Printing QUANTITY and DUPLICATE values to a Windows Device does not collate the duplicates

Problem

When printing to a Windows device and choosing multiple QUANTITY and DUPLICATE values the resulting output is collated when uncollated is desired.

Example
There is a Serial-Number field on a label with a starting value of 0001.  A QUANTITY of 3 and DUPLICATES of 2 is specified.

Uncollated result = 0001, 0001, 0002, 0002, 0003, 0003

Collated result = 0001, 0002, 0003, 0001, 0002, 0003

Results when label is printed on a typical thermal transfer style printer (Zebra, Intermec, etc.,) = 0001, 0001, 0002, 0002, 0003, 0003

Results when label is printed on a Windows family device = 0001, 0002, 0003, 0001, 0002, 0003

Explanation

The setting to control collation is actually in the Windows driver settings. Windows drivers from different manufacturers or models may use different names for this setting, such as Mopier Mode, Advanced Printing Features, or simply Collate as shown in the following example.   Note that the following example indicates the Collate setting is enabled.

Solution

To receive uncollated output from this particular printer driver you would need to adjust the Copies value to something higher than 1. This will enable the Collate setting, which can then be turned off and then Copies can be reset to 1.

This will achieve the uncollated result of 0001, 0001, 0002, 0002, 0003, 0003

Remember, different drivers may use different names for the setting that controls collation so you may need to check the driver manual or with the manufacturer.