Printer Interfaces

Composer is a Windows-based application used to lay out print jobs on a graphical canvas and to manage the print process.  Composer is a flexible, full-featured application that supports many variable data types, including PDF, text, barcodes, graphics, database fields, counters, and date/time.  Many customers use Composer since it includes a simple user interface and manages the entire process of job layout, data transmission, printing, and status monitoring.

The Read and Print feature of Composer allows the printing of data supplied from an external source via RS-232 or TCP/IP.  There are two Read and Print modes: Database Substitution and Direct Substitution. This option is used when the customer wishes to design print jobs in the Composer GUI, but to supply variable data remotely.

The Composer Remote Interface allows some aspects of Composer to be controlled from an external source via RS-232 or TCP/IP.  This option is used when the customer wishes to design print jobs in the Composer GUI, then minimize Composer, and to control the database access (optional), ripping, and printing, remotely via the customer’s own application.

The XiJet USB API/DLL is used to send images or text strings to the printer via USB, and to initiate printing.  The DLL manages the lower level USB communications.  It is available for both Windows and Linux. This option is useful when the customer’s application must manage the print data and print process from a Windows or Linux device.

The XiJet RS-232 Serial Protocol is used to send text strings, some barcodes, and small images to the printer via RS-232, and to initiate printing.  It is used when the customer’s application must manage the print data and print process from a PLC or embedded controller.