====== Using the brother pt1230 label printer ======

  * Configure xstow in your home : [[tutorials:using_xstow_for_local_installations|Using xstow for local installations]]
  * Download the following repository:

  git clone https://gitlab.com/arcoslab/pt1230

  * Use the included Makefile to compile it and install it: (check its dependencies)

  cd ~/local/src/gitlab/arcoslab/pt1230
  make
  export PREFIX=${HOME}/local/DIR/pt1230
  make install
  cd ~/local/DIR/
  xstow pt1230

  * textlabel generates images in bitmap format from text. For example:

  textlabel --font "Times New Roman" "test" | pt1230 -d /dev/usb/lp1 -b

  * This generates a bitmap image for "test" and it will be sent to the printer using the pt1230 command.

===== Multiline text =====

  * For multiline text use text-multi-line instead of textlabel. For example:

  text-multi-line -f "Courier New:bold" -s 100  "line1
  line2
  line3
  line4" | pt1230 -d /dev/usb/lp1 -b -c

  * This command generates a bitmap image with the text "line1 line2 line3 line4" separated in 4 lines and each centered. It automatically adjusts there size. The result is sent to the printer with pt1230 command.

  * "-c" option of pt1230 command avoids the printer to "feed" the tape. It conserves tape because for each print it normally feeds a lot of empty tape to allow to cut it correctly. Use the "-c" option as much as possible before ending printing. Then "feed" at the last print to cut correctly.

  * You can print barcodes with this labeler using:

  bincodes -e 39 -b "1" "2343452345325452345" | line2bitmap

===== Printing graphics =====

  * Create your preferred logo in inkscape
  * Be sure to rotate the image so that the width of the printer tape is in the x axis.
  * Convert to two colors: black and white. (using the object properties)
  * Export to png. Use a x resolution of 64 pixels
  * Open in gimp.
  * Layer->Transparency->Remove Alpha Channel
  * Colors->Threshold
  * Select a threshold that produces a nice printable image (specially if it contains fonts)
  * Export to xbm file format.
  * Convert to pt1230 format with:

  bmtoa -char 01 filename.xbm

  * pipe it to pt1230 for printing:

  bmtoa -char 01 filename.xbm | pt1230 -d /dev/usb/lp1 -b -c