEQUAL ............................................... 58
Key server ...................................................5
License manager ...................................... 5, 6
Keyboard input ........................................... 75
Linear bar codes
Keyboard shortcuts ..................................... 32
adding .................................................... 24
Lines ......................................................... 30
Label attributes .......................................... 20
Linked ....................................................... 22
Label inventory....................................20, 108
Linked expressions..... 44, 45, 47, 58, 63, 66, 70
Label logging........................................ 80, 83
Linked fields................... 44, 47, 58, 63, 66, 70
Label quantity .......................................... 108
Linked files ................................................ 28
Label Select ............................................. 100
Linked functions ............. 44, 47, 58, 63, 66, 70
Label Select database................................ 101
Log files ......................................... 80, 81, 83
Label setup ................................................ 20
Log reports ..................................... 80, 81, 83
Label stock..........................................20, 108
Log this Object ........................................... 81
Label width and height ................................ 20
Log Viewer...................................... 80, 81, 83
LABELDATA ................................................ 92
Logging a field............................................ 81
LABELNAME.......................................... 47, 92
Logical functions......................................... 58
LABELQUANTITY ......................................... 92
LogView ......................................... 80, 81, 83
Labels
Lot numbers .............................................. 72
converting............................................... 18
LOWER ...................................................... 47
125
LABELVIEW Help
LVLICENSEMANAGER.EXE .......................... 5, 6
Multiple ASCII as a Command File type ....90, 96
Multiple fields ............................................. 34
Machine data source.................................... 38
Multiple Raw Data as a Command File type ... 90,

91, 97
Manipulate fields......................................... 47
Multi-user version ......................................... 5
Math functions............................................ 63
N
MaxiCode ................................................... 25
Native drivers............................................. 15
Media tracking .......................................... 108
NEGATE..................................................... 63
Memory .......................................................4
Network installation .................................. 5, 6
Menu Bar .....................................................9
Network key ............................................ 4, 5
MicroPDF 417 ............................................. 25
New label .................................................. 17
Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator .... 37
NOT .......................................................... 58
MID........................................................... 47
NOTEQUAL................................................. 58
MINUTE ..................................................... 66
Novell ......................................................... 5
MOD.......................................................... 63
NOW ......................................................... 66
MOD10 ...................................................... 70
Numeric functions....................................... 47
MOD10_212 ............................................... 70
O
MOD43 ...................................................... 70
MODULO10IBM ........................................... 70
MODULO11 ................................................ 70
MODULO11IBM ........................................... 70
MODULO24 ................................................ 70
MODULO32 ................................................ 70
MODULO47 ................................................ 70
MONTH ...................................................... 66
Moving fields .............................................. 33
MULT......................................................... 63
Multi-dimensional bar codes ................... 25, 26
126
Object Linking and Embedding ..................... 41

ODBC
about ................................................35, 37
adding a field .......................................... 39
configuring drivers ................................... 38
installing drivers ...................................... 37
refreshing the data................................... 41
setup...................................................... 38
ODBC Data Source Administrator.................. 37
ODBC DB ................................................... 22
Old labels .................................................. 18
Index
OLE Automation........................................ 111
POW ......................................................... 63
OLE DB
PRICECD ................................................... 70
about................................................ 35, 41
PRICECD5.................................................. 70
adding a field........................................... 42
Print manager ............................................ 85
creating a connection................................ 41
Print station ............................................... 85
OLE DB...................................................... 22
Print time data entry ................................... 75
OLE DB Manager......................................... 41
PRINTER.................................................... 92
OLE objects .......................................... 28, 29
Printer code ............................................. 111
One-dimensional bar codes .......................... 24
Printer drivers ............................................ 15
Open Database Connectivity......................... 37
Printer selection ......................................... 15
Opening a label .......................................... 17
Printer settings........................................... 15
OR ............................................................ 58
PRINTERNAME............................................ 47
OUTPUT ..................................................... 47
PRINTERTASK ............................................ 92
Printing a Help topic...................................... 2
PAD........................................................... 47
Printing a label ........................................... 85
Pallet weight .............................................. 73
Printing a sample label ................................ 86
Paragraphs................................................. 23
Printing from a command line....................... 88
Parameters ................................................ 88
Printing from a database ........................35, 87
Password .....................................................7
Printing options .......................................... 85
Path for Click Print ...................................... 13
Printing variable data ....................... 35, 75, 87
Path of database files .................................. 36
PRINTPAD................................................ 104
PDF 417..................................................... 25
PRINTQTY .................................................. 47
Pick list................................................ 22, 76
Product editions............................................ 1
Pictures ..................................................... 26
Production control numbers ......................... 72
Plessey ...................................................... 70
Program requirements................................... 4
Pocket PC ................................................ 103
Program security .......................................... 7
Polling ..................................................... 105
Prompted..............................................75, 87
127
LABELVIEW Help
Scanner................................................... 105
QR Code .................................................... 25
Scripts ............................................. 111, 114
Quick Printing............................................. 85
Scroll ........................................................ 13
QUITAPP .................................................... 92
SEARCH .................................................... 47
QUOTIENT ................................................. 63
Searching Help ............................................. 2
Security....................................................... 7
RAM ............................................................4
Security key......................................... 4, 5, 6
RECQTY ..................................................... 47
Select all ................................................... 34
Rectangles ................................................. 30
Selecting a printer ...................................... 15
Redraw ...................................................... 13
Selecting multiple fields............................... 34
Refresh ODBC data ..................................... 41
Selecting records to print............................. 35
Remote Print Station ................................... 85
Separating print jobs................................... 88
Removing the program ..................................5
Serial file ..............................................22, 72
REPLACE.................................................... 47
Serial numbers ........................................... 72
Report label stock usage ............................ 108
Server Bar ................................................. 10
Reports...........................................80, 81, 83
Setting up ODBC drivers .............................. 38
REPT ......................................................... 47
Setup ........................................................ 20
Requirements ...............................................4
Shapes ...................................................... 27
RIGHT ....................................................... 47
Shift code .................................................. 22
Rotation..................................................... 12
Shortcut keys............................................. 32
ROUND ...................................................... 63
Signs ........................................................ 27
Rulers........................................................ 12
Single ASCII as a Command File type.......90, 96
Run separators ........................................... 88
Sizing fields ............................................... 33
Slow screen display..................................... 13
Sample label .............................................. 86
Slow scrolling ............................................. 13
Saving a label............................................. 18
Speed problems ......................................... 13
Scales ..................................................... 105
SQL .......................................................... 40
128
Index
SQL statement ........................................... 40
TODAY ...................................................... 66
Squares ..................................................... 30
Toolbars ................................9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Start value ................................................. 72
Tracking label stock usage ....................20, 108
Status Bar.................................................. 12
Tracking.ini file......................................... 108
Stock .................................................20, 108
TRIM ......................................................... 47
String functions .......................................... 47
True/False ................................................. 58
Style Bar .....................................................9
TRUNC ...................................................... 63
SUB .......................................................... 63
Two-dimensional bar codes .....................25, 26
SUBSTR ..................................................... 47
Switches .................................................... 88
Uninstalling the software ............................... 5
Symbols .................................................... 27
Update ODBC data ...................................... 41
SYS_DATE ................................................. 66
UPPER ....................................................... 47
SYS_DAY ................................................... 66
UPSMOD10 ................................................ 70
SYS_HOUR................................................. 66
Use Print Station ........................................ 85
SYS_JULIAN ............................................... 66
User groups ................................................. 7
SYS_MINUTE .............................................. 66
User ID ....................................................... 7
SYS_MONTH............................................... 66
User security................................................ 7
SYS_SECOND ............................................. 66
SYS_TIME .................................................. 66
V native printer drivers................................ 15
SYS_YEAR.................................................. 66
VALUE ....................................................... 47
System requirements ....................................4
Variable data.............................................. 75
System security ............................................7
Version...................................................... 18
Viewing pictures and paragraphs .................. 13
Target commands ..............................112, 114
Viewing toolbars ......................................... 13
Test print ................................................... 86
Text .................................................... 23, 47
WEEKDAY .................................................. 66
Time functions............................................ 66
Weight ...................................................... 73
129
LABELVIEW Help
When printed ....................................... 22, 75
Width ........................................................ 20
X and Y coordinates .................................... 12
Windows CE ............................................. 103
X extended printer drivers ........................... 15
Windows Print Manager ............................... 85
WordArt..................................................... 28
YEAR......................................................... 66
Workstations ................................................5
Z
ZTRIM ....................................................... 47
130

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LABELVIEW Help

Text and Paragraph Fields .......................................................................................................... 23

Deleting a Field ......................................................................................................................... 34

Numeric/Currency Functions .................................................................................................... 54

General Label Reports ............................................................................................................. 80

Command File Formatting........................................................................................................ 92

Job Modifier Commands ........................................................................................................ 112

Help with Online Help

Display Help Using the Contents Tab

Display Help Using the Index Tab

Display Help Using the Search Tab

Use keywords to refine your search

In the navigation pane click on the Index tab.

Search Help by entering a phrase or question

In the navigation pane click on the Search tab.

Click List Topics.

Select the topic, then click Display.

Printing a Help Topic

To print a Help topic

From the Help window toolbar, click Print.

Help with Online Help

To print the current topic, select Print the selected topic.

Select the required print options.

Installing and Uninstalling the Program

IBM-compatible, 486 or higher computer

16 MB RAM with Windows 95 (32 MB recommended)

32 MB RAM with Windows 98 or Windows Me (64 MB recommended)

64 MB RAM with Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows XP (128 MB recommended)

VGA monitor or better

Hard drive with at least 50 MB free disk space

Installing the Security Key

Installing the Label Design Software

Attach the software security key.

Installing and Uninstalling the Program

Uninstalling the Program

Network Installation Procedure

Select the Network Key check box.

About License Manager

Using License Manager

To run and use License Manager

Launch License Manager from the program Start menu.

Closes License Manager.

Displays License Manager version information.

to exit License Manager.

Setting System Security

Setting Up Security for a User

On the Options menu, click Security.

Enter a password in the Password box.

Note: The User Id and Password are each limited to 10 characters.

Click Exit to return to the design window.

To disable system security once it has been enabled

On the Options menu, click Security.

Delete all existing users.

Exit and restart the program.

Exploring the Design Environment

Click the desired command.

length of the field.

Activates the DDE Server feature.

Activates the Command File feature.

Activates the Label Select feature.

Adds a paragraph to the current label.

Exploring the Design Environment

Adds a bar code to the current label.

Adds an HIBC bar code to the current