Label Format Designer - build and tailor barcode labels

The LIS comes with a library of ready‑made barcode labels and includes a Label Designer to accommodate special formats and branding. The designer supports text, barcodes, pictures, RFID, and shapes with drag‑and‑drop editing, undo/redo, zoom, and rich layout controls.

What you can do

• Create new label formats or edit existing ones
• Import/export label definitions
• Add and arrange items: Text, Barcode, Picture/Image, RFID, and Shapes
• Lock items, control Z‑order, snap to grid, and fine‑tune spacing
• Skin the editor to match your app’s UI style

Supported barcode symbologies (highlights)

• Linear (1D): Code 39, Code 128, GS1‑128, GS1 DataBar (RSS‑14), EAN‑13, UPC, Postal (USPS, Royal Mail, Australia Post, DHL, FedEx, Japan)
• 2D: Data Matrix (incl. DMRE), QR Code (incl. Swiss‑QRCode), PDF417, Aztec, UPS MaxiCode, Chinese Han Xin Code, rMQR, JAB‑Code (multicolored 2D)
• Composite: EAN/UPC CC‑A/CC‑B/CC‑C, GS1 Composite
• Specialty: IFA PPN, Mailmark, DotCode
  …and many more industry standards.

Editor highlights

• Visual aids and handles
  • Marquee selection (drag rectangle) or Ctrl‑click for multi‑select
  • Resize/move/rotate via on‑canvas handlers (handler color customizable)
• Rulers and units
  • Top/left rulers with auto unit switching to match the selected object
  • Customizable ruler divisions and colors
• Grid and precision
  • Grid lines with Snap‑to‑Grid for precise placement and sizing
  • Arrow keys to nudge; hold Ctrl for larger movements
• Text editing
  • In‑place text editing (double‑click or F2), even when rotated
• Images and monochrome preview
  • Black‑and‑white preview via MonochromeSettings for optimal barcode/label printers
  • Custom fallback image if the source is missing
• Zoom and history
  • Zoom from 10% to 1000%
  • Full undo/redo engine; cut/copy/paste; internal clipboard state tracking
• Layout control
  • Z‑ordering (send to back/bring to front), item locking to prevent changes

Import/export labels

• Import existing label designs to reuse across environments
• Export your formats for backup, sharing, or migration

Keyboard shortcuts

• Edit: Ctrl+C (Copy), Ctrl+X (Cut), Ctrl+V (Paste), Delete (Remove)
• History: Ctrl+Z (Undo), Ctrl+Y (Redo)
• Select: Ctrl+A (Select All)
• Text: F2 (Edit in place)
• Zoom: Ctrl+Plus (In), Ctrl+Minus (Out), Ctrl+0 (100%)

Typical workflow

1. Open Label Format form and click Create/Edit Format to open the Designer, choose New (or Import an existing format).
2. Set page/label size and margins to match your stock and printer.
3. Add items (Text, Barcode, Image, RFID, Shapes) from the toolbox.
4. Use rulers, grid, and handlers to align and size precisely; lock finalized items.
5. Configure barcode symbology, data, and encoding options as required.
6. Use monochrome preview to verify image rendering for thermal printers.
7. Preview/print a test page, then Save and Export (optional).

Best practices

• Match label dimensions to printer and stock specs; avoid edge‑to‑edge unless supported.
• Use high‑contrast, monochrome images for thermal printers; validate with the B&W preview.
• Choose the correct barcode symbology for your scanners and data lengths (e.g., Code 128 for alphanumerics; GS1‑128 for application identifiers).
• Lock finalized elements to prevent accidental moves; rely on Snap‑to‑Grid for consistency.
• Keep live data outside quiet zones of barcodes; maintain adequate white space for scan reliability.
  

For additional help contact the support team.