cardPresso

MORE THAN AN APPLICATION

by cardPresso, Lda

Version 1.7
All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the
written permission of the publisher.

Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the
respective owners.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the author assume no responsibility for
errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use
of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the author be liable for any loss of profit or any
other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document.

June 2022
 4 cardPresso Manual

Contents
0

Chapter 1. About cardPresso 8

1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Features
..................................................................................................................................... 10
1.3 Licensing
..................................................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 2. Installation and Support 13

2.1 Installing
.....................................................................................................................................
cardPresso 14
2.1.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
Window s Installation 14
2.1.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
Mac OS X Installation 16
2.2 Changing
.....................................................................................................................................
Language 17
2.3 Updating
.....................................................................................................................................
cardPresso 18
2.4 cardPresso
.....................................................................................................................................
Support 18

Chapter 3. Getting Started 19

3.1 - Welcome
.....................................................................................................................................
View 20
3.1.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- CP Menu 21
3.2 - Creating
.....................................................................................................................................
a New Card 23
3.3 - Open Your
.....................................................................................................................................
Own Card Documents 25
3.3.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Open an Existing Card Docum ent 25
3.3.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Recover Your Card Docum ents From Backups 26
3.4 - Using Templates
..................................................................................................................................... 28
3.4.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Create from Existing Tem plate 29
3.4.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Create Your Ow n Tem plates 31
3.5 - Using Models
..................................................................................................................................... 33
3.5.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Create from Existing Model 33
3.5.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Create Your Ow n Model 35
3.6 - Production
.....................................................................................................................................
Mode 38
3.6.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- How to configure the Production Mode 39
3.6.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Navigate betw een view s 42
3.6.3.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Use Production Mode 42

Chapter 4. Design 45
4.1 - Workspace
..................................................................................................................................... 46
4.2 - Document
.....................................................................................................................................
Properties 50
4.2.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Background 51
4.2.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Clipart 55
4.2.3.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Layouts 57
4.2.4.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Script 62
4.3 - Document
.....................................................................................................................................
Objects 64
4.3.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Line 64
4.3.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Rectangle 67
4.3.3.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Circle 68
4.3.4.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Shape 69
4.3.5.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Text 70
4.3.6.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Print Counter 71

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 Contents 5

4.3.7.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Print Date 72
4.3.8.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- 1D Barcode 73
4.3.9.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- 2D Barcode 74
4.3.10
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Im age 75
4.3.11
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Signature 76
4.4 - Object.....................................................................................................................................
Properties 78
4.4.1.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Item 79
4.4.2.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Position 80
4.4.3.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Shape 80
4.4.4.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Rotation 81
4.4.5.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Outline 82
4.4.6.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Fill 83
4.4.7.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Font 86
4.4.8.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Barcode 89
4.4.9.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Im age 90
4.4.10
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Source 91
4.4.10.1 - Text......................................................................................................................................................................
& Barcode 93
- Print Counter ................................................................................................................................................................ 93
- Print Date ................................................................................................................................................................ 95
- Keyboard Input ................................................................................................................................................................ 97
- Database ................................................................................................................................................................ 108
- Item Link ................................................................................................................................................................ 110
4.4.10.2 - Image ......................................................................................................................................................................
& Signature 110
- From Disk ................................................................................................................................................................ 111
- From Camera ................................................................................................................................................................
or Scanner 113
- From Signature ................................................................................................................................................................
Pad 115
- From Image ................................................................................................................................................................
Editor 117
- From Database ................................................................................................................................................................ 119
- Item Link ................................................................................................................................................................ 121
4.4.11
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Alignm ent 122
4.4.12
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Script 123
4.4.13
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Multi Align 124

Chapter 5. Database 125

5.1 - Connection
..................................................................................................................................... 126
5.1.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Configuration 126
5.1.1.1 - Direct ......................................................................................................................................................................
CSV & TXT Driver 128
5.1.1.2 - Direct ......................................................................................................................................................................
Excel Driver 130
5.1.1.3 - Direct ......................................................................................................................................................................
MS Access Driver 131
5.1.1.4 - Internal ......................................................................................................................................................................
Database 131
- Using an XXS ................................................................................................................................................................
license 132
- Using a higher ................................................................................................................................................................
edition 134
5.1.1.5 - ODBC ...................................................................................................................................................................... 134
5.1.1.6 - MySQL ......................................................................................................................................................................
Driver 136
5.1.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Database Operations 136
5.1.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Table Colum ns 137
5.1.4
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Guide Colum ns 138
5.1.5
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Database Filter 139
5.1.6
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Order Colum ns 140
5.1.7
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Properties 141
5.2 - Dockbar
..................................................................................................................................... 143
5.3 - Database
..................................................................................................................................... 144
5.4 - Find or
.....................................................................................................................................
Filter 144
5.5 - Database
.....................................................................................................................................
View 146
5.5.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Table view 147
5.5.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Edit Records 148

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 6 cardPresso Manual

5.6 - Managing
.....................................................................................................................................
Records 149
5.6.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Adding Records 149
5.6.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Editing Records 150
5.6.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Deleting Records 150

Chapter 6. Printing 152

6.1 - Print ..................................................................................................................................... 154
6.1.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Printing With a Database 155
6.1.1.1 - Printing ......................................................................................................................................................................
a Database Range 155
6.1.1.2 - Printing ......................................................................................................................................................................
Selected Records in a Database 157
6.1.1.3 - Printing ......................................................................................................................................................................
w ith Conditional Printing from a Database 158
6.1.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Copies 158
6.1.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Print Operations 158
6.2 - Print Settings
..................................................................................................................................... 159
6.2.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Printer 160
6.2.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Print Layout 161
6.2.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Options 163
6.3 - Advanced
.....................................................................................................................................
Print Operations 166
6.3.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Update Print Status 166
6.3.1.1 - Automatic ......................................................................................................................................................................
Print Status 167
6.3.1.2 - Manual ......................................................................................................................................................................
Print Status 167
6.3.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Auto-Print 168
6.3.2.1 - How......................................................................................................................................................................
to configure 168
6.3.2.2 - AutoPrint ......................................................................................................................................................................
Commands 169
6.3.2.3 - AutoPrint ......................................................................................................................................................................
w ith Command Prompt and Window s Run 170
6.3.2.4 - AutoPrint ......................................................................................................................................................................
Batch File 171

Chapter 7 - Encoding 173

7.1 - Barcodes
..................................................................................................................................... 174
7.1.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- 1D Barcode 174
7.1.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- 2D Barcode 175
7.1.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Database Generated Barcodes 176
7.1.4
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Script Generated Barcodes 178
7.2 - Magnetic
.....................................................................................................................................
Stripe 179
7.2.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Macros / Sentinels 180
7.2.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Adding Data to a Track 181
7.2.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Adding a Database Source to a Track 181
7.2.4
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Concatenation With Databases 182
7.2.5
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Editing Magnetic Macros / Sentinels 184
7.2.6
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Script Encoding 185
7.3 - Contact
.....................................................................................................................................
and Contactless Encoding 186
7.3.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Encode View 187
7.3.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Encode Model 188
7.3.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Data Inspector 189
7.3.4
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Encode Script 191
7.3.5
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Properties 191
7.3.5.1 - Preview ...................................................................................................................................................................... 192
7.3.5.2 - Printer ......................................................................................................................................................................
Tools 192
7.3.5.3 - Database ...................................................................................................................................................................... 194
7.3.5.4 - Database ......................................................................................................................................................................
Filter 196
7.3.5.5 - Database ......................................................................................................................................................................
Find 197
7.3.5.6 - Script ...................................................................................................................................................................... 198

Chapter 8. Security 199

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 Contents 7

8.1 - Document
.....................................................................................................................................
Password Protection 200
8.1.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Activate Docum ent Passw ord Protection 200
8.1.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Deactivate Docum ent Passw ord Protection 201
8.2 - Users.....................................................................................................................................
allowances 201
8.2.1
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Users View 201
8.2.2
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Users 203
8.2.2.1 - Enabling ......................................................................................................................................................................
User Logins 203
8.2.2.2 - Login...................................................................................................................................................................... 204
8.2.2.3 - Add ......................................................................................................................................................................
User 205
8.2.2.4 - Remove ......................................................................................................................................................................
User 206
8.2.2.5 - Edit a......................................................................................................................................................................
User 206
8.2.3
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Groups 207
8.2.3.1 - Add ......................................................................................................................................................................
Group 207
8.2.3.2 - Remove ......................................................................................................................................................................
Group 209
8.2.3.3 - Edit a......................................................................................................................................................................
Group 209
8.2.4
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
- Auditing 210
8.2.4.1 - Audit......................................................................................................................................................................
Report 211

Appendix A - XXL Net License 213

Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
A.1 - Installing the XXL Net License Service 215

Appendix B - Web Print Server 223

Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
B.1 - Configuring a Web Print Server 224
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
B.2 - Print XML Structure 226
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
B.3 - Web Print Job Sample 227
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
B.4 - Sample Files for the Web Print Server 228
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
B.5 - Database Communication 229
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
B.6 - Print Job Status Request 229
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................
B.7 - Print Server Response 230

Appendix C - Link Image to DB Field 232

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

Chapter 1. About
cardPresso
 Chapter 1. About cardPresso 9

Chapter 1. About cardPresso

Our Mission
cardPresso, Lda is always developing cutting edge ID Card solutions since
2012.

Our programmers have used the most recent innovations from different fields of
information and ID security technologies.

Our goal is to create the perfect balance of functionality and usability, while
ensuring end users ease in using our software. We're constantly exceeding our
goals through the team efforts of our developers, analysts, re-sellers and our
most important contributors, our clients.

Simplicity and ease of use.

Our software is focused on a friendly and easy usage. For that reason our R&D
and Support Team work continuously improving the software and providing
support materials so that our clients can take full advantage of our software.

Reliability.
Our day-a-day work is guided by excellence, customer focus and innovation,
always looking for to become a strong and reliable partner in our customer’s
business.

Expert development.
Our Development Team works diligently to surpass proposed objectives and
market tendency, always looking for to be reference in our business area.

Top rated support.

One of our major concerns is to have satisfied customers and for that reason
we guarantee high quality free technical support. We provide technotes, video
tutorials, phone, Skype and email support, always trying to be proficient and
fast in our response.

1.1 Overview
Welcome to cardPresso.
cardPresso is more than an application...

cardPresso is the ultimate tool for your professional ID card production in a

user-friendly way, designed to have the best performance with large databases
with and without photos. cardPresso facilitates all type of tasks related to card
production such as the design, print and encode of ID cards.

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10 cardPresso Manual

cardPresso, Lda is committed to a continuous software improvement by

responding to the clients' requests, keeping in touch with new technologies and
anticipating the needs of an ever-changing plastic card industry. Our worldwide
staff is available to assist you as needed through training, technical support,
sales information or through a wide range of services including full software
customization, stand alone projects or embedded projects.

cardPresso, Lda allows you to create a card from scratch to production,

without any outsource program needed to deal with any aspect of the card
creation process, such as image treatment, card encoding or even the database
connection, because cardPresso can connect to most any database.

cardPresso's compatibility with Mac OS X Systems is the result of

cardPresso, Lda to offer a flexible software solution, satisfying our customers
needs, no matter what operating system they are using.

Whether it’s automating routine tasks or solving your toughest IT challenges,

cardPresso delivers rapid value and simplifies the plastic card creation process
management, across physical, virtual and cloud environments. And that means
less chaos and stress for you, plus, big cost-savings for your organization.

1.2 Features

§ Tools & Image

cardPresso has in its tools a strong hold for its users, like 1D and 2D
barcodes, variable objects, templates, text setup, full image acquisition, face
detection and a complete built-in image editor. You also have access to a multi-
layout design option.

§ User Interface
cardPresso has five different views:
the Welcome View where you define how you start or resume a previous card
creation process,
ú the Users View where you can define groups and user log-in management,
ú the Document View that gives you a complete overview of the document and at
the same time allows you to work directly on the card design,
ú the Database View that is a full manipulation tool,
ú and finally the Encode View where you can setup your card encoding..

§ Print
cardPresso offers a front and back print option, SDK driver printing, Ethernet
printer support, overlay panel management and batch printing, print status and
in some editions conditional printing over database.

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 Chapter 1. About cardPresso 11

§ Database
cardPresso allows you to connect to any kind of database, such as CSV,
Excel, Access, among others. cardPresso brings an internal database with
photo connection and a powerful database tool set where you can create and
edit a database, link an image to a field, browse, filter and find records, and
concatenation options.

§ Encoding
This feature allows magnetic encoding, contact smartcard plugin, contact
smartcard encoding, contactless RFID encoding and internal / external RFID
encoding. cardPresso also has internal / external RFID encoder support.

§ Miscellaneous
cardPresso gives you free updates and automatic edition upgrades.
A user log that permits a step-by-step follow up of your work.
A programming script (JavaScript, based on ECMA Script Language
Specification).

1.3 Licensing
Since version 1.7.X cardPresso software can be licensed with an activation
code or an USB key.

- If you have an activation code, after installing the correct version (see
Installing cardPresso topic) Click on CP » cardPresso License and select the
"Activation Code" tab. There you must fill in the corresponding field with the
activation code you received.

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12 cardPresso Manual

Advice: Always make a copy of your work. All data on your USB keys is
recoverable except your work. A USB key is a piece of hardware as reliable as
any other.

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

 Chapter 2.
Installation and
Support
 14 cardPresso Manual

Chapter 2. Installation and Support

cardPresso is easy to install and customize.

2.1 Installing cardPresso

For Windows and Mac installation, please follow the steps covered on the topics
Windows Installation and Mac OS X Installation.

2.1.1 Windows Installation

If you have an USB key, please connect it on one of your available USB ports,
the AutoPlay will run automatically and choose the 'Open Folder to view files'
option.

Double-click on the cardPresso executable file and the Installation Wizard will
run. The Installation Wizard is displayed where you can verify the Serial
Number of your product and also select the language to install. To proceed with
the installation click the 'Next' button.

Install or Evaluate
Select the installation folder. By default cardPresso software is installed on the
Programs Folder but you can select another destination folder by selecting the
'Select Destination folder' option.

Check the option 'Install for all users' if you want other Windows users to also
run cardPresso software. Click 'Next' to continue.

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 Chapter 2. Installation and Support 15

If you want to run the application without installing it please click 'Evaluate'.

Shortcuts
Check the shortcuts that you want to create for easy access to the application,
and if you wish to open card files immediately with cardPresso select the file
associations checkbox. Click 'Next' to continue.

Finish
Click 'Finish' to install cardPresso software.

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16 cardPresso Manual

2.1.2 Mac OS X Installation

Install
Double-click on the cardPresso.dmg file and the end user license agreement
appears, click 'Agree' in order to proceed.

Now drag and Drop the cardPresso icon into the Applications folder alias to
install.

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 Chapter 2. Installation and Support 17

2.2 Changing Language

You can change the language of the user interface at any time.

To change the language of the cardPresso software, click "CP" » Language.

Choose the desired language from the list and restart the application to apply
the new language settings.

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

18 cardPresso Manual

2.3 Updating cardPresso

We advise to keep always your cardPresso software up-to-date. To do so go

to https://www.cardpresso.com and download the most recent version,
according to your operating system.

2.4 cardPresso Support

cardPresso, Lda's team treasures the relationship with our customers, keeping
it as close and personal as possible. We are committed to offer you the best
support.

You can reach us at:

(+351) 261 866 163
[email protected]
cardpresso.support

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

 Chapter 3.
Getting Started
 20 cardPresso Manual

Chapter 3. Getting Started

This chapter explains how to handle a document, model or template, how to create or
open an existing file and also how to recover a backup file.

Document - Contains all data related to your work, including the chosen model
or template, all objects, database connections, properties, and encoding
properties. In summary, all the properties involved in your card document
creation.

Model - Contains all the features and shape of your physical card. These
features are size and card type, if it is a basic card, contactless, magnetic or
smartcard. Please notice that the card settings depends on your chosen or
created model type. For instance, you can't access the chip encoding settings if
you've chosen or created a card without SmartCard capabilities..

Template - Is no more then a pre-made document layout used to create a new

document with a similar design, pattern, or style. This means that you can use
an existing template as it is or you can change it as you wish, creating a new
document or template from the opened template.

Backup - cardPresso automatically generates a backup file of your document

every time it's saved. This backup is created in a pre-defined folder ('\My Cards
\Backups') with the document name and date/time creation..

This document can be recovered any time you need.

Example: documentname(yyyymmddThhmmss).cardBackup

3.1 - Welcome View

Welcome View
The welcome view is your starting point when it comes to working with
cardPresso.
Here you can create new card models, open existing card models or previously
made templates, or even create a basic card with a step by step guide.

Here you can also access the Production Mode (available on cardPresso XS)
or the Users View (only on cardPresso XL Edition or higher).

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 Chapter 3. Getting Started 21

To return to the Welcome View at any time:

Click Window menu Welcome View

You can get help in different ways. Choosing "Help" from the Help menu or
context-sensitive help that is always available by pressing the F1 with the cursor
located on the element on which you want help. In addition, many dialog boxes
contain a Help button.

3.1.1 - CP Menu
The top menu bar, gives you access to the "CP" menu.
Here you can find information related to cardPresso.

About cardPresso - Show your release, edition and serial number.

Clear Config - Sets cardPresso all settings to default, including print

settings, object settings and work space.

USB Devices - Show all information about your cardPresso USB key, the
drive ID and the serial number, if this information is not shown it means that
your USB key has not been recognized by the system, please check it.

cardPresso License - Shows information about your cardPresso license

and allows online upgrade.

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

22 cardPresso Manual

View Folders - Show information about cardPresso working folders. If you

don't find a file or don't know where cardPresso keeps it's folders like cliparts,
backups, shapes, etc, you can check on this list its location.

Printer Drivers - Shows information about the printers and drivers installed
on your computer and if you click on 'View All Supported cardPresso Printers'
you have access to a list of compatible encoding printers.

Language - Allows you to choose the language in which cardPresso is

presented.

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

 Chapter 3. Getting Started 23

3.2 - Creating a New Card

The first step to printing cards is creating your own card.

To create new card, in the Welcome View Click Create New Card
button

Or Click File menu New (CTRL+N) or ( command + N )

Then you can choose the card type that you intend to use from our list of
supported card types:

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24 cardPresso Manual

After selecting the card type, the cardPresso Design View will automatically
open, giving you access to all the tools you need to add and edit content to your
new card.

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

 Chapter 3. Getting Started 25

3.3 - Open Your Own Card Documents

In cardPresso there are two kinds of files, the ones you create, called card
documents and the ones created by cardPresso designated by backup files.

To better organize your documents, in the "Open Card" window, you find
"cardPresso Favorites" with two folders - "My Recent Cards" and "My
Cards". Or alternatively you may locate your file in another folder in "My
Computer".

You can sort the way how the cards are displayed. You may sort them by
Name, Name Descending, Modification Time, Modification Time Descending,
File Size and File Size Descending.

In the lower right corner you can find the information about how many readable
documents are currently present in the selected folder, or the name for the current
selected card document.

3.3.1 - Open an Existing Card Document

You can open an existing card document to edit, change or even print
again.

The first step will be to locate the card document that you wish to open. In order
to do so, please click the 'Open' button on the "Welcome View" or use the
'Open' option from the 'File' menu.

Click File Open (CTRL+ SHIFT + O) or ( command + O ) Explorer

and locate your card with extension .card

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26 cardPresso Manual

Click OK.

Your file should have the extension .card

Select the file extension in the corresponding Combo Box, otherwise your file
will not be listed. To proceed "Open".

3.3.2 - Recover Your Card Documents From Backups

A backup is a file that cardPresso automatically creates every time you
save a document in an internal or external drive. The file will be saved with a
date and time reference to make it easier to detect the last backup made. With
this you have the assurance that you have a copy of your document in a
specific date/time, in the backups folder.

Before opening your backup, you should know where cardPresso created the
backup folder during installation. To check the path:

Click CP View Folders

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 Chapter 3. Getting Started 27

Now that you know where your backups are stored (.../users/.../
Documents/Backups ), you can easily locate the backup document that you
need to recover.

Click File Open Explorer cardPresso Favorites My Cards

Backups and select your backup document in the folder "Backups"

Remember that your backup has a 'filename(savedateTsavetime).cardBackup'

filename convention.

Click OK.

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28 cardPresso Manual

Your file should have the extension .cardBackup

Now all you have to do is to save your document with another name and with
.card extension.

Select the correct file extension in the corresponding Combo Box, otherwise
your file will no be listed.

3.4 - Using Templates

A template is a collection of styles that control the layout and appearance of
a card document. You can quickly create your card document using one of our
many templates.

cardPresso provides these templates organized in categories, such as Test and

Diagnostic; Sports; Shopping; Schools; Loyalty; Clubs & Resorts; Business;
Activities and Access Control.

But if for some reason these categories don't fit your needs, you can always
create new ones, just go to My Templates directory and once there create a
new folder and cardPresso will assume that folder to be a template category.

The Templates cover a wide range of graphics and variable field types, all of
them fully editable. These professional templates are part of your cardPresso
software. Your cardPresso USB dongle also contains additional templates.

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

 Chapter 3. Getting Started 29

3.4.1 - Create from Existing Template

To create a document from a template, in Welcome View Click Create a
card » Create a card using a template

Or Click File menu Open Template (CTRL+ SHIFT + O) or (

command + O )

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

30 cardPresso Manual

In the dialog box, search through the available templates.

You can create a card based on a template and then modify the document
without affecting the original template

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda

 Chapter 3. Getting Started 31

By making changes to the background, images, text, and orientation card.

You can create a new design to suit your needs. You can also modify any card
object in your document.

All you have to do now is to save your new card document.

3.4.2 - Create Your Own Templates

If the preset templates do not meet your requirements, you can create a
template based on your own styles.

To create your own template, start by creating a new card and chose a model
type that fits your need. For instance, if you chose a contactless model, the
result will be a template based on your contactless, but with your own design.To
create your own template, start by creating a new card and chose a model type
that fits your need.

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Click 'OK'. If you want to continue. Otherwise click 'Close' to revert to the
previous window.

A template may include any object type, variable field or text that can be
edited and modified at any time. Make all the changes you want on your
template and then save it with '.cardTemplate' file extension, in the appropriate
folder in cardPresso (.../My Cards/My Templates/...).

Click File Save or Save as and create your file.

Your file should have the extension .cardTemplate

You can edit your template at any time.

Click File Open Explorer

Select the file extension ".cardTemplate" in the corresponding Combo Box,

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otherwise the template files will not be listed.

After you have completed your template edition click Save and your old
template will be replaced with the new modifications.

3.5 - Using Models

cardPresso allows you to create a document in two different ways, by using
an existing model or by creating your own card model.

The first one only requires you to choose one of the many different types of
models that cardPresso has at your disposal. Like mentioned before, you have
four major kinds of card models: basic, contactless, contact smart card and
magnetic, and each type can have different settings like sizes, different kinds of
magnetic strips and so on, all listed on cardPresso model type.

But if you have a specific type of card model that is not listed, cardPresso
allows you to create it and that's the other way to create a document, using a
new card model.

Note that whatever model you choose, it will restrict access to further settings and
properties, like referred before. If you open a "Contact Smart Card", the result will be a
model of your "Contact Smart Card", where you can only edit Smart Card Settings, and it
will not allow you to access, for instance, RFID settings.

3.5.1 - Create from Existing Model

This topic guides you on how to create a new document using an existing
model. You can start a creation procedure by clicking on the create button on
the "Welcome View".

'Welcome View' 'Click Create'

Or 'Click File' menu 'New' (CTRL+ N) or (command + N )

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Then choose the type of model you want. The model types are organized in
5 groups:

Basic - have no contacts, no microprocessors or internal memory. Simple

piece of plastic that you can print on front and back side.

Common - are the most common types of card models, used by the vast
majority of users.

Magnetic - this model type allows you to encode the magnetic stripe
through cardPresso. This means that you can print and encode your card at
the same time or use an external encoder. These cards may contain secondary
technology, like RFID technology.

Contactless - any pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits that

can process and store data, and communicate with a terminal via radio waves.
This type of card model allows you to encode through cardPresso. By using
JavaScript language, you can program your card and perform the read and
write operation on the card. This also means that you can print and encode your
card at the same time or use an external encoder.

Mifare - this card model, when chosen, allows you to read or write the
several sectors of your card. By using JavaScript language you can connect
the sectors to database fields and update them automatically or simply enter
data through keyboard input, therefore you can print and encode at the same
time. These cards may contain secondary technology, like Magnetic stripes.

Contact - a smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card (ICC) is any
pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits. In cardPresso you have
four types of card models, I2C, JCOP (Java Card), SLE4442 and generic. This
type of card model allows you to encode through cardPresso. By using
JavaScript language, you can program your card and perform read and write
operation on the card. This also means that you can print and encode your card

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at the same time or use an external encoder.

Unusual - set of models used by a small number of users. Model types

developed for specific projects are now included in this group.

User Models - if you have any models in folder "My Models", they will
become available in this group.

After you have chosen the model type, 'Click OK' and you will be able to
start working on your new card. Or 'Click Close' if you want to revert to the
previous window.

For your first card design, please watch the video tutorial Create a Business
Card, check also heck he Objects and Properties topic.

3.5.2 - Create Your Own Model

To create a document using a new model, you have to start by creating the
model. This will be your starting point to customize your own document.

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Your next step is to save that same model with the extension '.cardModel' and
save it in the cardPresso folder called "Documents/My Models" in order to be
identified as a model.

It is important that you save your file in the folder "My Models", to be
displayed in the category "My Models" in "Select model type".

Click File Save or Save as and create your file as the example below, in
your folder "Documents" (To see the folder location, please click on menu
CP View Folders)

Your file must be saved with the extension .cardModel

At this point, you've created your new model "yourdoc.cardModel." The next
step will be to locate your file and open it.

Click File Open Explorer cardPresso Favorites My Cards

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Select the file extension in the corresponding combo box, otherwise your file
will not be listed.

After opening the model, you can customize the dimensions and corners
radius. On your right on the properties tabs you will find a tab named "Layout"
where you can change the card dimensions and corners radius,

You can also change the orientation of your card by clicking on File menu
Configure Print and In "Print Layout" Click Orientation and select your
card orientation. The card orientation can be changed at any time, but this will
be your card default orientation.

You can add images, text or other elements to customize the thumbnail that
you will see in the preview area.

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The last step is to save the model that you've just created. From now on the
new model will be displayed in the Create Document Dialog Box, under the
category "My Models".

Click File Save (CTRL+ SHIFT + S) or ( command + S )

Please note that cardModels can't be printed, they have to be saved as

*.card before you can print.

3.6 - Production Mode

The Production Mode was created to provide an area to manage and print
records without it being possible to edit the design. Using the Production Mode
you can ensure that your design will be intact.

The new version of the Production Mode allows you to customize your working
space with a background color of your choice, to add your company logo and
freely arrange the fields on the form, creating a pleasant and useful working
environment for your card production!

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3.6.1 - How to configure the Production Mode

Go to Database View (1) and select the Edit Records (2) option.
Click on the Settings (3) button, located on the top right corner.

In the Production Mode area (4) you find all the customizable options for the
Production Mode.

In the Production Mode area (4) you find all the customizable options for the
Production Mode.
Show Table View (5) – Allows you to display/not display the Table View on the
Production Mode. The Table View allows you to select several records of the
database and print a batch of records. When not displaying the Table View, the
Edit Records option is shown with a single record. In this view only one record
can be printed at a time.

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Background (6) – Define your background color using the color palette or by
inserting a specific RGB code.
Logo (7) – Upload your company logo or a banner of your choice, including
images with transparency. The recommended dimensions for this image are
800 x170 pixels. Only *.png format is supported.
Number of Columns (8) – Define the number of columns of your form up to 3.

Columns (9) – Configure which columns will be available on the form, go to Edit
Records » Columns.
Buttons (10) – Configure the type (icons or text) and the buttons to be shown
on the form, please go to Edit Records » Buttons.

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Menus (11) – Define which menus of the application top bar will be visible in the
Production Mode.
Dockbars (12) – Define if card Preview, Database Find and Database Filter*

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will be available in the Production Mode.

*Database Filter is not available when using connection to Excel file.

3.6.2 - Navigate between views
When in the configuration area, click in the Production Mode icon to go directly
to the Production Mode and see all the settings applied.

When in the Production Mode, click in the Design View icon to go directly to the
configuration area where you can adjust your design or Production Mode
working space.

3.6.3 - Use Production Mode

To use the Production mode open cardPresso and select the Production Mode
icon on the Welcome View.

Select the document you want to use and click Open.

The Production Mode window should reflect the settings saved when configuring
the *.card.

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To prevent users from changing the layout, you can activate the Design
Password Protection on the document (Read more on Chapter 8.1 -
Document Password Protection)

Using this setting, the user will be required to insert a password each time they
try to go to the Design View, preventing unauthorized changes on settings or
design.

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Chapter 4.
Design
 46 cardPresso Manual

Chapter 4. Design
The definition of design is the creation of a plan or convention for the
construction of an object (as in architectural blueprints, engineering drawing,
business process, circuit diagrams and sewing patterns). Design has different
connotations in different fields. In some cases the direct construction of an
object (as in pottery, engineering, management, cowboy coding and graphic
design) is also considered to be design.
In cardPresso you can design and build a layout. To accomplish this,
cardPresso provides the user with specific tools and objects, allowing you to
build your layout according to your imagination, capabilities and needs.

As you know, when you design you create a file, called document, this
document keeps inside all the settings you will use on your creation.

4.1 - Workspace
In cardPresso you can customize your working area as you wish. You can
reposition the menu bars or you can view or hide properties areas.

On the View menu you have a set of options that allows you to change your
working scenario.

ToolBars
Here you can select all the dockbars that should be available in the working
space.

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Metrics
Allows you to define the measurement unit that you wish to work with.

Rulers
Visible - Show or hide the rules in the card design area.

Selected Items - Shows or hides the area occupied by selected items on

top of the card design rulers Set

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Grid
Visible - Set the card visible or hidden

Snap to Grid - Allows you to move and/or position the objects on a grid unit
step or free move

Workspace Color
Allows you to chose the workspace background color.

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Switch between front or back card side.

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Switch to Database View.

Switch to Encoding View.

4.2 - Document Properties

When you open the document view, the first thing you will see is the work
space and on the right side the basic properties of your card document.

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Backgrounds - Each layout can have a unique background. You can

access cardPresso backgrounds library using the Backgrounds Tab. To apply
a background just select it from the list and the background will be applied
immediately to your card layout. You can also set the background using an
image object.

Clipart - You can access it using the Clipart Tab. They can be used as an
image object, part of your card layout creation, or as a background. Please
note that you can only change the background color of the object.

Layouts - Like we said before in this manual, when you design a card, you
are building a layout and in cardPresso, a document can have as many layouts
as you want. The Layouts Tab is our way to offer you a quick way to manage all
the possible layouts on your card document.

Script - The Script Tab allows you to write your own script commands,
based on the ECMEAScript language specifications. This is a way to extend the
already large number of features that cardPresso offers you. It also allows you
to interact with external software, using the results to apply on your document.
You have three different kind of script boards, one for each object, one for the
card document and one for encoding, three different ways to expand
cardPresso capabilities.

4.2.1 - Background
An image to be applied as the background of your card. cardPresso offers
you many background images that can be used from landscape cards to portrait
cards.

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Background images are divided into classes that are accessible through the
background combo box.

It is possible to add a folder with images to use as a background, in the

Background Tab All classes select #User Folder.

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And select through the Explorer Browser the Folder with the images to use as
Background.

It's also possible to use your own image as the card background.
Add an image object to your layout, then right click on the object and chose 'Set
as a Background' option, like shown on the picture below.

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If you want to change or edit the background, right click on the card and
choose 'Edit background'.

The Image Editor will open and from there you can edit the background image.
To commit changes, click on the 'Save Changes' button, otherwise press
'Cancel' to continue.

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4.2.2 - Clipart
Clipart images are pre-made images that can be used to help on the layout
creation. cardPresso offers you several.

They are divided into classes. All you have to do is select one class from the
dropdown combo box.

Select the image from the clipart list, and drag it to the card design area. The
selected image will be used as an image object that you can modify.

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4.2.3 - Layouts
The Layout Tab allows you to define properties, settings and conditions for
the use of the layouts. This feature allows you to use the same card document
on as many layouts as you need and conditionally print the ones you want.

Name - You can give a name to your layout.

Add - You can add a new empty layout

Copy - Creates a new layout based on the current selected layout.

Delete - Delete the selected layout.

Auto Select Based on Database Condition - When checked it allows

access to a condition box, where you can define fields and conditions for every
layout. Remember that these conditions are restricted to the selected layout.

After you enable the checkbox, the first drop list shows all the available fields
from the connected database. You can apply conditions based on the available
fields as you can see below.

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Is Equal - Link the chosen layout to all records with the selected field equal
to the input value.

Is Not Equal - Link the chosen layout to all records with the selected field
different from the input value.

Contains - Link the chosen layout, based on the field value, to all the
records that contains the input value.

Not Contains -Link the chosen layout, based on the field value, to all the
records that do not contain the input value.

Is Null - Link the chosen layout to all records where the selected field is a
null value.

Is Not Null - Link the chosen layout to all records where the selected field is
not a null value.

After you have chosen one condition, you can set it to match any string, like
shown on previous picture , however please notice that the condition is not
case sensitive.

If the record doesn't comply to any condition it will assume the layout of the
previous record.

What benefits may be obtained from using multiple layouts? To explain it, we
will show you a sample case using one of the predefined templates available
with cardPresso.

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Now let´s imagine that you have three different departments in your
company, Sales, Marketing and another one that for this example purpose we
will call it General, but only one database and you need distinguish them visually
for faster identification. The process is simple:

After opening one of our predefined templates, a connection to an internal

database will be made.

It’s time to start working on the card layouts. Now click on the Layout Tab.
As you can see you already have one layout, from cardPresso business card.
Now we will add two new layouts in order to have three different layouts for
sales, marketing and general departments.
To start, change one of the layout's name to Marketing and then click on the
auto select checkbox to set the conditions.
On the database field, choose the field that will define the layout selection, in this
case will be the Position field.
Then in the next drop list set the condition for the chosen field, on our example
we set it to 'Contains'.
And on the text box below add a value for the condition. In this case it is the
department's name, remember that this is not case sensitive.

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Finally, enable the 'Auto select' checkbox. This option allows you to see the card
layout that depends on the condition field type when scrolling through the
database records.

Now choose a distinguishing color for the card that in our example is what will
define visually the different departments.

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Now add a new layout for Sales and General departments. Click on the copy
button twice.
As you see it copies our previous card to the new layout. All we need to do now
is the same procedure we made for the Marketing layout.
Define database settings for each new layout.

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Now use the navigation buttons and start scrolling through the database records.
As you can see, now the setup of the card is finished, connected to an excel
database and with three different layouts to define the different departments.

This is an example, you can choose as many layouts as you want and set
your own conditions.

4.2.4 - Script
There are two kinds of scripts in cardPresso, one for each object and one
for the document. In this chapter we focus on the card document script.
This is an advanced user area, where you can program actions and procedures
in ECMEAScript language in order to define settings or update your object.

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This drop-menu allows you to define when the actions or procedures must
take place.

And in the space below you can write your lines of code.

To see the log of your program output, change tab below.

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4.3 - Document Objects

These objects are the most important features in your card document
creation process. There are two major types of objects, static and dynamic.
The first class refers to objects that will never change along the creation or data
input process, like backgrounds and shapes, for instance.
The dynamic objects can be text objects linked to database (changing while
browsing through several records), print counters or date/time objects.
The objects can be placed throughout the card space, in the front and back
side. And can be arranged as you wish in order to meet your creation needs.
There are also a set of specific settings to each object that you can use
according to your own specifications, like color, size, source, among many
others.

New New New New New Print Print New 1D

Line Rectangle Circle Shape Text Counter Date Barcode

New 2D Brow se Acquire New Database Signature

Barcode Im age Im age Im age Im age

4.3.1 - Line
This object is a simple straight line, but still has some features that you can
setup. You can choose between five different kinds of lines and a custom one.

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Solid Line: Is a plain line.

Dash Line: Dashes separated by a few pixels.

Dot Line: Dots separated by a few pixels.

DashDot Line: Alternate dots and dashes.

DashDotDot LIne: One dash, two dots, one dash, two dots.

The Custom Line is a line that you can define as you wish. By clicking on
the 'advance' button you can set additional parameters like offset and pattern.

Line width: pre-defined options vary between 0.01" to 0.25", but you can
type a customized value.

You can, also, change the color by clicking in one of the colored squares,
acquire any color you have on your screen using the dropper or use the
advance color settings by clicking on the 'More Colors' button.

By clicking on the 'advance' button you have access to settings that allows
you to change the shape of your line. All you have to do is to write the command
on the line like shown below.

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SquareCap: A square line end that covers the end point and extends
beyond it by half the line width.
FlatCap: A square line end that does not cover the end point of the line.
RoundCap: A rounded line end.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

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4.3.2 - Rectangle
This object can be either a rectangle or a square, depending only on the
side measures.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

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4.3.3 - Circle
This object can be either a circle or an ellipse. By moving the delimitation
lines you can change the appearance of the object.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

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4.3.4 - Shape
This object can assume many different shapes. On the Shape Tab you have
a dropdown menu with several categories of shapes. Inside each there are
several shapes that you can add to your card.

You can change the color by clicking in one of the colored squares, acquire
any color you have on your screen using the dropper or use the advance color
settings by click on the 'More Colors' button.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard..

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties

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tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

4.3.5 - Text
The text object allows you to add text to your card document. After
positioning the text on the card design area double-click on it to start typing your
text. The default text format is a text box.

There are three kinds of text objects: alphanumeric, numeric and Lists.
With the alphanumeric text objects, you can use a single line text or a text box,
that allows you to write more then one line of text.
The numeric type is divided in value, integer value and date/time.
There is also Lists and Database Lists, that are no more than a small list with two
fields, one works as an index and the other as the data that the object should
display.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

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Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard..

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.
You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

4.3.6 - Print Counter

The Print Counter object allows you to set a counter and print it on the card.
You can set the update of the object to manual or automatic and interact with a
database field.

It also allows you to define the counter numeric format and values.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard..

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

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Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

4.3.7 - Print Date

The Print Date object allows you to print on the card the current printing date
and/or time.
You can set the update of the object to manual or automatic and interact with a
database field.

It also allows you to define the date and time format.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

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Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

4.3.8 - 1D Barcode
This object allows you to create a barcode. A barcode is an optical machine-
readable representation of data relating to the object to which it is attached.
There are many different barcode types, Code 128, EAN-8, UPC among many
others. Each one with different features and settings.
You can setup to see only the bars or complement it with readable data.

You can also connect the object to a database field to become a dynamic
readable source.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

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Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

4.3.9 - 2D Barcode
This object allows you to create a 2D barcode. A 2D barcode is also an
optical machine-readable representation of data relating to the object to which it
is attached, evolved from the 1D barcode into rectangles, dots, hexagons and
other geometric patterns in two dimensions (2D). Although 2D systems use a
variety of symbols, they are generally referred to as barcodes as well.
There are many different 2D barcodes types, PDF417, Datamatrix, QR-Code
and others. Each one with different characteristics.

You can also connect the object to a database field to become a dynamic
readable source.

Please be aware that this object is only supported from XM edition onwards.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

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Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

4.3.10 - Image
This object is a very important one, not only because it allows you to add and
work an image on your card, but also allows you to transform that image into
your card background.
It can be added to your card from any source available like a scan device,
camera, disc or cloud and allows any kind of image, jpg, png and others.
With cardPresso you can transform that image as you want, changing color,
light, size and many other settings.

Making it your card background is easy, right click on the image and
chose 'Set as Background' and your picture is adapted to your card size.

If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

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Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

Export Image - Allows you to export the image as a file to anywhere on your
computer.
Set As Background - Set the image as the background of your layout.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

4.3.11 - Signature
This object allows you to add a Signature on the card.

A Signature can be added from Signature Pad devices recognized by

cardPresso, which are the WinTab, Wacom Bamboo & Topaz:

- SigLite LCD 1x5 - T-L460-HSB-R and T-LBK460-HSB-R

- SigLite LCD 4x3 - T-LBK750-BHSB-R
- SignatureGem LCD 1x5 - T-L462-HSB-R and T-LBK462-HSB-R
- SignatureGem LCD 4x3 - T-LBK755-BHSB-R and T-LBK755SE-BHSB-R
- SignatureGem LCD 4x5 – T-LBK766-BHSB-R
The Signature can also be saved to a Database as an image.

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If you right click on the object a pop-up menu is shown allowing you to:

Copy - Click on the copy option or use the shortcut (CTRL+ C) or

(command + C ) to copy the object to the clipboard.

Delete - Deletes the selected object.

Duplicate - Creates an exact copy of the object on the work space.

Send to Front - Send the object to the front of all objects on the work
space.

Raise - Send the object to a higher position on the work space.

Lower - Send the object to a lower position on the work space.

Send to Back - Send the object to the back of all objects on the work space.

Export Image - Allows you to export the image as a file to anywhere on your
computer.

Set As Background - Set the image as the background of your layout.

You can also setup a number of properties and settings on the properties
tab, on the right of your screen. All properties and settings will be
addressed further on this manual.

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4.4 - Object Properties

cardPresso has a properties space, shown on the right side of your screen
and you can display it as a set of tabs or as a tree or accordion set, as pictured
below. To change, just right click on an empty space on the tab and check one
of the options.

These tabs change depending on the object we are dealing with on the working
area and as you will see further on in this manual.

Script, Layouts, Clipart and Background are the four basic tabs already
referred on the 'Card Document Settings' chapter. These tabs are shown after
you chose your card model and are previously referred to in this manual.

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4.4.1 - Item
The Item tab allows you to define the ID, Group and visibility of an object.

Object ID - Defining the object ID not only helps you organizing data on
your document, but also gives you an easier object identification and helps you
on encoding operations.

When manipulating a database you can use an ID to identify objects that will
help you while programming a script.

The options settings allows you to:

Design Not Allowed - Check the 'Design not allowed' box protecting the
object from being changed, but only the graphical appearance and drag & drop
position, not the content. This option is applied to all objects but background.

Print - Lets you set if an item should be printed (Yes), if an item should not
be printed (No), if it should only be printed when it contains data (Only when
has data), or if it should only be printed when the data currently displayed in
the item is valid for the type of item (Only when has valid data).

Opacity - You can also define the opacity level of the object by scrolling the
opacity button, from 100%, the default position to 0%.

Encoding - For items that hold data to be encoded, like magnetic tracks, this
option allows you to manually set if the date should be encoded (Yes), shouldn't
be encoded (No) or to only encode if the item currently has data when being
encoded (Only when has data).

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4.4.2 - Position
In this tab you can set the position manually or check the real-time position
when moving and/or resizing the object directly in the card design area.
The same properties apply to the objects dimensions, allowing you to manually
change the width and height of the object with a higher precision level.

4.4.3 - Shape
This option allows you to change the visual shape properties of an object with
different formats: circle, rectangle, rounded rectangle or a customizable one (by
setting up the number of sides according to your needs).

It's like hiding the image behind a layer with a hole in the middle, and the shape
of that hole define the visible part of our image, as shown below. For instance if
you chose a circle shape the area of the photo that is sitting directly above the

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circle content area now remains completely visible.

To define the clipping area and format all you have to do is drag the image
boundaries.
4.4.4 - Rotation
In this tab you can rotate or define a rotation angle to your object... Or you
can select more than one object and apply a rotation to all the selected objects
at the same time.

cardPresso has quick rotation buttons for the most common rotations, 0, 90,
180 and 270 degrees rotation. You may also rotate the object in increments and
/or decrements of 45 degrees (also available using the shortcut 'Backspace').

If you wish to apply a more specific rotation use the edit box available for
those situations

Or turn the round button to the desired angle, updating at the same time the
angle box value.

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All these changes are seen in real-time on the object.

4.4.5 - Outline
Outline allows you to chose between five different types of predefined lines
and a custom one.

Solid Line: Is a plain line.

Dash Line: Dashes separated by a few pixels.

Dot Line: Dots separated by a few pixels.

DashDot Line: Alternate dots and dashes.

DashDotDot LIne: One dash, two dots, one dash, two dots.

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The Custom Line is a line that you can define as you wish and if click on
the advance button besides the normal advanced parameters you are allowed to
set offset and pattern parameters.

Line width is one of the settings that you can change from 0.1mm to 10mm

You can also change the color by clicking in one of the colored squares,
acquire any color you have on your screen using the dropper or use the
advance color settings by clicking on the 'More Colors' button.

Clicking on the 'advance' button you have access to a number of settings

that allows you to change the shape of your line. All you have to do is to write
the command on the line like shown below.

SquareCap: A square line end that covers the end point and extends
beyond it by half the line width.
FlatCap: A square line end that does not cover the end point of the line.
RoundCap: A rounded line end.

4.4.6 - Fill
Define the fill color you want to see applied on your object, in case of lines,
rectangles or circles it will change the color of the object, on all other cases it
will change the background color.

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No fill: No color is applied to the object. This option is extremely handy when
placing Text over other objects.

Solid Fill: Fill the area with only one color and you can define the color
using the standard palette, the dropper or using the advanced palette within the
"More Colors" button.

Gradient Fill: Allows you to pick a second color and make a gradient effect
with both colors and define both colors using standard palette, the dropper or
clicking in "More Colors" button using the advanced palette.

Dropper: In case of using the dropper you can select any color, even
outside the program window, like shown on the first picture below. After that the
color is applied to the object and added to the color palette as you can see on
the second picture.

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More Colors: Gives you access to an advanced color palette.

Basic Palette Color Theme: To chose a theme for your basic palette color
use the drop menu like shown on the picture below and the theme is
automatically applied to the basic palette color.

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In this example choosing the Rainbow option will apply to the basic color
palette only colors related with the Rainbow theme.

Unusual Color: In case you want to add an unusual color, you have two
ways to do it, you can drag the crosshair through the panel or input directly the
color values on the boxes.

After that, the new color is added to the basic color palette.

4.4.7 - Font
When you select the 'Font' tab, a number of tools allows you to define the
font of your object.

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First you have the 'Font Family' where you can chose the font type, all fonts
that you have in Windows or on Mac OSx are displayed here.

Point Size - Allows you to define the font size, if you check on the checkbox
the size is determined by the space available between boundaries, to change
just drag and drop the selection handles.

Color - Chose the font color.

Typeface allows you to define more font settings that affect the whole
Textbox, like:

You can also wrap the sentence on your object by checking the 'Word
Wrap' checkbox.

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With 'Render as HTML' checked, you can use some HTML codes in your
text to change the 'Typeface' in parts of it, instead of the whole Textbox.

Text between <u> </u> will be Underlined.

Text between <i> </i> will be in Italic.
Text between <b> </b> will be in Bold.
The <p> starts a new paragraph.

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4.4.8 - Barcode
The bar code properties allows you to define some properties depending on
the type of barcode you want to use. There are two major types of barcodes the
1D and 2D, illustrated below.

Let's start by making a general introduction, to the most common properties of

barcodes, referenced in cardPresso:

Type: Chose the type of barcode you wish to use, keeping in mind that in
some cases your choice may change other properties range of values.

Color: Define your barcode color.

Human Readable: Defines if the readable data, alphanumeric characters, is

imprinted or not (only 1D barcode).

Font: Defines the font of the readable data (only 1D barcode).

Other properties and definitions are specific to each different type of

barcode, will be addressed further on this manual.

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4.4.9 - Image

You can acquire images from any source available; from disk, from a
database, from a camera or even from a scanner.

After you select an image and apply it to your working area, you have
access to a new tab, the image tab. On this tab you can change a set of
properties as:

Keep Ratio: Allows you to adapt the image to your object boundaries or
keep the image ratio.

Reinforce Black: This option forces the usage of Resin K on the black in
the image.

Flip Horizontal: This option reverses the active object horizontally, that is,
from left to right. It leaves the dimensions of the object and the pixel information
unchanged. It looks as if the image has been reflected along the central vertical
axis of the object.

Flip Vertical: This option reverses the active object vertically, that is, from
top to bottom. It leaves the dimensions of the object and the pixel information
unchanged. It looks as if the image has been reflected along the central
horizontal axis of the object.

Grayscale: Applies grayscale on the image in which the value of each pixel
is a single sample, that is, it carries only intensity information. Images of this
sort, are composed exclusively of shades of gray, varying from black at the
weakest intensity to white at the strongest.

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Chromakey Effect: Turn the chromakey effect on and off in which a color
range in the top layer is made transparent, revealing another image behind.

Color: Allows you to choose the color range on which the effect will act. Use
the dropper to chose any color on the image.

Tolerance Level - Allows you to change the tolerance level of the effect. The
bigger the tolerance, the larger the range of colors affected by the effect.

Effect area - Select the area of the image affected by the effect, if all image
or only on the frame.

If you double click on the image the Image Editor opens with more edition
tools.

4.4.10 - Source
The Source Tab allows you to define the origin of the object and
parameterize that same object. In cardPresso you have two major object
classes, the images and the text objects.

On text objects and barcodes, the source can be a print counter, a print

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date, a keyboard input, database or item link.

On image objects and signatures, the source can be the disk, a camera or
scanner, the image editor, a database field or an item link.
On the next chapters we will show you how to use them and how to
define them, in sum: how easy it is to manipulate any of the sources or its
properties.

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4.4.10.1 - Text & Barcode

When you have a text or barcode object selected you can use the Source
Tab to set the input options for the object.

On this tab you will define what kind of object it is, how it is updated, under
what condition it will be updated, when it will be updated and the final result.

4.4.10.1.1 - Print Counter

This feature allows you to add a print counter to your card. It can be updated
automatically and saved with your card file, thus keeping the counter status. You
can also define values, justify and set the number of digits of the counter as
explained further on this manual.
When a text object is selected you can go to the Source Tab and, on the drop
down menu on top, choose the Print Counter option or click on the 'Print
Counter' button on the design toolbar.

You can update your counter in five different situations:

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When Item Clicked - When you double-click the object it will update the
counter according to all the settings.

When Load Document - Every time the card document is opened.

Before Print - Count the number of times you send a print order and update
the counter before the printing procedure.

Before Print Card - Count the number of cards you're going to print and
update the counter before each card is printed.

After Print Card - Count the number of cards you printed and update the
counter after printing each card.

And set the following properties:

Save with Document - Save the settings and counters with the document so
you don't lose any data.

Minimum Value - Defines the counter minimum value in case of negative

incrementation.

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Maximum Value - Defines the counter maximum value in case of positive

incrementation.

Restart Value - Is the value assumed by the counter when it reaches the
maximum or minimum values. (Min Value < Restart Value < Max Value)

Increment Value - Defines the incrementation value, it can be positive or

negative.

Current Value - Shows the current value.

Justified with Zeros - Justify with zeros until the desired number of digits.

Number of Digits - Defines the number of digits used in the counter, you
can justify with zeros.

Font Auto Adjust - Automatically adjust the font size, but only if font point
size is set to auto.

Concatenation - Allows you to add a prefix or suffix to your counter value. If

you don't want these to be printed check the Ignore on print check box.

4.4.10.1.2 - Print Date

This feature allows you to add a date object to your card. It can be updated
automatically and saved with your card file, thus keeping the date status. You
can also format the date and time as explained further on this manual.

When a text object is selected you can go to the Source Tab and, on the drop
down menu on top, choose the Print Date option or click on the 'Print Date'
button on the design toolbar.

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You can update your date/time in four different situations.

When Item Clicked - When you double-click the object it will update the
date and time.

When Load Document - Every time you open the document it will
automatically update the date object.

Before Print - Update the counter before the printing procedure starts and
all the cards are printed with the same date and time.

Before Print Card - Update date and time before printing each card.

And set the following properties:

Save with Document - Save the settings and date/time of the last printing
procedure with the document so you don't lose any data.

Format - You can format the date using one of the preset formats available
thru the drop down menu or by creating your own format by clicking on the
pointed button and then write it according with the legend below.

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Font Auto Adjust - Automatically adjust the font size, but only if font point
size is auto.

Concatenation - Allows you to add a prefix or a suffix to your date and it

can be printable, to do that just check on the check-box.

4.4.10.1.3 - Keyboard Input

This setting allows you add an object to your card that is updated by
keyboard input. It can be updated automatically, saved with your card file. You
can also choose the data type like explained further on this manual.

When a text object is selected, you can go to the Source Tab and on the
dropdown menu, on top, chose Keyboard Input option.

Title - You can give a name to your object, it will make it easier for further
identification.

You can update the object in six different situations.

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When Item Clicked - When you double-click on top of the object it will open
an input window to update.

On EditView - This setting, when chosen, allows you add a new field to a
small internal database, as you'll see further on this manual.

When Load Document - When the card document is loaded this object is
updated.

Before Print - After the print order and before start printing, it will open an
input data window in order to allow you to update the object, after that it will not
be update again until next print order, on the example below was date field.

Before Print Card - Before print each card, it will open an input data
window in order to allow you to update the object, on the example below was
date field.

After Print Card - After print each card, it will open an input window in
order to allow you to update the object for the next card, on the example below
was date field.

Save with Document Save on your card document the last object update.

Data Type On this setting you can define what kind of data your object can
hold.

Text Line - Allows you to input text information in one line.

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Data Length - Defines the length of your text line (maximum of 128
characters).

Input Mask - The mask consists of a string of mask characters and

separators. You can define your object input guide by choosing the mask or the
Validation Rules, when both the mask prevails.
Characte Meaning
r
A ASCII alphabetic character required. A-Z, a-z.
a ASCII alphabetic character permitted but not required.
N ASCII alphanumeric character required. A-Z, a-z, 0-9.
n ASCII alphanumeric character permitted but not required.
X Any character required.
x Any character permitted but not required.
9 ASCII digit required. 0-9.
0 ASCII digit permitted but not required.
D ASCII digit required. 1-9.
d ASCII digit permitted but not required (1-9).
# ASCII digit or plus/minus sign permitted but not required.
H Hexadecimal character required. A-F, a-f, 0-9.
h Hexadecimal character permitted but not required.
B Binary character required. 0-1.
b Binary character permitted but not required.
> All following alphabetic characters are uppercased.
< All following alphabetic characters are lowercased.
! Switch off case conversion.
\ Use \ to escape the special characters listed above to use them as
separators.

Examples:

Mask Notes
000.000.000.000;_ IP address; blanks are _.
HH:HH:HH:HH:HH:HH;_ MAC address
0000-00-00 ISO Date; blanks are space
>AAAAA-AAAAA-AAAAA- License number; blanks are - and all (alphabetic)
AAAA-AAAAA;# characters are converted to uppercase.

Validation Rules - Validation Rules are built up from expressions,

quantifiers, and assertions. The simplest expression is a character, e.g. x or 5.
An expression can also be a set of characters enclosed in square brackets.

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[ABCD] will match an A or a B or a C or a D. We can write this same

expression as [A-D], and an expression to match any capital letter in the English
alphabet is written as [A-Z].

A quantifier specifies the number of occurrences of an expression that must be

matched. x{1,1} means match one and only one x. x{1,5} means match a
sequence of x characters that contains at least one x but no more than five.

Note that in general Validation Rules cannot be used to check for balanced
brackets or tags. For example, a Validation Rule can be written to match an
opening HTML <b> and its closing </b>, if the <b> tags are not nested, but if
the <b> tags are nested, that same Validation Rule will match an opening <b>
tag with the wrong closing </b>. For the fragment <b>bold <b>bolder</b></b>,
the first <b> would be matched with the first </b>, which is not correct.
However, it is possible to write a Validation Rule that will match nested brackets
or tags correctly, but only if the number of nesting levels is fixed and known. If
the number of nesting levels is not fixed and known, it is impossible to write a
Validation Rule that will not fail.

Suppose we want a Validation Rule to match integers in the range 0 to 99. At

least one digit is required, so we start with the expression [0-9]{1,1}, which
matches a single digit exactly once. This Validation Rule matches integers in the
range 0 to 9. To match integers up to 99, increase the maximum number of
occurrences to 2, so the Validation Rule becomes [0-9]{1,2}. This Validation
Rule satisfies the original requirement to match integers from 0 to 99, but it will
also match integers that occur in the middle of strings. If we want the matched
integer to be the whole string, we must use the anchor assertions, ^ (caret) and
$ (dollar). When ^ is the first character in a Validation Rule, it means the
Validation Rule must match from the beginning of the string. When $ is the last
character of the Validation Rule, it means the Validation Rule must match to the
end of the string. The Validation Rule becomes ^[0-9]{1,2}$. Note that
assertions, e.g. ^ and $, do not match characters but locations in the string.

If you have seen Validation Rules described elsewhere, they may have looked
different from the ones shown here. This is because some sets of characters
and some quantifiers are so common that they have been given special symbols
to represent them. [0-9] can be replaced with the symbol \d. The quantifier to
match exactly one occurrence, {1,1}, can be replaced with the expression itself,
i.e. x{1,1} is the same as x. So our 0 to 99 matcher could be written as ^
\d{1,2}$. It can also be written ^\d\d{0,1}$, i.e. From the start of the string,
match a digit, followed immediately by 0 or 1 digits. In practice, it would be
written as ^\d\d?$. The ? is shorthand for the quantifier {0,1}, i.e. 0 or 1
occurrences. ? makes an expression optional. The Validation Rule ^\d\d?$
means From the beginning of the string, match one digit, followed immediately
by 0 or 1 more digit, followed immediately by end of string.

To write a Validation Rule that matches one of the words 'mail' or 'letter' or
'correspondence' but does not match words that contain these words, e.g.,
'email', 'mailman', 'mailer', and 'letterbox', start with a Validation Rule that

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matches 'mail'. Expressed fully, the Validation Rule is m{1,1}a{1,1}i{1,1}l{1,1},

but because a character expression is automatically quantified by {1,1}, we can
simplify the Validation Rule to mail, i.e., an 'm' followed by an 'a' followed by an
'i' followed by an 'l'. Now we can use the vertical bar |, which means or, to
include the other two words, so our Validation Rule for matching any of the three
words becomes mail|letter|correspondence. Match 'mail' or 'letter' or
'correspondence'. While this Validation Rule will match one of the three words
we want to match, it will also match words we don't want to match, e.g., 'email'.
To prevent the Validation Rule from matching unwanted words, we must tell it to
begin and end the match at word boundaries. First we enclose our Validation
Rule in parentheses, (mail|letter|correspondence). Parentheses group
expressions together, and they identify a part of the Validation Rule that we wish
to capture. Enclosing the expression in parentheses allows us to use it as a
component in more complex Validation Rules. It also allows us to examine which
of the three words was actually matched. To force the match to begin and end
on word boundaries, we enclose the Validation Rule in \b word boundary
assertions: \b(mail|letter|correspondence)\b. Now the Validation Rule means:
Match a word boundary, followed by the Validation Rule in parentheses, followed
by a word boundary. The \b assertion matches a position in the Validation Rule,
not a character. A word boundary is any non-word character, e.g., a space,
newline, or the beginning or ending of a string.
Characters and Abbreviations for Sets of Characters
Element Meaning
c A character represents itself unless it has a special regexp
meaning. e.g. c matches the character c.
\c A character that follows a backslash matches the character
itself, except as specified below. e.g., To match a literal caret at
the beginning of a string, write \^.
\a Matches the ASCII bell (BEL, 0x07).
\f Matches the ASCII form feed (FF, 0x0C).
\n Matches the ASCII line feed (LF, 0x0A, Unix newline).
\r Matches the ASCII carriage return (CR, 0x0D).
\t Matches the ASCII horizontal tab (HT, 0x09).
\v Matches the ASCII vertical tab (VT, 0x0B).
\xhhhh Matches the Unicode character corresponding to the
hexadecimal number hhhh (between 0x0000 and 0xFFFF).
\0ooo (i.e., matches the ASCII/Latin1 character for the octal number ooo
\zero ooo) (between 0 and 0377).
. (dot) Matches any character (including newline).
\d Matches a digit (QChar::isDigit()).
\D Matches a non-digit.
\s Matches a whitespace character (QChar::isSpace()).
\S Matches a non-whitespace character.
\w Matches a word character (QChar::isLetterOrNumber(),
QChar::isMark(), or '_').
\W Matches a non-word character.
\n The n-th backreference, e.g. \1, \2, etc.

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Text Box - The multiline text box is used only if more than one line of input is
required and allows you to input text information. To input a new line the user
must press CTRL+Enter. By pressing only the Enter key will close the text box.

Columns - Define the number of columns of you text box (max: 128)

Rows - Define the number of rows of you text box (max: 128)

Value - Defines the object as a numeric value.

Minimum Value - Defines the minimum value reachable, normally used to

countdown.

Maximum Value - Defines the maximum value.

Step Value - Define step value when updated, use negative value for
countdown.

Decimals - Defines the number of decimal places.

Alignment - Set horizontal alignment

Prefix - Defines character set that precedes the number.

Suffix - Defines character set shown after the number.

Special Value - Is the value the object will assume after reaching the
maximum or minimum values.

Integer Value - Allows you to write any integer value in one line box.

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Maximum Value - Defines the maximum value.

Step Value - Define step value when updated, use negative value for
countdown.

Alignment - Set horizontal alignment

Prefix - Defines character set that precedes the number.

Suffix - Defines character set shown after the number.

Special Value - Is the value the object will assume after reaching the
maximum or minimum values.

Date - Allows you to write any date value in single line box.

Minimum Date - Set the minimum value to date to avoids backdating.

Maximum Date - Set the maximum value to date to avoids introducing later
dates.

Alignment - Allows you to align text date inside object.

Calendar Pop-up - Every time you change settings on date field it pops up
a calendar to easy date manipulation.

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Date Format - Helps you set a date value format, you have some
predefined.

Time - Allows you to write any time value in one line box.

Minimum Time - Set the minimum value to time to avoids backtiming

Maximum Time - Set the maximum value to date to avoids introducing later
time.

Alignment - Allows you to align time text inside object.

Time Format - Helps you set a time value format, you have some
predefined.

Date and Time - Allows you to write any date and time value in one line box.

Minimum Date - Set the minimum value to date to avoids backdating.

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Maximum Date - Set the maximum value to date to avoids introducing later
dates.

Minimum Time - Set the minimum value to time to avoids backtiming

Maximum Time - Set the maximum value to date to avoids introducing later
time.

Alignment - Allows you to align text date inside object.

Calendar Pop-up - Every time you change settings on date field it pops up
a calendar to easy date manipulation.

Date and Time Format - Helps you set a date and time value format, you
have some predefined.

List - Allows you to create a list, composed by two columns, the first is an
index column and the second is the data column.

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Database List - Allows you to create a combobox to select the update data
to your object. This only works if connected to a SQL database.

The SQL Select statement is part of the SQL code and below we describe
some examples in how to use that code, specially how to use the select
statement.

SELECT column_name(s)
FROM table_name

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Lets consider the example below, from our internal database, where we
select the position, extension and salary fields, from the employee database.
This is the first step, the second is to set a condition, only consider the records
with the field salary with a value lower than 35000.
Now the selection is made and the condition is set.

User Column - Here you define what column will be listed on the combo
box, as a reference to the Data Column.

Data Column - Define to wish column belong the data that will be shown on
the database list object.

Limit Rows - Setup the maximum rows to be listed on the combo box, to a
maximum of 99.

After we define the User Column as 0 and the Data Column as 1, we define
the column to be listed as the first (the count starts from zero) and the Data
Column as the second and the result will be as shown below.

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On your combo box is only listed the position field records (User Column 0) that
matches the condition (salary<35000). And when the position Mail Clerk is
selected the object assume the extension field record of the selected position
6261.

Font Auto Adjust - Automatically adjust the font size, but only if font point
size is auto.

Concatenation - Allows you to add a prefix or a suffix to your date and it

can be printable, to do that just check on the check-box.

4.4.10.1.4 - Database

There are two ways to add an object linked to a database to the card
document. Open a database and drag and drop the fields like explained further
on this manual or create the object and then connect it to a database. We will
address the last option now.
After creating an object go to the Source Tab and select the Database option.

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After you have chosen this option your tab changes.

And the next step is to click on the button 'Connect to a Database'. The
Database Connection Wizard will start allowing you to connect to any database
you want.
After the database is opened, by default the object will be connected to the first
table and first column of your database, like shown on picture below. All you
have to do now is define the table and column that you want your object to be
linked to.

Font Auto Adjust - When you have defined a size for your object it allows
you to choose if you want cardPresso to automatically adjust the font size.

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Concatenation - Allows you to add a prefix or a suffix to your data and print
it. While in datatabase mode you can concatenate up to four columns on the
same object and define a prefix separator if needed.

4.4.10.1.5 - Item Link

This option allows you to connect an object to another, assuming the same
values with automatic update.

When you chose this option your tab changes, allowing you to chose an object
to link, showing on the list all objects that are on the card space and which is
possible to connect, in this particular case we have a card with three other
objects..

When connected, the object will assume the linked object value and every
time it is updated so is the object.

4.4.10.2 - Image & Signature

When you select an image object a new tab is added to properties tabs, the
Image Tab, where you will be able to define your image settings. But the source
tab also changes, allowing you to define the source settings of your image file.

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4.4.10.2.1 - From Disk

This option sets the image source as the disk. When the object is updated
the browser opens allowing you to pick an image from disk.
To open an object from disk the procedure is simple, just click on the 'Browse
Image' button, add a picture object to your card and a window will open allowing
you to browse for your file.
Like shown on the picture below:

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Title - Here you can give a name/title to your image, it will be easier for you
to identify your object later in further operations.

Source - Opens a dropdown list with all cameras or scanners that are
installed on your pc or mac.

Updated - Your object is updated in five different situations:

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When Item Double-Clicked - When you double-click on top of the object it

will open the interface related to the source you have chosen.

When Load Document - Every time you open the card document.

Before Print - Before the printing procedure it will open the interface related
to the source you have chosen.

Before Print Card - Before each time a card is printed it will open the
interface related to the source you have chosen.

After Print Card - After printing each card it will open the interface related
to the source you have chosen.

Save with Document - Save the image with the document so you don't lose
any data, but on the other hand, if you don't want to keep the image for a
smaller card document just chose 'No'.

Format - The image can have a pre-established format, like shown on the
image above, adapting the image to it or a free format, allowing you to keep the
image source format.

Face Detection - When you chose yes, after the image as been acquired
the image editor opens, allowing you to chose the face detection option.

Open Image Editor - You can open the editor every time the image is
updated (yes), never open the editor (no), or open the editor only when an error
is detected (Only when error).

4.4.10.2.2 - From Camera or Scanner

After you add an image to your card, the first thing that opens is the image
editor, but you can change your image source any time you want and a camera
or scanner is one of your options.

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After choosing this option, your source pad changes allowing setup of the
camera or scanner options.

Title - Here you can give a name/title to your image, it will be easier for you
to identify your object later in further operations.

Source - Opens a drop down list with all cameras or scanners that are
installed on your pc or mac.

Updated - Your object is updated in five different situations:

When Item Double-Clicked - When you double-click on the object it will

open the interface related to the source you have chosen.

When Load Document - Every time you open the card document.

Before Print - Before the printing procedure it will open the interface related
to the source you have chosen.

Before Print Card - Before each time a card is printed it will open the
interface related to the source you have chosen.

After Print Card - After printing each card it will open the interface related
to the source you have chosen.

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Save with Document - Save the image with the document so you don't lose
any data, but on the other hand, if you don't want to keep the image for a
smaller card document just chose 'No'.

Format - The image can have a pre-established format, like shown on the
image above, adapting the image to it or a free format, allowing you to keep the
image source format.

Face Detection - When you chose yes, after the image as been acquired
the image editor opens, allowing you to chose the face detection option.

Open Image Editor - You can open the editor every time the image is
updated (yes), never open the editor (no) or open the editor only when an error
is detected (Only when error).

4.4.10.2.3 - From Signature Pad

Signature pad is a signature acquisition device, cardPresso works

essentially with two kinds, the Topaz or any device that work with WinTab
drivers.
The acquisition procedure is simple: click on the 'Signature' button and add the
signature object to the card a list will pop-up to allow you to chose the device in
case of the Topaz, like shown below.

After choosing the device the interface window will show and wait for you to
add the signature to the device like in the pictures below:

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The Topaz device also allows you to have templates for the signature frame. The
Wintab driver has a track pressure setting that according with the pressure
made by the pen, makes the line thinner or thicker.
Like any other image object, cardPresso allows you to use an existing object,
all you have to do is to click on the object and change the source to 'From
Signature Pad' and starts the procedure of signature acquisition.

Source - Opens a dropdown list with all signature devices that are installed
on your computer.

Updated - Your object is updated in five different situations:

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When Item Double-Clicked - When you double-click on the object it will

open the interface related to the source you have chosen.

When Load Document - Every time you open the card document.

Before Print - Before the printing procedure it will open the interface related
to the source you have chosen.

Before Print Card - Before each time a card is printed it will open the
interface related to the source you have chosen.

After Print Card - After printing each card it will open the interface related
to the source you have chosen.

Save with Document - Save the signature image with document so you
don't lose any data, but on the other hand, if you don't want to keep the image
for a smaller card document just chose 'No'.

Format - The image can have a pre-established format, like shown on the
image above, adapting the image to it or a free format, allowing you to keep the
image source format.

4.4.10.2.4 - From Image Editor

The Image Editor brings you new tools for image editing, there are many
ways to open the image editor, but to acquire only one, open an image object
and then change the source to 'From Image Editor'.

On the tool bar you can set these settings on your image:

Rotate clockwise - Is the circular motion is one that proceeds in the same
direction as a clock's hands: from the top to the right, then down and then to the

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left, and back up to the top.

Rotate counter-clockwise - Is the circular motion is one that proceeds in

the opposite direction as a clock's hands: from the top to the left, then down and
then to the right, and back up to the top.

Flip Horizontal - This option reverses the active object horizontally, that is,
from left to right. It leaves the dimensions of the object and the pixel information
unchanged. It looks as if the image has been reflected along the central vertical
axis of the object.

Flip Vertical - This option reverses the active object vertically, that is, from
top to bottom. It leaves the dimensions of the object and the pixel information
unchanged. It looks as if the image has been reflected along the central
horizontal axis of the object.

Brightness and Contrast - The Brightness/Contrast adjustment lets you

make simple adjustments to the tonal range of an image. Moving the brightness
slider to the right increases tonal values and expands image highlights, to the left
decreases values and expands shadows. The contrast slider expands or shrinks
the overall range of tonal values in the image. To change values you can drag
the slider to the left or to the right or setup manually typing the values on the
boxes. The values can go from -128 to 128.

Color Balance - Is the global adjustment of the intensities of the colors

(typically red, green, and blue primary colors or RGB system). Changing the
overall mixture of colors in an image and is used for color correction and when
you drag any of the sliders, you can see those corrections taking place,
adjustments are made to the color values RGB (on screen) or CMY (on
printers). The values can go from -128 to 128.

Color to Grey - Apply gray scale on the image in which the value of each
pixel is a single sample, that is, it carries only intensity information. Images of
this sort, are composed exclusively of shades of gray, varying from black at the
weakest intensity to white at the strongest.

Color to Monochrome - Not a combination of black and white in a

continuum producing a range of shades of gray, but really starkly contrasted
black and white.

Zoom In - This tool allows you to obtain a larger image, or a closer view.

Zoom Out - This tool allows you to obtain a smaller image, or a farther view.

Zoom Auto - Reset image to its initial size.

Export Image - You can save the image as... in many different formats like
png, jpg, bmp, tiff and others.

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Select Image Acquisition Source - Allows you to select the image

acquisition source from any device that is connected or installed on your pc. It
may appear some devices that are not connected but are installed.

Image Acquisition - This tools opens the interface related with the image
acquisition source you had chosen.

Open Image File - Opens an image file from your system, including disk,
USB key, memory card or any other source.

Select Image File Path - Allows you to chose your default image file path
from all that you had already used before on your document.

Face Detection

Face Detection Setup

Undo - It erases the last change done to the document reverting it to an

older state.

Clear Image - Erases the image from Image Editor.

Cut / Crop - On cardPresso crop tool you don't use the traditional handlers,
the visual area is automatically resized to the image object boundaries, to cut/
crop the image all you have to do is to drag or zoom in on the image and every
thing that is on the blur area (gray and black squares) when you click the cut/
crop button, goes away. And the image is automatically adjusted to the object
area.

Save Changes - Click on this button to accept the changes.

Cancel - Click on this button to cancel the changes.

4.4.10.2.5 - From Database

cardPresso allows you to connect an image object to a database image, this

way you can setup the object as you want and then connect to the database
image adapting it to your object.
The procedure is simple, first add a image object to your card change the
source to 'From Database'.

If not connected to a database yet click on the 'Connect to Database'

button.

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The connection wizard will start

After the connection is made, if there is no image field, the link is not made
and the list stays like the image below, empty.
If there is only one image field, the cardPresso recognizes it and the link is
automatic.

If more then one then a list will show you the options for you to chose,
like shown below.

DATABASE

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If you add a field image, please don't forget to refresh the database.

4.4.10.2.6 - Item Link

This option allows you to connect (link) one object to another object,
assuming the same data values with automatic updates.
When you choose this option your tab changes allowing you to choose an
object to link, showing on the list all objects that are on the card document that
you can connect to,

For the next sample we will use an image object.

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When connected, the object will assume the linked object value and every
time it is updated, the first object will also reflect the data from the linked object.
This option allows you to have two image objects, one at the front of the card
and another at the back of the card, sharing the same data.
4.4.11 - Alignment

The alignment tab allows you to define the object alignment inside the
boundaries.

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As you can see you can define vertically from top, middle or bottom and
horizontally from left, middle or right.
When the point size is in auto, on the font tab, it means that the font size justify
the text to the boundaries what makes the horizontal adjustment very small

The default position is left and middle.

4.4.12 - Script
There are two different locations where you can write in cardPresso's
design area. One for each object and one for the document. In this chapter we
focus on the object script.
This is an advanced user area, where you can program actions and procedures
in javascript language in order to define settings or update your object.

This drop-menu allows you to define when the actions or procedures must
take place.

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And in the space below you can write your lines of code.

To see the log of your program output, change tab below.

4.4.13 - Multi Align

The multi align tab is only displayed when three or more objects are selected
and is divided in two classes, the alignment between objects and the
distribution.

Alignment Between Objects - Aligns vertically and horizontally the objects

to top, middle or bottom and to left, middle or right using as boundaries the card
limits.

Distribution - Allows you to distribute the objects on the card area equitably,
but instead of using the card limits as a reference uses the object boundaries
referring to the last object selected that is marked with blue selection handles.
All other objects will be allocated according to the selection and having as a
reference the last one selected, notice that the reference object is also the
anchor and will not move, all the others will be placed according with the
distribution settings.
In short, the space occupied by the three or more objects will always be the
same, the space between them is the one that will be arranged.

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Database
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Chapter 5. Database
A database is an organized collection of data. A database is typically
organized to model relevant aspects of reality in a way that supports processes
requiring this information

This chapter explains you how to connect to a database through cardPresso

and how to use it to your advantage

5.1 - Connection
In cardPresso there are two ways to connect to a Database.

One of them is by clicking on the Connect Database icon in the Dockbar.

The other is by selecting Connect in the Database Menu.

5.1.1 - Configuration
Depending on your cardPresso Edition there are several Database Drivers

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at your disposal:
XXS has an internal database with photo connection.
XS has the Direct CSV & TXT File Driver, that can only read the fields in these
databases. Edition of their records isn't possible through cardPresso.
And the Direct Excel File Driver through which cardPresso can edit the fields
and records of the Database.

With these drivers it is also possible to add Links to images and their Folders.
XM can connect to SQLite version 3 and the Direct MS Access File Driver.
From here on it is possible to Alter Tables and in the records add images as
Binary file.
The cardPresso Internal Database (msAccess) becomes available in this
Edition.
XL adds SQLite version 3, Direct MS Access File Driver and the ODBC
Drivers and with them it is possible to connect to any Database with ODBC
Support, like: SQL Server; Oracle; MySQL; as others.

After selecting the Driver you will be prompted to Select or Browse to the
Database.

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The instructions on how to configure each Driver connection, will be

addressed further on this manual.

5.1.1.1 - Direct CSV & TXT Driver

In the Direct CSV & TXT Driver there are several configuration options,
usually cardPresso Guess function does the required configuration when the
CSV or TXT file are opened.

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File Encoding - The File encoding is by default as 'Auto', if the encoding

used by the database is on the dropdown list chose it.

Type - Is for the Size of the Fields in the Database.

Delimiter - It is possible to chose the Delimiter used in the Database or Input

it.

Field Type - Select the Field Type accordingly.

Explanation on the next connection steps will be addressed further on this

manual.

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5.1.1.2 - Direct Excel Driver

In the Direct Excel Driver it is possible to confirm the structure of the

database and if needed add more Fields to it. The cardPresso Guess
recognizes the structure and configures the connection, if the configuration isn't
correct, change it accordingly.

Worksheet - Chose the Worksheet to which the card is to be connected.

Header - Select the Header of the Database.

Data - Select from where the Rows start.

Type - Select the Field Type accordingly.

Explanation on the next connection steps will be addressed further on this

manual.

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5.1.1.3 - Direct MS Access Driver

Since the data stored in the MS Access and the SQLite Databases has a
fixed format, no special configuration is needed. Just browse to the Database
and open it, and select which table you want to import.
The cardPresso Internal Database is a MS Access Database provided with
the cardPresso installer and serves as a Sample and for test purposes.

Explanation on the next connection steps will be addressed further on this

manual.

5.1.1.4 - Internal Database

Each cardPresso document contains an internal database as a smaller yet

more convenient way to keep records. This means you can have your own
database records saved within the cardPresso document itself, without need of
external database files.
To connect to the internal database you can use the Connect to Database
button.

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5.1.1.4.1 - Using an XXS license

On the right of the screen, in the Database dockbar, click the Add Column
button to create a new database column:

On the next window, under Column Name write the name of the database
column you want to create.

On the Column Type drop box, select the type of data that will be written.
To finish, click the Save button.

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The database column will immediately appear in the database dockbar.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have all the fields you require.
To add a database record, in the Database dockbar, click the Insert record
button, fill the database fields with the information you want, and click the Save
changes button.

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5.1.1.4.2 - Using a higher edition

On the following window select document Internal Database.

You can then use Database Operations to create your own tables and columns
and save them on your cardPresso document.

5.1.1.5 - ODBC

The Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) provides the means to connect

to several Databases, such as, SQL Server, Oracle, IBM, Fox Pro, dBase and
others.
In case of Databases containing special characters, the usage of the Open
Database Connectivity (ODBC) ansi is advised.

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By selecting the ODBC Administrator these options are available:

User DSN - Shows the existing connections and provides the possibility to Add
more connections and Remove or Configure existing connections.
System DSN - Shows the existing connections and provides the possibility to
Add more connections and Remove or Configure existing connections.
File DSN - Provides the means to connect to a data provider.
Drivers - Shows the connection Drivers installed on the system.
Tracing - Provides the means to log the calls to the ODBC drivers for use by the
support personel or to aid in debugging your applications.
Connection Pooling - Provides the means to reuse open connection handles.
About - Shows the ODBC core components available.

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Please contact your SysAdmin for the configurations required to connect

with your Database.

Explanation on the next connection steps will be addressed further on this

manual.

5.1.1.6 - MySQL Driver

The MySQL Driver allows to connect to a MySQL Database.

Please contact your SysAdmin for the configurations required to connect

with your Database.

Explanation on the next connection steps will be addressed further on this

manual.

5.1.2 - Database Operations

The Database Operation is an important function for XM and higher
Editions. In the Database Operation it is possible to Select, Create, Alter or
Drop Database Tables, making it possible to personalize a Database with
cardPresso.
Since the CSV, TXT and Excel Databases do not have multiple Tables only the
Select Table is possible in their case.

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This example is based on the cardPresso Internal Database.

5.1.3 - Table Columns

In this part of the Database Connection Wizard it is possible to select which

columns of the selected Table you need. Columns order will be defined
according to your selection.

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If no column is selected the Wizard won't continue.

5.1.4 - Guide Columns

The Guide Columns will work as an Index of the Database.

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5.1.5 - Database Filter

In the Database Filter you can add conditions to filter what is shown from
the database. These conditions have to be written in SQL Script without the
"Select * where".

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5.1.6 - Order Columns

With the Order Columns it is possible to change how the columns' contents
is shown in cardPresso.
The organization rules used by cardPresso for the selected columns are:
Empty fields first, then the Numeric fields from the smallest value (0) to the

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biggest value (±9), followed by the fields in Alphabetic order.

5.1.7 - Properties
It is possible to review the configuration of the Database connection through
the Database Menu and selecting Properties.

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The Database Properties are mainly used to check the configurations of the
connection. Do not change them unless necessary.

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5.2 - Dockbar

The buttons in the Dockbar ease browsing between records and managing
the Database.

Database Disconnect Database First Previous Next Last Revert

Connect Database Refresh Record Record Record Record Record
Changes

Insert Delete Save

Record Record Record

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5.3 - Database
As it is with cardPresso Document Objects, the Database Fields can also be
added to the card Layout through Drag & Drop. These Objects will be connected
to the Database Field and update when the field in the database is changed or
when moving between records.

5.4 - Find or Filter

The Database Find Tab eases the search for specific records in the
Database.
It is possible to search in the available variables if the data in a column of the
Database is or has a value, as input by the user to the Textbox.

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The Database Filter works as an SQL Query and in it there are available the
same options as in the Database Find with the possibility to search with multiple
rules and with a personalized Script.
The Database Filter Tab can also be used to generate the Script for the
Database Filter in the Connection Wizard.

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When using the Contains filter, if you are searching with a partial word, you
must use the % symbol on the search term.
Eg: Searching for a word that starts with "card": card%
Searching for a word that ends with "Presso": %Presso
Searching for a word that contains the text "ardPre": %ardPre%

5.5 - Database View

Browsing and editing a database is made simple with the Database View.
Here you can see a list of all the database records and edit them with in a
convenient interface, made to simplify browsing and editing records.
To access the Database View, click the Database View button or open the

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cardPresso menu View > Database View.

Note: The Database View will only show data when connected to a
database.

Table View - Opens the Table View tab which lists all the records in a
reader friendly way .

Edit Records - Opens the Edit Records tab provides you with a more
convenient interface to edit each database record.

5.5.1 - Table view

The Table view allows you to see all the records in your database in a simple
and reader friendly environment.

Here you can also individually select records for when you want to print several
specific records in the database (see more on Printing Selected Records in a
Database).
You can access the Table view through the Database View button, then Table
View option, or through the cardPresso menu View > Database View, then
Table view.

Double-click above a Record to edit it. When doing so, you will be redirected to
the Edit Records tab. When finishing your edition, Save changes and return
to Table view.

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Hide/Show Photo Columns - Toggles between hiding or showing database

columns which contain images. Ideal for larger databases with a large amount of
pictures, which can be very memory intensive.

When disabled this option allows for higher performance in computers with
slower resources.

Select All - Selects all the records in the database.

Select None - Deselects all the records in the database.

Toggle Selection - Individually toggles the selection on all database items

that are listed (Does not apply to items that are not visible through Database
Filter).

5.5.2 - Edit Records

The Edit Records view is another powerful tool in cardPresso which allows you
to quickly edit database records, making database management fast and simple.
On the left side of the Edit Records window you can find the columns which
contain text.
On the right side, you can find all the the Image items contained in the
database.

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Simply browse the records with the top Database Toolbar until you find the
database record you want to edit, then edit the database record and click the
Save Record button.

5.6 - Managing Records

Adding, deleting and editing records are core tasks when managing a database
and when working with large databases, it can become a time costly task.

With all the tools provided by cardPresso, managing databases becomes

simple and intuitive.

5.6.1 - Adding Records

Adding records in cardPresso is quick and simple:
1 - Make sure you are connected to a database (see more on chapter 5.1 -
Connection)
2 - Open the Database sidebar when working on the Card Design view (see
more on chapter 5.3 Database).

Alternatively open the Table view on the Database View (see more on chapter
5.5.2 Edit Records).
3 - Click the Insert Record button on either the Database Toolbar or through
the cardPresso menu Database > Add Record.

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4 - The Database Items will now be empty and ready to be written.

Finally, fill the items with the required data and click the Save Record button to
save the changes.

Prior to saving you can cancel any changes with the Revert Record Changes
buton:

5.6.2 - Editing Records

Editing existing records is also a quick and simple task:
1 - Make sure you are connected to a database (see more on chapter 5.1 -
Connection)

2 - Open the Database sidebar when working on the Card Design view (see
more on chapter 5.3 Database).

Alternatively open the Edit Records window on the Database View (see more
on chapter 5.5.2 Edit Records).

3 - Use the database toolbar to find the record you wish to edit.

4 - Finally, fill the items with the required data and click the Save Record button
to save the changes.

Prior to saving you can cancel any changes with the Revert Record Changes
buton:

5.6.3 - Deleting Records

Deleting existing records is also a quick and simple task:
1 - Make sure you are connected to a database (see more on chapter 5.1 -
Connection)

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2 - Open the Database sidebar when working on the Card Design view (see
more on chapter 5.3 Database).

Alternatively open the Table view on the Database View (see more on chapter
5.5.2 Edit Records).

3 - Use the database toolbar to find the record you wish to delete.

4 - Click the Delete Record button and when prompted if you want to delete the
record, click the Yes button.

Note: Deleting a record is a permanent action that cannot be reverted, canceled

or undone.

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Chapter 6.
Printing
 Chapter 6. Printing 153

Chapter 6. Printing
Printing your cards is the core function of cardPresso. Within this chapter
we describe the several printing configurations cardPresso provides for printing
and how those settings work with your printer to achieve the best printing
results.
To ensure that the finished card appears as intended you should understand
basic printing principles such as the resolution of your printer or the calibration
and resolution of your monitor. These specifications are provided by the printer
manufacturer and in the display settings of your Operating System.
Make sure you have the latest printer driver and firmware versions for the printer
you have installed.

The computer you wish to print a card from must be connected either to a
local, shared, or network printer and be configured to use that printer.

1. Make sure that you’ve installed the correct printer driver for your printer.

2. Click the Print Button, or choose File > Print.

The Print options are arranged into 3 tabs: Print, Settings and Advanced Print
Operations.

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Advanced Options opens the Printer Driver properties of your currently

selected printer. Set additional printer driver options in your operating system.
See your printer driver documentation for details.

6.1 - Print

1. Click the Print tab, or choose File > Print.

2. If connected to a database (see more on Chapter 5. Database) you can use

the Database Selection options to select the records you want to print (see
more on Chapter 6.1.1 Printing With a Database):

3. Copies sets the number of copies to print for each print job / record (see
more on Chapter 6.1.2 - Copies)

4. Advanced Options opens the Printer Driver properties of your currently

selected printer. Set additional printer driver options in your operating
system. See your printer driver documentation for details.

5. Print Operations allows you to select the operations you wish to run on
each print job (see more on Chapter 6.1.3 - Print Operations.

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Click OK to start the print job with your currently selected options.

6.1.1 - Printing With a Database

Print jobs with large databases can be very lengthy and complicated. That's
why cardPresso provides you with several options you can use to your
advantage to, make printing with large databases a much simpler job.

6.1.1.1 - Printing a Database Range

Print Range allows you to choose a range of records within a database to

be printed automatically. This range can vary from one card to several cards.
1 - In the From field, select the starting point you want for your print job.
2 - In the Number of records, type the number subsequent records you want
to print.
When selecting a range, you have 3 options to select which is the record you
want to start to print from:

Start Record starts printing from the first database record.

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Current Record starts printing from the database record that's currently open.

Last Record starts printing from the last database record.

All Records prints all the existing records in the database.

Custom Records allows you to define a specific range of records to be

printed. Use comma (,) to enumerate records and dash (-) to choose a range of
records (e.g. 1, 3, 5-9).

After selecting which record to start from, Number of records let's you choose
how many subsequent records you want to print besides the starting record

Eg: If selected From: Start Record, Number of records: 100 cardPresso

would print all database records ranging from 1 to 100.

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6.1.1.2 - Printing Selected Records in a Database

Selected Records in browse view lets you select which records to print,
one by one, by selecting them previously in the Browse Records window in
Database View.

1- Click the Database View button, or choose View > Database View
2 - Select the records you want to print on the Browse Records window, using
the checkboxes.

3- Click the Print button, or choose File > Print.

4 - Select the Selected Records in browse view option and click OK to print.

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6.1.1.3 - Printing with Conditional Printing from a Database

Conditional Print lets you configure a print rule using a value from the
database records. When printing, cardPresso will search through all records
within the database and will only print the records that comply to the rule you
have configured.
1 - Select the database Column which contains the data to be validated.

2 - Select the condition that fits the print rule you want.

3 - Click OK to print only the database records that follow your print rule.

6.1.2 - Copies
Number of copies lets you set the number of times each card will be
printed.

6.1.3 - Print Operations

In the Print Operations you can find the print and encode tasks that occur in
each print, depending on the Card Type in use.

As an example, a Magnetic Card Type layout would show the following options.

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The operations selected in this area are the only ones sent for printing.

6.2 - Print Settings

Printer Settings allows you to configure the basic layout settings of your
card, configure Print Options which adapt to your printing needs, and gives
you access to your printer's Advanced Options.

To configure your Printer Settings, click File Configure print or CTRL

+P.

Paper Size, selects the paper size supported by the chosen printer.

Orientation, selects the orientation of your document. Landscape or

Portrait.

Print Layout, selects the card model you wish to print to.

In print situations as shown above, in this case to paper, we also provide you
with Orientation (Portrait/Landscape), Columns, Rows, Margins and Spacing
options.

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Print Options, shows you the current Driver Properties, select the
Rendering, Advanced options and the Overlay.

Advanced Options, opens the configurations of the currently selected

Printer.

6.2.1 - Printer
In this area you can choose which Printer you want to use, its Paper Size
whether it is Letter as used by A4 printers, CR-79, 80, 90 or any size
recognized by the card printer and the card Orientation.

To view the Printers installed on your computer and their Driver version click
CP Printer Drivers.

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6.2.2 - Print Layout

The Print Layout settings change depending on the Card Model you
choose. In its drop-down list you can choose the Card Types available in your
cardPresso Edition.

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Different Card Models have different Print Layout settings.

In the case of paper printers you can print multiple cards in one page.
cardPresso provides you with a simple grid system that you can modify to fit
your printing needs.
Print Layout lets you choose the number of rows, number of columns, top
margin, left margin, vertical and horizontal spacing. As you can see in the
image below.

Card Model, selects your card type.

Orientation, selects the orientation of your card in document.

Columns, number of columns.

Rows, number of rows.

Top Margin, left margin of your document.

Left Margin, top margin of your document.

Vertical Spacing, vertical spacing between cards.

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Horizontal Spacing, horizontal spacing between cards.

6.2.3 - Options
The Print Options section contains information and configuration settings
on how the print job is sent to the printer Driver.

The Driver section shows the basic driver info of the printer currently
selected.

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The Rendering settings allows you to configure advanced Black rendering

options, Antialiasing, and Composite Black Replacement.

Black - configures how the black color is sent to the printer. You can Send as
RGB; Send as Monochrome; Send as RGB and Monochrome; Send
Composite; Send Composite and Monochrome or send as a Separate
Render (default option).
Antialiasing - lets you enable or disable Antialiasing for either the whole card,
Text only and for Images only.By default, the option is active.
Composite black replacement - You can use composite black replacement
with one of the following options: Using the options available: Grayscale (Low,
Medium or High), Color Decrement (Low, Medium or High) Red Increment (Low,
Medium or High).

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Black - To obtain the desired results, you can submit the black in RGB;
monochrome; RGB and monochrome; composite; composite and monochrome
and separate render.
Composite black replacement - You can activate composite black
replacement, using the options available: Grayscale (Low, Medium or High),
Color Decrement (Low, Medium or High) Red Increment (Low, Medium or High).

The Advanced section provides you with the following options.

Rotate 180, Rotates the layout by 180º when sending the print job.
Flip Horizontal, Flips the layout horizontally when sending the print job.
Flip Vertical, Flips the layout vertically when sending the print job.
Use Colored Card, Sends the print job optimized for when your card is other
than white.

You can select from Black, Green and Yellow.

Print Jobs, By default the print job is sent as "All Print operations", in this
case cardPresso sends all print jobs whether each print job was successful or
not.
With Card by Card option cardPresso only sends the next card to be printed,
after receiving a success signal from the printer.
With Card by Card and Wait option cardPresso sends the print job one by
one, and waits for a user input. cardPresso will wait for a user confirmation that
each selected print job is successful before sending the next print job.

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Overlay/Varnish:
Mode: By default the Overlay is Disabled. Depending on the Printer in use it is
possible to send the Overlay Layout during the print job to the driver by saving it
to an External file or directly to the printer as Separate Page.

For detailed info, please contact our services ([email protected] )

mentioning the printer model you are using.

6.3 - Advanced Print Operations

In order to bring you some advanced functionalities in a simplified way, we
added a new tab to the print window – Advanced Print Operations.

6.3.1 - Update Print Status

By using your own text or one of the options available in cardPresso, it is easier
to mark the records in the database that have been printed, the number of cards
printed for that specific record and/or the print date of the last card.

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6.3.1.1 - Automatic Print Status

Formerly on the Print tab, the Automatic Print Status allows you to update a
column of the database with relevant print information.

By using your own text or one of the options available in CP, it is easier to mark
the records in the database that have been printed, the number of cards printed
for that specific record and/or the print date of the last card.

1 - Select the Column which you wish to update.

2 - Type the data you want to store or choose one of the available options CP
provides.

6.3.1.2 - Manual Print Status

It is now possible to manually change the print status of all your records at once.
This functionality could become very useful when used together with auto-print,
when renewing your ID cards.

“Set all records as printed” – by clicking this button, all records will be
updated in the column selected in “Automatic Print Status Update” with the value
defined in the combo box (in our example “Your own value”).

“Set all records as not printed” – by clicking this button, all records will be
updated in the column selected in “Automatic Print Status Update” with the
“Reset value”.

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6.3.2 - Auto-Print
One of the advanced print features you can use with cardPresso is the
ability to automate print jobs and use external applications to run custom print
jobs. This feature is called AutoPrint.

For these purposes cardPresso allows you to use the Windows Command
Prompt to run print jobs you have previously prepared.
The possibility to use the Command Prompt to run customizable print jobs allows
you to create .bat files with your custom settings and run those .bat files
whenever you need.
You can also use external programs to run custom print jobs, either by running
the cardPresso AutoPrint commands, or by running a previously saved .bat
file.
To work with AutoPrint, the card you are going to use must be previously saved
with your printer settings configured.

6.3.2.1 - How to configure

With your document saved, go to File » Print and click in the "Advanced Print
Operations" tab.
Mark the checkbox "Auto-print".
Choose the actions to be included on the print job by marking the check-boxes,
and click on one of the buttons below to perform the following action:

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(1) Export .bat file: after saving the configured document, to export a .bat file,
with the marked operations, click on “Export .bat file”.

(2) Start/Stop Auto-print: this functionality allows you to have the auto-print
running while the card document is open.

i. To have the auto-print running, configure the auto-print by marking the

check-boxes above, save your document and click Start auto-print. Click
OK to return to the Design view.

ii. To Stop the auto-print, return to the Print » Advanced Print Operations
window and click Stop auto-print.

Note: If CP is closed without clicking “Stop auto-print”, the process will

continue running independently of CP and must be closed through the
Task Manager.

Click Restore Defaults to clean the settings.

6.3.2.2 - AutoPrint Commands

Below are the commands used to interact with cardPresso through the
command prompt:
Print Command (/P): to print the card.
The syntax for the /P print command to be used from Run or Command
Prompt is: "c:\Program Files\cardPresso\cardPresso.exe" "c:\cP Test.card" /P
Conditional Print Filter (/FILTER:"data"): add the desired Flag for the
Conditional Print Filter (please note that “Conditional Print” in the Print tab must
be configured).
Continuous printing (/CONTINUOUS:seconds ): condition to automatically
re-query the database for new records to print after “X” seconds delay (default
is 10 seconds). Available from the XL.
Query interval: to configure a different query interval fill this text box.
Set Database Filter (/DBFILTER:"Filter"): define the filter for the database
connection.
Show print dialog window (/SHOWPRINTDIALOG): always show Print Dialog
Box.
Hide main interface (/NOMAINWINDOW): command to do the print job
silently/invisible, that is, only in case of error or when interaction is required (an
item with Update Before Print), a window will be presented.

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Save changes before exit (/SAVE:"optionalFileName"): Saves the document

opened in the command line applying all changes made by Print or DBFilter.
New file name: if this field is empty the file will be saved with the same
name
Select Printer (/PRINTERNAME:"Your Printer Name"): select the printer to
be used in the process.
In case you are configuring a *.bat file to be used in a different computer,
make sure that the printer name matches what is displaying in
Devices&Printers.
Display card preview (/PRINTERPREVIEW): displays a preview of the card
before being printed.
Display buttons (/PRINTPREVIEW:NOBUTTONS): mark this option to
display Continue (to proceed with the print job) and Cancel (to cancel the print
job) buttons.
Forces Close and Exit after Print (/EXIT): forces cardPresso to close and
exit after print.
Forces to keep Open after Print (/K): keeps cardPresso process open after
print.
Start Auto-print when opening document: when this option is marked, the
auto-print starts running when the document is opened in cardPresso.

Note: Before quitting cardPresso go to File » Print » Advanced Print Operations and click on
“Stop auto-print”, otherwise if cardPresso is closed without clicking “Stop auto-print”, the process will
continue running independently of cardPresso and must be closed through the Task Manager.

6.3.2.3 - AutoPrint with Command Prompt and Windows Run

AutoPrint commands can be run directly either from the Windows Run
dialog box, or from the Windows Command Prompt.
To run an AutoPrint command from the Windows Run dialog box, open the
dialog box through the Windows Menu Start>Run type the AutoPrint command
in the dialog box and click the OK button:

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To run an AutoPrint command from the Windows Command Prompt, open the
command prompt through the Windows menu Start>Accessories>Command
Prompt. And type the AutoPrint command in the Command Prompt window:

6.3.2.4 - AutoPrint Batch File

AutoPrint commands can be stored in a batch file (.bat) for later use. This
way you can create as many batch files as you like, each with it's custom
settings, and run your desired file with the desired settings whenever it's
needed.
You can create a batch file in any regular text editor like Notepad.
Simply create a new text document. Type the AutoPrint commands you want to
run and save the file with the .bat extension.

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You can then run the .bat file directly, or through an external program such as
the Windows Task Scheduler.

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Encoding
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Chapter 7 - Encoding
The multiple types of encoding available in cardPresso provides the best
flexibility when working with multiple card types.

To ensure a good knowledge base, in this chapter we will further develop the
topic of encoding, addressing each type of encoding and how to perform it
within cardPresso.
7.1 - Barcodes
Barcodes are a staple of today's industry and cardPresso follows through in
this feature as well.
Supporting 1D and 2D barcodes libraries with various customizations allows for
a wide application area.
To create a barcode simply click on the New Barcode or New 2D Barcode
button on the Design Toolbar and then click-drag the new barcode to the size
you want.

7.1.1 - 1D Barcode
A 1D Barcode is the most common barcode type also known as a Linear
Barcode.

To create a 1D Barcode click the New Barcode button in the Design

Toolbar or through the cardPresso menu Tool>Barcode.
You can then click-drag to place the new barcode with the desired size.
To customize the barcode, select it and click the Barcode separator in the
Properties Dock.
The following options are availlable:
Symbology lets you select the symbology the barcode should use.
Barcode color lets you change the color of the barcode.
Module width lets you customize the width of the module.
Bearer bar customizes the positioning and shape of the barcode bearer bar.
Bearer width customizes the width of the Bearer Bar.
Quiet zone customizes the size of the quiet zone.

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Human readable customizes or disables the barcode caption text.

Font customizes the size of the caption text.
CheckDigit enables or disables the Check Digit.

7.1.2 - 2D Barcode
A 2D Barcode also know as a matrix code, is an advanced barcode type
which can hold more data per area.

To create a 2D Barcode click the New 2D Barcode button in the Design

Toolbar or through the cardPresso menu Tool>2D Barcode.

You can then click-drag to place the new barcode with the desired size.
To customize the barcode, select it and click the Barcode separator in the
Properties Dock.
The following options are available:

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Symbol format changes the symbol format of the barcode.

Barcode color changes the color of the barcode.
QRCode Format changes the barcode encode system.
Module Width changes the width of the barcode.
Mask changes the barcode mask.
EC Level changes the error correction level.
Size/Version changes the barcode size/version.

7.1.3 - Database Generated Barcodes

cardPresso's barcodes also supports having database items as the data
source. This means cardPresso can dynamically generate barcodes using the

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data from an existing database.

As with any item in cardPresso, each Barcode contains it's own set of
properties which can be used for advanced barcode generation.
To add a database source to a Barcode:

1 - Select the Barcode in the Card Design view.

2 - On the Source tab, to the right, change the Source type to Database

3 - Select the Table where the database data is stored.

4 - Select the Column which contains the data to be written on the Barcode.

Concatenation allows you to stack up to three database fields within the same
Barcode. This is allows for a much more dynamic and space efficient data
generation when working with barcodes.

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To use Concatenation on a Barcode click the Concatenation button on the

Source tab.
The Concatenation pop-up provides the following options:
Data Prefix allows you to customize the text prefix that appears on the currently
selected track.
Ignore on print disables or enables encoding the Data Prefix.
Data Suffix allows you to customize a text suffix that appears on the currently
selected track.

Ignore on print disables or enables encoding the Data Suffix.

Concatenate database columns enables or disables Concatenation

Column Prefix adds a text prefix to the data obtained from the selected data
column.
Column selects the database column from which to obtain the data.

7.1.4 - Script Generated Barcodes

cardPresso also allows you to manipulate Barcode data through Scripts.
This powerful feature allows for even more advanced operations to use your
barcodes to their full potential.

In cardPresso the data on this item can be manipulated through scripting as

with any other item.

The encoded data must still follow each Barcode's format rules.

To create a Script click an empty area of the card design and select the Script
tab in the Properties Dock..
Scripts can also be added to an item by selecting it and clicking the
Script tab in the properties Dock.

On the Script tab you can select when the script should executed and on the
text box, write the script.

Ex: in the example below the QR code being used was given the ID QR.

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Result:

7.2 - Magnetic Stripe

Magnetic encoding is a contactless type of encoding performed on the
magnetic stripe (Magstripe) of a magnetic card. cardPresso supports both High
Coercivity (HiCo) and Low Coercivity (LoCo) magnetic cards.
There are up to 3 tracks on magnetic cards: Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3
Each Track supports a specific data type and size.

Track 1 - 80 Alphanumeric Characters

Track 2 - 40 Numeric Characters
Track 3 - 110 Numeric Characters
When a magnetic card type is created, cardPresso displays a visual
representation of the Magstripe on the Card Back view. This allows you to
individually select each Track and edit the data to be encoded directly through
the card design view.
You can access it by clicking the View Card Back button, or through the menu
View > Card Back.

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7.2.1 - Macros / Sentinels

When encoding data into a Track the data must follow a specific set of
formatting rules. These are what determine which Track is being written and
what data is to be written.
To do this, encoders use a set of characters named Sentinels which determine
where the data to be encoded starts, where it's separated and where it ends.

Start Sentinel (generally '%') marks where the data to be encoded is going to
begin.

End Sentinel (generally '?') marks where the data to be encoded ends.

Field Separator (generally '^') separates different fields within a track.

ex: %Example^Text?

Where:

'%' is the Start Sentinel.

'Example' is the first field of data to be encoded on the current track.

'^' is the Field Separator.

'Text' is the second field of data to be encoded on the current track.

'?' is the End Sentinel.

cardPresso simplifies the process by using Macros: an array of Sentinel

presets for several manufacturers, making changing Sentinels as simple and
easy as a click (see more on 7.2.5 - Editing Magnetic Macros / Sentinels).

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7.2.2 - Adding Data to a Track

Tracks in magnetic cards can work as easily as any other item in
cardPresso when it comes to adding data. Simply double click the data track
you wish to encode, input the data in the textbox and click the Close button. The
change will be immediate:

This allows you to quickly add information into a magnetic card without any
previous knowledge on magnetic encoding.

7.2.3 - Adding a Database Source to a Track

When working with databases, having the versatility to add a database item
to a Track is fundamental.

As with any item in cardPresso, each Track contains its own set of properties
which can be used for advanced encoding operations.
To add a database source to a Track:

1 - Select the Track in the Card Back view.

2 - On the Source tab, to the right, change the Source type to Database

3 - Select the Table where the database data is stored.

4 - Select the Column which contains the data to be encoded.

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All changes are immediately visible in the Design View:

7.2.4 - Concatenation With Databases

Concatenation allows you to stack up to three database fields within the
same Track. This is allows for a much more dynamic and space efficient data
generation when working with magnetic tracks.
To use Concatenation on a Track select the Track, on the Track Properties
select the Source tab and click the Concatenation button.
The Concatenation pop-up provides the following options:
Data Prefix allows you to customize the text prefix that appears on the currently
selected track.

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Ignore on print disables or enables encoding the Data Prefix.

Data Suffix allows you to customize a text suffix that appears on the currently
selected track.

Ignore on print disables or enables encoding the Data Suffix.

Concatenate database columns enables or disables Concatenation.

Column Prefix adds a text prefix to the data obtained from the selected data
column.
Usually used for the Field Separator Sentinel

Column selects the database column from which to obtain the data.

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7.2.5 - Editing Magnetic Macros / Sentinels

Different encoder manufacturers use different Sentinels. To simplify
managing sentinels cardPresso provides several Macros with preset Sentinels

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from several manufacturers.

You can change Macros through the cardPresso menu File > Print Settings
> Print Options > Magnetic Encode > Macros and select your encoder/
printer manufacturer.

To manually configure Macros open the cardPresso menu File > Print
Settings > Print Options > Magnetic Encode > Macros and select User
Defined.

This will allow you to manually type the Start Sentinel and End Sentinel as
shown below. All 3 Tracks must be manually set.

7.2.6 - Script Encoding

cardPresso also allows you to manipulate Track data through Scripts. This

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powerful feature allows for even more advanced operations to customize your
encoded data to its full potential.
In cardPresso each Tracks has a unique ID. Namely ISOTRACK1,
ISOTRACK2, and ISOTRACK3 for Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3 respectively.
The data on this item can be manipulated through scripting as with any other
item.
The encoded data must still follow each Track's data type (see more on 7.2 -
Magnetic Stripe).

To create a Script click an empty area of the card design and select the Script
tab in the Properties Dock..
Scripts can also be added to an item by selecting it and clicking the Script tab in
the properties Dock.

On the Script tab you can select when the script should executed and on the
text box, write the script.
Ex: item.ISOTRACK1="Example Text"

7.3 - Contact and Contactless Encoding

Contact and contactless encoding in cardPresso are done with the Encode
Operations window in the Encode View. Here you can develop your

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customized encoding operations for all the supported contact and contactless
Card Types.
This allows you to manipulate the data stored in your Card, the data in the Card
Design Items and the data stored in your database, if connected to one.
The code varies with each Card Type. cardPresso comes with sample code for
the supported Card Types designed to get you familiar with the basic operations
of each Card Type.

7.3.1 - Encode View

The Encode View is where you view manage the encoded information in
your card and the encoding operations to be performed when encoding to your
cards.
You can access it by clicking the Encode View button, or through the menu
View > Encode View.

This section gives you access to the various sections that manage the encoding
process.

The Encode Model window shows a visual representation of the way data is
stored in each card.

The Data Inspector window shows the data currently being browsed in the
Encode Data window.

The Encode Script window shows the encode commands that run when the
card is encoded.
The Properties window, to the right, has its own set of options in the
Properties section which provide you with convenient information and tools to
make Encoding fast and easy.

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7.3.2 - Encode Model

The Encode Data window is a visual representation of the way information is
stored in your card. It allows you to easily browse the card for a quick access to
the information stored.

You can find it by clicking the Encode View button.

Different Card Types have different types of Encode Data organization.

Here is an example of the Encode Data window of a Mifare card:

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7.3.3 - Data Inspector

The Data Inspector window shows you the data currently stored on the item
you select on the Encode Data window and allows you to manipulate the stored
data. This gives you a quick reference of the data stored in your card and
eases the workflow while working on your Encode Operations.

You can find the Data Inspector window by clicking the Encode View
button, or clicking View > Encode View.

The information shown on Data Inspector also changes depending on the Card
Type.
The Data Inspector window organizes the information stored in your card in 3
columns:
Block shows the card block currently selected in the Encode Data window.
Hexadecimal shows the hexadecimal value of the data currently stored on the
selected card block.
If the user has changed the value using the Edit button, it will show the new
value entered by the user)
ASCII shows the value of the Hexadecimal field in regular text format.

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Here is an example of the Data Inspector window of a Mifare card where we

wrote the hexadecimal value for the word "cardPresso":

The Data Inspector window comes with a set of tools that allow you to
quickly view and modify the data stored in your card:
The Edit button allows you to directly modify the information stored in the item
currently selected in the Encode Data window. The Edit button works with
Hexadecimal values.

The information will only be written in the card when you press the Write button.

The Read button allows you to read the information stored in the item currently
selected in the Encode Data window.
The Write button writes in the card the value currently visible in the
Hexadecimal separator of the item currently selected in the Encode Data
window.
The Continuous Read button makes cardPresso repeatedly read the data in
the currently selected item every two seconds.
This allows you to perform several write functions in the Encode Operations
window and immediately see the results on the Data Inspector window.

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7.3.4 - Encode Script

The Encode Script window is where all the codes that manipulate how
information pertaining to your card is written. You can program and test all the
encoding actions you want before printing through this window.

You can find the Encode Script window by clicking the Encode View
button, or clicking View > Encode View.

The actions written here will then occur each time the card is encoded.

Here is an example of the Encode Operations window of a Mifare card type:

The various Encode Operations also change with each Card Type.

7.3.5 - Properties
The Encode View also has it's own set of Properties tabs located as usual
to the right. It provides you with several separators which contain convenient
information about your card, your printer, your users, your database and
scripts. All with more tools to make your Encoding Operations even smoother

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and easier to implement.

You can find the Encode View Properties tab by clicking the Encode View
button, or clicking View > Encode View.

7.3.5.1 - Preview

The Preview tab provides you with a quick overlook on the card design. You
can swap between the front and the back of the card design preview by clicking
the Front button and Back button respectively.

You can find the Preview tab by clicking the Encode View button, or
clicking View > Encode View and clicking the Prevew tab on the right.

7.3.5.2 - Printer Tools

Printer Tools are a powerful set of tools that allow you to manually navigate
your card inside your printer (in printers that support these functions) so you
have more control over how your printer uses your card while writing your
Encode Operations.

The available printer tools vary with the printer modules installed on your printer.

You can find the Printer Tools tab by clicking the Encode View button, or
clicking View > Encode View and clicking the Printer Tools tab on the
right.
Insert card from card input feeder inserts a card positioned in the printer

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input feeder into the printer circuit.

Insert card manually allows you to manually insert the card directly in the
position you desire.
Position card at contact encoding unit moves the card from its current
position to the contact encoding unit.
Position card at contactless encoding unit moves the card from its current
position to the contactless encoding unit.
Move card out of contactless encoding unit moves the card out of the
contactless encoding unit.
Eject card to dispenser unit moves the card from it's current position to the
card dispenser unit.
Eject card to reject unit moves the card from it's current position to the card
dispenser unit.
Magnetic Encoder allows you to read the content the 3 tracks of a magnetic
card.
Direct Commands allows you to send commands directly to the printers who
support this feature (please refer to the printer manufacturer for a list of
supported commands).

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These options work only with printers that support commands.

7.3.5.3 - Database

The Database separator works Encode View exactly the same way as in
the other views. You can browse your records, edit them and drag them into
the Encode Operations window. Making your work with Encode Operations in
cardPresso even easier and faster!

You can find the Database tab by clicking the Encode View button, or
clicking View > Encode View and clicking the Database tab on the right.

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7.3.5.4 - Database Filter

Database Filter is yet another strong tool that makes the work-flow on
Encoding Operations much smoother and faster in cardPresso.

You can apply Database Filters on cardPresso so you only see the records
with the information that matters the most to you. Making browsing database
records a much easier and cleaner task.
You can find the Database Filter tab by clicking the Encode View button, or
clicking View > Encode View and clicking the Database Filter tab on the right.
To do so, simply select the column which contains the data you want to filter.
Select the condition to filter which matches your needs.
Insert the value you want to filter
Select Add Condition and click Apply (You can add more filters by selecting
And or Or).
Now when you browse your database records on the Database tab, only those
that follow the condition will show.

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7.3.5.5 - Database Find

Database Find is a quick reference tool that lets you find specific values
throughout your database.
You can find the Database Find tab by clicking the Encode View button, or
clicking View > Encode View and clicking the Database Find tab on the right.
Select the Column in which you want to find a value.
Select the condition that fits your situation.
Insert the value you want to search for.
Use the buttons to navigate through the records which comply with the condition.

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7.3.5.6 - Script

The Script separator is the Document script and if you previously added
code, it will be located here. See more on Chapter 4.4.12 - Script.

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Chapter 8.
Security
 200 cardPresso Manual

Chapter 8. Security
Security conscious businesses know it’s essential to monitor who has
access to your information flow.

8.1 - Document Password Protection

You can prevent unauthorized alterations to your design template, access to
your database, or ID card printing by password locking different phases of the
card production process.

Let’s imagine you want to allow employees to print ID cards but not alter the
template design. No problem - a password lock on only the design phase allows
card printing without any undesired creative license. Or imagine you want to
restrict who can print ID cards.

8.1.1 - Activate Document Password Protection

Click on File » Document Settings and select which views you want to
restrict access to (Design View or Production Mode)

Click Close and Save your changes (File » Save).

Using this setting, the user will be required to insert a password each time they
try to go to the protected view, preventing unauthorized changes on settings or

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design.

8.1.2 - Deactivate Document Password Protection

To deactivate document password protection, go to File » Document
Settings and unmark the checkboxes referring the view you want to unprotect
and click Close.

8.2 - Users allowances

When working with multiple collaborators, managing and providing select
permissions to each individual becomes crucial.
Users is yet another powerful management tool provided with cardPresso to
help you specifically with user management, allowing you to limit who can
access cardPresso and what they can do.

Users provides you with tools that allow you to create and manage user logins
for cardPresso. This gives you full control over who has access to cardPresso
and what they can do. With the added ability to create groups, managing large
numbers of users becomes as simple as a single click.

8.2.1 - Users View

The Users View gives you access to all the tools that allow you browse, add,
remove and edit Users and Groups. It also gives you access to an overview of
all their operations and an additional option to print customized audits.
You can access the Users View by clicking Window > Users View:
The Users View is separated in 5 smaller sections:
The Users View Toolbar provides you with the basic tools to add and remove
users, add and remove groups and print audit reports:

Audit Report Prints an Audit Report for different files formats.

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Add User Creates a new user.

Removes the user currently selected in the Users
Remove User
section.
Add Group Creates a new group.
Removes the user currently selected in the Users
Remove Group
section.
Refresh Views Reloads the users database on the Users View.

The Users section located in the top left of the Users Vew shows a list with
all the users you currently have configured in cardPresso.

The Groups section shows you a list with all the groups you currently have
configured in cardPresso and it's respective users.

The Auditing section is located in the bottom half of the Users View and it
shows a list of all the actions performed by each user.

You must first enable auditing for the intended users in the User Properties
tab by editing the user (see more on: Chapter 8.2.5 Edit a User).

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The Properties tab is located as always to the right of the Users View. It's
contents also change depending on what you are currently doing, whether it's
adding new users and groups or editing their respective settings, all the
information is shown and edited here.

Above is the properties tab while a user is selected.

8.2.2 - Users
A User system is a combination of a user name and a password and, if
enabled, are required to access cardPresso. The user name and password
identify each person that accesses cardPresso and determines what they can
or can not do within cardPresso by attributing each user with its own set of
permissions.

8.2.2.1 - Enabling User Logins

The first step to work with users is enabling user logins. You can do this by
accessing the Users View by clicking the cardPresso menu Window >

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Users View and in the bottom of the window clicking the Enable user logins
checkbox.

The first time you enable user logins, you will be prompted with the default user
name and password.

The default user name is ADMIN and the default password is admin:

This information will only appear once.

8.2.2.2 - Login

After enabling users logins, when you open cardPresso you will be required
to enter the login credentials on the welcome screen.

Simply type the credentials and click the OK button.

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Every user that is created can login in this fashion.

8.2.2.3 - Add User

With user logins enabled the next step to managing your users is adding
them. You do this by clicking the Add User button found in the Users View
Toolbar.
Doing so will open the new user options in the properties tab where you will be
prompted to fill various fields required to create a new user:

Login: Write the user name the user must insert when logging in cardPresso.
Name: Write the name of the owner of this user name.
Password: Write the password the user must insert when logging in
cardPresso.
Confirm Password: Repeat the password to validate it.
Diable user (cannot login): The user won't be able to log in cardPresso until
this option is disabled (unchecked).
Enable auditing: Every user action within cardPresso will be recorded and

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visible in the Auditing section.

Click Save to save the new user. It will then be available for editing in the
Users section.

A new user will have no permissions until assigned to a Group (see more on
Chapter 8.3.2 Add Group).

8.2.2.4 - Remove User

To keep a clean and up to date user base you can remove Users that are no
longer needed by selecting the user you want to remove and clicking the
Remove User button found in the Users View Toolbar.

If a user is removed its user name and password will no longer work when
logging in losing all access to cardPresso.

Removing a user is a permanent action that cannot be undone.

8.2.2.5 - Edit a User

To edit an existing User select the user you want to edit in the Users section
on the Edit Vew:

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Once selected, the user's data will be editable in the properties window to the
right:

When done editing, to save the changes click the Save button.

Once created, the user Login field cannot be edited.

8.2.3 - Groups
cardPresso adds Groups to its User management system to ease editing
large numbers of users.
Here you can add Groups and select each group's specific permissions and
assign them to multiple users.

When a User is assigned to a Group, it inherits all the permissions the Group
currently has. Every change to the group's permissions affects the permissions
of all the users assigned to it.

A user with no group assigned will have no permissions.

8.2.3.1 - Add Group

To add a Group click the Add Group button found in the Users View
Toolbar.

Doing so will open the new group options in the properties tab where you will be
prompted to fill various fields required to create a new group:

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Group*: Write the unique name cardPresso will use to identify the group.
Name: Write the name of the Group for easier identification.
Location: Write the name of the location / department / category of the users
assigned to this group.
Users: Select the Users that belong to this group.

One user can belong to more than one group.

Permissions: Select the permissions that the users assigned this group will
have.

Click the Save button to save the group with the selected settings.

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*required field

8.2.3.2 - Remove Group

If a group is no longer needed you can remove it by selecting the Group

you want to remove and clicking the Remove Group button found in the Users
View Toolbar.

If a group is removed all users assigned to it will lose all permissions the Group
had.

Removing a group is a permanent action that cannot be undone.

8.2.3.3 - Edit a Group

To edit an existing Group select the group you want to edit in the Group
section on the Edit Vew:

Once selected, the groups data and permissions will be editable in the
properties window to the right:

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When done editing, to save the changes click the Save button.

Once created, the user Group field cannot be edited.

8.2.4 - Auditing
The Auditing section in Users View is where you can see every action
performed by any user in cardPresso.

To audit a user you must first Enable Auditing for the intended user in the User
Properties tab by editing the user (see more on: Chapter 8.2.5 Edit a User).
After enabling auditing for a user every future action that user performs in
cardPresso is registered and listed in the Auditing section.

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8.2.4.1 - Audit Report

For an easier view purposes cardPresso allows you to print or export

customizable Auditing Reports.
You can do this by clicking the Audit Report button on the Users View
Toolbar.
Doing so will open the Audit Report editor window, where you can customize
your reports before printing or exporting them to files.

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 Appendix A -
XXL Net License
 214 cardPresso Manual

Appendix A - XXL Net License

To use this service, one computer must have the cardPresso XXL Edition
licensed and be connected to the same LAN as the other computers. When the
Net License service is activated on this computer, it acts as Server and provides
the license to a total of 15 computers connected to the same LAN.

To use this service, one computer must have the cardPresso XXL lincensed
and be connected to the same LAN as the other computers. When the Net
License service is activated on this computer, it acts as the Server and provides
the license to a total of 15 computers connected to the same LAN.

The cardPresso Net License Service only works on a LAN. It does not
work through the internet.

For best results, the computer with the Net License Service should have a
Static IP Address. The computer acting as the Net License "Server" does not
need to have a Server type Operating System.

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Appendix A.1 - Installing the XXL Net License Service

To install cardPresso's Net License service please do the following:
1 - Install cardPresso on the computers but without the service.

2 - In the computer that will run the service and act as the server, open the
cardPresso menu CP>cardPresso License.

3 -In the cardPresso License window, click the Net tab click on the Run as
Application button:

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On systems using Windows Firewall, a warning will pop-up, please allow the
cardPresso connection through the Local Area Network.

Some Firewall applications will not show any warnings and automatically
block the License Service, the required permissions are at the end of these
instructions.
This will open a command line window which will show you if the ports are open
and if a cardPresso application is running in the network.

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In this example:
192.168.2.138 is the Host computer acting as a Net License server, providing
the license.
192.168.2.136 is the Client computer receiving the license.
4 - Close the cardPressoLS.exe window and click Install as Service

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5 - Run the service and confirm it's running.

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6 - In the License Service Client Computer use the default configurations or

change it based on your networks characteristics.

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Now you can have up to 16 computers in your Local Area Network, including
the one acting as a server, running cardPresso XXL edition.

If cardPresso doesn't automatically detect the license in a Client computer,

open a command prompt window (Start Menu > Run> cmd.exe) type "ping
cardPresso_LS" and hit return.
If the host isn't found as shown above, please confirm that it is in the same Local
Area Network, and if so, open a port in the firewall for:
CPSECURITY_SERVICENAME "cardPresso_LS"
CPSECURITY_SERVICEPORT 1947
(TCP to communicate and UDP for the name)
If the ping requests an answer from an IP address that doesn't belong to the
Local Area Network and has no answer, retest the ping after rebooting the
Router and/or use a different router.

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Warning : If the License Service is added (Step 3) to multiple computers, a

License Service "cluster" is created and it will drown the real License Server.
Also, the Net License uses WINS or NetBios to assign the License to the client
computers. Therefore the License won't be assigned to a cardPresso
application outside the WINS or NetBios range.

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 Appendix B -
Web Print Server
 224 cardPresso Manual

Appendix B - Web Print Server

The Web Print Server alllows you to remotely print cards from a computer
that doesn't have cardPresso installed.

To use the WebPrint Server you are required to:

1 - Have a computer with cardPresso XXL Edition connected to a working

local area network (LAN or Internet) to act as the Web Print Server.

2 - Have another computer (Client Computer) connected and to the same local
area network (LAN or Internet).

3 - Use an external application on the Client Computer to send the Print Job
through IP to the server.
To use this service, the Web Print Server computer with the cardPresso XXL Edition
lincensed must be accessible to the Client Computer via IP connection either through a LAN
or an Internet connection.

Appendix B.1 - Configuring a Web Print Server

The first step to use the Web Print Server service is configuring the
computer that will be running cardPresso and receiving the print jobs.

To configure the Web Print Server you must:

1 - Save the card file you wish to print remotely on the My Cards folder:

1 - Create a copy or use an existing cardPresso windows shortcut, right click

it and select Properties.

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2 - Add the /PRINTSERVER switch to the shortcut Target after the quotation
mark and click OK:

3 - Open cardPresso as a Web Print Server with the new shortcut.

4 - On the Web Print Server window you must configure:
The IP Address of the computer acting as the Web Print Server.
The Port cardPresso should use to receive print jobs.
The User Groups (see more on Chapter 8.3) that can access the Web Print
Server.
When all the settings are configured, press the Save button to save the changes
and press the green Start Service button, on the bottom right to start the Web
Print Server.
If correctly configured, the button will turn red and the Status box will display a
listen OK message as shown below:

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Your Web Print Server is now running and has a .card file ready to be printed.

When working within a LAN (Local Area Network) the WebPrint Server computer must
be connected to the same network as the Client computer that will send the remote print
jobs.
When working through an internet connection, both the WebPrint Server computer and
the Client computer must be accessible to each other through a TCP/IP connection.

Appendix B.2 - Print XML Structure

With the Web Print Server configured and ready to recieve print jobs the
last step to print using this service is sending a print job to the server.
The transmission of print jobs to the web print server will be handled by a user
developed application (see sample application files in Appendix B.2.4 - Sample
Files for the Web Print Server
The print job data must be sent to the Web Print Server in an XML structured
document. A complete XML sample is available for visualization in Appendix
B.2.3 - Web Print Job XML Sample.
The XML strucure of a print job requires the following elements:
The cardPresso element specifies the beginning of a cardPresso Web Print
Server document. It must always contain a login element and a cardDocument

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 Appendix B - Web Print Server 227

element.
The login element contains the user name and password elements. Each
specific to the user configuration in the cardPresso Web Print Server
application.
These elements are mandatory.
The cardDocument element contains properties and elements with the data
specific to the print job.

The cardDocument element contains three attributes:

The filename attribute specifies the name of the .card document file to be used
in the print job.
The printer atribute specifies the printer to be used in the print job.
The printerType attribute specifies the printer group to which the printer
belongs. (not available yet)

Note: There can be multiple cardDocument elements with different attributes

and elements for the handling of multiple files and printers.

Within the cardDocument element we can specify the data to send to each
item in the .card document design by using item elements.
Besides the value to be sent to the item, each item element contains an id
property and a type property.
The id property is used to specify the item in the card design to which we want
to send the data (read more in chapter 4.4.1 - Item).
The Item IDs sent to the Web Print Job must match the IDs of the items on the
.card document file that is to be printed.

The type property specifies if the item we are trying to send data to is a text
item or an image.
When sending Images to the Web Print Server they should follow the Base64
encode scheme (read more here).

Appendix B.3 - Web Print Job Sample

Below is a sample of a completely formatted Web Print Job data to be sent
to the Web Print Server:

This follows a strict structure that must be followed when sending the print job
information to the server.

You can see an in depth explanation of each element and property of the XML
structure in Appendix B.2.2 - Print XML Structure

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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

<cardPresso xmlns="http://tempuri.org/wpsRequest.xsd">
<login>
<name>ADMIN</name>
<password>admin</password>
</login>
<cardDocument filename="example.card" printer="Microsoft XPS Document
Writer">
<item id="NAME">RUI FARIA</item>
<item id="ADDRESS">FUNCHAL</item>
<item id="PHOTO" type="image">
iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAFoAAABWCAIAAADACBYuAAAAAX
NSR0IArs4c6QAAAARnQU1BAACx
\njwv8YQUAAAAJcEhZcwAADsMAAA7DAcdvqGQAAANUSURBVHhe7Zq9
T9tAGMb7rzB07tC5UvdKnUEw\nF2UvZe/
HjphYSrsw8SHBFIhUJkRQOyGRwpSBwMSSbEztI/VVxPOe7Tvb5/SSvI9
+my/vnX/xnX1O
\nnj3fWjDGmA7CdBCmgzAdhOkgTAdhOgjTQZgOwnQQpoMwHYTpIEwHYT
oI00GYDsJ0ELV0vNx+sXK0
\ntPlrowLrp2uq2phWe1U1DgQffL3zSlUrRRUdsICT+f3Q
+1MvBzd7qjLAWcnhqsHAUASDVJVDKK3j
\ny9mn0eNIeq4d98uMVRx1IEUV91JCB3x3
+ifSW6Rgrqle5ECk4EopNX1CdcBF/dnhpmkdCC6Tt7tv
\nVC95hOpowgUyAR3IYDQIXEqCdNRf3vIyGR0IprnqKBO/
Dsw9KRk7w8eh6gt0787lcOy46l38Or5f
\nbku9qIGLzPFhnvcerqRR1Fzcd1VfLn4dxXe
+wej289nH5cNF9akJA4kffrz3Xlneu4xHB7qRSlnZ\nv95V7f87+G5kcFkpeBT
+h0cHHrqkkpNO/1g1ToSChR8TXzVWeHQUlK65O2gULEwySo53
+aiuQ7VM
\nCpy2jJJjOiimg2I6KKaDYjoopoNiOiimgzKnOgajgYySM486Wu1VGaKTBvcs
qmUiFOw5EZyOaq9I\nUQc2hzgrdF2Kg5u9vDkyjvcdcnI61k/
XpIPYGYxuVV8uyenwfsOV4333A5LTIdVjp3t3rjrKZC50\nDB+HgS
+rZl8Hloxov8JNuw7MkVI/5c+sDlwUeB5Txb3Mmg4sE/vXu632O1U2kKnRgct
+8+dGHsuH\ni6D+y/2p0YGRqJZNUF1HQ7
+zSHUnSego2BE1ND6p7iQJHStHSzKcrIQ89pZFSjtJQgeQ4eSk0z8J
\nf8gJQeo6SUUHNs4yosJg63Vx3w0HHjNXHynnJBUdxfOlTmBQ9QXkmJNU
dIBO/1gGFTvuRJMDThLS\ngcd+PPPKuKIm/K9yCekA+Brz/
jRRJ9OqA8BI9GtkinUAzJpvl19lgDEylWuHAjdI7Brrz53ew5Wq\nDPLu6
+511ARVdIzBJhK7SajBdrMs
+FTeixnUfNoS97XJuAC1dMwepoMwHYTpIEwHYToI00GYDsJ0
\nEKaDMB2E6SBMB2E6CNNBmA7CdBCm4wlbC38Bnj6GloLNwKIAAAAA
SUVORK5CYII=\n
</item>
</cardDocument>
</cardPresso>

Appendix B.4 - Sample Files for the Web Print Server

The Print Job format must comply to the standard we provide in our website,

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 Appendix B - Web Print Server 229

available for download here.

Appendix B.5 - Database Communication

Each cardPresso document can have a design associated to a database.

cardPresso has the ability to save all the data printed using the web print sever
(using a form or a web-based platform that retrieves an XML file).

If no specific settings are applied regarding database connection (as

described), what happens is the following:

· If the folder [PRINT] exists in the following location - C:/Users/Your Name/

AppData/Local/cardPresso/PRINT cardPresso will save the data in a SQLite
database in the folder.

· If not, it will look for the folder [DATABASE] and if it exists it will save the
SQLite database there.

· If [DATABASE] folder doesn´t exist, it will save the SQLite in the C:\Users
\Your User\AppData\Local\Temp).

To specify a custom database connection set the following settings in the

[PRINTING] section of the cardPresso.conf file:

Setting Description
driver The name of the database driver (if left empty, the default
printing.sqlite database mentioned above will be used). The possible
values are:
QPSQL – PostgreSQL
QMYSQL – MySQL
QOCI – OCI (Oracle Call Interface)
QODBC – ODBC
QDB2 – DB2
QTDS – TDS
QSQLITE – SQLite
QIBASE – iBase
database The name of the database
host The address of the database server
port The port of the database server
user The user name to use when connecting to the database server
pass The password to use when connecting to the database server

Appendix B.6 - Print Job Status Request

As print jobs are sent to the Web Print Server to be printed, they are attributed a

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230 cardPresso Manual

print job id. This id can later be used to request the current status of the print
job.
This can be achieved with a print job status request.
The print job status request follows the same norms as a regular print job, but
instead of sending the cardDocument element, a getJobStatus element is sent
with a printJobId attribute containing the ID of he print job for which the status
is to be returned.
Upon receiving a print job status request the Web Print Server will return a
response (read more on Appendix B.2.6 - Print Server Response )
Below is a sample of the XML structure of a Print Job Status Request which will
return the status of the print job with the ID 5 as specified by the printJobId
element.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<cardPresso xmlns="http://tempuri.org/wpsRequest.xsd">
<login>
<name>ADMIN</name>
<password>admin</password>
</login>
<getJobStatus printJobId="5"/>
</cardPresso>

Appendix B.7 - Print Server Response

Upon receiving a print job status request (see more in Appendix B.2.6 - Print
Job Status Request) the Web Print Server will return a response which can be
parsed by the user application.
The response will return an cardPresso element.
This element will contain a jobStatus element with a status message of the print
job.

The jobStatus element will also contain two attributes:

The printJobId attribute specifying the ID of the print job to which the response
refers.

The status attribute specifying the current status of the print job.
Status attribute can be one of the following vales:
CREATED
PENDING
PRINTING
DELETED
ERROR

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 Appendix B - Web Print Server 231

The cardPresso element will also have a status Message element, containing a
detailed message regarding the status.

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 232 cardPresso Manual

Appendix C - Link Image to DB Field

Pictures and images are a recurring element of ID cards. When connected
to a database cardPresso allows you to quickly set up a database field as a
source for images on your computer.
To set a database field as a link to an image file follow these steps:
1 - Locate the database field that contains the name of the picture files. In the
example image below, the field name is Image File Path:
2 - Right click the database field to open it's Properties menu and change
change the Data Type to Point to Indexed Image.

3 - Before closing the Properties menu, click the "..." button to the right of the
Data Type drop down list.
4 - On the Indexed Image Properties menu click the "...":

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 Appendix C - Link Image to DB Field 233

Image Format: choose the image size/ratio.

Image Name: it is possible to set the image name to Show, Hide or as Read
Only.
Default Image Name (for image acquisition):
None: empty field
Unique Identifier: a unique identifier will be generated to identify the
image
Date and Time: names the image with the acquisition date and time
Database Column: generates the image name based on the content of a
database column

When you're done. Click the OK button on the Indexed Image menu. Then click
the OK button on the Properties menu and finally click the Database refresh
button as prompted.
When refreshed, if correctly configured and the database field contains valid
image paths, the database field will now show the images from the folder.

© 2022 cardPresso, Lda