Label Settings for File Drop

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Label Settings is where you design the label layout using the fields configured in Data Settings.

Watch the Tutorial

Watch on Vimeo: Label Builder Tutorial

Accessing Label Settings

  1. Open your File Drop template
  2. Click Settings dropdown
  3. Select Label Settings
Label Builder

Using Available Fields

The fields you defined in Data Settings appear as Available Fields in Label Builder.

Example from Data Settings:

  • Case Number
  • Specimen Letter
  • Stain
  • Patient Name
  • Physician

These fields can now be added to your label design.

Label Design Process

Step 1: Configure Label Defaults

Click settings wheel to set:

  • Background (grid, dots, blank)
  • Default font family
  • Default font size
  • Default X/Y positioning

Step 2: Add Fields to Label

Use Choose Element dropdown:

Template Field - Add data fields from Data Settings Static Text - Add fixed text (department name, etc.) Concatenate - Combine multiple fields with formatting Barcode - Add scannable barcode Image - Add logo or symbol

Step 3: Position Elements

Use X/Y coordinates to place each element:

  • X = Horizontal (left to right)
  • Y = Vertical (top to bottom)
  • Based on 300 DPI

Step 4: Format Text

For each element:

  • Font type
  • Font size
  • Bold, Italic, Underline
  • Alignment

Step 5: Preview

Check label preview with sample data from Data Settings.

File Drop-Specific Considerations

Available Fields Only

You can only use fields defined in Data Settings. Unlike Data Entry templates, you cannot add new fields from Label Builder.

To add fields:

  1. Return to Data Settings
  2. Add the field there
  3. Return to Label Settings
  4. Field will now be available

Sample Data Importance

Label preview uses sample values from Data Settings.

Ensure sample data:

  • Represents actual data length
  • Includes special characters
  • Tests maximum content
  • Shows realistic formatting

Concatenation for Case IDs

Common pattern: Combine multiple fields into formatted ID.

Example:

  • Field 1: Prefix (S22)
  • Field 2: Case (1234)
  • Field 3: Specimen (A)
  • Field 4: Block (1)

Concatenate: @prefix@-@case@-@specimen@@block@Result: S22-1234-A1

Barcodes with Multiple Fields

Include multiple fields in barcode:

Build barcode:

  1. Select Barcode from dropdown
  2. Click field buttons in order
  3. Add separator characters
  4. Verify sample shows correct format

Example:

  • Click "Case" → Type ; → Click "Specimen" → Type ; → Click "Stain"
  • Sample shows: S22-1234;A1;H&E
  • This is what will scan

Complete Tutorial

For detailed Label Builder instructions, see:

Complete Label Builder Tutorial →

The Label Builder works the same for File Drop templates, with the difference being you use fields from Data Settings instead of form fields.

Testing Your Label Design

Test Print from File Drop

  1. Save label design
  2. Return to File Drop homepage
  3. Verify Label Preview looks correct
  4. Click Test Print
  5. Check printed label

Test with Real File

  1. Create TXT file with real data
  2. Save to watch folder
  3. Verify label prints correctly
  4. Check all fields display properly

Common Label Layouts for File Drop

Basic Pathology Slide

Elements:

  • Line 1: Concatenated Case ID (Case-Specimen-Block)
  • Line 2: Patient Name
  • Line 3: Stain
  • Line 4: Date and Physician
  • Barcode: Case + Specimen

LIS Integration Label

Elements:

  • Line 1: Accession Number (large)
  • Line 2: Specimen Type
  • Line 3: Collection Date
  • Line 4: Ordering Physician
  • Barcode: Accession (full width)

Minimal Label

Elements:

  • Line 1: Case Number
  • Line 2: Specimen ID
  • Barcode: Case + Specimen

Troubleshooting

Field Not Appearing in Available Fields

Cause: Field not defined in Data Settings

Fix:

  1. Close Label Builder
  2. Go to Data Settings
  3. Add the field
  4. Save
  5. Return to Label Settings

Preview Shows Wrong Data

Cause: Sample values in Data Settings incorrect

Fix:

  1. Go to Data Settings
  2. Update sample values
  3. Save
  4. Return to Label Settings
  5. Preview updates automatically

Label Doesn't Match Test Print

Cause: Positioning or font issues

Fix:

  • Verify X/Y coordinates
  • Check font sizes
  • Adjust positioning
  • Test print again

Best Practices

Design:

  • Use grid background while designing
  • Switch to blank for final preview
  • Test with maximum data length
  • Keep fonts readable (8pt minimum)

Fields:

  • Only add fields you need
  • Use concatenation for formatted IDs
  • Include important data prominently
  • Balance information with readability

Barcodes:

  • Verify scan format matches system expectations
  • Test scanning before production
  • Include human-readable backup text
  • Size appropriately for scanning distance

Next Steps

After designing labels:

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