Overview

The Page Setup process is fairly straightforward when using label stock where each individual label is of the same size and shape as the others. However, it can be trickier for certain types of stock that do not have a regular, consistent shape. Some examples are shown below.

Setting up the templates for these labels may require a bit of ingenuity as well as a ruler or measuring tape.

Applicable to 

BarTender 2016 and later.

Solution

1. Measure the height and width of a single row on the label, from edge to edge and (if applicable) from top perforation to bottom one. This is your page size. Set these measurements in the Page tab of the File > Page Setup dialog.
2. In the Layout tab, enter 1 row and 1 column.
3. Since we will be manually defining the printable area, set the Margins to 0 on all sides. Click OK to exit the Page Setup dialog.
4. In the design window, draw the shape(s) that best fit your label. They don't have to be exact - we'll adjust them soon.
5. Right-click on the first shape and select Properties.
   • In the list to the left, click on the name of the shape (e.g., Box 1). In the right panel, for Print when, select Never.
   • Now click on the shape type in the list (e.g., Ellipse). For Object Size, measure the width and height of the printable label (at its widest point) and enter it here. Uncheck the "lock aspect ratio" option until you're done.
   • For the Position options, measure the distance from the edge of the backing to the edge of the label, and enter the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) distance. (By default, the anchor point and positioning will be relative to the top left corner of the template, but you can change them to top right or whichever edge is closest.)
   • Click Close. There should now be a shape on the label whose size, shape, and position correspond to the printable area on the label.
   • Add your content (text, barcodes, etc.) within the bounds of the shape.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the other shape on the template. If you prefer, you can set the anchor point and position relative to the right side or nearest edge, then measure from that side instead of from the left.
7. Add the content within the bounds of the second shape.
8. When finished, go to File > Print Preview. If you set the shapes to never print, you should see the content, but not the bounding shapes.
9. Now Print one copy of the label. The content should fit in the printable area. If it does not, repeat the measuring process and make any necessary changes to the boundary size, position, and anchor points.

Additional resources

• Setting up a thermal label document (Video - 4:36)
• Introduction to conditional printing
• Common printing issues