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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

BlueTooth Printing

by John Gibb

Bluetooth Printer

Bluetooth Printer

This is a mechanism by which you can print from wherever you are, directly from your Bluetooth capable portable PC, PDA or cell phone, without having to find access points or making a cable connection. A single adapter provides you with a wireless connection to either USB, or, parallel printers on both old and new printers.

The Bluetooth wireless print adapters come with support for a wide range of file formats, as well as numerous print profiles. Just plug it in and print!

The Bluetooth wireless printer adapters ship with configuration software for remarkably simple installation and management. Check this out with the vendor.

The flexible option is worth it. Just plug the adapter to a free USB port on the printer and place the printer in a conference room, another building or a place of your convenience.

You don’t have to bother about connecting to the LAN via a network cable, or to the parallel port and so on. The very useful option provides wireless connectivity to the printer, especially when you are on the move with your laptop.

The Adapter comes with the security features like encryption, user authentication and other security features.


admin 22 January 2009 printers, printing equipment , , , No Comments

An Introduction To A Thermal Direct Printer

Thermal Direct Printer

Thermal Direct Printer

The majority of label printers work either in thermal (sometimes called thermal direct) or thermal transfer mode.

A thermal direct printer has a printhead that applies heat to specially coated, thermal paper. This paper changes its color to black when it is heated. The same principle applies to a fax machine with thermal paper. If you ever used such a fax you may have noticed that the paper gets yellowish or even brown after laying around for some time. That’s because exposure to sunlight or any other source of bright light has the same effect on the paper as heating it during the print process.

Obviously, you will only want to use a thermal direct printer if you need labels that must at most be legitable for a few days or weeks. A typical application would be an address label. Also, grocery stores use this type of printing for labeling of vegetables or other short lived goods. Thermal direct printers have the big advantage that only one type of consumable is needed, the above mentioned thermal paper.

Thermal transfer printers on the other hand print on labels made of plain or normal paper. The printhead is the same as above but a thermal transfer ribbon or sheet sits between the head and the paper. Heating the ribbon causes ink to transfer from the ribbon to the paper, hence the name. Thermal transfer printing will lead to labels that can last for years. If you had to put labels on shelves that are supposed to last for some time you would use a thermal transfer printer.

It’s noteworthy that any thermal transfer printer can also print thermal direct (simply leave out the ribbon and use thermal direct paper) but usually not the other way round because the cheaper thermal direct printers often lack the gear to attach a thermal transfer ribbon. Thermal transfer printers with about 200-300 dpi (which is enough for most purposes) start at about USD 500 and, depending on the volume and speed they deliver, can get very expensive.

Generally speaking, buying a dedicated label printer makes sense if you regularly have to print more than, say, 100-200 labels a day. It really depends on your application. Some advice: Always make sure that the printer comes with appropriate Windows (or Mac) drivers. This will allow you to use any Windows (or Mac) software for label printing, the alternative being that you have to use the printer’s manufacturers proprietary (and usually expensive) software.

Using an every day ink jet or laser printer

With regards to print quality or durability, any modern ink jet or laser printer will easily print even the most demanding 2D barcodes in good quality. Therefore, if, for example, your application is to print lists of barcodes on plain paper there’s no point in buying a dedicated printer for barcode printing.

However, if you have to print labels on a regular basis, the story is different. For once, these printers won’t be able to deliver a single label like a dedicated label printer, instead they consume at least a full sheet of paper, no matter how many labels you need. Of course you could put the sheet back into the printer after peeling the label off but next time you would have to tell the label printing software to skip the used labels. Also after two or three trips through the paper feeding mechanism labels tend to get loose and block the paper path.

Bear also in mind that (on a per label basis) ink jet or laser labels are far more expensive then labels for thermal or thermal transfer printers. It’s my experience that people try to cope with this for some time but finally give in and buy a dedicated label printer.

by Humphrey Appleby



admin 19 January 2009 Uncategorized, printers, printing equipment , , , , 1 Comment

All About Postcard Printing Services

Postcard

Postcard

Postcard printing services continue to expand in recent years. Individuals and companies have realized its importance, and have warmed up to postcards as a smart personal means of communication and an efficient business strategy. Being aware of the increasing need for these services, printing establishments have expanded the scope of their postcard printing services.

Most people give little thought to aspect ratio when ordering postcard printing services. Aspect ratio is the length of the postcard divided by the height of the postcard. This result is the aspect ratio. In order to receive lower automation compatible postage rates for your postcards, the aspect ratio of the postcard must be 1.3 or greater. You can see that by not considering size when making your postcard printing selections, you can end up paying a lot more in postage to mail your postcards.

The type of paper stock where the postcard is printed on can be a particularly confusing postcard printing selection. For postcard printing services, there are two aspects of postcard stock to give consideration to when making your printing selections. These aspects are the thickness of the stock that the postcards will be printed on and the finish of the stock the postcards will be printed on. When making your postcard printing selections, you often see this referred to as 4/1 color postcards.

The term “bleed” is used by postcard printers to describe an effect that makes a postcard image appears as if it flows off the edge of the postcard. Postcard printers create this affect by over-sizing the postcard by an eighth of an inch in each direction. The images on the postcards are stretched out to this extended boundary. Then during the process of printing the postcards, the postcard printers will trim off this extra eighth of an inch. This restores the postcard to the original size. Using a bleed during postcard printing, particularly when printing full color postcards with colorful images, makes for a great professional looking direct mail piece.

Another consideration when selecting the postcard printing services to avail is the type of proof you’ll receive. The proof ensures that what the postcard printer is going to print matches the postcard design. One last thing to consider when making your postcard printing selections, the quantity of postcards you order. Some postcard printers will ship fewer postcards than the number of postcards ordered. These postcard printers have policies that allow them to ship up to 10% less than the quantity of postcards ordered. If they do this they should only charge you for the percentage of postcards they actually delivered.

Want to avail of postcard printing services? It’s now available in most printing presses at very reasonable rates. Want to avail an effective postcard that will work for you? Consult the local printing company in your area now!

by Mart Gil Abareta


admin 16 January 2009 Printing, printing equipment , , No Comments

Advantages of Using Digital Color Printing

Printer All In One

Printer All In One

In the popularity now of digital color printing for it has been using for quite some time, did you ever ask or take a look at its advantages? Well then, using digital color printing for your printing needs really matters a lot in making your printing job a lot easier and manageable.

Enumerated below are advantages and significant information that will let you know why you should have your own printing needs to be done using digital color printing. Digital color printing specializes in the sharpness and clearness of the colored images that is within your printing job. Since digital printing was invented when printers tend to improve the printing outcome of the off set printers because the images and elements in it were not clear and sporadic to look at, therefore it is hard to comprehend.

Moreover, digital color printing just has to send the digital files from cameras and computers to the digital printer that will make the printing. It does not make the person look terrible harassed in preparing the needed things that will be needed in the printing. Since in order to have it printed using digital color printing, you just have to be equipped with a digital printer, the digital files that needs to be printed, the paper and the you–who print it out.

And the most essential advantage is that every printed piece can be totally different from everything else. The process of printing using digital color printing will surely make your first printing experience lasts with all your other printing needs. The time, money and effort that can be saved through digital color printing is assure win in beating the deadlines and making the best quality colored prints that you could ever imagine.

You will not worry on anything just make sure that everything that is needed was provided and you know what you want to be the output of your printing job. Digital color printing makes the images, photographs and other illustrations really clear and full of life. The best printing quality that you always wanted to acquire will be given to you if you will use digital color printing. Because for sure your digital color printing will never let you down. In digital color printing it is the high quality that counts. Anchored with the goal of making people’s lives easier and handy digital color printing will always be there for your printing needs.

by Kristine Llabres


admin 15 January 2009 printing equipment , , 5 Comments

A good way to start printing

Scanner

Scanner

If you want to make prints, there are certain tips and requirements you need to follow. In printing some images, you will also need a scanner too. To start with your printing activities, you must have a collection of images you will include like photos and scanned images. Know the kind of fonts you will use. You should be very particular with fonts and you should be able to figure out a nice font which suits your theme.

If you want it appear trendy, make colorful fonts but if you want it look formal make it lighter and simple. As long as it is visible and uniform, it’s okay. You must know how to use some special software for editing and designing. You must be able to have knowledge in Photoshop or Corel to make your designs more creative and that software are most preferred by printers if you want to make out even prints.

PageMaker QuarkXPress and Illustrator are some other options. If you are planning to focus more on fonts, it is advisable to use that software and it can easily be managed. If you make have knowledge in using PageMaker or QuarkXPress, it would be very handy for you. But If it’s your first encounter with the software, you need to know at least the basics of it and with exploring, the next will follow.

Some images when scanned appear not too visible when set on a larger scale. When an image is scanned, it may appear good in the screen after scanning but when the image is enlarged like thrice the original size, it is not clearly seen and provides a dull and blurry image. Sometimes, images are saved on a low resolution only so the remedy is to save it in a higher resolution.

The use of Photoshop is very helpful in clearing the images saved in the low resolution. It increases the resolution and the edges are sharpened. Effects, shading and opacity may be enhanced too. All you need is a little touch of art. It also depends on the quality of the scanner. In scanning, you can increase the line screen so that images will look nice.

But do not sharpen it to the largest adjustment. It may look not good so do not overdo it. Now in printing, make sure your printer’s preference is set on the right mode. And check if your printer has the right quality feed of paper and ink.

by Karen Nodalo


admin 10 January 2009 press printing, printing equipment , , , , No Comments

A Glimpse on Label Printing

Label Printing

Label Printing

Label printing is the ideal printing method used to create obviously labels for any type of occasion or package. And two of the most commonly ordered labels are address and shipping labels. Other uses of labels are for name tags, gift tags, product labels, for video tapes, CVDV/CD covers, tags, report folders, binders, video boxes, diskettes and many more. Labels especially those printed labels tend to enhance the way package or product is perceived by people. This is also one of the reasons why businesses employ labels for their products.

Label Printing Options

There are various options for label printing. You can select from diverse formats of labels, shapes, sizes and colors. The type of label you choose will depend on the label requirement that you need. For instance if you are to use labels for business applications then you have to make sure that they look professional and must reflect the very essence of the business. This means that you should never forget to include your company logo on your labels.

For other label requirements like for video labels the size of the labels will depend on your preference however if you are to make use of address labels, be sure that the text size are legible. Refrain from using very small text sizes. Just to be sure consult with your chosen label printing provider in order to get the desirable text sizes suitable for your address label requirements.

There are basically two ways of printing labels. You can have your labels printed on a continuous roll of labels or on a sheet of labels. If your label requirement calls for large quantities of labels that are identical in content then the roll of labels is the right choice for you. However if you need labels that contain different information on each one then the sheet of labels is the more appropriate option for you. Sheet of labels are also great for small quantities of label requirements.

The process of label printing starts out by using blank labels and then afterwards information are simply printed onto the labels. In terms of blank labels you can select from a wide array of available colors and materials made specifically for label printing. Moreover there are also foil labels that are really eye catching and perfect if your want your products to standout from the rest of your competition.

And lastly in choosing labels be sure that the type and color you choose reflects your personality (if you are to use it for personal consumption) and your business (if you are to employ it for your products). Be sure to have your labels printed by only a professional label printing company so that you can be sure of getting only quality made labels.

by Jinky Mesias


admin 9 January 2009 Label Printing, printing equipment , , , 1 Comment

4 Color Printing and Pantone

Color Printing

Color Printing

Colors exact attitude and moods. They are essential in a way that they give off meaning and feelings. This is also true with the printing systems.
The two common color printing systems used in printing services are Pantone and CMYK. Let us tackle them one by one.

Pantone Matching System (PMS), Spot color or Pantone color is a color system based on a set of inks which are mixed to produce solid colors. These colors are now used in printing your job order. The colors here are mixed prior to mixing thus, they are more accurate and consistent all throughout the printing job. Also, Pantone colors can be ’screened’. This means that fewer dots of color are used per inch therefore, the color emerge lighter. Pantone colors are indispensable when it comes to logos, stationery packages and the likes. This is especially true if the customer is interested in exacting the accurate color in the original image.

The use of Pantone colors in printing services is expensive compared to CMYK. This is the reason why the use of Pantone colors is limited up to three colors only. However, Pantone colors on your logo, graphics or your corporate color ensures that exact colors can be yielded.

Cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK) colors also known as 4 color printing or process color printing uses the four ink colors in order to yield tiny dots referred to as screen or line screen. These dots contain tiny rainbow of colors. This is the reason why it can produce a full range of color. Thus, when your printing needs demand a wider color application, you can opt for 4 color printing.

4 color printing services is less expensive than Pantone color printing. If you further want lesser expense then go for CMYK digital printing instead of 4 color printing. Nonetheless, the colors, thickness of paper and types in digital printing are oftentimes limited. They are dependent on the printing machine’s capabilities and specifications.

A word of caution in using 4 color printing: Do not expect to yield metallics and very bright colors. Most often than not, these colors vary depending on the printer’s range, calibration and colors to be printed. Moreover, color accuracy may not be that exact. To expand the range of colors, use Pantone colors alternatively or go for a six or seven color printing. That way, you are not that limited in the choice of printing colors.

by Maricon Williams


admin 8 January 2009 printing equipment , , 1 Comment

Advanced Printing Equipments for Making Better Business Cards

printing equipment

printing equipment

Printing equipments are responsible for reproducing business cards. They are the ones who put the inks on different printing surfaces. Without them, the entire printing procedure will not be finished.

However, using printing equipments before can be such a hassle. Most printing equipments back then are harder to operate and consumes so much money. Early printing machines also take a lot of time to reproduce business cards. But because of the recent advancements made, using printing equipments have become a lot easier. Modifications made on printing equipments also gave way for newer and better printing services to emerge. Well, printing equipments used today were usually designed in order to print business cards faster. Due to this, on-demand printing services are now available. on demand printing services can actually provide you fast reproduction of business cards, which are ideal for meeting your deadlines.

Since most printing equipments used these days are integrated or connected to computers, they are now easier to use. Computers used in printing business cards have the task to monitor the activity of the printing equipment. Due to this, errors are avoided. Because of this, printing machines are now more accurate in producing outputs. The results that these printing equipments can provide you are uncanny! Now you will be able to print business cards with the highest possible accuracy in terms of colors, images and texts reproduction.

New models of printing equipments available these days are also equipped with computer software, which allow them to provide all sorts of tools. Even if you are not well trained in printing business cards, you can still reproduce high quality outputs using the tools provided by these printing machines.

How?

Well, the tools provided by printing equipments make it easier for people to produce business cards. These tools will prove to be helpful in reproducing business cards. They will help you choose the right size, paper and inks to use on your paper. Most of these tools are will also help you design your business cards by providing you with the capability to use different images, texts and images on your business cards. These tools can make sure that you can create fascinating or eye-catching business cards! These tools can be accessed using computers.

Because of these advanced business card printing equipments, reproducing business cards has never been easier and faster! With the help of advanced business card printing equipment, there’s no way you can create low-grade business cards!

by Florante Cay


admin 7 January 2009 printing equipment , , 1 Comment
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