Embedded Files
Jefferson Kline, Vogel Plant Pathology, WSU
For Assistance - Email jefferson.kline@wsu.edu
Instructions for LabelGen can be found below
LabelGen is a simple tool for mass labeling jobs. It works by taking an Excel file and generates a print-ready PDF of Avery 5160 labels, seen to the right.
Each label includes:
Up to 5 lines of human-readable text to the right of QR codes
A QR code for computer parsable information storage, for each element given it will be formatted as: {element1}{element2}{element3}
The output is a PDF (single or multi-paged) which you can print directly on Avery Easy Peel™ 5160 label sheets to simplify laboratory preparations.
Instructions for formatting your excel file and running can be found in the Readme.txt file in the downloadable zipped folder below.
LabelGen Example Output: Avery 5160 Format
Excel file for this sheet shown below
The first row of your sheet must indicate how each column should be used. Use "H" for human-readable fields, "Q" for QR-only fields. "H/Q" denotes both human-readable and QR-only.
Columns marked "H" will be printed to labels, there's 5 maximum lines for each label.
Columns marked "Q" will only be added to the QR code
Columns marked "H/Q" will be both printed as a line on the label and included in the QR code.
Note: Since there is a maximum of 5 lines per label, you cannot exceed 5 columns between H and H/Q marked columns.
The second row should contain column headers that describe each field, such as Exp, Plot, Rep, etc.
Example of Correct Excel Formatting for LabelGen
Another Example of Correct Formatting
Each label line (from columns marked H or H/Q) has a 31-character limit.
Each line includes the column header followed by a colon and space. Each denoted with a red underline
For example, the header "Exp" and the value "GRACE" will result in the line "Exp: GRACE" (10 characters total).
↓
First Label Made From This Excel
QR: {NA}{GRACE}{Lind}{2031}{BORDER}{Camelina}{1}
After formatting your excel file, it is best to save it as a .csv file. This is the file you will select when prompted by LabelGen.
Excel files can be used but may incur unexpected errors.
After downloading the LabelGen folder at the top of this site (version 2.1), unzip and open the contents. These should be the same as displayed to the right.
Double click on the LabelGen application to prompt the file explorer.
Navigate to your saved .csv file (or the examples provided) and select it. A PDF will be made in the same directory as the LabelGen application, named "AveryLabels.pdf"
If a windows SmartScreen warning appears upon running LabelGen, Click "More Info" -> "Run Anyway". (Unfortunately, the only way to avoid this is with very expensive code signing certificates..)
Click HERE if you want the source code directly.
Next, once you have opened and ensured the "AveryLabels.pdf" Labels are formatted correctly, go to print the pdf file onto an Avery 5160 easy-peel label sheet.
NOTICE:
Once you open the print menu but before actually printing, please make sure to select "Actual Size" instead of "Fit to printable area". This can be found to the left side of the print menu, under the "more settings" submenu.
It's encouraged to do a test print with one or two label sheets to ensure proper alignment of the labels.
Lastly, peel labels and paste them as needed.
Here are some pictures taken while making the program:
The left testing how to handle too much text
The right testing optimal text size for a seed-packet
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