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JETLAB11
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JETLABEL.DOC
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1990-04-01
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JETLABEL
Version 1.10
If you have version 1.00 of JETLABEL, then you need not read all of
this again. Nothing has changed except those sentences enclosed by
asterisks and parenthesis like this: (** **)
**********************************************************
*A NEED FOR MULTI-COLUMN LABEL PRINTING ON THE DESKJET...*
**********************************************************
Owners of the HP DeskJet, LaserJet, and compatible printers may
have been dismayed by the inability of these printers to print mailing
labels on the standard tractor-feed single-width labels. After all,
most Atari database and word processing software will print only to
single-width labels.
The only available labels that are safe for the DeskJet, LaserJet,
etc. are laser printer labels that come on full sheets. However, these
sheets have multiple columns of labels, making them incompatible with
most Atari software. For example, the database I use, DataManager ST,
will print only on continuous, single-width labels.
Fortunately, I have WordPerfect which allows printing in several
columns. It is possible for me to print the labels to an ASCII file
from DataManager ST, load this ASCII file into WordPerfect, and print
out the labels in columns. This process, however, is time-consuming
and requires a lot of trial and error. Also, label data is often hard
to center on the label, especially when the labels have different
numbers of lines. There is a need for a quick and easy way to print
label data on multiple-column labels.
**************************
*THE JET LABEL PROGRAM...*
**************************
JET LABEL specializes in printing data on multi-column sheets of
labels made by AVERY. The widely available labels, AVERY LASER PRINTER
LABELS, are ideal for addresses. (**Use Avery #5160 and #5260 for 2-
5/8" wide labels, or Avery #5161 and #5261 for 4" wide labels.**)
The label data, from one to five lines each, is automatically
centered on each label by the program. (**Select what size label you
are using under the OPTIONS menu.**) Different pitch sizes may also be
used. It uses the HP command set to print labels, thus making it
compatible with the DeskJet, DeskJet Plus, LaserJet, and compatibles.
The user may either load data from an ASCII file (which most
databases can output) or enter a single label from the keyboard. The
ASCII file should (but does not have to) have an extension *.DAT, and
an individual label the extension *.LBL. If only a single label is
entered, then a specified number of copies of that label may be made.
If a set of labels is loaded from an ASCII file, the data may be
analyzed to determine how many pages of labels will be needed and what
pitch should be used.
The program is self-explanatory due to the GEM user interface.
The best way to learn how it works is to use it. Until you know what
you are doing, practice printing on plain paper instead of the actual
sheet of labels.
You'll find that the program is lightning quick for small or large
jobs alike.
************************************
*LOADING DATA FROM AN ASCII FILE...*
************************************
(**The ASCII file must consist of 1 to 5 lines of label data, each
line being no more than 76 characters in length.**) No more than 500
individual labels may be present. Each label has to be separated by at
least 1 empty line consisting only of a carriage-return. (**Having
more than 5 lines in a label or 76 characters in a line will result in
an error.**) For example, a legal ASCII file might read (<CR>
represent a carriage return):
<CR>
NAME<CR>
ADDRESS<CR>
CITY, STATE, ZIP<CR>
<CR>
<CR>
NAME<CR>
ADDRESS<CR>
CITY, STATE, ZIP<CR>
<CR>
<CR>
<CR>
NAME<CR>
ADDRESS<CR>
CITY, STATE, ZIP<CR>
PHONE #<CR>
OTHER INFO<CR>
<CR>
<CR>
NAME<CR>
<CR>
NAME<CR>
<CR>
NAME<CR>
It does not matter how many empty lines precede the data, separate
the data, or follow the data. Make sure that you do not have empty
lines within a single label, or the label will be considered to be more
than one label.
***************************
*CREATING AN ASCII FILE...*
***************************
You may either create an ASCII file with your word processor
(making sure to save it as an ASCII file), or you may create it with
your database. If you are using DataManager ST, here is the step by
step process to make the ASCII file (other databases might be similar):
1) Open the database from which you wish to print labels
2) Press F1 to display the label format
3) Position each field as you would like it to be displayed on the
label
4) Make sure the fields are flush left with the side of the screen.
(They are usually one space off the left side.) It is OK not to
make them flush left, but the maximum number of characters per line
on the label will decrease if you do this.
5) CONCAT fields if you want to print them on the same line side by
side. Do this via the Modify Column (ALT-M) command.
6) Hide the titles with the F6 key
7) Select the print ASCII option under the "Print" menu
8) Choose a filename. Give it an extension of *.DAT instead of *.PRT
9) Erase any titles on print menu
10) Choose starting label
11) Select NONE for page numbering
12) Set the following:
Left margin=0 Top space=0 Use Form Feed=NO
Right margin=0 Bottom space=0 Pause at end of page=No
Paper width=49 Paper height=6
13) Select "OK" to save the ASCII file
14) Save the format for future use via "Save Report Format" under
"File" menu
15) The ASCII file is now ready to be imported into JET LABEL for
printing.
****************************
*IF YOU USE THIS PROGRAM...*
****************************
If you use this program please send at least $5.00 to the address
below to become a registered user:
Mike Young
4120 Harlem Rd.
Galena, Ohio 43021
I will place you on the user list for this program. You will
receive any information about future updates of this program or any
other HP utility that I decide to write. After purchasing the HP
DeskJet Plus, I have seen what a great printer it and compatible
printers are. Hopefully more software will be written to utilize their
powerful features. Please send any suggestions you may have for this
program to the address above.