Merge a Spreadsheet in LabelForge

Overview

With LabelForge, you can automatically generate a batch of labels with data from a spreadsheet or database. This process is called a ?merge,? and it's a great way to create customized part labels, serial barcodes, or employee ID tags.

Prefer video instructions? You can watch the tutorial here: How to: Merging a Spreadsheet in LabelForge

Check Your Spreadsheet Format

Each label will use the information from a given row in the spreadsheet; that is, a label might show the information cell 3A, cell 3B, cell 3C, and so on.

1. Add column headers (recommended), which will help you to easily identify the information in each column later. Without headers, LabelForge will simply identify each column as A, B, C, D, and so on.
2. Save your spreadsheet as an .xls, .xlsx, or .csv file.

You're ready to import your data.

Merge Your Spreadsheet

1. In LabelForge, click the Merge button at the bottom of the main menu.
2. In the Select Table drop-down menu, choose the file type that matches your spreadsheet (.xls, .xlsx, or .csv).
3. Click the Connect to Database A file browsing window will open.
4. Locate your spreadsheet file, select it, and click Open.
5. Click the View Database Table button to make sure LabelForge is reading your spreadsheet correctly.

Now you can build the label design.

Design Your Label

1. Close the Merge menu to return to the Main Menu.
2. Select the Text option if you want to show information as text or choose the Linear or 2D Bars options to show the data in the form of a barcode.
3. In the Data Source drop-down menu, choose the column header or identifying letter for the column of information you want to use for this design element.
4. Click the Add Text or Add Barcode button, and the first item from your selected column in the spreadsheet will appear on your label as a new text or barcode object.
5. Repeat this process for each data source in your spreadsheet, arranging them as needed on the label.

Change the Column Used for an Object

You can freely adjust the controls for existing text objects or barcodes. You can also change which column of information is used for a selected object.

1. Double-click the Object you want to change.
2. Click the Data Source drop-down menu.
3. Choose the header or letter for the desired information.

Check Your Label Design

Once you have all the data displayed as required, go back to the Merge section above and use the Arrows at the bottom of the menu to cycle through the different rows of data. This will show you how each label in your batch will look.

Print Your Custom Labels

If everything looks correct, you're ready to export your labels.

1. Click the Print button in the toolbar.
2. Choose Print Merge to print your complete batch of labels. You can also choose Print Current Label to only print the label shown on-screen.

More Support Options

If you have any questions about using LabelForge label design software, get help from DuraLabels world-class support team by calling 800-788-5572 or visiting DuraLabel.com. We're here to help with all your labeling needs!