G E M L A B E L . P R G
Desktop Services
Jeep Watson
1102 Overbrook Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21239
(301) 377-4642
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GEMLABEL is the combination of 3 or 4 general purpose
labeling utilities that I wrote for my businesses. I finally
thought to myself, "Self, why don't you just put all these
utilities together in one easy to use package and save yourself
the hassle of remembering which label program does which task?"
Version 1.0 proved to be a real time saver. I kept it on my
Word Processing disk and used it virtually every day. I decided
to make it faster and even easier to use by converting it to a GEM
based program with drop down menus and a little more graphic
appeal. Thus the birth of GEMLABEL Version 2.0 and it's subse-
quent offering as shareware on the GEnie network.
Version 2.0 has been downloaded almost 300 times on GEnie and
has been picked up by many Public Domain disk distributors and
several users groups nationwide. As a result of this popularity,
I decided to once again revise the program, adding the features
requested by users across the country and incorporating a few new
features to satisfy my own creative interests.
Version 2.5 was never put on the boards. It was only used by
myself and a few local friends. No sooner had I finished it than
I came up with several new good ideas and went immediately about
the task of implementing them. These were mainly things to make
the program more usable for variety of printers and to increase
productivity for frequent users. The end result is what you have
before you now: GEMLABEL Version 3.0.
Whereas Version 2.0 was strictly for labels, version 3.0 is
now set up to be a small forms generator. Basically, if it can be
bought in tractor feed format, it can be printed on easily with
GEMLABEL 3.0. It is still designed for the Monochrome system
since it is a business program (and I don't have a color monitor!)
I have, however, designed the code to be open to the possibility
of use in medium rez if the interest appears to demand it.
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< Page 1 >
NEW FEATURES
GEMLABEL 3.0 has more features and is easier to use than any
other label program on the market. It is written in GFA Basic and
compiled. Version 3.0 is a lot more graphically oriented than
previous versions and has a new look to the Menu Bar. The new
features are:
* Superscript now available in Attributes menu
* Elite size print also now available
* Now can 'Save' and 'Load' labels from disk
* All the common sizes graphically represented
* Disk directories can be shown and/or printed
* Label size can be changed with the mouse
* Size changes shown visually in real time
* Sizes from 2 to 6 inches wide supported
* Sizes from 3 lines to 24 lines deep supported
* Default label sizes now user configurable
* Keyboard alternates for most menu options
* User interface streamlined for speed
* Right Mouse Button accepts dialog defaults
* Program will not let you enter lines too long
* Lines may now be edited individually
* Accessory program makes drivers for any printer
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LOADING AND RUNNING THE PROGRAM
When run, GEMLABEL looks in the same directory for 3 other
files:
GEMLABEL.RSC * GEMLABEL.INF * GEMLABEL.PRT.
It is important that all 3 files be in the same directory. If
they are not, the program will not run and will tell you why.
To run the program, just double click on GEMLABEL.PRG and
proceed. GEMLABEL 3.0 is very easy to use and quite intuitive. I
originally had a drop-down menu of help files in the program but
eventually took them out to streamline the program after seeing
that my beta testers were not using them at all. My beta-testers
were primarily my wife who hates computers, my 7 Yr. old son who
loves them, and a friend from work who kept asking what the DOS
commands were. They all had very satisfactory results.
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< Page 2 >
A QUICK OVERVIEW
Whereas GEMLABEL Version 2.0 was set up with standard Epson codes
and ran flawlessly on the myriad of Epson clones out there, Version 3.0
replaced hard coded printer codes with codes loaded in from a printer
configuration file when the program is run. The included files are
for the Epson printers and the NEC_P6 printer. The other program
included in the package (MAKE_GLP.PRG) is the program that creates or
modifies print drivers. You can create several different print drivers
to keep on hand. The program is menu-driven and pretty simple to use.
Be sure to use a unique name for each driver you create. I use the
extender ".GLP" which is unused elsewhere as far as I know and that is
the extender the program will look for when loading in drivers for
modification. Once you have the driver you need, rename it to
"GEMLABEL.PRT" from the desktop and put it in the SAME DIRECTORY as the
rest of the GEMLABEL program files. The "GEMLABEL.PRT" file included
is the Epson file and should run fine with most printers.
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You must choose a label size before you can enter any information
on a label. There is a prompt to remind you if you forget.
A bell rings whenever GEMLABEL expects any user input or detects
an error.
Any and all attributes are combinable and the maximum width in
characters for that combination of attributes and label size is auto-
matically calculated and displayed in the Status Box. The program will
not allow you to exceed the maximum width allowed for a given combi-
nation of attributes. If you try to type past the Max. Wide count, a
bell will ring and no further input will be accepted. This holds true
either when entering OR editing data. If you enter data and later
change attributes to a wider type of print, the program will alert you
when you try to print a label or form. It will tell you which line is
too long and you must either edit that line or change the attributes
back to a narrower type of print before you are allowed to print the
current label or form.
You can print an alignment test for any size label or form and
the test reflects the appearance of all the currently selected attri-
butes and the current maximum width. The test does not destroy any
information you may currently have entered into a label or form.
You may select multiple copies - LIMIT 2,147,483,647 !!
If you want to stop a multiple copy run, simply hold down the Left
Mouse Button and the program will stop printing. If you have a buffer
in your printer, you might have to turn off the printer momentarily
also. This will reset all of your attributes. You will have to use
the "RESET EVERYTHING" option from the Menu to insure that everything
is initialized properly and the check marks are removed from the
"ATTRIBUTES" menu selections.
< Page 3 >
ALIGNING LABELS AND FORMS
The number of lines indicated as the current size in the
Status Box is the number of lines from the top of one label to the
top of the next (including the space between them). Since you
don't want to print on the space between labels, you'll want to
adjust the position of your label so the first line starts a
little below the top of the label and then format your label,
leaving at least one blank line at the top or bottom of the label.
After a couple of tries you'll know what works best for you and
you won't have to be bothered with testing the format each time.
Use the "Print Test Label" option under the OPTIONS menu to
see if your alignment is correct. Once you align one size label
in your printer, all other sizes should also be properly aligned
without any further work.
Tractor feed forms don't require the same kind of forethought
in the layout - there is no space between the forms. Thus you can
print to all of the lines of an Index Card or Rolodex Card that are
indicated in the Status Box.
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SHORTCUTS
The Right Mouse Button acts the same as the Return key in the
Query Boxes - it accepts the highlighted default (Usually "Yes").
The standard Mailing label size (6 lines x 3-1/2") is the
default size in the "Custom Labels" option under the SIZE Menu.
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< PAGE 4 >
****************************************
* The Menu - Step by Step *
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INFO:
My name and address; should you get the uncontrollable
urge to send me money.
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FILE:
SAVE - Allows you to save current form or label to disk.
It expects you to use the extender ".LAB". You can
use a label folder and will be presented with a
standard fileselector box to allow you to open the
appropriate folder and save the label.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "S"
LOAD - Opens a fileselector box allowing you to load a
pre-saved label or form. As above, you may use
folders. Loading and Saving do NOT remember the
the current Attributes.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "L"
SAVE DEFAULTS - Saves current label sizes to disk in a
file called GEMLABEL.INF The next time you run
the program, all of the label sizes will be
preset to these default sizes. Does NOT save
current attrubutes.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: None
QUIT - Just what you'd expect. It does prompt you
first just in case you want to change your mind.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "Q"
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< Page 5 >
ATTRIBUTES:
This allows selection of the print styles for the current label.
Attributes may be freely combined although some printers may not
recognize all combinations (refer to your printers manual).
As attributes are selected MAX WIDE is instantly updated in the
Status Box. Attributes may be selected or deselected at any time
before or after entering label data. If attributes are changed
after the data is entered it may make the data too long to print
on the currently installed labels. If this occurs, you will be
told which line(s) is too long when you try to print. You can
then edit the offending line(s). It is good practice to choose
the attributes before entering the data. The print styles are:
EXPANDED - Double width print; normally 5 cpi
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "X"
CONDENSED - Condensed print; normally 15 cpi
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "C"
SUPERSCRIPT - Half Height Print
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "S"
ELITE - Elite Print; Normally 12 cpi
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "E"
BOLD - Bold or emphasized print
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "B"
DOUBLE STRK - Double strike (2 Passes)
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "D"
ITALICS - Italic print
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "I"
CENTERED - Center justified print
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Control "M"
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SIZE:
Height is measured by the number of lines from the top of one
label to the top of the next. This is usually one more line than
you can actually print to (you don't want to print on the space
between labels). Width is measured in inches and is adjusted in
1/4" increments. When a size is chosen, a graphic representation
pops up and a dialog box asks if this is OK. If not, you are
presented with a set of directional arrows to resize the label.
The newly chosen dimensions are retained in memory and are still
active in subsequent calls for this type of label. The Current
Size is instantly updated in the Status Box.
MAILING LABEL - Normally 6 lines x 3-1/2"
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "M"
AUDIO CASSETTE - Size varies from one manufacturer to another
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "A"
VIDEO CASSETTE - Again, size varies
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "V"
FLOPPY DISK - Labels for 3-1/2" Disks
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "F"
INDEX CARDS - My setup is 3-1/2" x 5"
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "I"
ROLODEX CARDS - For Rolodex files
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "R"
DIRECTORY - Prints directory to screen and asks whether
you want it to print out. Prints only the
1st 30 files (the most you can fit on a
3-1/2" disk in this "tiny print" mode).
(May not work properly on non-epson type
printers.)
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "D"
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OPTIONS:
ENTER DATA - Allows you to enter data on the currently
selected label. You must have a label size
selected - if not you will be prompted to
do so.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "E"
EDIT DATA - Allows you to edit data after the label is
completed. You will be asked which line you
wish to edit. That line will then be boxed
and the command line will accept the new data.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "E"
NUMBER OF COPIES - Allows you to specify how many copies
of the current label you wish to print. A
counter shows what number is currently being
sent to the printer. You may interrupt printing
by holding down the LEFT mouse button. If you
have a buffer in your printer, you will have to
turn off the printer to stop the printer and
erase the buffer. Turning off the printer erases
the attributes though they will still be checked
in the ATTRIBUTES menu. Simply choose the RESET
EVERYTHING from the OPTIONS menu.
(Limit: 2,147,483,647 !!)
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "N"
PRINT TEST LABEL - Prints a label with x's tracing the
outline of the current label size. This allows
you to check the alignment of the label which
is currently installed in the printer. The test
is non-destructive; it will not harm the data
currently entered on the screen. The size
and quantity of the x's reflect the currently
selected attributes.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: None
RESET EVERYTHING - Resets all attributes, erases the current
label from memory, initializes printer and resets
the number of copies to 1.
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: None
PRINT - Does just that! Printing can be stopped by holding
down the LEFT mouse button (See above: NUMBER
OF COPIES)
KEYBOARD ALTERNATE: Alternate "P"
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If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to
call or write. Enjoy !!