Templates

In previous chapters, we have learned to use many of Loftware Label Manager’s tools and techniques. In this and the next two chapters, “Data Sources” and “On-Demand Printing”, we explore these topics more thoroughly.

The default directory for Templates created during a new installation is:
Program Files\Loftware Labeling\TEMPLATE\GENERAL.

What is a Template? A label template is a “master” copy for labels of a certain type. A template can include the boilerplate fields you want to be displayed in each label of that type. You can select from the templates provided with Loftware Label Manager, or design your own.

Creating a New Label based on a Template

1. Choose File | New from the menu command.
2. Choose Compliance Template Label in the New Label Wizard, click Next.
3. Specify the printer manufacturer and model for this label, click Next.
4. Select the template you want to use from the list of templates; click Next.

Note that a description of the label is displayed below the list of templates.

A thumbnail preview of the template is displayed on the right side of the window.

If you select the normal (default) template, Loftware Label Manager displays the default label size (4x4); otherwise, the size stored in the template is used. With other templates, such as the Kmart or JCPenney template, you need to adjust the format and field data sources to fit your particular application.

Note: Not finding the Template you are looking for? Be sure that the correct path to the Templates has been chosen by clicking on Options | File Locations in Design View, and you are looking at “Templates”.

Creating Your Own Template

The compliance labels that ship with the Loftware Label Manager system are saved in the label designer as templates, with a .lwt extension. To make your own template, you may do one of two things:

1. Open a template in Loftware Label Design Mode.
2. Click File | Save As in the Menu Bar.
3. Save the label with a .lwt extension in the Template Folder.
4. Change the label to fit the requirements desired, save the label again, but this time with a .lwl extension.

or

5. Design a new label in Loftware Design Mode. (See the chapter on “Creating a Label” if you need information)
6. Save the label, choosing the template option in the Save File As Type combo box.
7. Change the label as needed in Design Mode

Note: You may have to change the extension of the label from lwl to lwt by hand

The template is available as a useful starting point the next time the File | New is selected, however, it is necessary to save the template as a label, using the .lwl extension