camdevelopment news

Using Excel as a Database - Not a good idea

2010-11-22T14:10:00.001-05:00

I have been researching a problem a customer is having for the past few days and finally found a workaround and a reason not to recommend Excel as a database for your mailing labels.

The Problem

The problem occurs most with ZIP codes. Because Excel was not designed to be used as a database it has to infer the type of values each column contains. It does this by looking at the first dozen or so cells in each column and expects the rest to be the same.

So let's say you have an Excel file that contains the names and addresses of everyone on your mailing list. You want to print them on labels or envelopes so naturally you open Label Designer Plus DELUXE or Print Designer GOLD, you select your label size or envelope type and link it to your xls file. All's good so far. Or maybe not.

It just so happens that the first dozen or so ZIP codes in the xls file begin with a non-zero number (for example 11713). Because of this the Microsoft Jet driver that we (and the rest of the world) uses to pull the data from xls files assumes the ZIP code column is numeric. The problem occurs when the ZIP code for Joe Smith (number 27 on your list) is pulled and is 06543. This is considered non-numeric. The Jet driver will either remove the leading zero and give us 6543 or decide the cell is invalid and give us nothing. Either way, not good for your mailing labels.

The Workaround

There is a workaround for this problem, but it is not very pretty. What you have to do is make sure the first dozen or so (I use 14 to be sure) rows contain all text data. It can be as simple as an "a" in every cell of the first 14 rows. For whatever reason if the Jet driver detects the column is text, it does not care if it is a number, text or something in between, but if it detects the column is numeric, it rejects any text.

When you print you have to start at the 14th record and set the quantity to 14 less than the number of records reported by label designer.

Summary

You can do it, but I do not recommend using Excel to hold your address for mailing labels (or any other use for that matter). You are far better off using the built in Names and Addresses Personal Database built right into all three of our products. If you need more flexibility consider Access.

- Chris

Print Designer GOLD CD/Label Bundle Special Now Available

2010-11-17T16:52:00.004-05:00

With the holidays fast approaching we've created a bundle that gives you everything you need to get your holiday mailings out with minimal effort.

The bundle includes our top of the line business card and label making software (Print Designer GOLD V10), 300 free address labels (Avery 5160 compatible) and our Backup and Bonus CD.

To purchase and get 30% off see the Special Offer banner at the top of our home page at http://www.camdevelopment.com

This offer ends soon so hurry and get your bundle today!

Creating Mailing Labels - Revisited

2010-11-15T10:22:00.001-05:00

It's that time of the year again! Time to get those holiday mailings out. Here are some tips...

The Software

Luckily for me I have all my addresses in the Names and Addresses Database that is built intoLabel Designer Plus DLEUXE so I can have my mailing labels, envelopes or post cards printed directly right from my desk in a matter of minutes. For those of you that are not familiar with this process there is a video tutorial available on our support page, titled "Creating a Basic Mailing Label" that walks you through the entire process. It shows you how to print mailing labels, but the process is almost exactly the same for printing directly to envelopes and post card. The only difference is that you select an envelope or post card layout instead of a mailing label layout.

The Paper

I am all set with the software but I still need something to print on. That is why we have started offering label and card stock through our partner CompuLabel. They offer quality stock, good selection, excellent prices and free shipping and all their stock is listed in our software so it is a snap to use. Check out the order page to order today. I think I am going to do a post card with a family picture on one side and the address/return address on the other.

-Chris

Updates now available

2010-11-12T17:33:00.004-05:00

Version 10.1.0.0 of our business card and label software products have been released.

Please click one of the links below to find out more...

Business Card Designer Plus

Label Designer Plus DELUXE

Print Designer GOLD

-Chris

Special FREE Offer Extended

2010-11-01T16:43:00.005-04:00

Purchase any of the following products before November 30, 2010

Business Card Designer Plus V10

Label Designer Plus DELUXE V10

Print Designer GOLD V10

... and get a FREE single user license for

Alpha Key Saver

To take advantage of this offer please make your purchase then contact us with your order number.

-Chris

New Versions Released

2010-10-20T14:15:00.005-04:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know about some new releases...

Version 10 of the following products have been released:

Business Card Designer Plus

Label Designer Plus DELUXE

Print Designer GOLD

These new versions include many new features, Windows 7 compatibility and enhancements requested by users. For details about all these new versions please visit http://www.camdevelopment.com/news.htm

If you are a licensed user on an older version you can upgrade to the latest at a reduced price using the licensed user page at http://www.camdevelopment.com/licuser.htm

-Chris