5-2 Defining Text Fields
Supply Width The width of your loaded supply. Choices include 1.20, 1.50,
or 2.00 inches.
Field Type Choices include text, bar code, constant text, and line.
Field Class Choices include simple, price, system date/time, and combo.
Price and system date/time fields are explained in Chapter 9,
“Defining Special Fields.” Combo (combination) fields are
explained later in this chapter. Simple fields are the most
commonly used.
Type of Data Choices include alphanumeric and numeric. Decide if you
need letters or letters and numbers in your field. When
selecting a font for your data, keep in mind that point sizes
greater than 12 include only the following characters:
0123456789#$%&(),./@DFKLMPS\kprö¢£¥c
Maximum Length The maximum number of characters in the field. The number
of characters depends on the font size, label size, whether
you are using a check digit, or if the field is printed
horizontally or vertically. If your data is a price, remember to
include the currency symbol (dollar sign, cent sign, etc.) in the
length of your field. The range is 0 – 40.
Minimum Length The minimum number of characters in the field.
The range is 0 – 40.
Field Prompt Contains the prompt displayed during data entry. The
maximum number of characters is 40.
Fixed Data In situations where the same data appears on all labels, you
can enter the repetitive data as fixed data. The operator does
not enter the data. The maximum number of characters is 40;
however, each field has a maximum length defined, so the
fixed data must be below that maximum.
Fixed data is stored with the format and automatically
displayed with the prompt during data entry. Fixed data can
also be added before or after entry characters.
An example of fixed data is the manufacturer’s code in a
UPCA bar code.