Print issues

#1 · October 28, 2021, 4:25 pm

I have some variable results that are sent to a .txt file for printing.

The printer i have is a thermal printer with limited page size options. (normal is 58mm wide x 210mm long)

If i print the file direct, it prints fine - 58mm x 80mm (the size it should and needs to be)
BUT if i print it via a print button within the software it prints everything in one long line (210mm long)

Can anyone offer a solution?
The first piccie (Scannew) is what it prints like direct from the file and the other one is the way its printing via the print option

The software has been done by a rcohen at RCMedia

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#2 · October 28, 2021, 5:53 pm

@mbpitt

I think you need to ask @rcohen. I marked the login with a doggie sign, which means Robert will get the message when he checks his email. Without knowing how the project is set up, you can only guess at the reasons for this type of printing.

#3 · October 28, 2021, 5:55 pm

Hi, Robert knows about the issue and we can't seem to find a solution, so decided to ask the Forum

#4 · October 28, 2021, 5:58 pm

@mbpitt

If you post a demonstration project file (pub) with a print function that does not work correctly, we can try to figure out the reasons or make the function differently.

#5 · October 28, 2021, 9:57 pm

@mbpitt

The attached archive contains a demo file and a template file (docx, but you can also do rtf, if necessary). With my plugin vlWord you write variables to the lines of the template file, and then (with a separate button) you can print the file. Try it, maybe this option will work for you.

MS Word must be installed on your computer for the plugin to work.

The vlWord plugin is free and exists in different languages:

https://visualneo.com/forum/topic/vlword-working-with-ms-word-from-visualneo-win-projects?part=1

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#6 · October 28, 2021, 10:14 pm

@mbpitt

At https://visualneo.com/old-plugins you can find one of my old plug-ins named FileUtils.

Plugin have a command PRINT AT with high density grid so you can set very precise variable position on screen.

PRINT AT have own window with a lot of properties, including fonts, size, backgrounds, insert images, labels (it's a variables) etc..

Of course, you have to play a little, but, I made a print software for really complicated formulars when all other software was useless :-)

You have to try if you want, it's free and work flawless on all Windows :-)

Cheers!

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#7 · October 29, 2021, 4:29 am

Thank you @dglojnar

I don't do a whole lot of printing from my software but this is the first time I've bumped into this. I started out with an RTF file but because the thermal printer Martin is trying to print from, it would not fit horizontally (there is only 1.8 inches) so we moved to a txt file. What I don't understand is, why does Visual Neo matter when outputting a simple text file? Wouldn't it be fair to say that, since the file format has zero formatting ability that the results would be identical?

I have downloaded your plugin (thank you) and if we can't figure out how to fix this on board, without a plugin then I will give this a shot. But first, I'd like to hear from those who would know, why a txt file would be treated differently simply being launched from Neo? Is there something I can set that would eliminate this problem?

Thanks all

#8 · October 29, 2021, 9:14 am

@dglojnar

FileUtils plugin and plugins with the prefix bd are your plugins? Sorry, there is an error in my database. For some reason my database lists the other one as the author. I'll be sure to fix that! I apologize.

#9 · October 29, 2021, 9:31 am

@dglojnar

Ah, I get it, you're co-authors! I read a thread I accidentally missed (https://visualneo.com/forum/topic/free-plugins). Thanks for your contributions to the VisualNEO Win ecosystem!!! I will complete the information in my database!

#10 · October 29, 2021, 12:26 pm

Quote from Vadim on October 29, 2021, 9:14 am

@dglojnar

FileUtils plugin and plugins with the prefix bd are your plugins? Sorry, there is an error in my database. For some reason my database lists the other one as the author. I'll be sure to fix that! I apologize.

No, coder was my friend, Marije Ljolje, but I pay for his work, source, time etc...so, it's belong to me :-)

And also I made complete syntax, command list etc.. - of course, it was developed for my needs, but I think a lot of fellow Neobook/VisualNeo Win user can find this plugin very useful :-)

Sorry for misunderstanding!

Cheers!

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#11 · October 29, 2021, 12:42 pm

Quote from rcohen on October 29, 2021, 4:29 am

Thank you @dglojnar

I don't do a whole lot of printing from my software but this is the first time I've bumped into this. I started out with an RTF file but because the thermal printer Martin is trying to print from, it would not fit horizontally (there is only 1.8 inches) so we moved to a txt file. What I don't understand is, why does Visual Neo matter when outputting a simple text file? Wouldn't it be fair to say that, since the file format has zero formatting ability that the results would be identical?

I have downloaded your plugin (thank you) and if we can't figure out how to fix this on board, without a plugin then I will give this a shot. But first, I'd like to hear from those who would know, why a txt file would be treated differently simply being launched from Neo? Is there something I can set that would eliminate this problem?

Thanks all

@rcohen

It's hard to say....

I also don't have too much printing processes in my programms, but, I develop for my ex-company (BIG insurance house) a printing form software.

Problem was that printing company which was making a printing form doesn't follow our recomendations about form layout - this was a f***in mess :-)

Over 600 already printed forms, EVERY form has different margins, spaces, layout etc...

So, you can imagine process - first create a input form for all fields from printed form, then set all items on right places, print to check - and so 450+ times :-)

And print to all printers avaliable in company - from 24-pin dot-matrix to color laser/ink jet....nightmare :-\

Also, some parts of form have to have TTF fonts, some parts not, different sizes, formats (because of company policy)

Without this plugin, I really don't know if this task was even possible - probably, but, at this time, I don't have a time to explore which software fit for this task.

Cheers!

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#12 · October 29, 2021, 12:46 pm

@vadim

No problem my friend :-)

Cheers!

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#13 · October 29, 2021, 5:05 pm

Tried the FileUtils plugin but its above my understanding! (sorry) hence asking RCMedia to help with the project.

I can't seem to get it to do anything.

:(

#14 · October 29, 2021, 5:12 pm

@mbpitt

How can I help you ?

It's a really easy, but I can help you if you want :-)

Cheers!

#15 · October 29, 2021, 6:39 pm

Thank you,

What information/graphics do you require?

Martin

#16 · October 29, 2021, 6:49 pm

@mbpitt

First, I don't have a printer :-(

Second, some explanation about project, desired print look, what do you want to make and part of PUB where your printing started.

Fonts, fonts size, printing size area (in cm/mm if possible) evtl.graphics is also welcome...

If is thermal printer, all graphics are BW, white paper background, so I don't see too much trouble (I hope so!)

Of course, I have to use FileUtils plug-in, without this plugin I'm not sure how can I do that...

Cheers!

P.S I'm still working with Neobook 5.8.7.....

#17 · October 29, 2021, 7:10 pm

At the begining of the post are two piccies.
The first piccie is the desired look/printout that we are looking for.
The actual size of the thermal print out paper is 58mm x 80mm, so anything printed within those dimensions is fine.
The Information required (variables) are
[RaceNumber]
[HorseNumber]
£[Pounds]
[Playername]
[DateLong]

Ive attached the .txt file that the program sends the information to, to print off.

For some reason, I'm unable to change the printable page size in the thermal printer software.
If I print the attached, direct to the printer it prints out as it should (58x80mm)
When the variables are updated in the program and sent to the printer it prints as in the other piccie (above).....all the information in one long line.

White background as you say

#18 · October 29, 2021, 7:24 pm

Attachment ?

#19 · October 29, 2021, 7:27 pm

Hmmm....

Why you send a data for print to text file ?

IMHO is way better to send variables direct to printer and AFTER printing save to .txt file if you need this data...

#20 · October 29, 2021, 9:35 pm

@mbpitt

OK, here we go :-)

In attachment is PUB in folder TEST, test logo named logo,jpg and saved printer file with name thermal_test (no extension).

So, open pub and look on the button properties - double click on command dgPrintAT open a window with saved test file for print.

Note that on the right side when you click (one click) on any element you can see a position of object in mm X,Y.

With cursor keys just move any object on desired location.

Double click open edit window for object.

Moving mouse on icons on top you can see a hint.

So this is it, i think it's a really simple.

Of course you have to set right printing position.

Note that you have to print FROM dgPrinAT window - via printer setup or directly.

If you want to automate process, just emulate mouse click on specific icons - print/print directly and close.

I hope this help!

Cheers!

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Print issues - Forum

Print issues