Introduction to Data Entry Controls

When you enable data entry for a data source, BarTender creates an object on the data entry form, which will display each time a user executes a print job. The object, also known as a data entry control, consists of a text label, prompting the user for input, and a reply object (text box, dropdown list or list box) containing the user's input. If desired, there can be up to one control requesting input for each object on the template.

The text label for a given control provides instructions about what to enter into a related reply object. You can assist a user by making the label as explanatory as is necessary. For example, if you are designing a shipping label for which the weight needs to be entered at print-time, you could create a label which reads, "Weight," or you could give complete instructions which read, "Enter the package weight (rounding up to the nearest pound)."

Responding to Data Entry Prompts

When you print a document containing one or more data sources with data entry enabled, BarTender first displays the data entry form before actually printing your item(s). When the data entry form is launched, BarTender displays the cursor inside the first reply object; additionally, the default reply text is highlighted. You can either accept this data and continue to the next reply object or enter new data.

When you have finished entering data into a reply object, you can use the Tab key on your keyboard to move the cursor to the next reply object. If you need to return to an earlier data entry control, you can press Shift+Tab to move backward; alternatively, you can use your mouse to move to the desired reply box.

Available Data Entry Controls

BarTender supports the use of the following data entry controls:

	Control Name	Description
	Text	Creates a line of text on the data entry form that cannot be edited by the user.
	Text Input Box	Prompts the user to enter a value into a text box.
	Number Input Box	Prompts the user to select a numerical value.
	Check Box	Prompts the user to select a check box. If enabled, BarTender will print one data source; otherwise, a different data source's value is printed.
	Radio Button List	Prompts the user to select one option from a predefined list of options.
	List Box	Prompts the user to select one option from a predefined list of options displayed in a box.
	Dropdown List	Prompts the user to select one option from a predefined list of options. When the dropdown list is inactive, it displays a single value. When activated, the entire list of options is displayed.
	Date Picker	Prompts the user to pick a date from a calendar control.
	Time Picker	Prompts the user to enter a time value into a text box.
	Month Calendar	Prompts the user to select a date from a month calendar box.
	Group Box	Creates a group box on the data entry form to contain other controls.
	Line	Creates a line on the data entry form.
	Picture	Inserts a picture on the data entry form.
	Image Capture	Prompts the user to select an image from a file or capture an image from an attached camera or scanner.
	Scale Display	Prompts the user for a weight from a weighing scale that is connected to the computer.

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