Printing Labels on Multiple Label Stock

[dannydont]

In my current application I need to print a variable number of labels. Currently I have found "old" dot matrix continuois feed printers and 1-up continuous feed pin feed labels. However, I would much rather print on a more "modern" printer with sheet fed labels. The question here is:
"If I do not have a full sheet of labels, how to I tell Access where to start printing."
Example: I have a sheet of 3-up labels. On a previous run of labels I printed 13 labels. On "this" run I need to skip the first 13 and begin printing on the 14th label on the page. I have seen label programs do this by allowing you to "X-out" the labels previously used on the sheet of labels but I have NO IDEA how to do this in Access (VBA Code). I am using Access 2000.

I hope this makes sense.
Dan

 

[RichO]

What I do in this situation is use my form to create a table of the labels to be printed, and my report is created with the label wizard using that table as its record source. For every row you wish to skip, add records to the table consisting of several spaces, multiplied by the number of labels per row, ie:

strBlank = String$(10, Chr$(32))

If your labels are 4 across and you wish to skip 4 rows, insert strBlank into the table 16 times. When sorted ascendingly the spaces will print first, thus skipping over the desired number of rows.

 

[dannydont]

Since I am such an amateur when it comes to Access I will try to explain what you wrote.
1. I would build a table form that matches the particular label stock that I am using. 2 wide x down or 3 wide x down, etc.
2. I would then promt the user for the number of labels to skip (i.e.10).
3. I would take this number and use strBlank = String$(10, Chr$(32)) 10 times and then let the real data go to the form (table).
Again since I am about a 1 (scale 1-10) with Access I have a question.
How do I get the database to print multiple records into the form?
Why is Access so hard to learn? It is a bear to try and do anything "special". Just my comentary

 

[RichO]

Well, the more advanced applications require some form of programming background, this one is no exception.

To begin with, what type of info is being printed on the labels, and how many fields per label? ie: Name, Address, City, State, Zip....

I assume this information is being taken from an existing table. Are all records within that table printed or selected ones?

Before opening the report, yes you would want to prompt the user to enter the starting row to print on. Then you would have to use VBA/SQL code to insert the blanks into the label table before printing.

Attached is a sample of what I am using. Enter the label text and how many, click Add Labels. When finished entering labels, choose the starting row and click Print. This is set up for label stock that is 4 per row.

Perhaps this will give you some help.

 

[dannydont]

Well, I have over 30 years of programming experience. My problem is that I moved into mangement when these more Object Oriented languages came into being. This of course is not your problem.

There are two forms for the labels:
1. Includes:
First Name Last Name
Address1 Address2
City, ST Zip-Code
2. Includes:
Member Number Dues Date
First Name Last Name
Address1 Address2
City, ST Zip-Code

Yes, data is taken from a table. Only specific records are used - i.e. a certain zip code(s), a certain Dues Date(s), a range of Member Numbers, etc.


I like the way you made a "data entry" form for asking starting position.

I reviewed your form and sample code. My realization, based on our conversations, is that I am too far down the food chain of Access to be able to write code at this level. Can you recommend any good books on VBA coding. I have two books; Microsoft Access/Visual Basic Step by Step, and Access 2000 VBA Handbook. I have written Basic and VB and am comfortable with that. So I understand the syntax of the language but I do not understand what, where, why, and when to put things into the Event Driven events within Access.

In any case I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to attempt to help me.
I hope that I have not been a pest. I will look at your code some more.

Again THANKS!
Dan Foltz
dannydon@juno.com
517-862-8271

 

[RichO]

I didn't read any books on VBA specifically. I actually learned a good amount from answers and searches on this forum. I've only been working with Access for about 13 months but I have about 20 years of programming experience. It took a while for some of Access' concepts to become fully understandable to me but now it's much easier to understand what's going on when I look at someone else's code.

Believe me, I have plenty more to learn about VBA and Access in general and my knowledge doesn't even scratch the surface.

I'd be happy to lend a hand if you want to incorporate my label example into your database.

 

[dannydont]

How nice of you!!! I will study your code a bit more and see what I can figure out and ask you for HELP as I will need it. If you don' hear from me for awhile, not to worry as I have plenty going on. BUT, I will keep you in the loop.

THANKS!!!
Dan

 

[CanOfPoke]

I have never used Access for printing labels, though it may be something i will try now that the tips have been posted on here.