Printing Machines l Photo Printing Machines
Home » 2009 » March

Choosing The Right Label Printing Software

by Humphrey Appleby

Label Printing Software

Label Printing Software

If you have to print barcodes you’ll often resort to using barcode fonts, special fonts that that create a barcode rather than ordinary text. However, sometimes barcode fontsare just niot the right tool for the job. Consider this very basic task: You need 1000 labels with a barcode and your company logo on it. The barcode is supposed to count from 1 to 1000, left padded with “0″ to six digits.

How would you solve such a problem using a barcode font? Numbering is easy: You could use Excel’s auto numbering feature and format the cells with the barcode font. But how do you print on labels from within Excel? Perhaps you could print from Word, Word knows how to print labels. But how do you realize the counter in Word? Perhaps you could import the numbers from Excel? Etc.

Dedicated label printing software will easily solve this and other problems. Decent label printing software is priced from about USD 100 and will be a good alternative to barcode fonts as soon as the requirements go up.

Besides from counting upwards or downwards even basic label printing software should also:

** Feature other variables, like date and time.

** Support all standard barcodes like EAN, UPC, Code 128. Two dimensional area codes like PDF 417, Datamatrix should be available as an option.

** Import data from databases like Access, Oracle or SQL Server. Usually it’s also possible to print this data as barcodes.

** Import graphics in various formats.

** Use true-type fonts for text elements.

** Have a database of label formats from all important vendors. Should also allow the definition of user formats.

** Let you literally design your labels. Modern label printing software has more in common with DTP programs than with word processors.

** Print on any Windows printer. Some label printing software will come with dedicated printer drivers for thermal printers which may result in faster output.

** Have variables that prompt the user for input right before printing.

** Support unicode for multi script / multi language labels.

Avoid pitfalls

Before buying you’ll want to get a fully functional trial to see if the software really meets your needs. Some feature lists look impressive on paper but what if the whole thing is awkward to handle or takes one minute to load? Also do you really need those obscure features that push the price tag beyond USD 500?

Before purchasing make sure that the file format the software uses is either documented or based on open standards like XML. Quite unlike text documents for word processors which can be exchanged between applications from different vendors you can’t import label designs from software “A” into software “B” – at least I don’t know of a case where this is possible. What if the manufacturer drops the software and you are stuck with hundreds of label designs?


admin 29 March 2009 Label Printing, printing equipment , No Comments

Benefits of business card printing

by Marlon D. Ludovice

Business Card Printing

Business Card Printing

One of the benefits of business card printing is that it allows a cheaper printing service. From stationery to business cards, you can have your company’s printing needs filled for a fraction of the cost you would pay elsewhere. No need to worry, for you can find such cheap printing online is indeed the lowest overhead. This means that lower rents, storefront costs, and fewer staffing needs mean lower prices for you, the customer, in the long run.

You might think that because of its lower price, the quality might be in trouble…think again because one of the best things about cheap printing online is the high quality of the work produced. Because you can often set up or preview your order online, you can see just how wonderful your cheap printing job will turn out–even before it’s completed. So it’s very frustrating to fall into the mindtrap that something has to be pricey to be any good.

The most important thing about cheap printing is that you save your company money. This means you can opt for even more options next time–because of the money you’ve saved. Make your marketing materials the best in the business–by finding an inexpensive and high-tech printing service.

Lastly, for a small or mid-sized business to keep the customers you must have earned, and make sure that word of mouth continues to spread. However, an amateur card will only make your business look worse–so you might consider using the services of a card printer. Corporate greeting cards are a unique and professional way to retain clients and encourage business. A card printer can provide you with professional greeting cards that plug your company in a tactful way.

So if you want to continue your business and be competitive among others, consider the service of the business card…and see for yourself!


admin 27 March 2009 Printing , , , No Comments

An Overview On Postcard Printing

by Jinky C. Mesias

Postcard Printing

Postcard Printing

The very purpose of sending out postcards is to maximize the power of messages to reach potential customers as well as regular customers. Likewise postcards help in improving the direct marketing response rates of any business. Postcards are also inexpensive not only in terms of the printing process but also in terms of the mailing costs compared to other direct mail materials. Postcards although small in sizes are pack with tremendous promotional kick and great in coming up with astounding results and to think that it comes only in such a small packaged. Postcards are used in various advertising or promotional ventures like for product information, sales events, tourism and even past events.

Postcards reaches it full length advertising potential especially when done in full color since it is very effective in evoking response from its receiver. Postcards may be printed in various sizes and colors but the most common sizes 4″ x 5″, 5″ x 7″ or 5 ½” x 8 ½” . Postcards may be also printed on both sides to make it more visible from the rest of the mails that potential customers usually received.

The papers to use for postcards are also very important since it can make and unmake the design of the postcards. The most preferred postcard printing papers are those with descriptor in points as contrast to the weight of the paper stock. The higher the numbers of points the heavier the paper stock–meaning the heavier the paper stock chosen would result to a more durable and expensive look. The paper stock to be chosen should also fit the planned color choices to be used for the postcards.

Postcards done in full color creates a memorable and persuasive message communicated by means of the vibrant colors that provides for the mood or the feel of the postcard. The chosen printer must have the necessary experienced and skills that ensure quality and reliable printing techniques to come with remarkable postcards that are captivating enough to grab the attention as well as to persuade its reader into purchasing any of the products and services provided by the company.

The place to search for quality printers are found either online and offline however the net offered a much greater number of providers compared to the small number of local pint shops. Online printers are also by far more affordable and has a much faster turnaround time compared to local print shops.


admin 25 March 2009 Printing , , No Comments
« Older Entries
SEO Powered by Platinum SEO from Techblissonline