Multi LABELIST V5
Training Manual- Various Printing Methods Version 12

SATO CORPORATION
September 23th, 2020

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Disclaimer
You may not copy or reproduce part or all of the manual provided with it without express
permission from SATO CORPORATION.
・ The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice for correction andimprovement.
・ SATO CORPORATION cannot accept responsibility for the results of using this manual.
・ Every effort has been made to ensure the content of this manual is correct, but pleasecontact us if you have any questions or concerns.
・・

SATO, the SATO logo, and Multi LABELIST are trademarks or registered trademarks of

SATO CORPORATION.
・ Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the UnitedStates.
・ Other company names or product names used in this manual are the trademarks orregistered trademarks of their respective companies.

Multi LABELIST V5

2

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Contents
Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................................2
Contents ......................................................................................................................................3
1: File Printing .............................................................................................................................5
1. What Is File Printing? ....................................................................................................................... 5
2. File Format Settings ......................................................................................................................... 5
3. Access from File ............................................................................................................................... 8
Useful Functions ................................................................................................................................ 10
1. Filter Function ................................................................................................................................... 10

2: Sort Printing .......................................................................................................................... 11
1. What is Sort Printing? ..................................................................................................................... 11■ Preparations .......................................................................................................................................11

2. Setting the Define Sort and Input Assignment ............................................................................... 12■ Item assignment using Auto create ................................................................................................... 16

3. Layout Judgement.......................................................................................................................... 17
4. Settings Sort Items ......................................................................................................................... 21
5. Sort Printing ................................................................................................................................... 23
6. Checking the Print Results............................................................................................................. 24

3: Automatic Printing ................................................................................................................ 25
1. What Is Automatic Printing? ........................................................................................................... 25■ Format ............................................................................................................................................... 25■ Parameter List ................................................................................................................................... 26■ Specify data....................................................................................................................................... 27■ Specify Operation .............................................................................................................................. 27■ Specify output destination ................................................................................................................. 27■ Specify Options ................................................................................................................................. 28

2. Creating a Shortcut ........................................................................................................................ 29
3. Using the Shortcut.......................................................................................................................... 32

4: Preset Print ............................................................................................................................ 33
1. What is Preset Print? ..................................................................................................................... 33■ Preparations ...................................................................................................................................... 33

2. Preset Data Registration ................................................................................................................ 34
3. Preset Print..................................................................................................................................... 37
4. Preset Reserved Printing ............................................................................................................... 39

5: Folder Watch Print ................................................................................................................ 41
1. What is Folder Watch Print? .......................................................................................................... 41■ Preparations ...................................................................................................................................... 42

2. Setting the Folder Watch................................................................................................................ 44
3. Specifying Data of Layout .............................................................................................................. 51
4. Specifying an Output Destination by Data ..................................................................................... 57
Useful Functions ................................................................................................................................ 63

Multi LABELIST V5

3

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

1. Specifying Wildcards for the Data File name ................................................................................... 63
2. Importing and Exporting the Setting Value ....................................................................................... 64
3. Log Check and Log Level................................................................................................................. 64
4. Data Backup ..................................................................................................................................... 65
5. Specifying the Cut Timing................................................................................................................. 65
6. Output to Multiple Printers ................................................................................................................ 67
7. Changing the Start Method for Folder Watch ................................................................................... 68
8. Printing data whose print quantity has not been specified ............................................................... 69

6: ODBC Data Import................................................................................................................. 70
1. What is ODBC Data Import? .......................................................................................................... 70■ Preparations ...................................................................................................................................... 70

2. ODBC Driver Settings .................................................................................................................... 71
3. ODBC Connection Settings ........................................................................................................... 74
4. Access from ODBC ........................................................................................................................ 78
Useful Functions ................................................................................................................................ 79
1. Importing ODBC data automatically ................................................................................................. 79
2. Importing all data with the ODBC connection .................................................................................. 81
3. Processing the imported data........................................................................................................... 83

Multi LABELIST V5

4

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

1: File Printing

Multi LABELIST V5 has many convenient printing functions.
Let’s practice how to set up these functions for printing.

1. What Is File Printing?
File printing is a function to prepare the data to be printed in advance as a file and to print them byimporting the file data without inputting the required data in the input item when printing the layout.
*File format supports both fixed length and variable length (separation characters can be set
arbitrarily).

2. File Format Settings
Create a layout in advance as shown below.

Employeenumber

DepartPrinter model
Paper size Employee No.
Input variable

ment
name

Layout name

Department
name
Name

Display the “Input Definitions” screen, move the input item from the header section to the row
section, and arrange them in the order shown below.

Multi LABELIST V5

5

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Then set the file information to be imported.
On the Input Definitions screen in MLDesign, click “File Format” on the “Home” tab, and the screen
shown below is displayed.

Multi LABELIST V5

6

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

(1)
(2)

(3)

(4)

(1) File name
Click the Browse button and select the file to be imported.
(2) Variable length/Fixed length
Select either “Fixed length” or “Variable length”, depending on the file format to be imported.
(3) Mode
Enable or disable “Set automatically”. For advanced settings, disable the setting.
(4) Advanced settings for type
For Variable length, “File format” and “Quotation character”,
for Fixed length, “No. of record digits” and “Character code” can be set.
* If “Set automatically” (3) is enabled, the items displayed in gray cannot be set.
If you wish to make your own settings, disable “Set automatically”.

Multi LABELIST V5

7

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3. Access from File
Let’s import a file on the Print screen in MLPrint.
In this section, describe the procedures using a CSV file shown below.

■ File Format Setting values(1) File name(2) Variable length/Fixed length: (full path name) + Staff data.csv: Variable length(3) Mode(4) Advanced settings for (3): Set automatically: Comma-separated (.csv)

Multi LABELIST V5

8

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Start the MLPrint screen and click “File”.

Up to now, each item had to be entered manually…
Now the data saved in the Staff data.csv file can be imported based on the File Format Settings.

The File Print Function can import the data. To print the data, click the Print button.
To print automatically, refer to “3: Auto Print”.

This completes “1: File Print”.

Multi LABELIST V5

9

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Useful Functions
1. Filter Function
To print the data narrowed down by conditions, use the filter function described below.
Using the data entered for “Employee No.” as a search key, a search is performed for the data to beprinted.
Enter the value for searching at the top of each item.

Data are narrowed down and displayed that match the input value in front.

A wildcard can be specified only at the top.
“%” or “_”: Character strings of one or more characters
For example, entering “%310” or “_310” enables the system to filter data that partially include “310”(partial match).

Multi LABELIST V5

10

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

2: Sort Printing

1. What is Sort Printing?
Sort printing is a function to print multiple layouts on a single print screen by sorting them
automatically. To set this function, use “Define sort” in “MLSort”.

LayoutLayout1

1

2

Sort printing

Define sort

LayoutSort file

Layout2

Layout3

Layout

Sets multiple layouts
in one sort item.

Divides one sort item
into multiple layouts

3and prints them.
■ Preparations
Create two layouts as shown below, remembering the practice up to now.
Printer modelPaper
Layout name: CL4NX-J 08: 45 mm x 70 mm (Length x Width): Sort1.mllayx

Design screen

Multi LABELIST V5

Variables screen

11Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Printer model: CL4NX-J 08

Paper
Layout name: 45 mm x 70 mm (Length x Width): Sort2.mllayx

Design screen

Variables screen

Could you make the layouts?
Then set the define sort.

2. Setting the Define Sort and Input Assignment
Select Windows Start Menu > All Programs > Multi LABELIST V5.

Click the “Item Assignment” button.

Multi LABELIST V5

12

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

The “Item Assignment” screen is displayed.
Check the “Auto create” check box and click the “Add” button.

Select “Sort1.mllayx” and click “Open”.

Multi LABELIST V5

13

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Then click the “Add” button, select “Sort2.mllayx” that has been registered, and click “Open”.

Multi LABELIST V5

14

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Does the screen shown below appear?
If it appears, click “OK”.

The Sort item is added and the items are placed on the Input Definitions screen.

Multi LABELIST V5

15

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods■ Item assignment using Auto create
When a layout is added with “Auto create” enabled, items for “Sort item” are added and items foreach layout and sort items can be assigned automatically.

For “Sort1.mllayx” and “Sort2.mllayx”, “Product name”, “Product number”, and “Lot No.” that havebeen set as Input items on “Sort1” being added to “Sort Definition Items”, each input item isassigned to the Sort item having the same name.

When “Sort2” is added, “Product name” and “Product number” that have been set as input items in“Sort Definition Items”, are assigned.

If “Auto create” is disabled, make these settings manually, using the “Copy Selected” or “Assign
Selected” buttons.

Multi LABELIST V5

16

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3. Layout Judgement
After sort definition and input assignment, make settings for layout judgement items.
This designates the key item for sorting layouts.
In this practice, make settings to print “Sort1.mllayx” for the input “Product number” 00001 and“Sort2.mllayx” for the input “Product number” 00002.

Click the “Judgment Definition” button to open the “Layout Judgment Definitions” screen.

When the “Layout Judgment Definitions” screen is displayed, click the input column of “Item name”.

Multi LABELIST V5

17

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select a product number from “Sort item” and click “OK”.

The Product number is added to the Judgment items.

Multi LABELIST V5

18

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select “Sort1” from Layout.
Then press the Enter key for entering the judgment value.

Enter “00001” as the judgment value.

Multi LABELIST V5

19

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select “Sort2” from Layout.
Then press the Enter key for entering the judgment value.

Enter “00002” as the judgment value.

After entering the judgment values, click “OK”.

Multi LABELIST V5

20

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

4. Settings Sort Items
Make settings for Sort items.
A print quantity item is necessary for sorting.
Add the print quantity item here.
Click the “Add” button.

Enter the Item name and the number of digits of Print quantity, designate the layout location of theadded items (header or row), and check “Print quantity item”.

Multi LABELIST V5

21

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Could you make settings as shown below?
Check that the “Print quantity” is displayed in red.

When the item settings are complete, click “
Practice”.
Click the “” (Save) to save a created sort file named as “Sort” (Exit) button.

Multi LABELIST V5

22

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

5. Sort Printing
Double-click the “Sort Practice.mldenx” file saved before to start MLPrint.
Check that the layouts are sorted and printed by printing the Sort file created in MLSort.

The Sort Print screen is displayed. Enter the items.

Multi LABELIST V5

23

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

6. Checking the Print Results
Enter “00001” in “Product No.” and print “Layout 1”.

Enter “00002” in “Product No.” and print “Layout 2”.

Did they print successfully?

This completes “2: Sort Printing”.

Multi LABELIST V5

24

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3: Automatic Printing

Let’s try automatic printing using a sample layout.

1. What Is Automatic Printing?
Automatic Printing is a function to start the print program of Multi LABELIST V5 with an external
application, such as a user program or Microsoft Windows [Run], to give parameters and to
implement the operations according to the parameters.
Layout file
Execute with shell function

Data file

Importfrom application.

Execute by command frombatch file
Print
Execute with link from shortcut
SATO printer■ Format“(1) Execution program path”_“(2) ML file path”_Parameter_“(3) Parameter setting value”* The underscore (“_”) represents a single-byte space.
(1) Execution program path
Specify the full path.
If the installation directory has not be changed, the path is as described below.
32bitOS : C:¥Program Files¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe
64bitOS : C:¥Program Files(x86)¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe(2) ML file path
Specify the layout file (*.mllayx) or sort file (*.mldenx) with the full path.

Multi LABELIST V5

25

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods(3) Parameter setting value
Specify the setting value according to the parameter.
Some parameters do not need the setting value.
* For customers who moved from Multi LABELIST V4
For printing, add a new parameter Start Printing “/O”.
“C:¥Program Files¥MLV4¥LPrint.exe”_“C:¥Layout.mllay”_/g_“C:¥Sample.csv”=>“C:¥Program Files¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe”_“C:¥Layout.mllayx”_/g_“C:¥Sample.csv”_/oChange the quotation characters for specifying output (/V, /D) from [ ] to “”.
“C:¥Program Files¥MLV4¥LPrint.exe”_“C:¥Layout.mllay”_/v[SATO CL4NX]_/g_“C:¥Sample.csv”=>“C:¥Program Files¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe”_“C:¥Layout.mllayx”_/v_“SATO CL4NX”_/g_“C:¥Sample.csv”_/o■ Parameter List
Specification Function

Parameter

Operation

Specify data
Import a file

/G (g)The MLPrint screen starts and the specified file is imported.

Import data

/I(i)The MLPrint screen starts and the specified data are imported.

Specify Operation
For no operation specifying parameters, the print screen is

The Print screen is displayed.

No

Start Printing/O(o)Print processing is done.

Print preview/P(p)The print preview screen is displayed.

displayed.

Specify output destination
Follow the Layout file.

No

Specify a printer driver.

/V(v)Specify setting file
* Sort file only/D(d)For no output destination parameters, use the output destination
specified by the Layout file.
Use the specified printer driver.
Specify the printer driver for each layout, using the setting file.

Specify Options
Reference-Only mode

/K(/k)

Open a layout with Reference-Only mode.

Specify tax rate

/Z(/z)

Specify the tax rate when printing

Details on the functions of each parameter are described below.
Although the parameters are written in uppercase, lowercase may also be used.
All parameters for which no layout or sort file is specified will be ignored.

Multi LABELIST V5

26

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods■ Specify data
Import a file: /G parameter
The specified file is imported, MLPrint starts, and the data are imported.
・ If this parameter is used in conjunction with the /I parameter (import data), only thisparameter is processed and the /I parameter is ignored.
・ This parameter is ignored if the specified file does not exist.
・

Import data: /I parameter・ The specified data are imported, MLPrint starts, and the data are called.
・ If this parameter is used in conjunction with the /G parameter (import File), this parametersetting is ignored and the /G parameter is processed.
・ This parameter is ignored if the specified data do not exist.
■ Specify Operation
Start Printing: /O parameter・ Start MLPrint using the specified layout file (sort file) and start printing.
This is used in conjunction with the /G (specifying an external file) or /I (specifying internaldata) parameter.
・ If this parameter is used in conjunction with the /P parameter (print preview command), only
this parameter is processed and the /P parameter is ignored.
・Print preview: /P parameter・ The print preview screen is displayed.
・ This is used in conjunction with the /G (specifying external file) or /I (specifying internal data)
parameter.
・ If this parameter is used in conjunction with the /O parameter (print start command), thisparameter is ignored and the /O parameter is processed.
■ Specify output destination
Specify a printer driver.: /V parameter
Specify the name of the output printer driver.
・ This is used in conjunction with the /G (specifying a file) or /I (specifying data) parameter.
・ Used in conjunction with the /O (print start).
・ If this parameter is used in conjunction with the /D parameter (specify a setting file), only thisparameter is processed and the /D parameter is ignored.
・ This parameter is ignored if the specified destination does not exist.
・ An example of specifying a parameter for the printer driver is as described below.
Sort file: C:¥ML¥Test.mldenx
External file
: C:¥ML¥Text.txt
・Output destination of printer driver: SATO SG408“C:¥Program Files¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe” “C:¥ML¥Test.mldenx” /G “C:¥ML¥Text.txt” /V “SATO SG408” /OMulti LABELIST V5

27

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Specify a setting file: /D parameter *Sort file only
Specify the setting file path to which the output destination for each layout has been set. *1・ This is used in conjunction with the /G (specifying a file) or /I (specifying data) parameter.
・ This is used in conjunction with the /O (print start) parameter.
・ If this is used in conjunction with the /V parameter (specify a printer driver), this parameter isignored and only the /V parameter is processed.
・ If the specified file does not exist, this parameter is ignored.
・ An example of specifying a parameter of the output destination file is as shown below.
Sort file: C:¥ML¥Test.mldenx
External file
: C:¥ML¥Text.txt
Output destination file : C:¥ML¥Out.txt
・“C:¥Program Files¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe” “C:¥ML¥Test.mldenx” /G “C:¥ML¥Text.txt” /D “C:¥ML¥Out.txt” /O*1 Setting file format (Tab-separated text)

If no layout file or driver name exists, the data is output from the default output destination of
the layout file.
・ Specify the layout name and driver name for each record.
・

Layout nameTab

(With full path including extension)(09h)

Driver name

CR / LF(0Dh/0Ah)■ Specify Options
Reference-Only mode：/K parameter
A layout file opens in the Reference-Only mode.
・ This is used in conjunction with the /O (print start) parameter.
・ In Reference-Only mode, multiple layout files can be used at a time, but the information(Sequence number settings, Save sequence number of Local variable, Output destination
settings, File format settings, Print action settings, and Print settings) changed in printing・

cannot be saved. Especially when Save sequence number is used, do not use
Reference-Only mode.
Specify tax rate: /Z parameter・ Specify the tax rate when printing from 0.0 to 100.0.
・ This is used in conjunction with the /O (print start) parameter.
・ When the tax rate is specified with this parameter, the tax rate set by tax editing (user’s tax
rate or fixed value) will not be used.

Multi LABELIST V5

28

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

2. Creating a Shortcut
In this section, it is described how to create a shortcut icon for importing an external data named“Sample.csv” into layout file named “Layout.mllayx” and printing it automatically.
• These two files are assumed to be saved in C:¥TEST.
• External file format settings are required in advance according to the imported data.
(For setting method, refer to “1: File Print - 2. File Format Settings”.)
First, create a shortcut of the print program.
Select “MLPrint.exe” in “C:¥Program Files¥SATO¥MLV5” folder.
Select “Copy” from the right-click menu.

Multi LABELIST V5

29

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Then move the mouse to the desktop and select “Paste shortcut” from the right-click menu.

A shortcut to “MLPrint.exe” will be created on your desktop.

Select the created shortcut and open the properties from the right-click menu.

Multi LABELIST V530

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

The “MLPrint.exe-Shortcut Properties” screen is displayed.
The full path to the Print program is displayed in Target.

Add “Layout file name”, “Parameter”, and “External file name” after “C:¥Program
Files¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe”.
Finally, the Target will be as shown below. Click “OK”.
“C:¥Program Files¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLPrint.exe”_“C:¥TEST¥Layout.mllayx”_/g_“C:¥TEST¥Sample.csv”_/o* The underscore (“_”) represents a space.

Multi LABELIST V5

31

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3. Using the Shortcut
Double-click the shortcut you created and the printing will start automatically according to thespecified parameters.

Did they print successfully?

This completes “3. Automatic Printing”.

Multi LABELIST V5

32

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

4: Preset Print

1. What is Preset Print?
Preset Print is a function to register the print contents in advance and to print them by accessing
the data with the Access key instead of entering data when printing. Accessed data can becollected and printed together.
Access key

MLPreset

MLPreset
Print

Registration

Data
Access key
Layout file

Preset

Data

Data

Data

■ Preparations
Create a layout as shown below, remembering the practice up to now.
Printer model: CL4NX-J 08
Paper
Layout name: 45 mm x 70 mm (Length x Width): Preset.mllayx

Multi LABELIST V5

33

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

2. Preset Data Registration
First register the data to be printed.

Select Windows Start Menu > All Programs > Multi LABELIST V5 >.

After entering password, select the layout to which the print data is to be registered.
In this practice, select “Layout.mllayx”.

The MLPresetMaintenance screen appears.

Multi LABELIST V5

34

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Then let’s register the print data.
Enter the Access key. The Access key is an item used for printing as a key.

001

Enter the print data in each input item.
On the “Print preview” screen on the right, the print image can be previewed.

Multi LABELIST V5

35

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Click the “Registration” button to register the data.

Then register some data with the procedures above.
When registration ends, save the preset data.
Select "Save Preset Data " from the File menu.

From the File menu, select Exit to finish MLPresetMaintenance.
Then access the registered data and print them with MLPresetPrint.

Multi LABELIST V5

36

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3. Preset Print
Select Windows Start Menu > All Programs > Multi LABELIST V5 > MLPreset >.

The MLPresetPrint screen appears.

Enter “Access key” and the data filtered by the entered key are displayed on the list.
Using the pull-down button, the list can be displayed and the data can be selected.
Click “OK” to define the data to be accessed.

Multi LABELIST V5

37

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

The corresponding data is accessed and displayed.

Click the “Print Access” button to print.

The above procedures are basic operations for preset print.
On the following pages, let’s practice reserving the print data in advance and printing them.

Multi LABELIST V5

38

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

4. Preset Reserved Printing
Access multiple print data and reserve them for printing together.
Click the "Edit" tab to switch the ribbon view.

Enter the Access key to access the print data then click the "Reserve” button.
Repeat this operation to reserve data to be printed.
Then let's register several data.

Multi LABELIST V5

39

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Display the “Home” tab and click the “Lists” button. The list of reserved data is displayed. The
reserved data can be checked. On the list, reserve data can be registered.

When reservation is complete, click the “Reserved Printing” button to print.

Did they print successfully?

This completes “4: Preset Print”.

Multi LABELIST V5

40

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

5: Folder Watch Print

1. What is Folder Watch Print?
Folder Watch Print is a function to print data by placing the data file in a folder that the MLV5 iswatching periodically. File format supports both fixed length and variable length (separation
characters can be set arbitrarily).

Top application

Layout file

Application, such as ERP package,

Label design information created byapplication DB, that can print the data file

MLV5
ImportWatch

Multi LABELIST V5

CreateWatches the folder periodically, imports
the print data, inserts them into the

ImportPrint data

Watch folder

Fixed length

Folder to be watchedlayout, and prints the label.

SATO printer

Variable length(CSV, TXT, PRN, etc.)

Print

Color printer
Only when Plus edition
is usedMulti LABELIST V5

41

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods■ Preparations
Let’s create two layouts as shown below, remembering the practice up to now.
Printer model: CL4NX-J 08
Paper: 45 mm x 70 mm (Length x Width)
Layout name: Watch1.mllayx

Design screen

Variable screen

File format (Refer to File Printing)Multi LABELIST V5

42

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Printer model: CL4NX-J 08

Paper
Layout name: 45 mm x 70 mm (Length x Width): Watch2.mllayx

Design screen

Variables screen

File format (Refer to File Printing)

Could you make the layouts?
Then set the folder watch.

Multi LABELIST V5

43

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

2. Setting the Folder Watch
As the basic operations of Folder Watch Print, make watch settings and print under the conditions
below.
Watch folder: C:¥sato¥watch
Layout: Watch1.mllayx
Data file: data1.csv
Output destination: SATO Lesprit408v

Select Windows Start Menu > All Programs > Multi LABELIST V5.

Click “Yes” on the User Account Control screen.

Enter your password.

Multi LABELIST V5

44

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select “Watching Settings” from the menu on the left and click “Set folder and network watching.”

Watching Settings (MLWatch Setting Tool) starts.

Multi LABELIST V5

45

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Then let’s make folder watching settings.
Select a watch folder.
* Do not set a folder on the network (shared folder starting with ¥¥ or mapped network drive, etc.) to the watch
folder. An unexpected trouble may occur on watching folder or printing label.

Multi LABELIST V5

46

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Enter “*.csv” in Data File to be watched.

Select a layout.

Multi LABELIST V5

47

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select an Output Destination.

Multi LABELIST V5

48

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Check that no error is displayed on the Folder List and click “Start” in Service.

When the status shows Executing, watching folder action works normally.

Multi LABELIST V5

49

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Place the data file in the Watch folder and print them.
Data file: data1.csv
1234567890,00001,AAAAAAAAAA,1
1234567890,00001,BBBBBBBBBB,1
1234567890,00001,CCCCCCCCCC,1

The above procedures are basic operations for Folder Watch Print.
On the following pages, let’s practice how to specify the layout or output destination by data.

Multi LABELIST V5

50

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3. Specifying Data of Layout
A layout to be printed is changed from the fixed layout to that specified by a data file.
For example, make settings for printing “Watch1.mllayx” when “Product number” is “00001” and“Watch2.mllayx” when “Product number” is “00002”.
First set the layout to be used and the data to be connected (Judge key).
Select “Judge layout Settings” from the Tool menu.

Enter “00001” in Judge key.

Multi LABELIST V5

51

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select a layout “Watch1.mllayx”.

Multi LABELIST V5

52

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

In the same way, set Judge key “00002” and layout “Watch2.mllayx” and click “OK”.

Then set the watch method.
Select [Specify by data] for Layout.

Multi LABELIST V5

53

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Click “…”.

The Judge Field Settings are displayed.

Multi LABELIST V5

54

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Set “2” in Judge layout Item and click “OK”.
(The layout is judged by the second item in the data file.)

Select “Save” from the File menu to restart the service.

Multi LABELIST V5

55

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Place the data file in the Watch folder and print them.
Data file: data2.csv
1234567890,00001,AAAAAAAAAA,1
9999999999,00002,1
1234567890,00001,CCCCCCCCCC,1

The procedures complete when Layout “Watch1.mllayx” and “Watch2.mllayx” are printed.

Multi LABELIST V5

56

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

4. Specifying an Output Destination by Data
An output destination can be changed from the fixed printer driver to the method specified by a datafile.
For example, set up a new item for a data file [Printer Judge Number] and make settings for the
method to print with “SATO Lesprit408v” for “PR1” and “SATO Lesprit408v (1 copy)” for “PR2”.
First set the data to be connected to the printer driver used as the output destination (Judge key).
Select [Output Destination Judgment Settings] from the Tool menu.

Enter “PR1”in Judge key.

Multi LABELIST V5

57

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select an Output Destination.

Set the judge key “PR2” and the output destination in the same way.

Multi LABELIST V5

58

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Click “OK”.

Then set the watching method.
Select [Specify with data] for Output Destination.

Multi LABELIST V5

59

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Click “…”.

The “Judge Field Settings” screen is displayed.
(If the setting of Layout is [Use Fixed Layout], the [Output Judge Field Settings] screen isdisplayed.)

Multi LABELIST V5

60

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Set “5” in [Output Destination Judgment Items] and click “OK”.
(The output destination is judged by the fifth item in the data file.)

Select “Save” from the File menu to restart the service.

Multi LABELIST V5

61

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Place the data file in the Watch folder and print them.
Data file: data3.csv
1234567890,00001,AAAAAAAAAA,1,PR1
9999999999,00002,1,,PR21234567890,00001,CCCCCCCCCC,1,PR2
5555555555,00002,1,,PR1

When data are printed from two Output Destination, driver setting is completed.
Printer set for “PR1”

Printer set for “PR2”This completes “5: Folder Watch Print”.

Multi LABELIST V5

62

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Useful Functions
1. Specifying Wildcards for the Data File nameFor setting the Folder Watch, wildcards can be used when specifying the data file name.
“*” : Character strings of one or more characters“?” : Any single character■ Example of Use
Setting example

Description

Applied file name*.csv

All files with extension .csv

data1.csv, test1.csv, etc.

a-*.txt

A file name beginning with “a-” with extension .txt

a-test.txt, a-001.txt, etc.

A file name “data-” + any 3 characters withdata -001. dat,

extension .dat

data-m83.dat, etc.

All files whose name is “out" + any 4 characters

out0001.txt, out-abc.csv, etc.

data-???.dat

out????.*

Multi LABELIST V5

63

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

2. Importing and Exporting the Setting Value
The values set by Watching Settings (MLWatch Setting Tool) can be imported from a file orexported to a file. Use this function when replacing your computer or using the same setting values
on multiple computers.

3. Log Check and Log Level
On Folder Watch Print, the trouble information generated during watching, such as file analysis
error, is always output to an event log. For normally processed information, it is output by changing“Log level:” to “Information / Warning / Error”.

An event log starts and the contents of the log can be checked.

For output contents of the log, check “Help” of MLmaintenance.

Multi LABELIST V5

64

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

4. Data Backup
Data files used for Folder Watch Print can be backed up.

Backup data for a data file are saved for each row of watched settings separately.
(CommonAppData)¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLWatchPrintHistory¥Folder[row number of the folder Information List]
Example: C:¥ProgramData¥SATO¥MLV5¥MLWatchPrintHistory¥Folder5

File name is automatically set from [Analysis date of data file] and [Data File Name].
It will be automatically deleted after the specified retention period has passed.
5. Specifying the Cut Timing
For Folder Watch Print, a cut operation is done for each record according to the setting of layout.
To cut after printing multiple records, specify “EjectCut”, data for cut or file unit cut.
•Cut operation for 1 record
For print action settings of a layout file, set it by timing of eject cut and cut operation.
#

Layout file

Cut operation

Print Action Settings-Others [Use Eject Cut]
1

Enable (Check)Cut for each record unit. To cut at any timing, use “EjectCut”.

2

Disable (Not Checked)

Follow the settings of the print operation below.

Print Action Settings-Print action “Timing for sort mark print or cut operation”
No cut if the operation mode of the printer is continuous print,

3

No

4

DisableNo cut5

Cut for each row

Cut for each record unit.

6

Cut for each page

7

Perform each time the value of thecorresponding item changes

8

Perform each time print command

9

Perform each time specified quantity

Multi LABELIST V5

For a cutter, cut for each sheet.

Cut for each record unit. To cut at any timing, use “EjectCut”.

Cut for the unit of specified quantity and cut the last of fraction.

65

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods• Use of EjectCut record
If a record for “EjectCut” only is created in a data file, you can cut at any place.
To use “EjectCut”, set Eject Cut of Layout file to disabled (#2) and Cut operation also to disabled(#4).
For a data file of fixed length, fill the space to the number of digits of record on which “EjectCut”
is to be specified. If the number of digits is not filled, an incorrect number of digits occurs and anerror is generated for the following data.
"ST312R","19000","490310041310","Meguro head office","2""PW208","15000","490310841310","Meguro head office","1"
EjectCut"RT308R","9500","490310413108","Meguro head office","1"
EjectCut

ST312R

ST312R

PW208

RT308R||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

490310841310

490310041310

490310041310

490310413108• Cut for each file
When [Cut by file] is enabled for eject cut for a set print operation of watched settings, the label
can be cut at the end of the data file.

To cut by file, set Eject Cut of Layout file to disabled (#2) and Cut operation also to disabled (#4).
When Output destination is set to [Specified by Data], the label is cut for the output destination
specified by the record at the end of a data file. For output destinations that are not specified by
the record at the end, cut is not performed.

Multi LABELIST V5

66

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

6. Output to Multiple Printers
When printing on multiple printers, Folder Watch Print can specify whether to print in record units
with the print data or by file with Watch Condition (file name or folder).
• Specifying multiple output destinations for one fileAs output destination can be specified by record of a data file, specify multiple printers in order,
and output data to printer effectively. As for the setting method, refer to “Specifying an Output
Destination by Data”.
• Specifying one output destination by one file
When data to judge the output destination cannot be specified in the record of a data file, set thefile name or folder of the data file by Watching Settings for each output destination, and the data
will be output to multiple printers.
Specifying an output destination with a file nameSpecifying an output destination with a folder

When the number of print quantity or print frequency is high, printers not used for printing will bein standby status while printing a data file. To increase the printing speed, enable “Multi-thread:Use” and multiple data files will be processed at a time.
PR1_001.csv

Analyis・Printing

PR1_001.csv

Analyis・Printing

PR2_001.csv

Standby

PR2_001.csv

Analyis・Printing

PR3_001.csv

Standby

PR3_001.csv

Analyis・Printing

Multi LABELIST V5

67

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods• The number of printers that can be set
The recommended number of printers for one PC is up to 30 for Plus, Standard, and Lite, and up
to 50 for Enterprise. Please note that if the number of printers exceeds the recommended
number, the processing speed may be affected.
Maximum number of printers
Data file

Setting method

Plus·Standard·Lite / Enterprise
Single thread

Specify multiple output destination for one file.

Specifying one output destination by one file.

Record30 / 50
Expansion 100 / 500

Multiple threads-

File

100 / 500

10 / 50

Folder

100 / 500

10 / 50

7. Changing the Start Method for Folder Watch
Folder Watch Print runs as Windows service.
Change the Startup type to set the start method of Folder Watch.

Type of startup

Operation at settings

Automatic

Folder Watch function starts at OS startup.

ManualDisableFolder Watch function starts only when the “Start” button is pressed. It does not start
automatically.
The Folder Watch Print function is not used. The Folder Watch function does not starteven if the “Start” button is pressed.

* If the Folder Watch function does not start automatically at OS startup
It is confirmed that Folder Watch does not start even if “Auto” is set on Windows Server 2008 R2
depending on the startup timing of the OS. If startup fails with “Auto” setting, select Service in“Administrative Tool” from the “Control Panel” and change the type of startup to “Auto (Delay start)”.

Multi LABELIST V5

68

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

8. Printing data whose print quantity has not been specified
If the top application cannot output the print quantity in data, a function that prints one for eachrecord can be used.
• Printing one for one record
Open the layout file in MLPrint or MLDesign and change the setting of “Print Quantity” of input
items in Field Definitions on File Format Settings. For the variable length file, set the item
number to “0”. For Fixed- length file, set the Start position and End position to “0”.

Multi LABELIST V5

69

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

6: ODBC Data Import

1. What is ODBC Data Import?
ODBC Data Import is a function to import data required for printing from a database with the ODBC
connection.
This function enables you to use the existing database or to import data by modifying part of data
file.
■ Preparations
Create a layout in advance as shown below.
Printer model
Paper size Employee number

EmployeInput variableenumber

DepartDepartment name

ment
name
Name

Layout name

Name

Display the “Input Definitions” screen and move the Print Quantity from the row section to theheader section.

Multi LABELIST V5

70

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

2. ODBC Driver Settings
Create a data file and ODBC driver used for the ODBC connection.
In this section, the procedures for using a CSV file shown below are described.
At the top, a header row is prepared.
It will be used for item settings of the ODBC connection.
File name
Destination: Staff Data.csv: C:¥sato

Create a ODBC driver.
Select “Administrative Tools” from “Control Panel” then “ODBC Data Sources”.
(For a 64-bit OS, select “ODBC Data Sources (32-bit)”)
Click the “Add” button.

Multi LABELIST V5

71

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select “Microsoft Text Driver (*.txt; *csv)” and click “Finish”.

* When an ODBC driver (Excel, Access) does not exist
Download it from the Microsoft official site and install it.
https://www.microsoft.com/ja-jp/download/details.aspx?id=13255
For another ODBC driver, obtain it from the manufacturer.
Enter “ODBC Practice” in “Data Source Name” and click “OK”.

Multi LABELIST V5

72

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

When it is added to the list, driver setting is completed.

Multi LABELIST V5

73

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3. ODBC Connection Settings
Then let’s make the settings for the ODBC connection to import data on the MLPrint screen.
Start the MLPrint screen and select “ODBC Connection Setting”.

Click “Connect”.

Multi LABELIST V5

74

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Select “ODBC Practice” on the “Machine Data Source” tab and click “OK”.

Select a folder in which the “StaffData.csv” file is saved and click "OK".

Multi LABELIST V5

75

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

The data file “StaffData.csv” is displayed on the list.

Specify the field name related to the input items.
(As the field name, the title line of the data file is automatically imported.)
Input item name of layout file

Filed name of data file

Employee number

Number

Department name

Department

Name

Name

Multi LABELIST V5

76

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Specify the extraction condition and click “OK”.
• Extraction condition
To extract data for the entered employee number (department name and name)Field name: NumberType: NumericComparison condition:=
Comparison target: Input item
Comparison data
: Employee number

Multi LABELIST V5

77

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

4. Access from ODBCThen let’s import data on the MLPrint screen, with the ODBC connection.
Enter “9990” in “Number” and click the “ODBC” button.

The department and name of an employee whose number is “9990” are imported from theStaffData.csv.

This completes “6. ODBC Data Import”.
To get more out of ODBC data importing, refer to “Useful Functions”.

Multi LABELIST V5

78

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Useful Functions
This section introduces functions useful when importing ODBC data.
1. Importing ODBC data automaticallyIf an extract condition is specified, the ODBC data will be automatically imported when input to thespecific input item is completed. One step of pressing the “ODBC” button can be skipped.
Enable “Auto read settings” on the ODBC Connection Settings screen and specify the input item tobe linked.

Multi LABELIST V5

79

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Press the Enter key to finish input and the ODBC data is imported automatically and are reflectedon the screen.

Multi LABELIST V5

80

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

2. Importing all data with the ODBC connection
If an extraction condition is not specified on the ODBC Connection Settings, all data is imported byclicking the “ODBC” button.
To import all data when an extraction condition is specified, set the extraction condition for type to“Character” and comparison condition to “like” in “Import target” on the ODBC Connection Settings
screen.

Multi LABELIST V5

81

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

Enter “%” in the input item of comparison data on the Print screen, and all data can be imported.

When ODBC data are imported...

The data is imported on a separate page for each record of the data file.
For the layout with the row section, data that have common header information are printed on asingle page.

Multi LABELIST V5

82

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

3. Processing the imported data
Data processing, such as importing data in multiple fields into a single input item, is available bymodifying the SQL statement.
For example, the target data has “Year”, “Month”, and “Day” fields and the processed data is to beimported in the input item “Date”.

On the ODBC Connection Settings screen, enter the field name “Data” in the input item “Date” andclick “Display SQL”.

Enter the text below in the SQL statement between SELECT and FROM.

"Year" & '/' & "Month" & '/' & "Day" AS "Data"

Multi LABELIST V5

83

Multi LABELIST V5 Training Manual - Various Printing Methods

FormatContent“(Field name)”

Specify the field name to be imported.

(A) & (B)Join the character string.

‘(Fixed value)’

Enter a fixed value.

(A) AS (B)The value (A) is treated as (B).

The above SQL statement means that the data imported from “Year”, “Month”, and “Day” are joinedwith “/” and treated as the field name “Data”.
Click “Test”. If the date is imported, this setting is completed.

Multi LABELIST V584