^IL - Image Load

Overview

The ^IL command is used at the beginning of a label format to load a stored image of a format and merge it with additional data. The image is always positioned at the origin (^FO0,0). Using this technique to overlay a stored image of constant information with variable data greatly increases the throughput of label printing.

Syntax

^

Parameters

• d = Source device (optional, searches in priority order if omitted)
  • R: = DRAM
  • B: = Flash Memory
• o = Name of stored graphic (1-8 alphanumeric characters)
• x = Extension (.GRF)

Description

• Loads a stored graphic image as the base of the label
• Image is always positioned at the origin (0,0)
• Enables overlaying variable data on top of stored static content
• Greatly increases printing throughput for labels with constant backgrounds
• Additional fields and data can be overlaid on top of the loaded image
• Position of the loaded image cannot be changed

Usage Notes

• This command should be used at the beginning of a label format
• The image is always loaded at position (0,0) - cannot be repositioned
• Additional fields added after ^IL are overlaid on top
• Requires ^FS field separator after the command
• Significantly improves throughput when printing with constant backgrounds
• Useful for templates: static background + variable data

Example - Load Base Format and Add Variable Data

^XA
^^FS
^CFD,36,20
^FO15,210^FD900123^FS
^FO218,210^FDLINE 12^FS
^FO15,360^A0N,36,20^FDZEBRA THERMAL^FS
^FO15,400^A0N,36,20^FDTRANSFER PRINTER^FS
^FO15,540^FD54321^FS
^FO220,530^FDZ58643^FS
^FO15,670^A0,27,18^FDTesting Stored Graphic^FS
^FO15,700^A0,27,18^FDLabel Formats!!^FS
^XZ

Example - Simple Template Usage

^XA
^^FS
^FO50,200^A0,40,30^FDVARIABLE DATA HERE^FS
^XZ

Performance Benefit

Loading a pre-rendered graphic image as the base provides significant performance advantages:

• No need to re-render static elements for each label
• Variable data is simply overlaid on top
• Recommended for high-volume label printing

Use Case Example

A shipping label with:

1. Static company logo and borders (stored as image)
2. Variable shipment information (added via ^FD)
3. Dynamic barcode (added via ^BC or similar)

Related Commands

• ^IS - Image Save (create graphics from formats)
• ~DG - Download Graphic (upload graphics to printer)
• ^XG - Recall Graphic (with magnification)
• ^IM - Image Move (at original size)
• ^ID - Image Delete
• ^FO - Field Origin

See Also

• Image Save (^IS)
• Recall Graphic (^XG)
• Download Graphic (~DG)