Creating an MPCLII Format Packet
A format defines which fields appear and where the fields are printed on the label. The printer
requires this information in a special form, using Monarch® Printer Control Language II
(MPCL). This section describes how to create a sample MPCLII format packet.
Make sure supplies are loaded, the printer is connected to the host and is ready to receive
data. Refer to the User’s Manual for more information.
For detailed information about the format header, text, constant text, and bar code fields, see
Chapter 3, "Defining Fields
." For information about batch packets, see Chapter 6, “Printing.”
1. Type the following format header in any text editor:
{F,25,A,R,E,200,200,"FMT-25" |
2. Type the following constant text field:
C,140,40,0,1,2,1,W,C,0,0,"SAMPLE FORMAT",0 |
3. Type the following bar code field:
B,1,12,F,85,40,1,2,40,5,L,0 |
4. Type the following text field:
T,2,18,V,50,50,1,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,1 | }
You have created a format packet for your MPCLII printer. Now, a batch packet must be
created before you can print the format.
5. Type the following batch header, after the text field line:
{B,25,N,1 |
6. Type the following bar code data:
1,"02802811111" |
7. Type the following text field data:
2,"TEXT FIELD" | }
8. Save your file as SAMPLE.FMT.
9. Import the packets into your communications software or send
it to the printer’s communication port.
Starting with a Design
Before you create a format packet, you must design your label. There are several steps to
designing a custom label:
1. Decide which fields should appear on your label. See “Determining Format Contents
” for
more information.
2. Determine your label size. Labels are available from us in a wide variety of sizes. Your
application and the amount of data you need to print determines the supply size. Contact
your Sales Representative for more information.
3. Draw a rough sketch of your label. You may want to draw several variations to see what
works best. See “Drawing Rough Sketches
” for more information.
1-2 Packet Reference Manual