LabelVision Classic: Features

Windows when you want it. DOS when you don't
LabelVision takes into account how you work and what works best for you -- which is why we offer the best of both DOS and Microsoft® Windows™ environments.

When you need to design bar code labels, LabelVision lets you take full advantage of the friendly, uniform graphical user interface of Windows. And when it's time to print your labels, LabelVision works in DOS, which shop floor operators prefer for its simplicity and minimal hardware requirements.

What's more, both the Windows and DOS modules of LabelVision adhere to the same standard interface, so even if you want to design and print on the same machine, you're assured of not only seamless integration, but also a consistent interface throughout.

Design high quality labels on demand
When it comes to designing custom labels, LabelVision gives you the greatest range of design features – many of which set a new precedent for ease and flexibility.

The Label Designer offers everything you'd expect, including a true WYSIWYG screen display that lets you see your labels exactly as they'll look when printed. You can move, copy, paste, rotate, edit, and resize objects – and see the results immediately on-screen – just by pointing and clicking with the mouse. You can adjust the margins and space between labels interactively, and print labels in any orientation after you design them right–side up. You can even combine different labels on the same page.

Make the most of breakthrough features
LabelVision goes beyond other bar code labeling software with unique features that make any designer's wish list:

• Variable Graphics: LabelVision can read your graphic files at print time, allowing you to use many different pictures with the same label format.
• Windows TrueType Fonts: Use any Windows 3.1 TrueType font on selected Zebra, Fargo, DATAMAX, and HP LaserJet printers.
• Automatic Word Wrapping: You can easily control the word-wrapping, alignment, line spacing and margins of text on your labels.
• Group Select: LabelVision simplifies label design by making it easy to move, delete, cut or paste groups of objects.

Powerful databases = maximum efficiency, minimal effort
You can store valuable information in LabelVision's databases and easily incorporate that data into your label design, thanks to LabelVision's powerful database capabilities. We use the industry-standard dBase III+ file format, which means you can easily share LabelVision databases with other programs.

LabelVision's sophisticated internal database consists of three powerful modules:

• Structure Editor: Lets you create new databases, restructure existing databases, and create indexes.
• Database Browser: Allows you to easily add, edit, delete and search for database records.
• Report Editor: Lets you quickly create and print tabular reports on your databases, complete with headers, footers, and page numbers that you define.

Custom applications in no time flat
LabelVision makes it incredibly easy to develop powerful bar code label applications specifically for your business — without the time or expense of using a custom programmer.

The Application Editor allows you to pull together powerful combinations of labels, databases, text files, sequence numbers, input from an operator — and even other DOS programs — into a single application. And this module is packed with features that make application development fast, easy and enjoyable.

Want to produce a pop-up list of choices to fill in a field? No problem, thanks to LabelVision's point–and–shoot record selection. Want to gather several ingredient records into a single paragraph? It's a cinch with LabelVision's "group together" and unlimited cross–referencing features. You can even print different label formats for different customers: LabelVision can retrieve the name of the label to print right from your customer database.

An open line to mainframes and other programs
Communicating with mainframe computers -- or any other computers, for that matter -- is virtually effortless with LabelVision. You can initiate a print session from your mainframe, yet still take advantage of the high speed LabelVision print engine. All you need is a network that lets you share files between your mainframe and a PC running LabelVision. Your mainframe computer can then print one or more labels simply by writing data to a text file. LabelVision automatically grabs the text file and prints your labels. It's as simple as that. LabelVision even takes data from serial ports or NetBIOS networks, allowing you to bring in data from scanners, scales or other computers.

LabelVision can also call and exchange data with any DOS program for incredible flexibility. Let's say you need to calculate the average of three numbers and print the result on your label. Simply use your favorite programming tool, such as Microsoft Basic Compiler, to create a two-line program that calculates the desired average. Then call this program from within your LabelVision application. When calling other programs, LabelVision uses only 5K of main memory, leaving ample space for your own programs.

A print engine that doesn't quit
Printing with LabelVision couldn't be easier . . . or smarter. LabelVision has an intimate knowledge of all the printers it supports, so you can take advantage of maximum printing speed and efficiency. LabelVision even stores TrueType fonts, graphic images and label formats in printer memory (if your printer allows), which can really speed up printing. What's more, you can print labels on-demand or in batch mode.

As an added plus, LabelVision helps you save money by purchasing inexpensive print-only packages for the shop floor. You don't need a graphics adapter, mouse, or high-end machine. Any PC or compatible will do the job.

Make your own menu
There's no end to the ways you can customize LabelVision to meet your needs. The Menu Editor lets you build your own menus, with the choices and the exact wording you want.

For your menu items, you can include shortcut keys that speed up the process. For instance, print the PowerTool label just by pressing the letter "P". And you can have up to two lines of Help text for each menu item, describing what the item is or does. What's more, the Menu Editor can run other programs, and can be password protected to prevent unauthorized usage of LabelVision.