About Designer

Designer is the software which designs and maps documents. It transforms simple static data files into rich graphic documents.

The software runs on a Windows workstation and offers a dual sided design interface:

• A drawing view tab (DRAW tab), dedicated to creating overlays similar to preprinted paper
• A dynamic view tab (MAP tab) dedicated to retrieving, handling and displaying data

The data comes from raw files (such as typical IBM i spooled files), was extracted from databases or from an ERP and is either displayed « flat » (in a .txt flat file), or in XML.

In the OPALE suite, Designer allows you to design document templates in two different ways:

• XPS format
• Direct language (PCL, PDF, ZPL, TEC, etc.)

The template is designed on the user workstation hosting the application using a "preview" mode which allows you to approve the changes made.

When designing it, the document template is called a "Designer Project".

The template is then generated (compiled) on the IBM i server so that it can be used in production. We then talk about a "Designer Format".

Designer does not need any software key to function. However, to generate the templates on the server, you need to enter the corresponding keys on OPALE Server.

The main features of Designer are:

• Mapping of any type of document or label from a paginated text file or an XML file
• All sizes of paper can be used
• All fonts
• Colours
• Pagination
• Multiple conditions
• Fields, logos, static and/or dynamic images