Printing labels and barcodes: setting up templates, fields, and the printer

This is a comprehensive task that covers hardware setup, Torgsoft software settings, and working with the FastReport template editor. Below is a step-by-step guide based on documentation and real support service cases.

1. Preparing and setting up the label printer

Before configuring the software, make sure the printer is installed correctly in Windows.

• Driver installation:

• For popular printers (Xprinter, Zebra, TSC), you need to install drivers.

• Important: on some Xprinter models, newer driver versions may work unstably (this depends on the model and firmware; sometimes this appears on 2024.x releases). If the printer prints blank labels or skips them, it is recommended to use a stable driver version (earlier releases or Seagull/BarTender drivers — provided they are compatible with your model, for example, 2018.3 or Seagull).

• Setting the paper size in the driver:

• Go to Windows «Devices and Printers» -> Printer Properties -> Printing Preferences / Settings (the tab name depends on the driver).

• Set the exact size of your label (for example, 30x20 mm, 40x25 mm, 58x40 mm). This is critically important, otherwise the print will be shifted or part of the layout will go beyond the label boundaries and look like “blank printing”.

• Calibration:

• If the printer prints with an offset or skips labels, perform calibration.

• Using the Feed button (power-on calibration):
  Turn off the printer → press and hold the Feed button → turn on the printer without releasing the button → the indicator will start flashing blue → purple → red). → release the button on red.
  The printer will feed the labels and calibrate itself. If you release the button at the wrong moment and the printer switches to another mode (another color / another sequence), turn off the printer and repeat the procedure from the beginning.

• Using the official utility (Diagnostic Tool / Test Tool):
  Download the utility from the official Xprinter website or from your model’s support page → install and run it → connect the printer via USB → select the interface/port (USB) → go to Printer Configuration / Calibrate Sensor → select the media type: Gap or Black Mark → click Auto Calibration / Calibrate — the printer will calibrate automatically.

• After either method, press Feed once: exactly one label should come out without any offset. If it does not, check whether the roll is loaded correctly, the sensor position (if adjustable), clean the sensor, and verify the media type (Gap/Black Mark) in the driver/utility settings.

2. Selecting the printer in Torgsoft

After installing the driver, you need to tell the software where to send the labels.

1. Go to the menu Settings — Printer Selection.
   In the Labels block (product tags), in the «Print on printer» field, select the installed label printer from the list (for example, Zebra LP2824, Xprinter XP-235B, etc.).
   Click Save.

Note. This setting is local for each workstation. If you have several computers, the procedure must be repeated on each one where printing is planned. If printing goes to a network printer, make sure it is installed in Windows on this PC and is available to the current user.

3. Setting up label templates (FastReport)

Torgsoft allows you to flexibly customize the appearance of the label: add a logo, change the barcode size, display the price, name, article number, etc.

Selecting and creating a template:

1. Go to the menu Settings — Tag Printing Settings.

2. You can select a ready-made template from the list (for example, «30x20», «40x25», «58x40») and click the Make Current button.

3. To edit, select the template and click Edit, then on the «Template» tab click Settings. The FastReport report editor will open.

Editing fields in FastReport:

• Changing the page size. In the editor, double-click on the white field (not on the label) or go to «File» -> «Page Settings». Set the Width and Height according to your label roll. The page size in the template must match the label size in the Windows driver.

• Adding fields. On the right, in the «Data» panel, you will find a list of available fields (Product Name, Price, Article Number, Barcode, etc.). Drag the required field onto the label area.

• Barcode. To change the size, select the barcode object and double-click on it (or right-click -> Edit). In the Zoom field, change the scale (for example, from 1.0 to 0.8 so that it fits).
  The barcode type is usually set to EAN13. If you use a scanner, make sure the barcode on the label is readable and not "cut off" by the margins. Also leave a “quiet zone” (margins) around the barcode, otherwise the scanner may fail to read it.

• Text and fonts. Select the text field (for example, Product Name). On the top panel, you can change the font, size (Font Size), and bold style. For small labels, use line breaks or a shortened name so that the text does not go beyond the layout boundaries.

• Saving. After finishing the editing, click «File» -> «Save» (or «Save As» to create a copy) and close the editor. After saving, do a test print of 1–2 labels and check the offset and readability.

4. Printing labels: where and how

Labels can be printed from different program modes depending on the situation:

• Goods receipt:

• During receiving, click the Print Labels button (printer icon).

• Options: «Print labels (quantity in the invoice)» — will print as many labels as goods received; «Individually» — one for each item type.

• Stock status:

• Go to the menu Warehouse — Stock Status. Select the required products (you can use Ctrl+A or Ctrl+click).

• Click Print -> «Print tags for goods individually» or «In stock quantity».

• Reprint a label:

• Menu Merchandise Management — Reprint Label. Here you can scan a product and instantly print a label (useful for repricing on the sales floor). If scanning does not find the product, check which barcode is used: the factory EAN or an internal one.

5. Typical issues and solutions (Troubleshooting)

Below are the reasons that most often recur in support requests.

Cause. Mismatch between the label size in the driver and in the FastReport template, or a calibration failure.

Solution. Check the paper size settings in the Windows driver (see section 1). Check the page size in the Torgsoft template. Perform printer calibration. Also verify the media type (Gap/Black Mark) and print density in the driver.

Printing hieroglyphs or endless printing

Cause. An incorrect driver or a port conflict. Another common reason is that the “wrong class” of driver is installed: the printer may be universal, but the user is trying to print labels through a receipt printer driver, or vice versa — print receipts through a label printer driver.

Solution. Remove the device, restart the PC, and install a verified driver compatible with your exact model. Check that a label printer driver (TSPL/ZPL — depending on the model) is used for labels, and a receipt printer driver (ESC/POS or another one supported by that exact model) is used for receipts. After installation, check the connection port (USB/COM/LAN) and do a test print from the driver.

Poor print quality, barcode does not scan

Cause. The barcode scale is too small or there are damaged pixels on the thermal head.

Solution. Increase the barcode scale (Zoom) in the template or change the font to a clearer one (for example, Arial). Wipe the thermal head with alcohol. If there are white vertical lines, this indicates mechanical damage to the head. Also check the quality of the thermal ribbon: low quality gives weak contrast and scans worse.

Printing when working through Remote Desktop (RDP)

If the printer is connected to a local PC, while Torgsoft runs on the server, there may be a problem with port redirection. 

Solution. The most stable method is to connect the printer via LAN (if it has a network port) or through a print server/router with USB. Then Torgsoft sees it as a regular network printer.

RDP redirection often works unstably with label printers.

For Internet access:

• A public («white») static IP address + port forwarding to the printer or print server.

• Or a VPN tunnel (OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc.) — the network appears as local.

Recommendations for consumables

• Thermo Eco. Cheap, fade in the sun within 3–6 months. Suitable for fast-moving goods (groceries).

• Thermo TOP. Have a protective layer and are more resistant to moisture and friction. Suitable for clothing, footwear, and electronics.

• Sizes. For placing the name, price, and barcode, the optimal size is 40x25 mm. On smaller labels (30x20 mm), it is difficult to place a readable description together with the barcode.