Installing MCS ImagerPro 800

MCS ImagerPro 800

User’s Guide

© Copyright 2001 MCS Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States. The information contained herein is proprietary to MCS Inc. and its subsidiaries. No part of this document may be reproduced, disclosed, electronically distributed, or used without the prior consent of the copyright holder. MCS Inc. makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regard to the information contained in this guide or the product described herein. MCS Inc. is not liable in any event for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of furnishing, performance, or use of this product. Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. MCS ImagerPro 800 is the trademark and sole property of MCS Inc. and its subsidiaries. Windows, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trade names, trademarks, or service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Contents

Preface ........................................................................................ v Screen Captures ...............................................................................v Moving through MCS ImagerPro 800 ............................................v Conventions Used In This Manual ................................................vi

1 Welcome to MCS ImagerPro 800 ...............................................1 Getting Started with MCS ImagerPro 800......................................2 Minimum System Requirements...................................................2 Getting Help for MCS ImagerPro 800 ...........................................3 Reaching MCS, Inc. ......................................................................3

2 Installing MCS ImagerPro 800 ...................................................5 Installing MCS ImagerPro 800........................................................6 Registering Your Software...............................................................7

MCS ImagerPro 800 User’s Guide

i

Contents

3 Looking at MCS ImagerPro 800 ................................................ 9 Getting to Know MCS ImagerPro 800 ......................................... 10 Tour the MCS ImagerPro 800 Main Window ............................. 12 Using the Main Menus .................................................................. 14 Using the File Menu .................................................................... 15 Using the Edit Menu ................................................................... 16 Using the New Menu .................................................................. 17 Using the Data Menu .................................................................. 18 Using the View Menu ................................................................. 19 Using the Help Menu.................................................................. 20 Using the Icons .............................................................................. 21

4 Printing Basics .......................................................................... 23 Opening an Existing Print Job ...................................................... 24 Printing a Job ............................................................................... 25 Verifying Print Jobs..................................................................... 26 Printing Options .......................................................................... 27 Start Printing the Job................................................................... 29 Checking Printing Status............................................................. 30 Setting Actions on Errors ............................................................ 31 Restarting the Print Job............................................................... 32

5 Printing Jobs............................................................................. 33 Creating a New Job ....................................................................... 34 Attaching Templates ................................................................... 40 Setting Up The System ............................................................... 41 Setting Up the Print Job .............................................................. 42 Viewing Ink Levels ..................................................................... 44 Setting the Ink Parameters .......................................................... 45

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Contents

6 Using Data Files ........................................................................49 Managing Data Files...................................................................... 50 Defining File Types ....................................................................... 53 Opening a Data File ...................................................................... 55

7 Using Templates .......................................................................57 Using an Existing Template .......................................................... 58 Creating New Templates .............................................................. 60 Changing Parameters Example .................................................... 61 Creating Message Lines .............................................................. 62 Setting Advanced Options .......................................................... 65 Positioning Elements in a Template........................................... 67 Changing Template Parameters ................................................... 71 Creating Record Blocks .............................................................. 71 Creating Indicia........................................................................... 74 Adding Bitmaps........................................................................... 76 Using Conditional Bitmaps......................................................... 78 Creating Postal Barcodes ............................................................ 82 Creating Barcodes ....................................................................... 84

Glossary.................................................................................... 87 Index......................................................................................... 91


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Contents

iv


Preface

Thank you for purchasing MCS ImagerPro 800™. This preface explains Windows functions and the conventions used in this guide.

Screen Captures This guide includes sample screen captures. Your actual screens can look slightly different from the sample screens, due to your site information or options you may have set. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Moving through MCS ImagerPro 800 Moving through MCS ImagerPro 800 is like moving through any other Windows program. You can use your mouse to point and click or you can use the Tab key to


v

Preface

move from field to field. You can also use short-cut keys. These keys are used in menus and dialog boxes where an alternate keystroke sequence is available. These shortcut keys are shown underscored like File. To use this shortcut key, press the ALT key and then press the F key. For more information about using shortcut keys and other Windows conventions, refer to the Microsoft Windows help.

Conventions Used In This Manual The following are used throughout this manual for your convenience and to call attention to particular features. Note: This is an example of a note.

Notes point out information, but they do not provide a full understanding or explanation of any particular concept.

Tip: This is an example of a tip.

Tips provide information to make the current task easier or help you understand the relationship between the different parts of MCS ImagerPro 800.

Caution: This is an example of a caution statement.

Cautions are more severe than notes and contain information that could result in system damage or data loss if ignored. Text items that are bold are items that you either click or type.

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1 Welcome to MCS ImagerPro 800

Welcome to MCS ImagerPro 800, the complete mailing design system. You can use this versatile application to design and print simple or complex mailings with graphics. Then you can reuse the same material for printing other labels.


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Chapter 1 Welcome to MCS ImagerPro 800

Getting Started with MCS ImagerPro 800 The MCS ImagerPro 800 software package includes the following software and documentation: • MCS ImagerPro 800 CD • MCS ImagerPro 800 User’s Guide • Registration card The MCS ImagerPro 800 CD contains everything you need to install and run the MCS ImagerPro 800 application.

Minimum System Requirements

2

Before installing MCS ImagerPro 800, make sure that your computer meets the following minimum system requirements.

Component

Requirement

Processor Operating System Other Drives Monitor/Display System Memory Pointing Device

Pentium Windows 2000 CD-ROM 256-colors and 800x600 resolution 128 MB Any


Getting Help for MCS ImagerPro 800

Getting Help for MCS ImagerPro 800 MCS ImagerPro 800 includes complete online Help, in addition to the information in this user’s guide. Other printed guides that supplement industry specifications, such as barcodes, are available from additional sources and are not included with your MCS ImagerPro 800 application.

Reaching MCS, Inc.

You can reach MCS, Inc. several ways.


• Website: • Telephone:

www.mcspro.com 800-728-0154

3

Chapter 1 Welcome to MCS ImagerPro 800

4


2 Installing MCS ImagerPro 800

Your first installation of MCS ImagerPro 800 is done by a technician at your facility. If you must re-install the application, install it from the MCS ImagerPro 800 CD onto your hard drive. You cannot run the application from the CD. Make sure your serial number is available before installing the application. You can find the serial number on the registration card or CD sleeve.


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Chapter 2 Installing MCS ImagerPro 800

Installing MCS ImagerPro 800 If you have used a previous version of MCS ImagerPro 800, back up your existing data files first. Your existing MCS ImagerPro 800 files should not be affected in any way by this installation procedure. Note: Some virus protection programs interfere with installation.

Before you install MCS ImagerPro 800, turn off any virus protection programs that may be running on your computer.

To install MCS ImagerPro 800 1 Insert the CD-ROM that came with your MCS

ImagerPro 800 package into the CD-ROM drive. Use Windows Explorer to view the contents of the CD-ROM, and then double-click the SETUP.EXE program. 2 When the MCS ImagerPro 800 Installation screen

appears, follow the instructions on the screen. 3 When the installation is complete, remove the

CD-ROM and store it in a safe place.

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Registering Your Software

Registering Your Software If you purchased this software directly from the company, you are already a registered user. If you purchased this software from another vendor, you may use the registration card that came with your software package. Be sure to register your software. Registering your software entitles you to a number of benefits, including software updates and notifications, special product offers, and technical support.


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Chapter 2 Installing MCS ImagerPro 800

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3 Looking at MCS ImagerPro 800

You will see references to the various screen components of MCS ImagerPro 800 many times throughout the user’s guide. Take a moment now to familiarize yourself with these terms and their functions within the program. The information presented here is a brief overview. Detailed procedures appear later in the user’s guide.


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Chapter 3 Looking at MCS ImagerPro 800

Getting to Know MCS ImagerPro 800 Before you can create a new job, print a job, or change the job parameters, you must start MCS ImagerPro 800.

To start the MCS ImagerPro 800 program 1 Double-click the MCS ImagerPro 800 icon located on

your desktop. The MCS ImagerPro 800 splash screen appears.

2 Click anywhere on your working window and the MCS

ImagerPro 800 Main window appears.

This window is your work area. It contains the tools you use to create, edit, and print your jobs. Some tools may

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Getting to Know MCS ImagerPro 800

not be available. This is normal. Some print jobs do not contain all of the MCS ImagerPro 800 features, so a specific tool is unavailable. Three tabs appear at the bottom of the Main window: Job, Template, and Data. These tabs are shortcuts to the print job setup. 3 Click the Job tab on the menu to print the job or to see

the print job details. 4 Click the Template tab on the menu to edit an existing

template or create a new template for the print job. 5 Click the Data tab to see any included text information

that is merged into the print job. You view the text in its data form.

To exit the MCS ImagerPro 800 program ▼ Click File, then click Exit.


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Tour the MCS ImagerPro 800 Main Window The following screen shows the MCS ImagerPro 800 Main window with the items labelled. Use these items to create and edit your print jobs.

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Tour the MCS ImagerPro 800 Main Window

• Title bar

• Menu bar

• Toolbar

• Log

• Shortcut tabs • Low ink warning • Window buttons

• Status bar


The Title Bar shows the name of the program you are working in and the name of the print job. The Menu Bar contains six menus that appear when you click one of the menu names. The Toolbar includes buttons that access some of the frequently used commands in the menus. To use a command, click the button on the toolbar. If a command is unavailable, the button appears greyed-out. The Log contains the MCS ImagerPro 800 information. It shows the job status with any error conditions, when you started to job, and when the job completed. The Shortcut Tabs let you move from one major function to another. The shortcuts are Job, Template, and Data. This warning appears only when an ink level is low. The Window Buttons minimizes and maximizes your working window, closes the current job, or exits MCS ImagerPro 800. The Status Bar contains the information about the print job on your screen. The information depends on what you are doing at the time.

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Using the Main Menus The Menu Bar shows the menu headings. The available menus depend on what is open in your workspace and on which shortcut tab you select. MCS ImagerPro 800 has six menus. • File • Edit • New

• Data • View

• Help

Use the File menu to open a print job or run the MCS ImagerPro 800. Use the Edit menu to view or modify the text and graphic elements of a template. Use the New menu to create a record block, message line, and indicia,.add bitmap files, or create barcodes. Use the Data menu to view the records of a data file. Use the View menu to customize your working window. You can view the toolbars, status bar, or ink levels. You can also zoom in/out for viewing ease. Use the Help menu to get detailed procedures on how to do a task. You can also press the F1 key and help about the current dialog box or window appears.

• When you select the Job tab, the File, Edit, View, and Help menus are available. The New and Data menus are not available. • When you select the Template tab, all of the menus are available. • When you select the Data tab, the File, Data, View, and Help menus are available. The Edit and New menus are not available.

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Using the Main Menus

Using the File Menu

The File menu is located at the left end of the Menu bar. Click File to open its menu of commands.

Note: When you are printing a job, all items are unavailable except the Stop Printing command.

Use the File menu commands to handle print jobs, templates, data files, print setup, and system setup. The File menu is the same whether you are using the shortcut tabs of Job, Template, or Data.


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Using the Edit Menu

The Edit menu on the menu bar is located to the right of the File menu. Click Edit to see the menu.

• When you select the Job tab, the Edit menu contains only the Validate command. Caution: An Undo command is not available on the Edit menu.

• When you select the Template tab, the Edit menu contains commands for modifying the open selection. • When you select the Data tab, the Edit menu is not available. Use the Edit menu to view or modify the text and graphics elements for a template. You can duplicate or delete any of the elements. You can select different alignments for the elements, as well as reposition each.

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Using the New Menu

The New menu on the menu bar is located to the right of the Edit menu. Click New to see the menu. The Barcode command has a submenu.

• When you select the Job tab, the New menu is not available. • When you select the Template tab, the New menu contains commands for creating template and graphic objects. • When you select the Data tab, the New menu is not available. Use the New menu to create or modify a template’s • data record blocks • line messages • indicia • bitmaps • postal barcodes • barcodes


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The Barcode submenu lists industry-standard barcode formats. Use this submenu to add a barcode format. Each barcode has a specific function. For detailed information about using barcodes, see Creating Postal Barcodes on page 82.

Using the Data Menu

The Data menu on the menu bar is located to the right of the New menu. Click Data to see the menu.

• When you select the Job tab, the Data menu is not available. • When you select the Template tab, all commands are available, except Find and Find Next. • When you select the Data tab, only these commands are available: First Record, Last Record, Goto Record, and Find. Find Next is available after you do a Find. Use the Data menu to view the data records. When in the Template tab, you can view the data either as actual formatted text or just field labels without the text.

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Using the View Menu

The View menu on the menu bar is located to the right of the Data menu. Use the View menu commands to customize your use of the MCS ImagerPro 800 screen. You can use the commands in this menu to show or hide the toolbars, status line, ink levels, and you can set the zoom percentage. The View menu is different for each screen tab. • When you select the Job tab, you see these View menu commands.

• When you select the Template tab, you see these View menu commands. The Zoom command has a submenu.


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• When you select the Data tab, you see these View menu commands.

Using the Help Menu

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The Help menu on the menu bar is located to the right of the View menu. Use the Help menu to get detailed procedures on how to do a task. The Help menu is the same for the three screen tabs.


Using the Icons

Using the Icons The MCS ImagerPro 800 icons appear on the Main window. An icon is a graphical representation of menu command. Each icon appears only when the menu item is available. Click to open a new job. Click to open a job file. Click to save a job. Click and select a template element. Select an element and click to rotate. Click to insert a record block. Click to insert a new message line. Click and insert an indicia. Click and insert a bitmap. Click and insert a conditional bitmap. Click to add a postal barcode. Click and insert a barcode. Click to zoom. Select an element and click to duplicate it. Select an element and click to delete it. Select an element and click to move it to the bottom. Select an element and click to move it to the top.


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Click to find a data file record. Select an element and click to move it up. Select an element and click to move it down. Click to toggle show record data. Click to move to the first data file record. Click to move to the last data file record. Click to move to the next data file record. Click to move back to the previous data file record.

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4 Printing Basics

Now that your system is set up and MCS ImagerPro 800 is installed, it is easy to print all of your jobs with MCS ImagerPro 800. You open an existing job and check the printing options, as well as monitor the printing status. You can select which records to print, the number of copies, and other options. The option settings describe your job.


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Chapter 4 Printing Basics

Opening an Existing Print Job Before you can open a job, you must start MCS ImagerPro 800.

To start the MCS ImagerPro 800 program 1 Double-click the MCS ImagerPro 800 icon located on

your desktop. The MCS ImagerPro 800 splash screen appears.

2 Click anywhere on your working window and the Main

window appears.

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Opening an Existing Print Job

This Main window is your job window. Whenever you start MCS ImagerPro 800, it is the first window you see. All of the job information appears on this window.

Printing a Job

Typically, when you want to print a job from MCS ImagerPro 800, you open the job, verify its printing options, and monitor the job status during printing. You can open a template and print without opening a job.

To open a print job 1 Click the Job tab at the bottom of the Main window. 2 Click File to open its menu of commands.


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3 On the File menu, click Open Job. The Open Job

dialog box appears.

4 Click the job name and click Open. Or you can

double-click the job name. The Main window appears with the job details automatically filled in.

Verifying Print Jobs

26

Before printing the job, you need to verify that you have the correct job. You need to look at the job’s files titles under the Template and Data tabs. Check that these are the job’s assigned files. Follow these steps to verify the job before printing it.



To verify the job 1 Look at the job name in the Title Bar at the top of the

Main window.

2 Check the job details in the boxes in the middle of the

Main window. You are looking at these job details. • • • •

Job File Template File Data File Data File Type

The job details appear in their boxes and are shown as full paths. For example, the Job File box can contain the file path as C:\MCS ImagerPro\envelope.pjb.

Note: To verify the file names, you can also click the Template and Data shortcut tabs.

3 Verify the file names are correct for the job.

Now you are ready to check the printing options before printing the job.

Printing Options

Before printing a job, you need to check the printing options. The printing options assigned to the job remain with the job file, as well as its template. You need to check that the correct orientation is used for the job, as well as its printing resolution. These parameters tell the printer how to be positioned for printing the job.


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To view printing options 1 On the File menu, click Print Setup. The Print Setup

dialog box appears.

2 Look at the job setup against a previous printing. Look

at its parameters. • Paper size • Print resolution • Paper orientation • Template orientation • Feed direction • Print orientation • Template preview • Printed piece preview No changes should be needed for printing an existing job. 3 Click OK and you return to the Main window.

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Start Printing the Job

After you verify the job printing options, you are ready to start printing the job. Follow these steps to start printing the job. 1 Click Print in the middle of the Main window.

2 Monitor the printing status as the job begins to print.

Watch the Log for any printing errors. For more information on errors, see Setting Actions on Errors on page 31.


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Checking Printing Status

As the job is printing, you must check the status frequently. On the right side of the Main window is an area for Print Status. It shows the percentage of printing completed, as well as the number of the records being printed.

As you work with a job, MCS ImagerPro 800 tracks your steps. Each job step is shown in the Log at the bottom of the Main window and is commented.

Messages appear in the Log as • Black – information

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• Blue – warning • Red – error This example shows an error with the postal barcode. The job aborts automatically in this case. If the printing does not stop automatically, you can stop the printing.

Setting Actions on Errors

If one of the printing parameters in Print Setup is wrong, printing errors may occur. You can specify an action if an error occurs in the Print Setup Errors dialog box. On this dialog box you specify what happens if there is an error in text, bitmaps, postal barcodes, and barcodes.

To set the action on an error 1 On the File menu, click Print Setup. The Print Setup

dialog box appears. Two tabs are at the top of this dialog box: Print Setup and Errors. 2 Click the Errors tab and the Errors tab appears.


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• For each item, specify the logging option. • To stop printing on an error, select the Stop Printing check box next to the error item. 3 Click Apply and then OK.

Restarting the Print Job

After you resolve any printing errors, you are ready to restart the print job. Follow these steps to restart the print job.

To restart the printing 1 Return to the Main window. 2 Click Print.

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5 Printing Jobs

Before you click the Print button, make certain that your job and printer are set up correctly to print. You need to verify the needed template and the job’s data file. You need to adjust several system settings and printing settings in MCS ImagerPro 800 to customize the printing. The settings you need to review are all in the File menu on the Main window. If you do not specify the correct settings, you are not able to print correctly with MCS ImagerPro 800.


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Chapter 5 Printing Jobs

Creating a New Job Creating a new job for printing with MCS ImagerPro 800 is easy. To create a new print job you need to • Create a new job file • Set up the printing system – power up the printer • Attach a template or create a new template • Attach a data file • Set up the print job • View the ink levels MCS ImagerPro 800 provides two ways to create a new job. You can create a new job either with an existing template or with a new template. Before you create a new print job, you need to determine the paper size, printing orientation, and resolution. Then you should check the ink levels. These print job parameters affect every aspect of its appearance and help to keep that appearance consistent from one label to another and from one print job to another. You must open a new print job file before you can design its printing parameters. You can create a new print job in two ways. • You can create a new print job from scratch where you create a new template and assign printing parameters. • You can open an existing print job, save it as your new job, so it copies the printing parameters into your new job file. Both methods are available in MCS ImagerPro 800. If you already have a similar print job, it is easier to open the existing print job and save it as your new job file. Follow these steps to open a new print job.

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Creating a New Job

Method 1: To use an existing job 1 Click the Job tab at the bottom of the Main window. 2 Click File to open its menu of commands.

3 On the File menu, click Open Job. The Open Job

dialog box appears.


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4 Click the job name and then click Open. Or you can

double-click the job name. The Main window appears with the job details automatically filled in.

Note: Job file names and template file names appear in red if either has changes that are not saved. An asterisk (*) appears next to the name.

5 On the File menu, click Save Job As. The Save Job As

dialog box appears.

6 Type a unique job name in the File name box and click

OK. You return to the Main window.

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Creating a New Job

The Main window shows the job name in the title bar and in the Job File box.

Because your copied all of the printing parameters from an existing print job to your new job, you are ready to set up the system and the print job.


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Method 2: To create a new job 1 Click the Job tab at the bottom of the Main window. 2 On the File menu, click New Job. An untitled job

window appears.

No file information appears in the window. As you follow these steps, the information begins to fill in on this window.

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Creating a New Job

3 On the File menu, click Save Job As. The Save Job As

dialog box appears.

4 Type a unique job name in the File name box and click

OK. You return to the Main window. The Main window shows the job name in the title bar and in the Job File text box.

Now you are ready to attach a template to the print job file.


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Attaching Templates

Templates are important to the print job files in MCS ImagerPro 800. Templates determine what information will be printed on a mail merge label, what graphics are to be included, and where barcodes are to be placed. It is the template that makes one job differ from another job. You can change a job simply by attaching a different template.

To attach a template 1 On the File menu, click Open Template. The Open

Template dialog box appears.

2 Click the template name and click Open. You return to

the Main window.

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Creating a New Job

The Main window shows the template in the Template File box.

3 On the File menu, click Save Job. This step saves the

features you attached to your new job file. Now you are ready to set up the system.

Setting Up The System

After you have a job file with a template, you need to view the system settings. These parameters are preset and you should not change any of them.

Caution: Changing the system setup deletes all objects on your template.

Use the File menu command of System Setup. When setting up a system, you define your system hardware for printing. For most printing jobs, the parameters for setting up your printer should not change. The parameters should be the same from system to system, as long as the printers are similar. You should only be viewing the system setup parameters. However, if you need to modify your system hardware setup, use the System Setup command on the File menu.


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To view the system setup 1 On the File menu, click System Setup. The System

Setup dialog box appears.

2 Click the fields that are available for your printer, and

change the parameters. You can change the parameters for these three (3) items. • Distance from The distance from the top of top of piece the paper to the top of the print cartridge, in inches. • Distance from The distance the paper passes sensor under the sensor before the cartridge, in inches. • Joined with next Do not change this parameter. Now you are ready to set up the printing job.

Setting Up the Print Job

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Before printing a job, you need to set up the print job parameters. On MCS ImagerPro 800, this feature is called Print Setup. You can change these parameters as needed. The printer options assigned to the job remain with the job file. You need to check that the correct orientation is used for the job, as well as its printing resolution. These parameters tell the printer how to position the job file for printing.


Creating a New Job

To view printer options 1 On the File menu, click Print Setup. The Print Setup

dialog box appears.

2 Verify the job print setup. Make any needed changes.

• • • • • • • •

Paper size Resolution Paper orientation Template orientation Feed direction Print orientation Template preview Printed piece preview

3 Click OK and you return to the Main window.


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Viewing Ink Levels

The next parameters to check are the ink levels of your printer. These parameters are preset and you should not be changing any of them. However, if you need to change any of these parameters, use the Ink Levels command on the View menu. Always check the ink levels. Do not start a print job if any of the ink levels is low. If a level is low, install a new ink cartridge or change the ink bladder. If you change cartridges or bladder, you must specify how full of ink it is.

To view ink levels 1 On the View menu, click Ink Levels. The Ink Levels

dialog box appears.

2 Click Pen to change the order of the pens—from lowest

pen number to highest pen number. 3 Click Available Ink to change the order of the ink

levels—from lowest ink level to highest ink level. For this example, the pens are ordered from lowest pen number to highest pen number. The ink levels are ordered from lowest ink level to highest ink level. Red means that the available ink for a pen is low. The ink cartridge or bladder needs to be changed.

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Creating a New Job

Setting the Ink Parameters

The next parameters to check are in the Ink System. The Ink System lists all available ink levels of your printer. These parameters are preset and you should not change any of them. However, if you need to change any of these parameters use the Ink Levels command on the View menu.

To view ink parameters 1 On the View menu, click Ink Levels. The Ink Levels

dialog box appears.


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2 Click Edit and the Ink Systems dialog box appears.

3 Look at the assigned ink system for each pen and the

current ink level. You can change the ink system from cartridge to bladder, and change the current, available ink level.

In this example, Pen 1 uses the cartridge ink system. In the Ink System box, select either Bladder or Cartridge. 4 Change the warning level for low ink, if needed. If

needed, decrease the percentage in the level boxes. Make your changes in the Warning Levels for Low Ink area. For this example, you can increase or decrease the

46


Creating a New Job

warning level percentage by selecting a percentage in the percentage box, or by using the spin buttons


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6 Using Data Files

Job management is simple in MCS ImagerPro 800. It is simply the maintenance of the data file and template with its job. To manage a job means to manage its data file. You select, load, and save the data file with the job. MCS ImagerPro 800 lets you define file types for a job. To define a file type, you use the File menu commands on the Main window.


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Chapter 6 Using Data Files

Managing Data Files The data file is a set of individual records. Within each record is a set of individual fields that make up the mailing address. Your customers maintain the information in the data file. You cannot change any of the records or fields. Only the customer can perform this task. MCS ImagerPro 800 links the customer-submitted data file to a job data file and into the printed address through the job template. To view a data file, you use the Data menu on the Main window. Remember, you can only view the individual records.

To manage a data file 1 Open a job file and its data file. 2 On the Main window, click the Data tab. The Data

dialog box appears.

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Managing Data Files

To view data records 1 On the Data menu, click Last Record. MCS ImagerPro

800 moves through the data file to the last record and highlights it.

2 On the Data menu, click First Record. MCS

ImagerPro 800 moves through the data file to the first record and highlights it. 3 On the Data menu, click Go To Record. The Go To

dialog box appears.

4 Type a record number in the box and click Go To. MCS

ImagerPro 800 moves through the data file, goes to your requested record and highlights it. 5 On the Data menu, click Find. The Find dialog box

appears.

6 In the Find what text box, type a keyword. You can

type a word, name, or number.


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• Select a search mode and direction. • Select the Match Case check box if you want to use capitalization. 7 Click the Find button. MCS ImagerPro 800 searches

through the data file, finds the match, and highlights the record that contains the keyword you typed. 8 Click the X to close the Find dialog box.

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Defining File Types

Defining File Types MCS ImagerPro 800 supports the following file types: • Custom • 1 up format • Text I • Text II • CSV • SCITEX MCS ImagerPro 800 can interpret your data properly but you need to identify the file type. This task is called setting the data file options.

To set data file options Note: You can set the data file options any time and from any where.

1 On the File menu, click Data File Options. The File

Format Detail dialog box appears.

2 Do the following:


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• In the Defined File Type box, select a file type for your data file. • Under Postal Barcode Description, select Extract from Data. • Under Sort Description, be sure None is selected. • In the Code Page box, the usual selection is 1251 ANSI-Latin I. 3 Click OK. You return to the Main window.

You are ready to open the data file for the job.

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Opening a Data File

Opening a Data File After you define the file type for your job, you need to open the data file. This data file contains the individual records to be printed.

To open a data file 1 On the File menu, click Open Data File. The Open

Data File dialog box appears.

2 Click the data file name and click Open. Or you can

double-click the data file name. You return to the Main window.


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The Data File box and the Data File Type box contain your selections.

3 On the File menu, click Save Job.

You are ready to create a new job template. For more information about templates, see Chapter 7.

56


7 Using Templates

An MCS ImagerPro 800 template controls the look of a job. You can format the data file text of mail addresses, print a unique message to the recipient, print the postal barcode, and print a specific barcode. Specific barcodes are built into MCS ImagerPro 800. You can create a new template from scratch or you can use an existing template. Then in the existing template, you can change some of the elements and save the template as another named template.


57

Chapter 7 Using Templates

Using an Existing Template An easy method of duplicating a template and using it with another job is to open and attach the existing template to a new job.

To open a template 1 On the File menu, click Open Template. The Open

Template dialog box opens.

2 Click the template name and click Open. You return to

the Main window. The Main window shows the template in the Template File box.

58


Using an Existing Template

3 On the File menu, click Save Template. This step loads

a template and attaches it to a job file. The Save Job As dialog box appears. 4 Type a name in the File name text box and click OK.

You return to the Main window. The Main window shows the job in the Job File box.


59


Creating New Templates You design a template by creating these elements. • Record blocks

• Message lines

• Indicia

• Bitmaps

• Postal barcodes

• Barcodes

On the Template tab of the Main window, you use the New menu of commands to add elements to the template. Every element you create and place in a template must be defined through its parameters. You define • General parameters

• Advanced parameters

• Font

• Alignment • Position

Use general parameters to change the position (horizontal, vertical, and rotation), the size (height and width), and the resizing method. Use advanced parameters to make the background opaque/transparent, change the borders and weight, and to change the margins, alignment, and anchor position. Use font parameters to change fonts of any text element. Not available for bitmaps and conditional bitmaps. Use alignment parameters to line up the elements. Use position parameters to layout the elements on a template.

These parameters are handled much the same from element to element. Most options are available, but some options are not, and that depends on what element you are defining.

60


Changing Parameters Example

Changing Parameters Example The following sections detail an example of adding a message line to a template and changing its parameters to meet the job’s need. The template elements have common parameters that can be changed. Some of the parameters are specific to an element and may not be available for every element. Procedures for changing parameters for these elements follow this example. • Creating Record Blocks on page 71 • Creating Indicia on page 74 • Adding Bitmaps on page 76 • Using Conditional Bitmaps on page 78 • Creating Postal Barcodes on page 82 • Creating Barcodes on page 84 This procedure example is presented in detail for the common parameters. Any differences are evident when you open the element’s parameter dialog boxes—some parameters are not available or have a slightly different wording. In this example, you do the following: 1 Create a new template element – a message line 2 Make general parameter changes 3 Make advanced parameter changes 4 Change the font (not available for postal barcodes/

barcodes) 5 Change the position 6 Change the alignment 7 Dock/undock the elements


61


Creating Message Lines

You can design a template that includes a unique message to the recipient. For example, the job can be printed with the message: Here is the information you requested.

Note: After you click Apply, clicking Cancel does not undo your changes.

While you are using these dialog boxes, clicking Apply makes the changes you specified. You stay in the Properties dialog box until you click OK.

To create a message line 1 On the New menu, click Message Line. The Text Box

Properties dialog box appears.

2 Type a message in the Data area. You can change the

font parameters.

62



To select a font 1 On the Text Box Properties dialog box, click the Font

button to define the font to be used for the message. The Font dialog box appears.

2 Do the following:

• From the Font list, select the font you want to use. A sample of the font appears in the Sample box. • In the Font Style text box, select the style you want to use. The sample of the font changes to reflect the style you chose. • In the Size text box, select the font size you want to use. The sample of the font changes to reflect the size you chose. • Select to view the set of characters the script language supports. Western is the default. • In the Effects area, you can check the text to be strikeout or underlined, both, or neither. The sample of the font changes to reflect the effect you chose. • In the Text text box, type the text you want to sample.


63


• Using the Advanced area, you view a specific code page or unicode sub-range. 3 Click Apply and click OK. You return to the Text Box

Properties dialog box.

To set up general text parameters 1 On the Text Box Properties dialog box, click the

General tab. The General tab appears.

2 Do the following:

• In the Position area, enter the placements for horizontal, vertical, and rotation. • In the Size area, enter the rotation height and width. • Select a resizing technique from the bottom of the dialog box. 3 Click Apply and click OK. You return to the Text Box

Properties dialog box.

64



Setting Advanced Options

Now you are ready to set up the advanced options. The advanced options handle more printing options. These options are • Borders • Margins • Alignment • Anchors

To set up advanced options 1 On the Text Box Properties dialog box, click the

Advanced tab. The Advanced tab appears.

2 Do the following:

• At the top of the Advanced dialog box, select to make the background opaque or transparent. • In the Borders area, check the boxes to make your selections. • In the Margins area, enter values in inches for the four margins.


65


• In the Alignment area, check one selection each in the horizontal and vertical options. • In the Anchor area, check one selection each in the horizontal and vertical options. 3 Click Apply and click OK. You are returned to the

Template tab Main window. Your template workspace looks similar to this.

66



Positioning Elements in a Template

Laying out a template means to position the elements in relation to each other. While working in your template workspace, you can click on a template element and drag it into place or you can align the elements.

You can also multi-select elements by holding down the CTRL key and clicking the individual elements.

Clicking for shortcut menu You can use a shortcut menu to change a template element. Clicking the right button of the mouse is right-clicking.

To use a shortcut menu ▼ Right-click the element, and a shortcut menu appears.

Make your changes to that element.


67


Using element functions The Edit menu commands provide element functions. They are • Select All • Invert Selection

• Delete • Duplicate • Edit

Use to select all of the template elements. Use to select template elements. If you click on one element and then click, you select all of the elements except the one you initially highlighted. Use to delete a selected template element. Use to make a copy of a selected template element. Use to edit the properties of a selected template element.

To select all elements ▼ On the Edit menu, click Select All.

To invert select 1 To select all but one element, select the one element. 2 On the Edit menu, click Invert Selection.

To delete an element 1 Click the element. 2 On the Edit menu, click Delete.

To duplicate an element 1 Click the element. 2 On the Edit menu, click Duplicate.

To edit properties 1 Click the element. 2 On the Edit menu, click Properties. Or you can

double-click the element. The Properties dialog box appears.

68



Aligning elements When you have two elements in your template workspace, you can use the Edit menus of Align and Dock/UnDock. The Align menu offers you another quick and easy method of aligning selected template elements without having to measure.

To align elements 1 On the Edit menu, point to Align, and the Align

submenu appears.

2 Click an alignment.

Docking and undocking Docking is another alignment method. Docking means to align two or more elements, where one element will be above another element. Undocking means to undo this alignment. When you dock two elements, they are grouped together, one above the other. Then, you can move the entire block of elements with one click and drag motion.

To dock elements 1 Click an element in your template workspace. Or you

can tab until you highlight the element. When you view the template, you can edit the template.


69


2 Hold down CTRL and click a second element. Both

elements are outlined in red with a thicker border. 3 On the Edit menu, click Dock. The elements

automatically align, one above the other and are grouped together as one element. When you move the docked elements, they move as a single element.

To undock elements 1 Click inside the docked element group. 2 On the Edit menu, click Undock. The elements are

ungrouped from each other and each element can be moved individually. Now, you understand how the parameters are changed for the message line element. Basically, the parameters of an element are changed the same way. Only the specific element has its own parameters, so some parameters may be available while other parameters are not available. In this case, some parameters are changed slightly in function.

70


Changing Template Parameters

Changing Template Parameters After you add a template element, you can change its parameters at any time or you can delete it from the template. Now you are ready to create new template elements and changing their parameters for • Record blocks • Bitmaps • Postal barcodes

Creating Record Blocks

• Indicia • Conditional bitmaps • Barcodes

A record block tells MCS ImagerPro 800 how to arrange the data file text into an address; how to print a data file record. This text is generated from the data file.

To use a record block 1 On the Main window, click the Template tab. The Main

window bar changes and the New menu of commands is available. 2 On the New menu, click Record Block. The Text Block

Properties dialog box appears. The dialog box has three (3) tabs at the top: Text, General, Advanced.


71


To change the fields 1 On the Text tab, a list of fields appears that were

generated automatically by the data file. To add or remove individual fields from the template, click Select Fields. The Field Selection dialog box appears.

2 In the upper area, select a field to add to the template

and click the Update button in the middle of the dialog box. 3 Click OK. You return to the Text Box Properties dialog

box.

72



Your template workspace looks similar to this.


73


Creating Indicia

A typical indicia is a box with text in it. To create an indicia for your template, you use the New menu on the Template tab.

To create an indicia 1 On the New menu, click Create Indicia. The Text Box

Properties dialog box appears.

2 Change the font parameters. See To select a font on page

63. 3 Change the general parameters. See To set up general

text parameters on page 64. 4 Change the advanced parameters. See To set up

advanced options on page 65.

74



When you have created an indicia, your template workspace looks similar to this.


75


Adding Bitmaps

Include graphics or logos to make the template unique. The graphics and logos must be in a bitmap file format (bmp).

Note: The bitmap must be a black and white image.

To add a graphic or logo to your template, you use the New menu on the Template tab.

To add a bitmap 1 On the New menu, click Bitmap. The Open Bitmap

dialog box appears.

2 Select a bitmap file and click Open. Or you can

double-click the bitmap file. The Bitmap Properties dialog box appears. The dialog box has three (3) tabs at the top: Bitmap, General, Advanced.

76



3 Change the general parameters. See To set up general


advanced options on page 65. When you are done, your workspace looks like this.


77


Using Conditional Bitmaps

A field in a data file can have a numeric value. Based on that value, you can attach bitmaps through the template. If field values are specified in the template, a different bitmap appears. This type of bitmap is called a conditional bitmap. Conditional means that something happens only if the situation occurs. If that field value is used, a bitmap is printed. You can have multiple conditional bitmaps based on specified field values in the data file.

Note: The data file must have a field that specifies a conditional bitmap.

For example, the data file can have a field that indicates a different bitmap, depending on the state the resident lives in. This field has a value of 0 to 50, each representing a different bitmap for each state. You map the field values to the correct bitmap so that when the job is run, the correct bitmap is printed, based on the state. To add conditional bitmaps to your template, you use the New menu on the Template tab.

78



To add a conditional bitmap 1 On the New menu, click Conditional Bitmap. The

Conditional Bitmap Properties dialog box appears.

2 Click the Edit/Add button. The Add/Edit Conditional

Bitmap dialog box appears.

3 In the Value box, enter a value.


79


4 Click the Ellipsis button to view the list of available

bitmaps. The Open Bitmap dialog box appears.

5 Select a bitmap file and click Open. Or you can

double-click the bitmap file. The Add/Edit Conditional Bitmap dialog box reappears. 6 Click Apply and click OK. The Conditional Bitmap

Properties dialog box reappears. 7 You can:

• Add more bitmaps. • Change the general parameters. See To set up general text parameters on page 64. • Change the advanced parameters. See To set up advanced options on page 65.

80



When you have created the conditional bitmap, your template workspace looks similar to this.


81


Creating Postal Barcodes

A postal barcode is the zip code in graphic form. The vertical bars have special meanings to the U.S. Postal Service. You cannot change the design of a postal barcode. MCS ImagerPro 800 reads the numbers in the zip code field of a data file record and prints the correct grouping of vertical bars.

Note: Postal barcodes and other barcodes are limited to multiples of 90 degrees.

To add a postal barcode to your template, you use the New menu on the Template tab.

To add a postal barcode 1 On the New menu, click Postal Barcode. The Postal

Barcode Properties dialog box appears.

2 In the Bar Width area, select a width parameter. 3 In the Bar Pitch area, select a pitch parameter. 4 Click Apply. 5 Change the general parameters. See To set up general

text parameters on page 64.

82



6 Change the advanced parameters. See To set up

advanced options on page 65. When you have created a postal barcode, your template workspace looks similar to this.


83


Creating Barcodes

Barcodes are like postal barcodes. MCS ImagerPro 800 offers several barcode types.

Note: Postal barcodes and other barcodes are limited to multiples of 90 degrees.

To add a barcode to your template, you use the New menu on the Template tab.

To add a barcode 1 On the Edit menu, point to Barcode and the Barcode

submenu appears.

84



2 Click a barcode type, and the Barcode Properties dialog

box appears.

3 Click the Ellipsis button to view the list of available

fields to link to the barcode. The Field Selection dialog box appears. 4 Select a field, click Update and click OK. You return to

the Barcode Properties dialog box. 5 The remaining selections on the Barcode Properties

dialog box are preset. You can change any of these properties. Click Apply. 6 Change the general parameters. See To set up general


advanced options on page 65.


85


When you have created the barcode, your template workspace looks similar to this.

8 Save the template.

The job is ready to print.

86


Glossary

This glossary is a list of MCS ImagerPro 800 related terms. Advanced parameters Aligning elements Barcode Barcode properties Bar width area Bitmap


Changes the background, borders, weight, margins, alignments, and anchor position. A method of matching selected template elements. Industry-standard formats, like postal barcodes. The attributes of a barcode. Allows you to select the width parameter for a barcode. A format (bmp) for graphics or logos.

87

Chapter

Conditional bitmap Data file Data tab Data menu Dock

Edit menu Errors tab

File menu Field value File types

Font Font parameters General parameters Help menu Indicia Ink level

Ink status

88

A variable numeric field value used in a template to include a bitmap. A set of individual records. When selected, the File, Data, View, and Help menus are available. View the records of a data file. Two elements grouped together, one above the other. The block can be moved with one click and drag motion. Changes the parameters of a job element. On the Print Setup tab. Pressing the errors tab displays any errors in text, bitmap, or barcodes that affect the job. Opens a job or runs the program. A number used in a data file field. Program supported file types: Custom, I up format, Text I, Text II, CSV, SCITEX. The style and size of text elements in a job. Changes the fonts of any text element. Not available for bitmaps and conditional bitmaps. Changes the position, size, and resizing. The Help menu provides detailed procedures on how to perform a task. A box containing text. A portion of the printer. Ink levels can be changed from lowest pen number to highest pen number. Variable color bar that warns of low ink levels.


Ink system

Ink system Job tab Layout Log

Logo Main window Menu bar Message line

Multiple conditional bitmaps New menu

Opaque Orientation Pens Postal barcode Record block

Shortcut tab


Either a cartridge or bladder. When selected, the File, Edit, View, and Help menus are available. How elements are put together to create the appearance and style of the template. Contains MCS ImagerPro 800 information. Shows job status with any error conditions. A design element, e.g., the appearance and design of a company name. The work area that allows you to create, edit, and print jobs. Six menus that appear when on the Main window. A template element that allows you to create a unique message for the recipient. Several conditional bitmaps tied to numeric field values in a template. Creates a record block message line, and indicia, adds bitmap files, and creates barcodes. A background option. Not transparent. A parameter that tells the printer how to position a job. A portion of the printer. A zip code in graphic form. Tells how to arrange the data file into an address, and how to print a data file record. Tabs that allow movement among functions. Shortcut tabs are Job, Template, and Data.

89

Chapter

Status bar Template Template tab Title bar

Toolbar Transparent Undock Verify job

View menu

Warning message Width parameter Windows buttons Workspace

Zoom

90

Contains the information about the job on the Main window. An element that can be modified. Controls the look of a job. When selected, all of the menus are available. Contains the name of the program currently being worked in and the name of the job. Includes buttons that access frequently used commands. A background option. Clear, open, as opposed to opaque. Allows you to uncouple, or undo docked elements. Check job file titles under Template and Data tab to assure that you have the correct job. Customizes the working window. Allows you to see the toolbars, status bar, or ink levels, or zoom in or out. Advises you that a specific action could result in a problem with your job. An adjustable setting for defining the width of a job. Closes the current file or minimizes and maximizes the working window. The area within MCS ImagerPro 800 window. It allows you to create, edit, and print jobs. Allows you to maximize or minimize the view.


Index

A

attaching templates 40

Add/Edit dialog box 79

available ink 44 levels 45

adding barcodes 84 elements 60 graphics 76 logos 76 message lines 61 template elements 71

B background 65 Bar Pitch area 82 Bar Width area 82 Barcode menu 84

advanced parameters 60, 65

Barcode submenu 84

aligning 69 elements 69 anchor 66

barcodes 84 properties 85 type 85

assigned ink system 46

Bitmap Properties dialog box 76


91

Index

bitmaps using 76

docking and undocking 69

black & white bitmaps 76

duplicate template 58

docking objects 69

borders 65

E C

Edit menu 14, 16, 69, 84

cartridge ink systems 46

Edit/Add button 79

changing parameters 61 template parameters 71

editing ink systems 46

checking ink levels 44 code pages 54 Conditional Bitmap dialog box 79

error messages 31 errors specifying actions 31 Errors tab 31 existing jobs 35

conditional bitmaps 79 multiple 78

extract from data 54

conventions used in this manual vi

F

creating indicia 74 message lines 62 new template 60

field selections 72, 85 field values 78 fields 50, 72, 78 fields in data files 78

D

File Format Detail dialog box 53

data area 62 data file 50, 56

File menu 14, 15, 25, 35, 58 commands 15

data file options 53

File name text box 59

Data menu 14, 18, 51

file paths 27

data records 18

file types 53

Data tab 11, 26, 50

Font dialog box 63

defined file type 54

fonts effects 63 parameters 60, 62 specifying 63 style 63

distance from sensor 42 distance from top of piece 42 docking objects 70

92


Index

G

job setup 28

general parameters 60, 64

job status 25

getting help for MCS ImagerPro 800 3 started with MCS ImagerPro 800 2 to know MCS ImagerPro 800 10

job status log 13 Job tab 11, 25, 35, 38 joined with next 42

L H

last record 51

help 3

layout 60

Help menu 14, 20

layout templates 67

highest ink level 44

Log messages 30

I

lowest ink levels 44

icons using 21

M

indicia 74 information messages 30 ink bladders 46 ink cartridges 46 ink levels 44 command 44 ink status checking 13 ink system 45 ink warning levels 46 installing MCS ImagerPro 800 6 inverting selection 68

J job details 26, 27, 36 job file 50 job names 26, 36


Main window 25 margins 65 match case 52 MCS Inc., reaching 3 menu bar 13, 14 messages viewing 30 minimum system requirements 2 moving through MCS ImagerPro 800 v multiple conditional bitmaps 78

N new jobs 34, 38 New menu 14, 17

O Open Bitmap dialog box 76, 80 Open Data File dialog box 55

93

Index

open job 26, 35

record blocks 71

open template 40

record number 51

opening data files 55

registering your software 7

orientation page 27

resolution specifying 27

P

restart printing 32

page orientation 27

S

pen numbers 44

save job 41, 56

pens 44

Save Job As 59

pitch parameter 82

save job as 36, 39

position 60, 64

screen captures, example v

positioning elements 67

search 52

postal barcode 82 description 54

search direction 52

print 25, 29

select all 68

print job parameters 42

select fields 72

print setup 28, 31, 43

setting data file options 53

print setup errors 31

setting up system 41

print status 30

shortcut menu using 67

printer options 43

search mode 52

printing errors 31 jobs 25 options 27 parameters 28, 37 restarting 32 status 29, 30

shortcut tabs 13

Properties shortcut menu 67

system requirements, minimum 2

R

system setup 41, 42 parameters 41

sort description 54 specifying actions on errors 31 start printing 29 start up 10 status bar 13

reaching MCS Inc. 3

94


Index

T

V

template names 58 parameters 60

values specifying 79

Template File text box 41, 58

View menu 14, 19, 44

Template tab 11, 26

viewing data records 51 ink levels 44, 45 warning messages 31

templates creating 40 using 40 text block properties 71 text box properties 62 text tabs 72 title bar 13, 27 Toolbar 13 touring the MCS ImagerPro 800 screen 12

verifying jobs 27

W warning messages viewing 31 width parameters 82 Window buttons 13 work area 10

U

working window 10, 24

undo command 16

workspace 10

undocking 69, 70 ungrouping 70 untitled jobs 38 using Data menu 18 Edit menu 16 File menu 15 Help menu 20 icons 21 Main menus 14 New menu 17 View menu 19


Z zip code 82 zooming 19

95

Index

96


Installing MCS ImagerPro 800

Installing MCS ImagerPro 800

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