Hello. Is it possible to use a dot matrix printer and print shipping labels in Order Entry?

Hi Taylor:

The answer is "yes, usually". Here's what worked for me - suggestions from others are welcome.

1) The printer must have a Windows driver and appear in the "Printers and Faxes" window.

2) Go to the "Printers and Faxes" window, click on the "File" menu and select "Server Properties". Then select the "Create a new Form" checkbox. Give the form a name (ie. Label), specify the dimensions and click on the "Save Form" button.

3) Select the printer icon and choose Properties. On the "Device Settings" tab, change "Cont. Feed - No Break" to the new Form name. Save the change. This assumes that labels are the only thing printed on this printer.

4) Start the Adagio OE Form Designer. If you don't already have a label layout, choose OE$LABOKI. Go to File | Specification Options. Insert the correct dimensions and a new description. Insert the new Form name created in step 2 in the "Page Size" box. Save those changes then save the layout under a new name (ie. OE$LABEL). There is some work to get the label format correct.

5) Close the Designer & select File | Options. On the "Specifications" tab, select the OE$LABEL layout and the appropriate printer.

6) Test an Invoice will multiple labels. Make adjustments. Test some more. Try not to curse. Test some more.

Ralph makes a good point: For a 5"W x 4"H label I actually defined the Form as 5 x 4.15 to get the line feeding correct.

Taylor:

Windows gets along with dot matrix printers about like Bill Gates gets along with courts in the European Community

You can experiment if you wish: go to "Printers and Faxes." Select File / Server Properties.

Here you define a new form that is the label you need. Then under the Properties for that printer, go to Device Settings and choose that form as the default paper size.

You may find, as I did, that the actual size you set up in Windows does not translate to the printer correctly. You may have to define a larger or smaller label to allow for the fact that Windows thinks there is a top margin.

You will spend a lot of time fiddling to get it right, if you can.

Perhaps one of the label printers from Brother or Dymo might be a better bet, but I have not worked with these from OE. Perhaps someone who has can offer an opinion here.