I know I added a particular line of text while in the Text mode, but I cannot see it while in the Preview mode. Where did it go?

If you cannot see a line of text in the Preview mode that you "absolutely know is there" (that is, you can see it while in the Text mode), it is because the size of the font being used is too big for the text block itself. If text does not appear in the Preview Mode, it will not print. The solution is to either reduce the size of the font while in Text Mode or increase the size of the text block while in Select Mode. (top)


What types of graphic images can I use?

PrintMeister recognizes all images that are Windows (.bmp), JIFF(.jpg), Zsoft Paintbrush (.pcx) and Tagged Image File Format (.tif) compliant. However, virtually any type of file you would like to use can easily be converted into one of these image types using standard photo editing software such as Corel's Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop. NOTE: The file cannot be simply renamed; it must be converted. (top)


Why can't I print to the edge of the paper?

You can print to the edge of the paper, if your printer has that capability.

How close you can print to the edge of any paper is dictated by your individual printer and printer drivers. Unless you use a printer that allows for "edge-to-edge" printing, your printer restricts all printing to within at least 1/4" from all edges of the paper. Add the amount of "space" surrounding any font you may be using to this 1/4", and the border width could be even more exaggerated. (top)


During installation, I get an error message referring to "16 bit Windows compatibility" or "improper AUTOEXEC.NT file". What can I do to correct this?

Sometimes the utility that is used to install software - or to update software that is already installed - on your PC, will not fully support a newer operating system. Or, conversely, the newer operating system will not support the older installation software. If either of these situations is true, you may encounter installation problems.

For example, Windows support for DOS has been revised and, if you are using Windows XP and your \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder does not contain a file called AUTOEXEC.NT, you will get an error message similar to that referenced in question above. This can occur when a software program renames or replaces the AUTOEXEC.NT. The solution is to obtain a copy of AUTOEXEC.NT from another system using XP and copy it into the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder on your PC. (top)


Why do I get an "Error 21, Open Error" message?

An "Error 21, Open Error" message indicates that, for some reason, a required file - which is named in body of the message - cannot be accessed by the software. The inability to access or "use" the file is normally attributed to one of the following four reasons: 1) The file is corrupt or missing, 2) the file is a "read only" file and must have its "read only" attribute removed, 3) you are on a network and the file is already open and being used by another user, or, 4) you are not on a network but the software has been loaded two or more times on your current PC. If, after removing the probable cause, you still get the error, contact technical support. (top)


Why do I get an "Error 50, Access Violation" message when I try to print using my images?

In older software versions, it was possible to get an "Error 50" error message when you attempted to use an image that - for one reason or another - was not recognized as a valid image file. The most frequently occurring causes for the Error 50 message were 1) trying to use an image other than .bmp, .jpg, .pcx, or .tif, or 2) the size of the image you are using is too large.

The solution to an incompatible image type is to convert the image (see Image types that can be used, above). The size of the image is very important. Since you will typically be printing a decedent photo as many as eight times on a blank prayer card sheet, the amount of data being sent to your printer could easily overwhelm your printer's memory. Generally, an image in the 300kb - 500kb range is acceptable; beyond that is questionable. Possible solutions to a large image problem include 1) re-scanning the photo using a smaller layout size, or 2) cropping the scanned image more closely. (top)


Why does text print upside down or backwards?

Sometimes the printer driver that comes with your printer (that is, software that enables your PC and printer to "talk with each other") and your PC have trouble communicating. This is not a common occurrence but if this happens to you, try deselecting the "Enable advanced printing features" item found on the "Advanced" tab of your printer driver "Properties" window. (top)


I scanned an image, but cannot find it when I attempt to Replace/Insert an image while in the Select mode. Why doesn't my image appear among other images shown under Utilities > Graphics Manager?

In order for any valid image to be recognized from the Utilities > Graphics Manager, that particular image must reside in the directory that PrintMeister uses to store its images. PrintMeister's default directory is C:\Program files\Myriad Data Corp\PrintMeister\assets. If you want your images to alphabetically appear among other PrintMeister images under Utilities > Graphics Manager, you must copy the image file into the default directory.

If you know the name of the image file and its current location on your hard disk (such as C:\...My Documents\My Pictures\myphoto_01.jpg), simply go that location and select that image.


How do I create a new layout?

You can create a new layout - a ticket for example - in one of two ways. First, you can open an existing ticket, modify the text and images on that ticket as appropriate, and then simply save it under a new and unique name. Alternatively, you can select New, right click unused or "white" space on the blank composition screen, and add text and image fields as desired.

Adding an image is a simple matter of clicking an image field with your left button, then right clicking and selecting Insert/Replace images. To add text, select Text mode, place cursor in text block, and then start typing. NOTE: Unless the cursor is placed into a text field that has available, remaining space for additional text, nothing will happen when you attempt to type. You must first either delete existing text to make room or increase the size of the text field. (top)