How to Label Template Design
Coordinate System:
Label templates in Elevated Signals use a coordinate system based on your label size (in inches) and the dots per inch (DPI) of your printer.
For example, a 4x6-inch label printed at 203 DPI translates to dimensions of:
Width: 4 inches × 203 DPI = 812 dots
Height: 6 inches × 203 DPI = 1218 dots.
Coordinates are used to position elements (text, barcodes, etc.) on your label.
Variables:
Variables in templates are enclosed in double curly braces
{{}}and dynamically populate data from the system.For instance,
{{lot.name}}pulls the name of the lot, while{{batch.name}}pulls the batch name.Using Underscores for Manual Input
If you need placeholders for handwritten input, you can use underscores (
______) as a simple solution. For example:^FO20,80^FD"Inspector: ______"^FS
This creates a blank line on the label where information can be written manually.
A catalog of available variables can be accessed within Elevated Signals, under the "Entity Properties" section for the respective label.
Quick Edits Using ChatGPT
For basic adjustments or quick formatting changes:
Copy Your Existing Template:
Export the current label template from Elevated Signals.
Paste the template into ChatGPT and specify your desired changes (e.g., add variables, rearrange content, etc.).
Apply Changes:
ChatGPT will generate updated code based on your input.
Copy the updated code back into Elevated Signals.
Use the "Preview Template" feature to ensure everything is formatted correctly.
Example Use Case:
Ask ChatGPT to evenly space out information on a 4x6 label or add a header (e.g., “Lot ID”) before specific variables.
Advanced Label Design with Zebra Designer
For a more visual approach to creating or editing labels:
Download and Install Zebra Designer 3:
Visit the Zebra website to download Zebra Designer 3 or Zebra Designer Essentials.
Ensure printer drivers (e.g., ZD421 drivers) are installed on your computer. Use Zebra’s setup utility for a guided driver installation.
Set Up Your Label:
Open Zebra Designer and create a new label.
Select your printer and set the label dimensions (e.g., 4x6 inches).
Design Your Label:
Drag and drop elements such as text, barcodes, or images onto the label.
Customize content using sample variables like
{{lot.id}},{{inventory.id}}, or{{cultivar.name}}.Use the alignment and distribution tools for precise formatting.
Add barcodes or QR codes with desired data fields (e.g.,
{lot.id}for a QR code linking to lot details).
Export the Label Template:
Save the label as a file: Go to “Print” > click “Print to file”.
Open the file in a text editor (e.g., Notepad) to access the label code.
Copy and paste the code into Elevated Signals under the Label Template section.
Common Features for Label Design
Text and Variables:
Add text fields with variables to display dynamic data.
Example: “Lot ID:
{{lot.id}}” to show the specific lot ID on each label.
Barcodes and QR Codes:
Choose 1D (traditional barcode) or 2D (QR code) formats.
Assign variables to encode relevant data, such as
{{lot.id}} or URLs linking to specific dashboards.
Images:
Add brand logos or icons to enhance label appearance.
Tips for Customization
Use ChatGPT for Iterations:
It’s a fast way to make small tweaks to label content or layout.
Combine Tools:
Use Zebra Designer for initial design and ChatGPT for refining the code or adding variables.
Test Regularly:
After making edits, use the "Preview Template" option in Elevated Signals to ensure the label looks as expected.
Additional Notes
Labels can be customized for specific workflows (e.g., inventory, batches, or cultivation). Each template should align with the operational context.
For complex labels or if you're unsure how to proceed, Elevated Signals Support is happy to assist!
By following these steps, you can effectively design and customize label templates in Elevated Signals to meet your specific requirements. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us!