The Template Maintenance Object Update screen is used to add Objects (aka: Fields) to your Template or to edit an existing Object. The fields and groups on this screen vary depending on the Object Type you are adding/editing (Text, Rectangle, or Image).
Click here for printable Template Design Studio instructions..
The Fields you can manipulate are organized by Group as follows:
- Text and Presets - These fields allow you to enter fee form text, preset text (from the three (3) Preset fields, and/or a combination of both. Text is applicable to Text Type Objects only.
- Object Location and Size - These fields allow you to position your Object(s) on the template and are defined in pixels that move left to right and top to bottom across the template. These fields basically duplicate the WYSIWYG functionality offered on the the Template Maintenance Details screen.
- Additional Object Properties - These fields allow you to set font properties and color for Text Objects and border width and color properties for Rectangle Objects.
From the bottom of the screen…
Click Done to Save your changes and returns you to the Template Maintenance Details screen. Any changes you made will display in the WYSIWYG.
Click Cancel to return to the Template Maintenance Details screen without saving any changes.
SATemplateObjectUpdate_Tab1
Object ID (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectID)
You will not visit this field.
This field displays the Object ID which is the same thing as the Layer number. When you add a new Object this field displays "0" until the Object is placed on the Template Maintenance Details screen. After that it displays the number which corresponds to its print order on the Template.
Note: Object Layers are listed in the left-hand panel of the Template Maintenance Design screen. The first layer added is given the number "1." Successive layers get successive numbers. When printed the lowest numbered layer (i.e. Layer 1) is printed first; it is the "bottom layer." Successive layers print in successive order so a four-layer template would have Layer 1 on the bottom then Layers 2 3 and 4 where Layer 4 would be the last/top-most Object printed.
Object Type (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectType)
You will not visit this field.
This field displays the Object Type you selected (Text Rectangle or Image) when adding this Object.
DeleteObject Label (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectLabel)
Enter an identifier for the Object you are adding/editing in this field. For Example: Member Photo, Barcode, etc…. This is a mandatory field for the default VSI RecTrac Design. Your Design and setup may vary.
The label you add here will display on the Template Maintenance Details WYSIWYG thus allowing you to easily identify this object when editing your Template.
DeletePage Number (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectPageNum)
This field is applicable only for two-sided templates and only when adding a new Object.
Accept the default setting (Front) or select the Template Page onto which you wish to add this field.
DeleteText (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextText)
This field is applicable for Text Objects only.
Enter free form text or Preset text (from the field(s) below) or a combination of both in this field.
The data in this field displays as text on your Template.
-
Free Form Text - Free form text will display on the Template as you enter it here. This is static text that appears the same on each iteration of this Template that gets printed.
For Example: If you are creating a Pass ID Template and type "Pass Code: " in this field "Pass Code: " (in quotations as you typed it) will appear on your Template every time you print a Pass Membership linked to this Template. If you type Pass Code: in this field Pass Code: (with no quotations) will appear on your Template every time you print it. -
Preset Text - Presets allow you to place dynamic text on the Template based on the parameters you choose from the any or all of the Presets fields below. Dynamic fields draw their actual text from the database and allow the Template to display different information each time it is printed.
For Example: If you are creating a Pass ID Template and select Last Name First Name as your Preset the following will appear in this field: <?SAPerson_LastName?> <?SAPerson_FirstName?>. When you print an ID Card for Sarah Brown Brown Sarah will print on the Card because the system knows she is the pass holder. When you print an ID Card for Sky Masterson Masterson Sky will print on his Card for the same reason.
Note: There is no limit to the number of Presets you can add to a single Text Object and there is no restriction against adding multiple Presets from the same or from different Preset Options Drop-down lists to the same Text Object. Template form and function should dictate the Presets you use for a single Object. Sometimes it might make more sense to use a 1:1 ratio of Presets to Objects and sometimes it might make more sense to include multiple Presets in the same Object.
For Example: A POS Ticket Template might have a single Object for "Show Name" (i.e. Guys and Dolls) and a single Object for "Seat Section Row and Number." (i.e. Section II Row BB Seat 6) In this instance one (1) preset field should suffice for the single "Show Name" Object but depending on your Template layout you might want to use three (3) separate presets in the single "Seat Section Row and Number" Object.
-
Free Form Text and Presets - The system allows you to combine both Free Form Text and Preset Text in the same Object if desired. Free form text and Preset text will appear on the template as described for each above.
For Example: If you are creating a Pass ID Template and want to have an Object for Member Since: <Date> you would enter Member Since: as Free Form text and then select the <?SADETAIL_OriginalMemberDate?> Preset. This field would appear as follows: Member Since: <?SADETAIL_OriginalMemberDate?>. If Sarah Brown has been a Member since 24 November 2005 her Membership Card would display Member Since: 11/24/2010.
Combo Presets (Field/Function Combinations) (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextComboPresets)
This field is applicable for Text Objects only.
Select the Combo Presets you wish to add to this Text Object if any.
THEN
Click Add Preset to include it in the text field for this Object.
Combo Presets are calculated fields that involve the printing of information on Templates for things purchased by Family Members. They are broken down into five (5) main categories.
- Access Ticket Codes - These presets allow you to print Access Ticket Code information on your template. When including Access Codes on a Template the assumption is the Access Ticket will be printed when sold and then used by the purchasing member to gain access to the event for which the ticket was sold.
- Names - These presets allow you to include Family Member names on your Templates. Names will appear as they are listed on the Preset (i.e. First/Last Last/First etc…). When including Names on a Template the assumption is a Family Member is associated with the purchase for which the Template is being printed (i.e. a Pass Membership a Locker Rental a Trip Enrollment a POS Ticket Purchase etc…).
- Gift Certificates - These presets allow you to print Gift Certificate numbers on your Templates. These are generally printed as barcodes and would likely be included on your Gift Card/Gift Certificate card stock.
- Household Address - These presets allow you to include the purchasing household's address on your Template. You might include these presets on "sandwich tickets" in the event you mail purchases such as Tickets to households who have purchased online.
- Standard and Member ID - These presets allow you to print Member Information (Household Number Family Member Number Lost Card Number) on your templates. These are generally printed as barcodes and appear on such templates as Membership Cards Household IDs and/or Access Control Tickets etc…
Refer to: Topic Doc - Template Design Studio for a more complete description if needed.
DeleteFunction Presets (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextFunctionPresets)
This field is applicable for Text Objects only.
Select the Function Presets you wish to add to this Text Object if any.
THEN
Click Add Preset to include it in the text field for this Object.
THEN
Modify the field values as needed to set your formatting if needed.
Depending on the Preset you select additional data entry will be required in order for the Object to display the correct dynamic information. Fields in the object that require your attention are offset by brackets. For Example: <VALUE>. To update delete the item in brackets and overwrite with your own values. Click Here to see some examples.
Function Presets allow you to add formatting to selected dynamic Object Types on your Template. Function Preset fields are defined by their title and include but are not limited to:
- Formatting Fields - Where you might want to format Objects such as Date (MM/DD/YYYY YYYY/MM/DD etc…) Time (HH:MMam hh:mm etc…) Decimals (.01 1 1 etc…) and more.
- Print Fields - Where you might need to include dynamic Day Date Month Time and/or Year information.
- Question Answers - Answers only or questions and answers. This value is based on the Number of the question you want to display.
- Capitalize/Lowercase - Where you might want the text to appear in CAPITAL case or all lower case as needed.
- etc.
Refer to: Topic Doc - Template Design Studio for a more complete description if needed.
DeleteTable/Field Presets (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextTablePresets)
This field is applicable for Text Objects only.
Select the Table/Field Presets you wish to add to this Text Object if any.
THEN
Click Add Preset to include it in the text field for this Object
Table/Field Presets are determined by the Joins on the Template Type you are creating and they allow you to pull information from the Database Table(s) to which a Template is joined.
For Example: A Pass ID Template will contain Table/Field Presets for every field in Pass Update. These Presets all begin with PMPass_. A POS Service Item Template will contain Table/Field Presets for every field in POS Service Item Update. These Table/Field Presets all begin with PSSServiceItem_
Table/Field Presets consist of but are not limited to:
- <Module-specific> Tables - As outlined in the Example above the Template Type you choose determines the Table Joins available. Module-specific templates such as Pass Templates and Service Item Templates will all contain joins to their module.
- SADetail Presets -SADetail Presets look to the SADetail Table. This table contains the detail records created within the system when a transaction occurs. For Example: Assuming your Passes are set up with dynamic expiration dates and assuming you wanted to print each Member's Expiration Date on their pass you would look to the SADetail Record for SADetail_PassMembershipDate-Expiration as each Member's expiration date is different unless the passes were purchased on the same date
- SAPerson - SAPerson Presets allow you to pull information (Age Date of Birth Gender etc…) from the Person Update screen in Household Management.
- SAHousehold - SAHousehold Presets allow you to pull information (Address Income Email Addresses etc‟) from the Household Update screens in Household Management.
- SAFee - These Presets allow you to pull information from Fees linked to items for which the Template.
- SAFeeHistory - These Presets allow you to pull information from a member's Fee History for the Template
- etc…
Refer to: Topic Doc - Template Design Studio for a more complete description if needed.
DeleteImage Option (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ImageOption)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Image Object
Select the desired Image Option. To place the member's photo from the database into the template select Member Photo. Otherwise select Fixed Image (Blob) to use an image that remains the same on every card/pass/ticket. For Example: You will select Fixed Image (Blob) when adding your organization's logo image to the template.
DeleteImage File to Upload (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ImageUploadFile)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Image Object
Select the image you want to upload. You MUST select a .jpg file type.
DeleteExisting Uploaded Image (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ImageBlobFile)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Image Object
Select the desired image. You can select any image that has been previously uploaded into the database. For Example: You might select your organization's logo from the list.
DeleteMag Encode Text (SATemplateObjectUpdate_MagEncodeText)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Mag Strip Object
Your goal is to do the following:
- For the Mag Track your MSR reader uses (i.e. commonly Track2) specify how the system should look up the patron (i.e. commonly SAPerson_ID or an XRef).
Example 1: When a patron swipes his/her card the MSR reader uses Track 2 and you want to identify patrons using the SAPerson_ID encoded. You would:
- Click after the equals sign within Track1= in the Mag Encode Text area. This is where your new Preset will paste.
- Expand the Text Table Fields Drop-down list and select SAPerson_ID.
- Click Add Preset.
- Your Track 2 should now look like this:
Track2=SAPerson_ID
- Similarly you might use Track 2 but instead a cross reference (i.e. matching another external ID).
Note: It is NOT necessary to send encoding such as this to the printer: =27;38;66;32;50;32; as VSI VIC automatically sends those characters for you.
- Edit the PrinterMagType parameter to specify the type of Mag Printer commands you want sent to your printer. Click after the equals sign within PrinterMagType= in the Mag Encode Text area. By default it is PrinterMagType=Zebra;Eltron;Fargo;IDP which specifies all possible printers. You MUST specify just a signle printer type. The most common printer types are Zebra or Eltron your printer might be branded accordingly or be compatible with commands sent from those printer brands. For the purpose of example a Eltron is used. Delete the other printer types from PrinterMagType and it should now look like this:PrinterMagType=Eltron
- Specify an appropriate delay within the MagDelay parameter. This is the amount of time in seconds that the system should wait before encoding the Mag Strip on card stock. A short delay (i.e. 5 seconds) is fine for when Mag Strip encoding happens BEFORE the printing text and imagery on the card/id stock occurs. A long delay (i.e. 30 seconds) is necessary when the Mag Strip encoding happens AFTER the card's text and imagery prints. If this value is incorrect you might get have a card lacking Mag Encoding as the printer ejected the card stock before Mag encoding could occur.
- Remove any parameters not set in the Mag Encode Text area. The most common scenario is you are using Track2 have set a PrinterMagType and a MagDelay and all other parameters are NOT set. Therefore you delete the unused Track1 Track3 MagBufferReset MagWriteBuffer and EjectCard parameters. Your Mag Encode Text area should now look similar to the following:
Track2=PrinterMagType=EltronMagDelay=5
Text Calculated Presets (SATemplateObjectUpdate_MagEncodeCalcPresets)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Mag Strip Object
Reserved for Future Use. Not currently used with Mag Strip Encoding.
DeleteText Function Presets (SATemplateObjectUpdate_MagEncodeFunctionPresets)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Mag Strip Object
Uncommon. Use these Text Function Presets to change the format of information encoded to the Mag Strip (i.e. change the case of letters ensure numbers are 10-characters change date formatting).
Begin by clicking within the desired spot of the Mag Track (i.e. Track1 Track2 or Track3) in which you are working with. The Text Function Preset is added in this location.
Select the Function Presets you wish to add to this Text Object if any.
THEN
Click Add Preset to include it in the text field for this Object.
Depending on the Preset you select additional data entry will be required in order for the Object to display the correct dynamic information. Fields in the object that require your attention are offset by brackets.
Note: If you wish to use Text Function presets with Mag Encoding (uncommon) then refer to the following for reference: Text Function Presets.
DeleteText Table Fields (SATemplateObjectUpdate_MagEncodeTablePresets)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Mag Strip Object
Begin by clicking within the desired spot of the Mag Track (i.e. Track1 Track2 or Track3) in which you are working with. Your new Text Function Preset will be added in this location.
Select the Text Table Fields you wish to add to this Mag Strip Object (i.e. SAPerson_ID) if any.
THEN
Click Add Preset to include it in the Mag Encode Text field for this Object
Table/Field Presets consist of but are not limited to:
- SAPerson - SAPerson Presets allow you to pull information (i.e. an ID) from the Person Update screen in Household Management.
- SAHousehold - SAHousehold Presets allow you to pull information from the Household Update screens in Household Management.
Add Preset (SATemplateObjectUpdate_MagEncodeButtonAddPreset)
This field is applicable only if adding/editing an Mag Strip Object
DeleteObject Position X (Pixels) (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectPosX)
Accept the default value in this field or overwrite as needed. The value in this field dictates the horizontal starting position for the upper left-hand corner of your Object going left to right across the Template. In other words, increasing the value in this field moves the Object further right on your Template.
- If Adding a new Object, the value in this field will be 0."
- If Changing an Object the value in this field will be its last Save setting either from editing the value here or from moving the Object in the WYSIWYG on Template Maintenance Details.
Object Position Y (Pixels) (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectPosY)
Accept the default value in this field or overwrite as needed. The value in this field dictates the vertical starting position for the upper left-hand corner of your Object going top to bottom down the Template. In other words, increasing the value in this field moves the Object further down on your Template.
- If Adding a new Object, the value in this field will be 0."
- If Changing an Object the value in this field will be its last Save setting either from editing the value here or from moving the Object in the WYSIWYG on Template Maintenance Details.
Object Size X (Pixels) (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectSizeX)
Accept the default value in this field or overwrite as needed. The value in this field dictates the horizontal width of your Object starting from the upper left-hand corner of your Object moving right across the Template. In other words, increasing the value in this field makes the Object wider" from left to right on your Template.
- If Adding a new Object the value in this field will be "0."
- If Changing an Object the value in this field will be its last Save setting either from editing the value here or from moving the Object in the WYSIWYG on Template Maintenance Details.
Object Size Y (Pixels) (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectSizeY)
Accept the default value in this field or overwrite as needed. The value in this field dictates the vertical height of your Object starting from the upper left-hand corner of your Object moving down the Template. In other words, increasing the value in this field makes the Object taller" from top to bottom on your Template.
- If Adding a new Object the value in this field will be "0."
- If Changing an Object the value in this field will be its last Save setting either from editing the value here or from moving the Object in the WYSIWYG on Template Maintenance Details.
Font Family (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextFont)
This field is applicable to Text Objects only.
Accept the default entry in this field (Helvetica) or select an alternate Font if desired.
Notes:
- If including a barcode on your Template VSI recommends using IDAutomationC128SX Normal 18pt Black Center-Justified 0 Rotation. You should also leave a quarter-inch (or so) of clear white space around the barcode.
- For standard text VSI recommends Helvetica font as it is PDF-based and will help reduce the file size of your template.
Font Style (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextFontStyle)
This field is applicable to Text Objects only.
Accept the default entry in this field (Normal) or select an alternate Font Style if desired.
Notes:
- If including a barcode on your Template VSI recommends using IDAutomationC128SX Normal 18pt Black Center-Justified 0 Rotation. You should also leave a quarter-inch (or so) of clear white space around the barcode.
- For standard text VSI recommends Helvetica font as it is PDF-based and will help reduce the file size of your template.
Text Font Size (Points) (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextFontSize)
This field is applicable to Text Objects only.
Accept the default entry in this field (8) or select an alternate Font Size if desired.
Notes:
- If including a barcode on your Template VSI recommends using IDAutomationC128SX Normal 18pt Black Center-Justified 0 Rotation. You should also leave a quarter-inch (or so) of clear white space around the barcode.
- For standard text VSI recommends Helvetica font as it is PDF-based and will help reduce the file size of your template.
Text Color (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextColor)
This field is applicable to Text Objects only.
Accept the default entry in this field or click in the rgba dialog to launch the Color Picker and overwrite as needed. The values in this field dictate the color of your text in this Object. The small preview box on the right shows the current color for your Object.
- If Adding a new Object the value in this field will be all "0s which is Black.
- If Changing an Object, the values in this field will be their last Save setting, either from editing the value here or from moving the Object in the WYSIWYG on Template Maintenance Details.
Notes:
- If including a barcode on your Template VSI recommends using IDAutomationC128SX Normal 18pt Black Center-Justified 0 Rotation. You should also leave a quarter-inch (or so) of clear white space around the barcode.
- For standard text VSI recommends Helvetica font as it is PDF-based and will help reduce the file size of your template.
Text Justify (SATemplateObjectUpdate_TextJustify)
This field is applicable to Text Objects only.
Accept the default entry in this field (Left) or select an alternate Text Justification if desired. Text alignment is applicable to the horizontal axis of the Object only; text is always "center-justified" on the vertical axis of the Object.
Notes:
- If including a barcode on your Template VSI recommends using IDAutomationC128SX Normal 18pt Black Center-Justified 0 Rotation. You should also leave a quarter-inch (or so) of clear white space around the barcode.
- For standard text VSI recommends Helvetica font as it is PDF-based and will help reduce the file size of your template.
Object Rotation (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ObjectRotate)
This field is applicable to Text Objects only.
Accept the default entry in this field (0) or select an alternate Text Rotation if desired. Text Rotation allows you to rotate the text in a field by 45-degree increments. Text fields rotate counter clockwise. A watermark preview displays on the WYSIWYG shows how your text will align with the rotation selected.
Notes:
- If including a barcode on your Template VSI recommends using IDAutomationC128SX Normal 18pt Black Center-Justified 0 Rotation. You should also leave a quarter-inch (or so) of clear white space around the barcode.
- For standard text VSI recommends Helvetica font as it is PDF-based and will help reduce the file size of your template.
Border Size (Pixels) (SATemplateObjectUpdate_RectangleBorder)
This field is applicable to Rectangle Objects only.
Accept the default value in this field or overwrite as needed. The value in this field dictates the width in pixels of your Object border. The larger the number the wider the border. To fill in a rectangle Object completely use a big number such as 100.
- If Adding a new Object the value in this field will be "0."
- If Changing an Object the value in this field will be its last Save setting either from editing the value here or from moving the Object in the WYSIWYG on Template Maintenance Details.
Rectangle Border Color (SATemplateObjectUpdate_RectangleColor)
This field is applicable to Rectangle Objects only.
Accept the default entry in this field or click in the rgba dialog to launch the Color Picker and overwrite as needed. The values in this field dictate the color of your Object border. The small preview box on the right shows the current color for your Object.
- If Adding a new Object the value in this field will be all "0s which is Black.
- If Changing an Object, the values in this field will be their last Save setting, either from editing the value here or from moving the Object in the WYSIWYG on Template Maintenance Details.
Delete
10.3 Object Attributes (SATemplateObjectUpdate_ConversionText)
Applicable only for customers who have upgraded from Rectrac 10.3. to 3.1.
If the conversion process could NOT convert the Object in full from 10.3 to 3.1 then information displays within this text area. You MUST review the text shown here and update the Object in order for it to function correctly in 3.1. Once you have completed the change, enable Remove Conversion Text to delete this 10.3 Object Attributes information.
Note: The Object is highlighted in red when the conversion cannot completely convert a field. See image below:
Remove Conversion Text (Done with conversion)? (SATemplateObjectUpdate_RemoveConversionText)
Applicable only for customers who have upgraded from Rectrac 10.3. to 3.1.
If the conversion process could NOT convert the Object in full from 10.3 to 3.1 then information displays within the 10.3 Object Attributes area. Once you have completed the necessary changes to make the Object work in 3.1 enable Remove Conversion Text to delete the 10.3 Object Attributes information for this Object.
Note: The Object is highlighted in red when the conversion cannot completely convert a field. See image below:
Click the Image to enlarge.