User manual

123
Designing Labels
Working with Variable Data
11/29/2011 13857L-003
Working with Variable Data
Dynamic Data Overview
You may want to print labels on which the data changes for each label, for example, counter,
serial numbers, date, and time. To accommodate changing data, ZebraDesigner Pro can be
used to format labels using the variable fields. Variable fields can be used with text and
graphic objects.
There are several types of variables you can choose. Data, which must be printed as a variable,
is prepared at the time of printing. It can be entered in the program in these ways:
• by the operator from the keyboard
• from the computer’s clock (date and time)
• from the label design (using counters with predefined starting values and steps)
• from the RFID tag embedded into the label (ZebraDesigner Pro only)
• as output of ’Linked field’ or ’Visual Basic expression’ (ZebraDesigner Pro only)
• database can be used to provide data for the fields (ZebraDesigner Pro only)
Note • The variable data can be the same for many labels and/or specific for one label
only.
Note • If a variable defines the label, making it absolutely necessary, it is possible to set
the requirement, that a variable value must be entered in the field for printing to succeed.
This option is available in the Text Wizard. For more information, see Define the Text
Object.
Database Wizard
Working with Databases
ZebraDesigner Pro allows you to use databases in which your data is stored. Database types
can be:
• ASCII (text file) where fields are fixed-length or are separated with any selected character
• Microsoft Excel database
• Microsoft Access database
• Existing ODBC Data Sources
You can use a single database on the same label.
Databases are very useful when printing labels with a large quantity of different data and
variable values. You don’t have to enter values for every variable before label production any
more; you can use previously prepared database instead. A database in the ASCII text file can
be created in any text editor (for example Notepad), it can be also exported from other
applications (for example Microsoft Word). You can also use Microsoft Excel to edit your
data.