Setting Up a New Label in LabelForge

Overview

When you begin designing a label, you’ll need to set options for the label you want to create. Click the Label Setup button on the toolbar.

Label Setup Window

This window shows the basic options for the current label design, as well as details on your version of the LabelForge software.

DIMENSIONS AND ORIENTATION

You can adjust the Width and Length of the label design by typing values in the Width and Length boxes, or by clicking on the corresponding up/down or left/right arrows. The arrows will change direction based on the Orientation that you select.

You can change the Orientation of the label by clicking on the appropriate button, with the darkened button showing the current selection. In Portrait orientation, the width of your roll of label stock should correspond to the Width measurement shown; in Landscape orientation, the width of your roll of label stock should correspond to the Length measurement shown.

Some of these options may be “grayed out” and unavailable, depending on the type of label stock that has been selected for Label Type.

FIXED AND DYNAMIC LENGTHS

If the label length is set to “Fixed,” then the label design will remain at the size set under Label Dimensions. However, you can also choose “Dynamic” to have LabelForge automatically extend or contract the length of your label design as you add or remove content. Again, the button that is darker shows the current selection.

When the Label Type has been set to a die-cut or pre-printed label stock, the Dynamic length option will be “grayed out” and unavailable; these materials have a defined length.

SUPPLY MATCHING

The Supply Match option (Auto or Manual) allows certain systems to provide automatic assistance with setting up your label design. With the Auto setting, LabelForge will automatically fill in several of the options in the Label Setup Window, and “gray out” options that are irrelevant to the supplies loaded in your printer. The Manual setting allows you to control all of the aspects of the design.

Automatic supply matching is not available with some systems.

LABEL TYPE AND RIBBON TYPE

You can use the Label Type option to select the label stock that you are using. The different supplies are categorized by type, width, and color; when you have made your selection, click the OK button at the top of the window to continue. The other settings may change to reflect the type and size of material in use. For many supplies, the label canvas will show a non-editable background that reflects the appearance of the label stock (such as a yellow background, or a red “DANGER” header.)

You can also set the Label Type to “Custom” to create new designs without limiting your options.

The Ribbon Type option allows you to select the printing ribbon (or “ink”) that you are using. This way, the printed content of your label will appear in the correct color on the screen.

OFFSETS

If the Label Type has been set to a die-cut or pre-printed supply, another set of options will appear. The Vertical and Horizontal Offsets, shown in pixels, allow you to fine-tune the location of the print on the label. By default, the offsets are set to zero.

SNAP TO GRID

This option makes it easy to align multiple objects. As you drag an object, it will “snap” to the nearest line on an invisible grid. You can disable the Snap to Grid function to finetune object positions, if desired. The Snap to Grid button will be dark if the function is turned on. When the rulers are set in inches, the invisible grid lines are 1/8 inch apart; when the rulers are set in millimeters, they are 2 mm apart.

PRINTER SETUP

This button opens the detailed controls for your printer. On some systems, the button will be “grayed out” and unavailable. The printer controls will also be available when you are ready to begin printing.

Templates

Rather than using the detailed Label Setup window, you can automatically select the settings for a pre-set template using the Load Template button. The Object Menu on the left will be replaced with a Templates menu showing the different categories; choose a category, and then click on the desired label template. Your label setup options, including the Label Type, will be updated to match that template. Then, you can adjust the content (as described later in this guide) and print a label in minutes.

Many of the Templates are designed for use with a pre-printed supply type. Because choosing a Template also sets the Label Type, these Templates will show a non-editable background.

More Support Options

If you have any questions about using LabelForge label design software, get help from Graphic Products’ world-class support team by calling 800-788-5572 or visiting GraphicProducts.com. We’re here to help with all your labeling needs!