NiceLabel 2019 User Guide For Designers

Object is the basic building block for designing labels and forms. To design a label or formmeans to select, add, and position the objects on the design surface.EXAMP LE: Ea ch object per f or ms a dif f er ent r ole. Text object is us ed f or s ingle-line t ext ua l cont entt ha t does not need t o a da pt it s f ont s ize t o t he la bel des ign. B a r code object a dds a ba r code w hos et y pe a nd cont ent ca n be a da pt ed t o t he needs of cur r ent document . R a dio G r oup object t o a llow aus er t o s elect a s ingle it em f r om a s et of mut ua lly exclus iv e it ems .Label object types and their purpose are listed here.Form object types and their purpose are listed here.3.1.5 DocumentThe term document is used for labels and forms – it can be used interchangeably.NOTE: Be careful not to mistake document with solution. A solution is always a standalone filewhile a document – be it label or form – may be used as a standalone file or as a part of asolution.3.1.6 Design SurfacePRODUCT LEVEL INFO: Creation of forms and use of form objects is available inPowerForms.Design surface is Designer's central field that serves as a place to create, add, position, andinterconnect the label and form objects.To make designing of labels and forms as simple and efficient as possible, design surfacefollows the same usability and functional principles as Microsoft Office applications.TIP: Use View tab to customize design surface.lDesign surface elements are described here.lDesign surface editing actions are described here.lDesign surface visual aid elements are described here.3.1.7 Data SourcesPRODUCT LEVEL INFO: Creation of forms and use of form objects is available inPowerForms.Data sources are containers that provide content for label or form objects. Available datasources of NiceLabel Designer are listed and described in the table below:www.nicelabel.com13

Fixed dataFixed content allows you to manually insert a value into an edit box using akeyboard. The inserted value remains unchanged on every printed label.All standard Windows editing features are supported for inserting andediting the fixed content (cut, copy, paste, etc.). Special characters areaccessible via arrow button on the right side of the edit fields or viacontext (right click) menu.VariableIf a label or form object is connected to a variable, its current value isalways displayed as the object's content. When the variable's valuechanges, the change reflects in the appearance of the selected object.Create and manage multiple types of variables using the Designer'sDynamic Data Manager tool.FunctionFunctions process the existing data source values and store the result infunction-generated data sources.Designer offers multiple types of functions that allow you to transform thevariable object content according to the current needs.DatabaseVarious types of databases can be used as dynamic data source for labelor form objects. Select a database from the list of defined databaseconnections. When done, select the fields and use them as a data sourcefor an object.3.1.8 Dynamic Data ManagerPRODUCT LEVEL INFO: This section applies to NiceLabel 2019 Pro and PowerFormseditions.Dynamic Data Manager is a dialog that enables the user to manage the dynamic data sourcesfor label and form objects.Label and form objects can be connected to multiple variables, functions and databases.To open the dialog, click the Dynamic Data Manager button in the Designer ribbon.www.nicelabel.com14

Read more about how to define the data sources in the following sections:lWork with variables.lWork with functions.lUse databases as content source.lUse internal variables as content source.lUse global variables as content source.3.1.9 Dynamic Data ExplorerPRODUCT LEVEL INFO: This section applies to NiceLabel 2019 Pro and PowerFormseditions.Dynamic Data Explorer is a Designer tool for managing the data sources that are connected tolabel or form objects.Dynamic Data Explorer is located at the bottom left side of the Designer window. It offers anoverview of existing Variables, Functions and Databases and allows adding new sources.Read more about the Dynamic Data Explorer and how to work with it here.www.nicelabel.com15

3.1.10 LayersLayers act as transparent surfaces that allow you to place your objects on labels or forms inmultiple levels.When designing labels or forms that contain a large number of objects, layers help you managethe positioning and visibility of added objects.NiceLabel 2019 allows you to use layers when designing labels and forms using the Layerspanel. This helps you design adaptable label templates and create forms that align with yourbusiness logic. Read more in section Layers Panel.3.1.11 Solution ExplorerPRODUCT LEVEL INFO: This section is applicable to PowerForms.Solution Explorer is the Designer's dedicated tool for managing the labels and forms in asolution.Solution Explorer is located at the bottom left side of the Designer window. It displays theexisting labels and forms and allows adding new ones.Solution and Data source buttons toggle between Solution Explorer and Dynamic DataExplorer.www.nicelabel.com16

3.1.12 Actions EditorPRODUCT LEVEL INFO: This section is applicable to PowerForms.Actions Editor is a dialog for managing actions in a Designer solution.Actions can be defined for:lForm: these actions are triggered with form events. They are applicable to the followingevents:www.nicelabel.com17

lOn form load: action(s) are run after a form is loaded.lOn form close: action(s) are run after a form is closed.lOn form timer: action(s) are run after a specified time interval.lOn Form Inactivity: action(s) are run after the form has been inactive for a giventime interval.lForm object: these actions are triggered with object-related events.lVariable: these actions are triggered according to the received values.3.1.12.1 RibbonActions Editor Dialog ribbon includes commands for adding, removing and ordering theactions. It also provides a direct access to frequently used actions.Clipboard group icons activate the following actions:lPaste: pastes the clipboard data.lCut: cuts the selection to the clipboard.lCopy: copies the selection to the clipboard.lDelete: deletes the selected items.Undo & Redo group allows undoing or repeating actions.llUndo: Designer allows the user to undo the entire sequence of actions since opening theeditor.Redo: repeats the requested range of actions.Action Order group defines the action execution order of selected actions.lUp and Down: arrows place the selected action in front or after any other existing action.lRight: arrow nests the selected action under the previous existing action.NOTE: Nested action is any action that starts when the parent action is already inprogress.lLeft: arrow makes a nested action independent of the preceding action.NOTE: Certain actions cannot exits independently. If such action is added to the actionlist, a warning appears. The warning defines which action should it be nested under.Add assigns actions to the selected form object.lAll actions button gives access to the entire range of Designer actions. Recently usedactions are listed on the top. Use Search. field to quickly locate any action by enteringits name.www.nicelabel.com18

lFour buttons give direct access to the most commonly used actions:lOpen Label: button adds the Open Label action to the event list.lPrint Label: button adds the Print Label action to the event list.lSet Printer: button adds the Set Printer action to the event list.lQuit: button adds the Quit action to the event list.3.1.12.2 Actions ExplorerActions Explorer is a tool for adding, removing and ordering the assigned actions. Use ribboncommands to manipulate with existing actions or to add new actions.The explorer columns provide instant overview of actions' execution options and theirdescriptions.lEnabled: enables or disables the included action.lCondition: display the condition for executing an action (if set).lDescription: displays the information about an action as defined by the user.Actions Explorer enables you to make a selection of multiple actions, and to perform copy,paste and delete operations with them. To make a selection, Use Ctrl/Shift Click on therequired actions.NOTE: Multiple actions can only be selected under the same parent action, i.e. all selectedactions must be on the same level. See picture below.3.1.12.3 Editing FieldEditing field allows editing the advanced action properties.www.nicelabel.com19

llMain properties of the selected action are available for editing on the top of the Main/editing field. Main properties differ with each action – read the dedicated action descriptionsections for details.About group allows you to describe all NiceLabel 2019 actions.lllName: by default, action name is defined by its type and is therefore not unique.Define a custom name to make it instantly recognizable among other actions, inlogs and in potential error messages.Description: user notes for the selected action. Description is displayed in actionsexplorer.Action Type: read-only field which displays the type of action.NOTE: When upgrading from legacy solutions (created with NiceLabel V6 andback), update the action names based on the currently selected language.Solution version becomes updated.lHidden properties define the less frequently defined properties. Hidden properties differwith each action – read dedicated action description sections for details.3.2 Keyboard and Mouse SupportTo efficiently perform and complete the Designer tasks, follow the guidelines related to the useof keyboard and mouse:lHow to efficiently use keyboard and mouselKeyboard shortcutslMouse wheel support3.2.1 Efficient Use Of Keyboard And MouseUse the below listed tip to make your work with Designer easier and more efficient.1. Select object anchoring point. Press Ctrl key and click the object placeholders toquickly define the anchoring point.2. Label scrolling and zooming. Use mouse wheel to scroll the label. Holding Ctrl whenrotating the wheel, adjusts zoom factor. Shift scrolls label left or right.3. Set label or form properties. Double click the design surface to open the label or formproperties dialog.4. Vertical or horizontal object moving. Hold Shift while moving an object over thedesign surface. The object is moved in straight vertical and horizontal lines.5. Resize an object with arrow keys. Holding Shift while pressing arrow keys resizes theobject.6. Fine tune the object position. Hold Ctrl while pressing arrow keys.www.nicelabel.com20

7. Open contextual menus. Right click the object or design surface to access the label,form or design surface contextual menus.8. Select multiple objects. Hold Shift and click the objects to add them to the selectedobjects in a group.9. Quickly add an object with connected data source. Click the object's shortcut handlein the object toolbar. A list of available data sources appears. Select a data source or adda new one, and click the design surface to add an object which already has a dynamicdata source connected to it.PRODUCT LEVEL INFO: Creation of forms and use of form objects is available inPowerForms.3.2.2 Mouse Wheel SupportUse mouse wheel to speed-up design object zooming and design surface scrolling.lTurning the wheel scrolls the label vertical direction.lHolding SHIFT and turning the wheel scrolls the label left or right.lHolding CTRL and turning the wheel, zooms the label in or out.3.2.3 Keyboard ShortcutsUse keyboard shortcuts to reduce the time needed to accomplish frequent tasks with Designer.To complete these tasks, use a standard combination of keys.TIP: Keyboard shortcuts are just a faster and more convenient way of choosing commands.The command itself is executed in the same way as if it was run from the menu or toolbar.ActionPressSelect allCtrl ARun the startup formCtrl DPasteCtrl VCutCtrl XMove up Move right Move down Move left CloseAlt F4Zoom to documentCtrl 0BoldCtrl BCopyCtrl CItalicCtrl IClose solutionCtrl Lwww.nicelabel.com21

ActionPressZoom OutCtrl minus sign on numerickeypadZoom In/OutCtrl mouse scroll up/downOpenCtrl OPrintCtrl PZoom InCtrl plus sign on numerickeypadRun the currently opened formCtrl RSaveCtrl SOpen blank label connected to default printerCtrl Shift NRedoCTRL YUndoCtrl ZCancelEscMove FocusTab or Shift TabRun Form Debugger when form is runningCtrl Shift F12Start form and Form Debugger at the same time to debug theonFormLoad eventsCtrl Shift R3.3 Options (Configuring the Program)PRODUCT LEVEL INFO: Solution building is available in PowerForms.To customize the general program configuration of Designer, open the Options dialog which isaccessible from the File tab.Designer configuration options are grouped on the following tabs:www.nicelabel.com22

llFolders: allows you to set the default locations for storing the labels, forms (solutions),databases and picture files.Language: selects user interface language. Select the preferred language from the listedoptions. Designer interface language changes after the restart.lGlobal Variables: storage location for global variables.lPrinter usage: locally logged usage of installed printers.lNiceLabel Control Center: allows you to enable and configure the monitoring of eventsand print jobs.lAutomation: enables you to configure NiceLabel Automation settings.lDesigner: enables you to configure opening behavior of NiceLabel 2019.www.nicelabel.com23

4 Workspace OverviewPRODUCT LEVEL INFO: Data source explorer and Solution manager are available inNiceLabel Designer Pro and PowerForms.Designer's workspace offers a flexible and easy-to-use environment for both – simple labeldesigning and complex solution building.Designer workspace follows the widely used application interface guidelines and is thereforeequipped with tools and interface elements are familiar to a majority of users.Designer works space consists of the following segments:lLanding pagelTabs and RibbonslObject and Explorer PanelslDesign SurfacelPrinter and Status bar4.1 Landing PageDesigner's landing page is an introductory page which opens after NiceLabel 2019 completesloading. It consists of the following segments:www.nicelabel.com24

lNew document area: creates new or opens existing Designer documents:lCreate a New Label: creates a new label document.lNew Solution: creates a solution with labels and forms.PRODUCT LEVEL INFO: Solution building is available in PowerForms.lOpen from Document Storage: opens a label or solution document from Document Storage on the connected NiceLabel Control Center.PRODUCT LEVEL INFO: Opening from Document Storage is available if aconnection to a NiceLabel Control Center is set. LMS license is required.lOpen.: opens existing label and solution files from your workstation, cloud or network locations.TIP: When creating a new label based on a sample template, Designer creates anew folder inside the Solutions folder. The newly created folder is named afterthe sample. It is locatedat: wlycreated folderlRecent Files: list of recently used Designer files.TIP: Appearance of landing page and its segments depends on the entered license or trialstatus if no license has been entered yet.lLearn: access to useful resources that help you create labels and solutions, and learnmore about NiceLabel 2019.lllllTraining Videos: use this button to access to the collection of NiceLabel librarywith video tutorials. Video tutorials help you learn the basics of label design andsolution building in just minutes.User Guides: user guides offer the most comprehensive collection of helpfuldescriptions and instructions on how to use NiceLabel 2019. Use this button toaccess the entire online library of NiceLabel user guides.Sample Files: use this button to access the collection of sample label and solutionfiles. Use sample files to get familiar with NiceLabel 2019, to start building new documents, and to explore software capabilities. Samples help you create labels thatare compliant with industry standards, such as GS1 and GHS, and labels that areequipped with mandatory objects, such as allergen or nutrition tables.Printer Drivers: access to the collection of NiceLabel printer drivers. These driversenable you to optimize your labels for printing with a specific brand and model of printers.Software Information: group contains information about the installed copy of NiceLabel2019 – license, license key, and installed version. If a newer version of NiceLabel 2019 iswww.nicelabel.com25

available, a notification link appears on the page automatically. Click on the link to download and install the latest version.4.2 Object and Explorer PanelsObject and explorer panels are located at the left-most area of the Designer window. Theyprovide access to objects, Solution Manager and Dynamic Data Explorer.lObject Toolbox: contains available label or form objects . These object are ready to beused on a label or form. Click the selected object and drag it to the design surface.lSolution Manager: tool for managing the labels and forms in a solution.lDynamic Data Explorer: tool for managing the data sources in a solution.lLayers Panel: tool for managing the layers while you design labels or forms.www.nicelabel.com26

4.3 Layers PanelPRODUCT LEVEL INFO: This section applies to NiceLabel 2019 Pro and PowerFormseditions.In NiceLabel 2019, the Layers panel is a tool that helps you manage your layers and addedobjects while designing labels or forms.NOTE: Layers act as transparent surfaces that allow you to place your objects on labels orforms in multiple levels.lWorking with the Layers panellPositioning your objects using layerslFor easier designing: layer stateslKeeping layers organized using the right-click menu4.3.1 Working With The Layers PanelllAdding a layer: Click the green plus button to add a new layer. This adds a new layer ontop of the default layer. The number of layers is not limited.Setting the layer properties: The Layer Properties window appears automaticallywhen you add a layer. Use this window to set the properties of the added layer:llAdd Name and Description to make your layers easy to find and edit later whenyou add more layers.The Visibility settings allow you to define if objects on layers are visible when youprint the label, or after you run the form.NOTE: In comparison with layer states (see section Working with the Layerspanel), the visibility settings affect the layout when you print a label, or whenyou run a form.www.nicelabel.com27

lVisible: defines if the objects on the selected layer appear on the printed label, orare visible when you run the form.Condition: the layer is visible if the result of the given condition is "True".EXAMP LE: Y ou ca n cr ea t e a s ingle la bel t empla t e f or la bels in mult iple la ngua ges .S t a ck t he object s w it h t ext in t he r equir ed la ngua ges on t he dedica t ed la y er s . Us ev is ibilit y condit ions t o only dis pla y t he

6.3 Check Digit 143 www.nicelabel.com 4. 6.4 Human Readable 143 6.5 Bearer Bar 144 6.6 Details 145 6.7 Position 145 6.8 Relative Position 145 6.9 General 146 6.10 Barcode Types and Available Settings 148 6.10.1 1D Barcodes 148 6.10.2 2D Barc