Creating Zebra Check in Labels

Overview

Rock's check-in system uses specially formatted files to create the check-in labels. These files use the Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) to format the labels. The instructions below will help you setup the tools you need to create check-in labels and walk you through making your first label.

Install ZebraDesigner

ZebraDesigner is a WYSIWYG design tool for designing ZPL formated labels. While Zebra has several different versions of the software the free ZebraDesigner has everything you'll need to make labels. The 'Pro' version does not have any additional features that will be needed for creating check-in labels. It only adds capabilities like embedding RFID codes.

1. Download the ZebraDesigner Software.
2. Run the setup selecting all of the defaults.
3. Launch the application. The first time it is run it will ask you to install a ZDesigner print driver. Select the 'Add Printer' button to add this driver.
   1. Walk-thru the wizard steps until you reach the Select Printer screen. Here, select the printer model you'll be working with. We use the GX 420d.
   2. Next you will need to pick a port where the printer is attached. While it's easier to select a print connected through USB, connecting to one via IP would allow it to also be used from Rock. To connect it via IP first get the the IP address of the printer (press and hold the feed button until it flashes once then release. A network configuration label should be printed that lists the printers IP.) Next press the "Add Port..." button and type in the IP address in both the "Port Name" and "IP Address field". Finally, press OK. Select this new port and click "Next".
4. Ensure that the "Launch installation of Zebra Font Downloader Setup Wizard" is checked and click "Next".
5. Walk through the setup wizard.
6. The ZebraDesigner is now installed. You should now be able to open the program, select a default label and print it to the printer you configured.

For more information consider reading the ZebraDesign User Guide.

Creating Your First Basic Label

Follow the steps below to create a simple checkin label. More advanced features will be covered below.

1. Open ZebraDesigner
2. Create a new blank label by selecting "File" -> "New" from the menu. Skip the "Select Stock" screen (not sure what this is used for, manual doesn't really say). One the "Page Size" screen enter the size of your labels (often 4x2). Select the print orientation of your label on the "Label Layout" screen (portrait). Finally, enter your label canvas width (4x2) and click "Finish". You should now have a blank label.
3. Add a text field to the label with the following:
   • Fixed Text
   • Your church name
   • Font set to Zebra and sized to 18pt
4. Add an additional text field to the label with:
   • Variable Text
   • Font 'Zebra 0' and sized to 24pt
   • Variable type "Keyboard input" from second screen
   • Prompt of "First Name"
   • Max size of 24
   • Value is Required
   • Format is "Alphanumeric"
   • No Prefix or Suffix text
5. Print your label to the printer to see the result.
6. Save your label as a .lbl file for future edits.
7. When complete, create the ZPL file (will export with the extension of .prn) for the label by enabling "Print to File" on the print screen. When the prompts come up for the variable data enter merge field names you'll use for Arena (e.g. 'firstname'). When you click "Print" the save dialog will be displayed.
8. Open Rock Check-in Label page ("Administration" -> "General Settings" -> "Check-in Labels").
9. Add the check-in label. Once you upload the ZPL file you should see the merge field opens display with the two text fields you created. Link the "firstname" to the "First Name" merge field and delete the field that contains your church's name.

Additional Topics Coming

1. How to upload and use different fonts
2. The use of FontAwesome for adding badges to your labels
3. How to add new merge field types
4. How to add labels to your checkin configuration

Best Practices

Creating labels is easy using the ZebraDesigner software. Below are a few best practices to help you create the highest quality labels.

• When working with images be sure to make the image the exact size you want on the label (do not stretch it larger or smaller). The best way to achieve this is to create the label first in Photoshop. Set your Photoshop file to be the same size in inches as your label with a DPI of 203.
• Only use embedded printer fonts. These fonts are noted with a small printer icon in the ZebraDesigner font picker. If you would like to use a different font be sure to upload it to the printer (note you will need to do this to each printer that will be used in the checkin process). Using normal TrueType fonts, noted with a 'TT' next to them will not work.
• more to come...