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Product: LABELVIEW, CODESOFT
Version: All Versions

About Data Sources and Variables

What is a data source?

A data source is a location from which a specific piece of data is extracted to populate a variable field on a label. A data source can be internal or external.

  • Internal data sources include counters, formulas, and date/time stamps such as a system clock.
  • External data sources include databases and direct keyboard input such as forms.

What is a variable?

A variable is a component whose value changes as printing takes place. Its value is linked to a data source and is populated based on predefined entries, formats, or increments. For example, a date variable can contain the current day, date, and time using the computer or printer clock. A counter variable can increment with each label printed.

Why use variables?

Variables allow labels to automatically update changing information during printing. Variables also make it possible to print unique values on each label, such as serialized numbers.

What is a variable object?

A variable object is a variable added to a document as text, a barcode, or an image. A single variable can be associated with multiple objects.

Types of Variables

LABELVIEW and CODESOFT support the following variable types:

  • Database variables are populated using database queries or ASCII tables.
  • Date variables use the computer or printer clock and can be formatted in multiple ways.
  • Formulas or linked expressions are populated using operators, constants, variables, and functions.
  • Form variables allow user input during printing.
  • Table lookup variables retrieve values from external database searches.
  • Counter variables increment automatically during printing.
  • Free variables contain values that are not predefined when the variable is created.

Managing Variables

Data Sources Window

The Data sources window displays all available data sources and the variables associated with them.

NOTE: Show or hide the Data Sources window by selecting View → Data sources.

Using the Data Sources Window

  • Expand or collapse variables associated with a data source by clicking the triangle next to the data source type.

  • Add a variable by right-clicking a data source and selecting Add.

  • Access variable properties by right-clicking the variable and selecting Properties, or by double-clicking the variable.

  • Place a variable into a document by dragging it from the Data sources window into the document, then choosing text, barcode, or image display.

  • Delete a variable by right-clicking it and selecting Delete.

Creating Shared Variables

What is a shared variable?

A shared variable stores its value in a file external to the document after printing. That value can then be reused by other documents. Shared variables can be used with Counter, When Printed, Advanced, or List variables. To use a variable across multiple documents, enable the Shared option in the variable properties and reference the same variable name.

You can also create a shared variable from Tools → Shared data sources management.

Create a Shared Variable

1. On the Tools menu, click Shared Data Sources Management, then select either Counter, When Printed, List, or Advanced.

The Shared Data Sources Management dialog box appears.

2. Click the + icon to insert a new variable.

3. Enter the variable name in the left column and the variable value in the right column.

4. Repeat the process as needed for additional variables.

5. Click OK.
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