.. meta::
   :scope: evolabel

.. _conection_guide-index:

====================
Connection Guide
====================

Here are some use cases of how to generate a printout.


Basic Standalone System
================================

Layouts stored in the printer with fixed data

    #. Create the layout in the printer editor or send a layout that is to be stored in the printer.
    #. Add the layout to a :ref:`product_list-index`.
    #. From the `Products <https://docs.evolabel.com/ui/latest/product_list/product_list.html>`_ page, select the Product List and then activate the product/layout to be printed. A preview of the printout is now shown on the Operations page.
   

Stand Alone System With Variable Data 
=======================================

The layouts are stored in the printer. The operator inputs variable data from the printer touch screen.

    #. Create the layout in the printer editor or send a layout that is to be stored in the printer.
    #. Add the layout to a :ref:`product_list-index`.
    #. Update the Product List with operator input (:ref:`product_list-user_input`) or variable data (:ref:`product_list-data_from_variable`).
    #. From the `Products <https://docs.evolabel.com/ui/latest/product_list/product_list.html>`_ page, select the Product List and then activate the product/layout to be printed. A preview of the printout is now shown on the Operations page.



Connected System With Fixed Data
================================

The printer is connected to a host system.
The host system sends the complete layout to the printer.

    #. Connect to the printer and send the printout as `JSON-PRC <https://docs.evolabel.com/api/latest/>`_ or `ZPL <https://docs.evolabel.com/integration/zpl.html/>`_ or any of the other supported emulators.


Connected System With Variable Data
===================================

The printer is connected to a host system. The layouts are stored in the printer. The host is to recall the layouts with variable data.

    #. Store the layouts in the printer
    #. Send layout reference and variable data.
    
        * `JSON-PRC Populate a Stored Layout <https://docs.evolabel.com/api/latest/tutorial.html#populate-a-stored-layout>`_
        * Use ZPL commands to populate a ZPL layout already stored in the printer with variable data.
        * `Populating a built-in layout with XML data <https://docs.evolabel.com/integration/xml.html>`_
        
        
        

.. |br| raw:: html

      <br>