Configure Fill Groups for a Layout

You can use fill groups A configuration that manages the order in which available labels are inserted into layout areas in a layout. A fill group specifies a start origin, fill direction, and match rule. Fill groups are part of a layout. to manage the order in which labels are inserted into the reference areas in a layout. Each reference area or reference grid is associated with one of the available fill groups.

When a print request is submitted, reference areas are filled with labels in order by fill group. Fill groups are processed in the order in which they are listed in the Fill Groups pane.

During the processing of a print job, the fill group searches the layout beginning from the start origin and proceeding in the fill direction until it finds an available reference area that adheres to the match rule. Any reference areas assigned to another fill group are unavailable to this fill group. Also, reference areas smaller than the label to be placed are unavailable.

To configure the fill groups for a layout, do the following.

1. In Label Design  click , and select a layout.
2. In the View tab, click Fill Groups. The Fill Groups box opens..
3. Review the existing fill groups A configuration that manages the order in which available labels are inserted into layout areas in a layout. A fill group specifies a start origin, fill direction, and match rule. Fill groups are part of a layout..

   Note: The Default fill group cannot be deleted, but you are not required to use it if another fill group exists.

4. If the existing fill groups do not meet your needs, either select and existing fill group and click to edit it, or else click to add a new fill group.
   1. For Name, enter a name for the fill group. You cannot change the name of the Default fill group.
   2. For Start Origin, select where in the layout Loftware Enterprise SP should begin scanning for available reference areas when attempting to place a label.
   3. For Fill Direction, select in which direction Loftware Enterprise SP should proceed through the layout when scanning for available reference areas.
   4. For Match Rule, select the criteria to use to determine in which of the available reference areas to place a label.
      • Exact: Use the label to fill a reference area only if the label and reference area have the same dimensions.
      • Best Fit: Use the label to fill a reference area that has the same dimensions if one is available. If not, use the label to fill the first available reference area.
      • First Available: Use the label to fill the first available reference area.

      Note: Regardless of the match rule in effect, reference areas assigned to another fill group are unavailable to this fill group at print time. Also, reference areas smaller than the label to be placed are unavailable.

   5. Click OK.
5. Fill groups are processed in the order in which they are listed in the Fill Groups pane from top to bottom. To change the position of a fill group in that order, click and drag a fill group to a different position.
6. For each layout area, in the Properties, select the Fill Group to which it should be assigned.
7. Click File > Save.