The FastLabel 3.0 Guide is designed to help you to get going as quickly as possible.
Once you install the FastLabel 3.0 program on your system, you quickly learn how to create and print a label.
The Guide then explains how to create or modify a label template, how to design your own label, and how to import lists from other sources.
The Guide concludes with an in-depth look at printing, a section on batch disk labeling, and a reference and troubleshooting handbook.
Note: The software license agreement is included in the Appendix. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement please remove and return FastLabel for a refund. Installation and use of FastLabel constitutes agreement with the terms of the Software License. (It's not as bad as it sounds, we just want you to own the copies of FastLabel you use and to have one copy for each machine you use FastLabel on.)
Chapter Two : INSTALLINGFASTLABEL 3.0
To preserve your original program disk, you should copy FastLabel 3.0 onto another disk that you will use for day-to- day work.
Installing FASTLABEL 3.0 on a Hard Disk
1. Open the hard drive window and create a new folder called "FastLabel 3.0." From the original FastLabel 3.0 disk drag the FastLabel 3.0 program,the FastLabel.Help file, the ImageWriter.Templates and the LaserWriter.Templates to the new folder on your hard drive.
2. Remove your original FastLabel 3.0 disk from the disk drive and be sure to store it in a safe place.
Installing FASTLABEL 3.0 on a Floppy System
1. Insert the startup disk that you will use into the internal drive. Then initialize a new 3.5-inch disk and name it FastLabel 3.0.
2. Eject the blank initialized disk from the disk drive and insert the original copy of the FastLabel 3.0 program in its place.
3. Drag the FastLabel 3.0 icon to the backup disk icon. Follow the instructions on the screen regarding insertion of the backup disk. When the copying process is complete, FastLabel 3.0 will be installed on your backup disk. Rename the backup disk FastLabel 3.0.
4. When you are finished, remove your FastLabel 3.0 disk, and be sure to store it in a safe place.
Chapter Three : PRINTING A LABEL
Introduction
This chapter will get you started using the FastLabel 3.0 program. You will learn how to print a label.
There are only three steps to printing a label in FastLabel; you will use these three steps each time you print labels.
The Three Steps of Labeling
1. From the Templates menu, choose the type of label you want to print; mailing, VCR, disk, etc.
2. Enter the information you want printed from the keyboard or load it from a file.
3. Choose 'Print' from the File menu
Getting Started
When you begin the FastLabel 3.0 program, you will be asked to select a templates file.
A Templates file holds the templates for a specific printer or a specific type of template, i.e., LaserWriter.Templates and Envelope.Templates.
A label Template tells FastLabel the dimensions and spacing of a particular label and where it is to be printed on the page.
Choose the LaserWriter.Templates if you have a LaserWriter or the ImageWriter.Templates if you are using an ImageWriter. DeskWriter users should choose DeskWriter.Templates.
Note: Generally, if your printer prints pinfeed labels, choose ImageWriter.Templates, otherwise use the LaserWriter.Templates.
Your screen will show you the Label Display (left side) and List windows (right side), as well as the FastLabel 3.0 menus.
Note: When FastLabel is opened for the first time a window called Tutorial will cover the screen. The Tutorial window contains information to help you learn FastLabel. Close the Tutorial window for now, you can open it again later using the Tutorial menu item in the Windows menu.
The Label Display window displays the current label template. Use the Label Display window to layout and design your labels.
The List Window holds the names and addresses (or other information) that will be printed on each label. At the bottom of the List Window is the total number of entries in the current list.
You can add entries to the List from the keyboard or load lists from other programs such as databases, spreadsheets and word processors.
Each entry in the List window is linked to the Address Object in the Label Display and will be printed in turn when you print your list.
The Label Display window contains a row of buttons and a WYSIWYG drawing of the current template. WYSIWYG means that what you see in this window is what you get when you print.
The name of the current template is LW-Avery 5163-2x4 (10) which translates to:
LW: LaserWriter
Avery 5163: Manufacturer and product number
2x4: Dimensions
(10): Number of labels on the sheet
With the exception of the top button, each button turns an object on or off. Objects that are on will be printed objects that are off will not. Objects can be resized and moved to new positions on the template.
There are six objects in FastLabel 3.0: The Address object is linked to the List, the Spine object which contains the first line of text from the Address object (useful for disk, cassette and VCR label), the Message object, the Sequence object, the USPS Barcode object, the Icon object, and the Picture object.
For now, just remember that the Address object contains the current item in the list and that by typing into the Address object you can add items to the list.
You will learn more about each object in Chapter 4, Designing a Label.
Let's Print a Label!
Step 1. Select a Template
Begin by selecting a Label Template from the Templates menu. To do this, go to the Templates menu and select "Label Templates."
The Label Templates sub-menu contains a list of all the templates in the current templates file. Select the template you want with the mouse. (Each Templates file that came with FastLabel 3.0 contains a template called "Sample." Choose "Sample" now.)
The heading of the Label Display window should now read "Sample."
Note: Templates files are very dynamic and subject to change without notice, if the "Sample" template does not appear in the menu, you may select any other template.
Note: The LW prefix stands for LaserWriter. Give yourself a gold star if you guessed that IW stands for ImageWriter, and DW for DeskWriter!
Step 2. Entering Data
You are now ready to add an address to your label.
You should see a flashing insertion point in the Label Display window. (Note: If you do not see the insertion point, select the Address Object with the mouse until it turns black: black objects are on and you should see the insertion point in the Address object after turning it on.
Begin by typing your name. Now press the return key and type the rest of your address. The Sample template has been set up to make the first line of text bold and the remaining lines of the Address plain text. You can change these characteristics using the items in the Text menu just as you would in a word processor. See "Designing a Label" for more information.
You will also notice that the information you have typed on the screen now appears in the List window.
What you can do next is what makes FastLabel faster and easier to use than any other labeling program: By going to the Edit menu and choosing "New Entry" you can enter another address. You may do this as many times as you like.
There is no need to create tricky merge files or specially formatted entries that conform to internal databases in FastLabel: all you have to do is type!
Step 3. PrintingYour Label
You are now ready to print the labels you just created. Go to the File menu and select "Print All."
The "Copies" screen appears and asks you how many copies of each label you want to print. The selection automatically defaults to one copy of each label. Click the "Print" button or press Return.
If you are printing to a LaserWriter or other printer that prints sheets of labels as opposed to individual labels like the ImageWriter, you will now see a screen that will let you tell FastLabel where to start printing. Use the mouse and click in the label where you want FastLabel to start printing. Click the "Print" button. (Note: double-clicking in a label will automatically select the "Print" button for you and proceed to the next screen.)
A print screen will now appear. Click the "OK" button or press the return key to print your label. You can learn more about printing options in CHAPTER EIGHT -- PRINTING REFERENCE.
Summary: The Three Steps of Labeling
1. Choose the type of label you want to print from the Templates menu,
2. Enter your addresses from the keyboard, using the Edit menu's "New Entry" for each new address you want to enter,
3. Choose "Print All" to print your labels!
Hands-on Practice -- Printing a Label
1. Go to the Templates menu and select "Label Templates."
2. Select "Sample".
3. Enter your name and address
4. Select "Print All" from the File menu
5. Set "Copies" to "2" and click "Print"
7. Set the Starting Label with the mouse (LaserWriter and compatibles only) and click "Print"
8. Click "OK" when the Print screen appears to print 2 copies of your label.
Note: Setting the number of copies to the number of labels on a sheet is a great way to print a sheet of return address labels!
Chapter Four : DESIGNING A LABEL
Introduction
FastLabel 3.0 is, essentially, a page layout program for labels. This chapter tells you how to use the Object buttons, the Utilities menu, and the Text menu to design your own layouts.
Each of the buttons on the left side of the Label Display window turns a label object on or off. Objects that are on will print objects that are off will not.
There are seven objects that you can use to design your layouts. Each object corresponds to a separate button in the Label Display window.
The current object is the object with the four grow handles at its corners. To make an object the current object select it with the mouse. Turning an object on also makes it the current object.
Meet the Objects
1. Address. The Address object is linked to the list window. The current entry in the List always appears in the Address object. You can set the font and style of the Address object with the Text menu. You can enter new addresses into the Address object using the Edit menus "New Entry" command.
2. Spine. The Spine objectdisplays the first line of text from the Address object. This text is not editable, but you can set the font and style with the Text menu. The Spine object is handy in cassette, VCR, and disk label layouts.
3. Message. The Message objectcan contain any text you enter. You can set the font and style with the Text menu. The text in the Message object appears on each printed label.
4. Sequence. The Sequence objectdisplays a sequence number for each label. You can set the increment, prefix and suffix for the sequence. You can set the font and style with the Text menu.
5. Barcode. The Barcode objectparses the zip-code out of the Address object and convert it to the appropriate postal barcode. Barcodes can appear above or below the address or in the USPS preferred area of an envelope. (Note: See the section on Barcodes for important information before using barcodes on your labels.)
6. Icon. The Icon objectcontrols a small specialized graphic that you can put on your labels. Icons can be imported from other files and edited in FastLabel.
7. Picture. The Picture objectholds pictures created by popular drawing programs such as MacPaint and MacDraw. Pictures can be pasted from the Scrapbook or loaded from files using the Utilities menu's Get Picture command.
The top button in the label display lets you choose two tools for creating your layouts. The Drag cursor lets you drag objects to new positions on the template. The Text cursor lets you insert text into the Address and Message objects. Either cursor can be used to resize an object.
Positioning Objects
To drag an object to a new position select the drag cursor by clicking the top button in the Label Display until it says "Drag". The cursor will change to a hand. You can now drag an object by pressing and holding the mouse button and dragging the object to its new location.
Note: You cannot drag the barcode object; its position is determined by USPS specifications.
Resizing Objects
There are four "grow boxes" at the corners of each object. When the mouse is over one of these grow boxes the cursor will change to a cross.
You can resize an object by pressing and holding the mouse button while dragging the object with the mouse.
Note: You cannot resize the barcode object; its size is determined by USPS specifications.
Using the Text Menu
The Text menuis active when a text object (the Address object;, the Message object;, the Sequence object;, or the Spine object) is active.
The Text menu contains the commands for manipulating text in FastLabel 3.0. FastLabel 3.0 supports all of the normal text selection and formatting commands, and adds a command for rotated text;.
Font, Size, and Style Commands
These menus are the standard Macintosh commands for selecting, sizing and styling text. Refer to your Macintosh owner's manual if you are unfamiliar with these commands.
To change the text characteristics in any object:
1. Highlight the text to be changed
2. Select the new font, style or size from the Text menu
Address Object
Each line in the Address object can have a different font, size and style.
Message Object
Each character in the Message object can have a different font, size and style.
Spine Object
The Spine object has one font, style and size.
Sequence Object
The Sequence object has one font, style and size.
Justification
This command allows you to justify your margins to the left, right, or center. Spine text is always centered.
Rotate
This command allows you to rotate the text in the Spine object by 180 degrees.
Address
The Address object is linked to the List window. The current entry in the List always appears in the Address object.
You can enter new addresses into the Address object using the Edit menus "New Entry" command.
You can set the font and style of the Address object with the Text menu.
Each line of the Address object can have a different text characteristic. As you type, FastLabel will apply the correct font, size and style to your data.
Spine
The Spine object displays the first line of text from the Address object.
This text is not editable, but you can set the font and style with the Text menu.
The Spine object is handy in cassette, VCR, and disk label layouts.
Message
The Message object can contain any text you enter.
You can set the font and style with the Text menu. Each character in the Message object can have a different text characteristic.
The text in the Message object appears on each printed label.
Sequences
By turning on the Sequence object you can add a sequence of number and/or characters to your labels. Sequences can also have a prefix and a suffix.
You set the parameters for the sequence and any prefix or suffix using the Set Sequence command in the Utilities menu.
Start Sequence is the number or character to start the sequence at.
Increment by is the amount to increment each entry by. Incrementing 'A' by '2' would produce the series: A, C, E...
Prefix is any string of characters (up to 255 long) that will appear before each sequence entry.
Suffix is any string of characters (up to 255 long) that will appear after each sequence entry.
The Sequence object has only one font, size and style.
Barcodes
You can add Postal barcodes to your labels by turning on the Barcodes object. When the Barcodes object is on, FastLabel will parse the zip code out of the Address object and print a USPS-approved barcode for that zip code.
Barcoding your mail ensures that it will arrive at its destination in the shortest possible time.
FastLabel supports three methods of positioning Postal barcodes: Above the Address object, Below the Address object, and in the USPS Preferred position.
You select the position you want the barcode to appear using the Barcode Position sub-menu in the Utilities menu.
Note: If no zip code is present, or if the zip code is not valid no USPS barcode will be drawn.
USPS Preferred
This is the position the post office prefers barcodes to appear in. To use this position your label, envelope or postcard should be at least 4 1/4" wide and 4" tall.
Above Address
FastLabel positions the barcode just above the Address object. The barcode is horizontally positioned so that it will fit onto the label.
To use this position a label must be at least 2 5/8" wide and 3/4" tall.
Note: The label must be placed within 2 3/4" of the bottom of the envelope it is being placed on.
Below Address
FastLabel positions the barcode just below the Address object. The barcode is horizontally positioned so that it will fit onto the label.
To use this position a label must be at least 2 5/8" wide and 3/4" tall.
Note: The label must be placed within 2 3/4" of the bottom of the envelope it is being placed on.
Important Note: As this manual was going to press, the USPS hadn't begun accepting the Above and Below address placement of barcodes. This placement is scheduled to go into effect in June of 1991.
Labels printed with Above and Below address USPS barcodes will not be slowed down and it is very likely that these barcodes will actually speed mail up as the new scanning equipment is implemented around the country.
Icons
You can add icons to your layouts by using the Get Icon and Edit Icon commands. The Get Icon command allows you to copy an icon from another application such as Hypercard. Edit Icon lets you edit an existing icon.
Get Icon
To copy an icon from another application, select "Get Icon" from the Utilities menu.
Select the application file from which to copy the icon, and click the Open button. If there are any icons associated with the file, they will be shown in the icon display:
If there are no icons associated with a file, you will be asked to select a new file.
To select an icon from the icon display, click on the icon, and then click "OK." The icon you have selected is now the new icon that will appear on all your labels when you print.
Note: Most applications have icons, most documents do not. Hypercard is chock full of icons.
Edit Icon
Use the Icon Editor to modify icons. You turn each pixel of the icon on or off by clicking it with the mouse.
The four arrow keys shift the entire icon in the direction of the arrow.
The invert button inverts all the pixels in the icon.
Note: Editing an icon in FastLabel does not change the icon in the original application.
Note: A few of you have asked if the above icon is Jesus. It is not. It is our former employee Scott Rash who says any resemblance is purely coincidental.
To get rid of an icon, use the Clear command in the Edit menu.
Pictures
FastLabel can import graphics from most popular drawing and painting applications. There are two ways to bring a picture into FastLabel: by Pasting it from the Scrapbook or by using the Get Picture command in the Utilities menu.
Pasting Pictures
To Paste a picture from the Scrapbook, turn the Picture object on by selecting the Picture button. If the Picture object is already on then you need to select it by clicking it with the mouse.
Now you can Paste a picture from the Scrapbook using the Paste command in the Edit menu. If you aren't familiar with the Scrapbook, see your Macintosh owner's manual.
Get Picture
The Get Picture command is in the Utilities menu. You use Get Picture to load a picture from a file. FastLabel can import MacPaint and MacDraw (PNTG and PICT) type pictures.
To import a picture turn the Picture object on or select it with the mouse.
Choose "Get Picture" from the Utilities menu.
You will be prompted to select a file: choose the file that contains the picture you want to import.
FastLabel will open the file and copy the picture into the picture object.
Scaling Pictures
FastLabel contains three commands for displaying your pictures: Scale, Restore Proportions and Use Picture Size.
These three commands are in the Utilities menu.
The Scale command stretches or shrinks the picture to fit exactly into the Picture object.
The Restore Proportions command attempts to maintain the proportions of the original picture while fitting it into the Picture object.
The Use Picture Size command does no scaling and displays the picture in its original size.
Note: To remove the picture from the label, choose Clear from the Edit menu.
Summary - Using the Objects
To use an object, click the appropriate button to turn the object on. When the button is dark, the object is "on" and appears on the screen. An object that is on will be printed, objects that are off will not be printed.
The current object is the object that has the four grow handles at its corners. Most menu commands apply only to the current object. If the current object is the Address object or Message object, keyboard entries go to that object.
To make an object the current object select it with the mouse. Turning an object on also makes it the current object. The barcode object can never be the current object.
To reposition an object on the screen, click the Drag button, hold the mouse down in the object you want to move and drag. Release the mouse button when the object is in position.
To resize an object, click in the object you want to resize so the four grow handles appear at the corners of the object. Move the cursor over a grow handle until it turns into a cross and press the mouse button. Resize the object by dragging the grow handle. Release the mouse button when the object has been appropriately resized.
To change the text characteristics of the Address, Spine, Message or Sequence objects, select the text you want to change and use the Text menu to make the appropriate changes.
The Address object is linked to the List window. The current item in the list appears in the Address object.
The Spine object is linked to the first line of text in the Address object and is useful for creating VCR, cassette, and disk labels.
The Message object contains text that appears on each label you print.
The Barcode object parses the zip code out of the current address and draws the USPS approved barcode for that zip code.
You can add Icons to your labels by using the Get Icon command. You can edit icons by using the Edit Icon command.
You can add pictures to your labels using the Paste and Get Picture menu commands. FastLabel imports MacPaint (PNTG) and MacDraw (PICT) type pictures.
Chapter Five: USING FASTLABEL
Introduction
This chapter discusses the basics of using FastLabel in everyday life.
You will find information here on getting help, sorting, finding and saving your work.
Getting Help
FastLabel offers you three ways to get help:
1. Look in the manual, probably by consulting the Index
2. Use the Help window
3. Use the Tutorial window
Help Window
The Help window contains indexed information on each menu command in FastLabel. Some additional information is also included but primarily you will consult the Help window when you need to learn about a particular menu command.
Open the Help window by selecting "Help" from the Windows menu.
Tutorial Window
The Tutorial window contains a brief tutorial and some hints and tips on using FastLabel.
Consult the Tutorial window when you need to know the steps involved in performing a specific task such as printing a label or importing data from other applications.
Open the Tutorial window by selecting "Tutorial" from the Windows menu.
FastLabel Index
FastLabel's manual contains an Index to help you locate topics quickly. For broader queries, you may find it easier to consult the Table of Contents.
Opening FastLabel
You can open FastLabel by double clicking on the FastLabel program, a FastLabel Templates file, or a FastLabel document.
You can print FastLabel documents from the Finder by selecting Print from the File menu.
Double-clicking on the FastLabel program will open FastLabel. FastLabel remembers which templates file you were last using and will open that file for you.
Double-clicking on a FastLabel Templates file will open FastLabel and that templates file.
Double-clicking on a FastLabel document (created with the Save or Save As commands) will open FastLabel and the templates file that was open when the document was created. FastLabel will load the list from the document into the List window.
Entering Data
There are three ways to enter data in FastLabel:
1. By typing it from the keyboard,
2. By opening a FastLabel document, or
3. By importing a list from another application.
FastLabel's List window can hold about 400 standard addresses at one time. If you are entering data from the keyboard you need to be aware of this limit and create additional files as necessary.
If you are importing large lists into FastLabel, this limit will only affect you in viewing your list. Using Print All will print an entire list, no matter how large.
Entering data from the keyboard
To enter data from the keyboard you first select the Address object by turning it on or making it the current object. (The current object has a grow handle in each corner.)
To enter data just begin typing. When you are ready to enter the next address, use the Edit menu's "New Entry" command.
Each entry is stored in the List window.
You can duplicate entries using the "Duplicate Entry" command, also in the Edit menu.
You can scroll through the list by holding down the command key and pressing either the up or down arrow key.
Opening a FastLabel document
You can open lists that were created in FastLabel with the Open command in the File menu.
When asked to "Select an Import Format," choose None since FastLabel documents retain their formatting.
Importing a list
You can import lists from other applications by using the Open command in the File menu.
FastLabel import tab delimited, comma delimited, and merge files.
For more information on importing lists, see Chapter Six: Importing Data.
FastLabel can import and print lists of unlimited size.
Sorting
FastLabel can sort the data in the List window by selecting the Sort command from the Utilities menu.
The Sort command sorts the items in the List. You can sort by any item in an address, first name, last name, state, zip code, etc.
When you select Sort, a screen appears displaying the current item in the list.
To sort by zip code, click the zip code with the mouse. To sort by first name, click the first name.
After you have selected sort item, click the Sort button to sort the list. Pretty clever. Absoloodle.
Now, it may happen that during the sort FastLabel will encounter an address that is arranged a little differently than it expects. When this happens, FastLabel will display the address and ask you to select the sort item again.
Click the sort item with the mouse or select the Skip button to leave this type of address unsorted at the end of the list.
Why would you want to leave addresses unsorted? Because it is a good way to get rid of anomalies, like blank addresses or addresses that only contain punctuation.
Note: FastLabel can only sort the list actually in the List window. If your file is bigger than will fit into the list window at one time only the part of the your data in the List window will be sorted.
Finding
Use the Find command to find an item in the List.
To Find an entry in the List:
Select the Find menu item and enter the keyword for the search.
Select the Find button with the mouse.
FastLabel will search the list from top to bottom looking for matches.
When it finds a match the search will stop and the Find Next button will be highlighted. To continue your search, select Find Next.
The currently found entry will be selected in the List and will also be displayed in the Address object on the current template.
Note: FastLabel disregards capitalization when searching.
Printing
There are three commands associated with printing in FastLabel: Page Preview, Print Selected, and Print All.
These commands are all in the File menu.
Additional information about printing can be found in chapter nine Printing Reference.
A fourth command, Show Margins is useful for determining how to place label objects in order to avoid their being clipped during printing.
Page Preview
Page Preview lets you view your labels before you print them.
You can print from the Preview screen by clicking the Print button, or return to the Label Display window by clicking Cancel.
Print Selected
Print Selected prints the currently selected items in the List window.
To select multiple items in the List window, hold down the command key and click or click and drag.
Only the selected items in the List window will print when Print Selected is chosen.
Print All
Print All prints all the items in the list.
Note that if a file contains more items than can fit in the list at one time, using Print All will print the entire file.
Show Margins
The Show Margins command is in the Utilities menu.
This command draws a dashed line around the printable area of the label template in the Label Display window.
The printable are is the white space that the printer can actually print to subject to your margins and its ability to print toward the edge of a sheet of paper.
Saving Your Work
There are two commands in FastLabel for saving your work: Save and Save As.
A saved document contains the entries in the List window and information about the current template.
Save
Choose Save to create or update an existing FastLabel document.
Save As
Choose Save As to create a new FastLabel document.
FastLabel documents are double-clickable and can be opened and printed from the Finder.
Chapter Six : IMPORTING DATA
This is the hardest thing about FastLabel to understand because we have to use precise computer terms and definitions to describe the process.
However, the practice is easier than the textbook: All word processors, databases and spreadsheets save data that FastLabel can read, so you just save the data to a new file (a text file) and then start FastLabel and choose Open.
FastLabel will ask you which file to Open and, after you have selected the file, what format to use.
A format is the way you tell FastLabel to arrange your addresses as they are imported. For instance you might create one format to import a list in First Name - Last Name order and another format to import the same list in Last Name - First Name order.
When you open a file, you can create a new format (New), choose an existing format by selecting it from the list of available formats, or choose not to apply a format (None).
A format is another type of template that tells FastLabel how to arrange the data (your addresses) it imports.
Definitions
Record: any group of characters that ends with a carriage return.
Field: any group of characters that ends with a tab or comma.
A record is made up of one or more fields.
Example, a comma delimited record with two fields:
Henry,Carstens(CR)
Example, a tab delimited record with three fields:
Henry(tab)Carstens(tab)Vertical Solutions(CR)
Prerequisites
FastLabel can import files that have been saved as text files. Each field in the file should be separated by tabs or commas and end with a carriage return.
To save a file from a word processor, spreadsheet or database use the Save As, or Export command in that program and specify the file type as Text. Some programs will also give you the option of saving a tab, comma, merge or SYLK files. FastLabel can import tab, comma or merge files.
Note for experienced FastLabel users: FastLabel 3.0 is now powerful enough to handle all but the most bizarre files.
For example, if you are entering a list in MS Word, you no longer have to worry about each record having the same number of fields: FastLabel 3.0 can handle varying field lengths.
Creating Formats
Why create Formats? Because Formats make FastLabel do all the work instead of you. When you use a format with your existing data you won't have to retype a thing.
Formats allow you to import addresses from word processors, databases, and spreadsheets without setting up special merge files or worrying about field order in each record.
First you need a file to import. The only criteria here is that you have saved your addresses in a 'text' file. (If you don't know how to do this, refer to the documentation for your program, probably by looking in the manual's index under text, export, or save as.)
A text file is a special type of file that can be created by almost every Macintosh program.
Once you have saved your data as a text file, start FastLabel and choose 'Open' from the file menu. Select the file you want to import.
A screen will appear asking you to 'Select an Import File Format.' Choose 'New' to create a new format.
The screen that appears is called the Formatter. On the left side of the screen you see a list of fields. These are the fields from your import file. For now, let's ignore the rest of the dialog and concentrate on these fields.
You can arrange these fields by dragging them into position. For instance, if you had a 'First Name' field and a 'Last Name' field you would drag them both onto one line. You would do the same thing with City, State and Zip code: drag them onto the same line.
Now it's time to notice that the sample address in the upper right hand corner of the screen is starting to take shape. Each time you move a field, the address is redrawn to reflect the change. This sample address shows you what the Address object will look like after you import the file.
The only thing that is missing from your format is a little punctuation. There are 5 punctuation 'wells' at the bottom of the screen: Blank, Comma, Comma-Blank, Tab, and Carriage Return.
To add punctuation to your format, click the mouse in a punctuation well and drag the punctuation up to your format.
You can insert the punctuation anywhere in a line by releasing the mouse where you want the field inserted. For example, if you have separate city, state and zip fields you will probably want to add a comma-blank after city and a tab after state. (A tab is three blank spaces.) You can check the affect of the added punctuation by examining the sample address in the upper right corner of the screen.
When you are finished adding the punctuation to your address, choose Save. A new screen will appear asking you whether you want to save your format or 'Use and Discard' it. There are also two check boxes, 'Drop Empty Fields' and 'Strip Quotes' you can set.
Setting the Drop Empty Fields option tells the Formatter to remove empty fields from the address. This option makes addresses look nicer because it won't leave gaps where a filed is empty. Drop Empty Fields is usually set.
Setting strip quotes is used with comma delimited files and merge files. These files surround each field with quotation marks. This option should be set for comma delimited and merge files.
At this point you can choose to Save your format, in which case you will be able to reuse it later, or you can Use and Discard it which means the format won't be saved when you close FastLabel. Saved Formats appear in the dialog that appeared earlier asking you to 'Select an Import File Format.'
Notes
The punctuation field called carriage return will insert a blank line into the address.
Punctuation and fields can be drug to the area marked "Drag unwanted fields below this line." Fields and punctuation in this area will not be imported or added to the format. Use this area to get rid of unwanted fields, like 'phone number' or 'notes' that may not be appropriate for a label.
If a text file contains records with different numbers of fields then you will need to set up a separate format for each type of record.
In the middle of the Formatter screen, on the right edge is a message that tells you the name of the file your are importing and the number of different formats you will have to create for this file. Below this message are two buttons, Next and Previous that let you switch between formats.
Editing Formats
After you have created a format and imported your file you may decide you want to change the format. To do this you select 'Edit Format' from the Edit menu.
The Formatter appears and you can adjust your format and save it as described above.
You can only edit the format that was used to import current file into the List.
Clearing Formats
Eventually, you will end up with one or two formats that you no longer use and you will want to remove them from the formats list. To remove a format, select 'Clear Formats' from the edit menu and select and delete the unwanted formats.
Important Note
Lists that were 'Saved' from FastLabel are saved with their formatting intact. You can import these files by choosing 'None' in response to the 'Select an Import Format' dialog.
Another Important Note
As you can probably imagine, formats are pretty closely tied to the file they were created for. You probably won't be able to apply a format created for a MS Word file to a file exported from Filemaker.
You can make this all a little easier on yourself by naming your formats as follows:
First/Last.Customer dB.
Where First/Last describes a characteristic of this format and Customer dB is the file the format was created for.
Hands-on practice Importing Files
1. Select "Open..." from the File menu.
2. When asked to select a file, select "Tour List." Tour List was included on your original disk.
3. The next screen asks you to select a format. Choose "New" to create a new format.
The Formatter screen will now appear.
4. Drag a blank space character up after the First Name field. Then drag the Last Name field up and place it after the blank space and the First Name field. First Name and Last Name, separated by a blank space, will now appear on the same line.
5. Drop the phone field and Street2 field by dragging them to the "Unwanted" area of the screen.
6. Drag the City, State and Zip fields onto the same line and insert the punctuation "comma-blank" after City and "tab" after State. Note the sample address in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
7. Click the Save button. FastLabel 3.0 will now ask if you want to save the format or discard it. Before saving your format, make sure Drop Empty Fields is checked. Name your format "First/Last.Tour List and choose Save.
The Tour List will now appear in the List window. Each record will be just as you arranged the fields in the Formatter.
The Address object in the Label Display window contains the current item in the list.
Note: To clear the list from the List window, select Clear List from the Edit menu.
Hands-on practice Using Saved Formats
Once you have saved a format you can use it over and over again. This will greatly speed up the amount of time it takes to import and print labels using FastLabel.
Let's say you have another list that was created from the same database that created Tour List, or that you just wanted to reprint the information in Tour List.
Since you already have a saved format ready to do the job (First/Last.Tour List), you can import the Tour List file as follows:
Note: You need to have completed "Hands-on practice Importing Files" before proceeding with this tutorial.
1. Choose Open from the File menu, and select the Tour List when prompted to select a file.
2. When you are prompted for an Import Format, choose "First/Last.Tour List"
3. Click the OK button or hit the return key to import the Tour List file using the First/Last.Tour List format you created in "Importing Text Files."
Your Label Display window and List window will again hold the Tour List, but this time it only took you three steps to import the file.
Chapter Seven : CREATING AND MODIFYING LABEL TEMPLATES
Introduction
FastLabel 3.0 already includes label templates for many different types and sizes of labels -- envelopes, disk labels, VCR labels, etc. However, you may want to modify one of these labels, or create a label of your own. This chapter tells you how to do it.
You can create a new templates file by choosing New Template File from the Templates menu.
You can open an existing templates file by choosing Open Template File from the Templates menu.
Creating a Template
Begin by selecting "New Template..." from the Templates menu.
Label Setup Screen
You are now ready to create your own label template by using the commands on the Template Setup screen.
Use the Template Setup controls on the left to define the size and layout of a sheet or strip of labels.
The label page, on the right, displays the current settings of the controls.
The gray rectangle in the label page is the physical print boundary of the current printer. Your printer cannot print outside this boundary.
Template Setup Controls
These controls allow you to adjust the size and number of labels to be printed. By using these controls, you can create any size of a label.
Note: FastLabel will print labels as small as 1/4" square or as large as 99" square.
Page Setup...
This command sends you to the LaserWriter or ImageWriter page setup screen. If you need to adjust the settings you have made, use this option.
If you are using a LaserWriter, a screen entitled "LaserWriter Page Setup will come up. Read the next section to learn how to edit this screen.
If you are using an ImageWriter, a screen entitled "ImageWriter Page Setup" will come up. Skip the next section, and go to the instructions under "ImageWriter Setup."
LaserWriter Setup
The LaserWriter Page Setup Screen is similar to this:
Select US letter for your paper selection. Next, go to the options menu, and click in the box entitled "Larger Print Area (Fewer Downloadable Fonts). This option allows you print closer to each edge of the page.
Note: You should always select the US Letter paper size because it maximizes the printable area on your labels.
Click the "OK" button to return to the LaserWriter Page Setup Screen. Click "OK" again to remove the print screen.
Note: You can learn more about printer options in CHAPTER SEVEN -- PRINTING LABELS.
ImageWriter Setup
The ImageWriter Page Setup Screen is similar to this:
Select 8-1/2x11 for your paper selection. Next, click in the box entitled "No Gaps Between Pages." Click "OK" to remove the print screen.
Note: You should always select the US Letter paper size because it maximizes the printable area on your labels.
Note: You should always select No Gaps between pages.
Note: You can learn more about printer options in CHAPTER EIGHT -- PRINTING REFERENCE.
Label Type
Use the Label Type command to designate whether you are printing on a LaserWriter (pages) or an ImageWriter (pages or pin feed).
Note: If you are using an ImageWriter, select Pin Feed even if you are using 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of labels. Because FastLabel 3.0 does a form feed at the beginning of ImageWriter printing, selecting Pin Feed keeps the ImageWriter from doing multi-label form feeds.
Number of Labels
Begin by moving to the "Number of Labels" section, and click in the "Across" box.
You can adjust the number of labels going across the page either by using the left and right arrows, or typing in the number box. As you adjust the number of labels, the label page screen will change to reflect your adjustments.
Change the number of labels going down the page by adjusting the numbers in the down box.
Label Size
The Label Size option allows you to adjust the size of the labels to be printed.
Use the left and right arrows, or type in the height and width boxes to designate the size of your label. Changes will be reflected in the label page window.
Space Between
Use the Space Between controls to set the spacing between labels.
Changes are reflected in the label page window at the right.
Note: If you have selected Pin Feed (see Label Type section above), the Down item will not be present because FastLabel 3.0 views a pin feed labels as being a page of labels one label tall.
Margins
Use the Margins controls to set the Left and Top printing margins.
Name
Use this option to name the Label Template you have just created.
This name will now appear in the Templates menu when you select "Label Templates" from the Templates menu.
If this name has already been used, the Save button at the bottom will fade, and you will be asked to choose another name.
Measurements
Choose Inches to have measurements displayed in inches or Metric to have measurements displayed in millimeters.
Selecting Fractions displays measurements as fractions Decimals as decimals.
Note: When using the arrow buttons to adjust sizes, you can hold down the shift key and FastLabel will change the measurements in smaller increments: 1/4" without the shift key, 1/16" with the shift key held down.
Hint: FastLabel uses the currently selected template in the Templates menu as a foundation for the new template. It's easiest to create templates if you first select a template close to the one you want to create.
Modifying a Template
FastLabel 3.0 also allows you to modify existing label templates.
To modify a template, go to the Templates menu and select the template you want to modify.
Now choose Modify Template from the Templates menu.
Follow the same steps that you used to create a new template.
Outline Label
Outline Label prints a one-pixel wide border around each label.
This command is very useful for checking a new label template to see how it matches the actual sheet of labels.
New Template File
New Template File creates a new templates file.
A templates file holds label templates.
The new file is empty.
Use the New Template command to add templates to the file.
The template files, ImageWriter.Templates, LaserWriter.Templates, and DeskWriter.Templates, that came with FastLabel were created with this command.
Open Template File
Use this command to open a label file.
Only one label file may be open at a time. The current label file is closed automatically when another label file is opened.
Chapter Eight : PRINTING REFERENCE
Introduction
This chapter shows you how to print one or more copies of a label on the LaserWriter, ImageWriter, or other compatible printer.
It also gives some hints for printing successfully on the ImageWriter and LaserWriter.
Print Commands
There are three commands associated with printing in FastLabel: Page Preview, Print Selected, and Print All.
These commands are all in the File menu.
Page Preview
Page Preview lets you view your labels before you print them.
You can print from the Preview screen by clicking the Print button, or return to the Label Display window by clicking Cancel.
Print Selected
Print Selected prints the currently selected items in the List window.
To select multiple items in the List window, hold down the command key and click or click and drag.
Only the selected items in the List window will print when Print Selected is chosen.
After choosing Print Selected you will be asked how many copies of each label to print and, if you are using a "Page" template, where on the page to start printing. See Set Starting Label, below.
Print All
Print All prints all the items in the list.
After choosing Print All you will be asked how many copies of each label to print and, if you are using a "Page" template, where on the page to start printing. See Set Starting Label, below.
Note that if a file contains more items than can fit in the list at one time, using Print All will print the entire file.
Copies
The Copies screen appears automatically each time you print.
The copies screen asks you to enter the number of copies of each label to be printed.
The default number of copies is one, so you can hit the return key and easily proceed with your printing.
Entering a number other than one causes that number of copies of each label to be printed.
Note: The Copies screen does not appear for pin feed labels. To print multiple copies of pin feed labels, use the Copies command on the print screen.
Set Starting Label
This screen (page templates only) lets you start printing from a label other than the first one on a sheet.
To select a starting label, click the mouse in the label where you want printing to begin.
Note: Some label manufacturers recommend against feeding partially used sheets of labels into your laser printer. We recommend that LaserWriter users use Avery LaserWriter labels.
Printing on the ImageWriter
Alignment
When printing on the ImageWriter, FastLabel will always start printing in the same place if the Margin and Page Setup settings are the same regardless of label size.
For the ImageWriter Label Set that comes with FastLabel, the program will start printing one label below the top of the clear plastic shield. The top of the shield should be just below the first pinfeed hole on the label.
Page Setup
ImageWriter templates should always have No Gaps Between Pages selected to maximize the printable area on each label.
I am getting form feeds between my labels when they print.
This only happens on the ImageWriter. Go to Page Setup and select No Gaps Between Pages to solve the problem.
My labels didn't print correctly, the spacing was off.
Get a ruler and a sheet of your labels (you can also check the package the labels came in for their measurements). Then choose Define Template from the Templates menu. Now double-check the figures in Define Label with the measurements on your ruler.
Most labels are measured in sixteenths of an inch, but some labels, like Rolodex cards and file folder labels are measured in sixths or even thirds of an inch. FastLabel can handle any of these fractions, down to one-one thousandth of an inch.
When my labels printed, text was clipped from the left and right edges of my labels.
All printers have physical limits to where they can print, the left or rightmost edge of the label may not be accessible to your printer.
On an ImageWriter, you can move the pinfeed tractors to the left or the right (see your owner's manual) to adjust the alignment . You can use the Margins command in Define Template to accomplish the same thing by increasing or decreasing the left margin.
On a LaserWriter, you can select Larger Print Area from the Options area in Page Setup. This command tells the LaserWriter to print further out on the page.
If these options don't help, select Show Margins from the Utilities menu and resize your text objects so that they fit within the printable area of the label.
Printing Hints
• Use only high quality labels such as those available from Avery (laser and pin feed labels) and Dennison (pin feed labels).
• Don't roll labels backwards through the ImageWriter to save labels: The damage you can do to your ImageWriter is far greater than the value of the labels you might save.
• Never, ever run ImageWriter labels (pin feed) or copier labels through your LaserWriter. These labels are not made to stand up to the heat generated by the laser and the adhesive can 'leak' onto your print drum and ruin it.
• Use the Outline labels option to print an outline around each label when you design a label. This will allow you to check your setup against the actual label and easily measure and make corrections.
• When printing on the ImageWriter, FastLabel will always start printing in the same place if the Margin and Page Setup settings are the same irregardless of label size.
• Don't take the term labels too literally. FastLabel prints on anything that will go through the ImageWriter or LaserWriter: Audio Casette labels, VCR labels, Rolodex cards, post cards, index cards, envelopes, etc.
• Always make a test run on plain paper to test a new template. This almost always saves time, frustration and labels.
Chapter Nine : MENU SUMMARY
The Help window contains entries for each menu item.
Apple
The Apple menu contains the "About FastLabel' command. About FastLabel contains your Software License agreement, a catalog of our products, and information on ordering updates to FastLabel.
File
The File menu contains commands for importing lists from other sources, printing ,and quitting the FastLabel program.
Edit
The Edit menu contains the commands for editing text, starting a new label entry, clearing the List window and editing and clearing formats.
Text
The Text menu contains the commands for manipulating text in FastLabel.
FastLabel supports all of the normal text selection and formatting commands and adds commands for rotated text.
Rotated text is only available in the Spine object.
Templates
The Labels menu contains commands for selecting, creating and modifying label templates and their files.
Utilities
The Utilities menu contains the commands that manipulate the graphics and icons on a label.
There are also commands for Finding, Sorting, setting the Barcode Position, setting the Sequence parameters, showing the Printable area of a label, and Outlining a label.
Windows
The Windows menus contains the commands of manipulating FastLabel's windows.
There are five major windows in FastLabel: the Help and Tutorial windows, the Label and List windows and the Clipboard.
Chapter Ten : TROUBLE SHOOTING
The Text Menu is dimmed so I can't change Fonts and Styles.
The Text menu is only available (not dimmed) when a text object is active. To make a text object active, click on it with the mouse or, turn it on from the Object Palette.
I typed a three line address onto the label, but only one line shows.
Text objects are enclosed by rectangles and only as much text as fits in the rectangle is shown. Therefore, you can either increase the size of the rectangle or you can use a smaller font.
To learn how to resize object rectangles, see the section on Designing a Label.
To resize the font in a text object, select Size from the Text menu and choose a smaller size.
My list didn't import correctly, what's wrong?
The biggest problem with importing lists is applying the wrong format to the list. A format created for a MS Works file probably won't work on a file being imported from Wingz.
Try creating a new format for the file and importing it again.
I can't find the list I'm trying to import.
First make sure you are looking in the correct folder for the list. Use the Find File desk accessory if necessary.
If the list still doesn't appear in the list of files to be opened, you may have forgotten to save your data file as a text file. FastLabel can't read other program's files directly, first you must save your file as a text file. See the section on Importing Text Files for more information.
I saved a list in FastLabel and when I double-click on it, I get a message saying the application is busy.
To import a list you have saved from FastLabel back into FastLabel, open FastLabel and choose the menu command "Import List". Your file was saved with its format so choose 'None' when asked to "Select a Text File Format".
To open the list with another application, start the other program and use the Open command to open the list you saved from FastLabel.
Just how old is the earth, anyway?
The earth is approximately 5 billion years old.
This was in the old 2.0 manual but it just amazes us so we've decided to leave it in.
There is a feature that I would like to see in the next version of FastLabel, who should I call?
Call technical support at 206.352.2180. Your comments and suggestions are very important to us. If you call, we will try to get your suggestion into the next version of the program. (User feedback is why this version of FastLabel has an icon editor, graphics and an Import and Print All feature)
Chapter Eleven : MAXIMUMS AND MINIMUMS
This section describes the various parameters of the FastLabel 3.0 program.
Label Sizes
Maximum: paper
Minimum: 1/4" x 1/4"
Number of templates in a templates file
Maximum: 75
Minimum: 1 label template
Import File size
Maximum: unlimited
Minimum: 1 record
Entries in List window
Maximum: about 450 standard addresses
Minimum: 0
Memory
Maximum: n/a
Minimum: 512k
Number of fields in an import file
Maximum: 30 fields
Minimum: 1 field
System and Finder Version
Maximum: n/a
Minimum: System and Finder version 6.0
Macintosh
Maximum: n/a
Minimum: Macintosh 512ke
Chapter Twelve : HINTS AND TRICKS
This section contains a few hints and tricks to make creating labels a little easier or a little quicker.
Creating and Modifying Templates
• When you are setting up a new template, use a ruler to measure the dimensions of the label. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.
• LaserWriter labels are almost always laid out symmetrically on a sheet, check the display on the right side of the Label Setup Window to see if your labels fit symmetrically on the page.
Laying out a label
• If you are going to have many objects on a label, turn all the objects off but the one you are working with. This makes it a lot easier to manipulate the object you are interested in.
• To make an object as large as possible, drag its upper left corner to the upper left corner of the label. Now drag the objects lower right grow handle to the lower right hand corner of the label. Objects just don't get any bigger than this.
Importing text files
• Import List may be used more than once to merge multiple lists into one list. Just choose Import List without clearing the existing entries from the List. A file created like this can contain approximately 450 names.
• From Wingz: Choose Save As from the File menu. Name your file and select the 'Text' file type from the menu at the bottom of the Save As screen. (Excel users also follow this procedure)
• From FileMaker: Choose 'Output to' from the File menu. Name your export file and click the New button. Now, select the fields you want to use in your label or choose move all and remove the extra fields with the Formatter in FastLabel. To save the file, select the Text and Unformatted options and click the Output button. (Users of Reflex, Omnis, Double Helix, MS File and Panorama follow a similar procedure)
• From MS Works: From the MS Works database, choose Save As. Works now prompts you for a file name, add the suffix '.text' to the current name. If you don't change the name of the file MS Works will attempt to replace your database... you do not want to replace your database. Now, choose the file type of Export and save the file.
• Word, Write Now, FullWrite, and other word processors: Enter your data as discussed in the section on Importing Text files: each field separated by a tab, each record ending in a carriage return and the same number of tabs in each record. From the File menu choose Save As. Rename your file with its original name plus the suffix '.text' and choose the file type option 'Text Only'.
Disk Labeling
• We always use a 10 point font for the spine text, our current favorite is Avant Guarde.
• After printing ImageWriter labels, wait a few minutes for the ink to dry before applying to avoid smearing the labels.
Chapter Thirteen : LINER NOTES
Software License Agreement
The FastLabel 3.0 manual and FastLabel 3.0 program were developed and copyrighted by Vertical Solutions and Henry Carstens with all rights reserved.
The manual and program are licensed to you on a non-exclusive, non-transferrable basis. Neither the manual nor the software may be copied except as follows:
1] You may make backup copies of the software for your own use providing that copies bear the Vertical Solutions copyright notices.
2] You may use the software at any number of locations so long as there is no possibility of it being used at more than one location at a time.
3] Site licensing agreements are available by calling Site Licensing at: 1.800.942.4008.
Copyright Notice
FastLabel 3.0 copyright 1991 by Vertical Solutions and Henry Carstens. All rights reserved.
FastLabel 3.0 manual copyright Vertical Solutions and Henry Carstens. All rights reserved.
Technical Support
Technical Support: 503.671.0790
Hours: 9 AM until 3 PM PST, Monday through Friday, although we can usually be reached on Saturday mornings and sometimes on Sunday.
Guarantee
If FastLabel does not perform to your satisfaction, call for a return authorization number. We will happily refund your money.
Disclaimer
In no event shall Vertical Solutions be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of FastLabel, whether under theory of warranty, tort or products liability.
The exclusion of implied warranties is not permitted in some states. The above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty you specific legal rights. There may be other rights that you have which vary from state to state.
Acknowledgements
FastLabel was programmed by Henry Carstens
FastLabel 3.0 was designed by Henry Carstens
Earlier versions of FastLabel were designed by Henry Carstens and Bob Kelleher
The FastLabel manual was written by Henry Carstens
Thank You's:
This one is for my grandfather, Floyd Grahm, who taught me 95% of what it takes to get through life.
To Jimmy Buffett for the music
To Tom Robbins for dealing with the problem of redheads
To Albert Einstein for dealing with the problem of additive velocities.
To Mark Twain for dealing with the problem of heaven.
To all those left who can still think for themselves.
The First Law of Labeling
It is the nature of labeling that you will waste a few labels.
Corollary
It is always more preferable to waste a few labels than to damage your printer.
