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Filters modify the input and output files, and the modified
file MUST be returned to the Spooler. You may use either standard
filters supplied with your Spooler or programs written in
most computer languages, including Visual Basic as well as
.bat files. Most input files are passed through a local
language to UTF-8 filter (commonly Western filter) and
filters may be used on output to invoke special commands
such as stapling on printers supporting those features.
You may include your own programs as filters.
External input filters
deal with data that enters FTSpooler from external
sources. The primary objective of these filters is
character set normalization – conversion of input data
to UTF-8 encoding. It is strongly recommended that
every queue receiving original input from your application
has a relevant filter. For users of English
speaking (and other Roman language) countries use the “Western” filter.
Other filters such as "Simplified Chinese" are also available
for the customers using different languages. Among the
other standard filters are: PCL5 escape filter,
AS400 filter and filter to convert single carriage returns
to line feeds.
Additional "language to UTF-8" filters are added to
FormTrap as required, you may ask for additional filters
from support@formtrap.com.
Pre identification filters are
invoked on all data before the identification step. The
primary objective of these filters is to normalise the
data itself so it can be identified and formatted. There
are no common types of these filters – they are usually
developed on per-customer basis to solve specific
problems and tailor the system for your requirements.
Post formatting filters provide
access to FormTrap output (for example to add documents
such as product data sheets to the FormTrap document, or
insertion of stapling commands for printers). The output
file (PCL or PCLXL (PCL6) or PostScript) is still
to be delivered, so now incorporates any modified
information. Associated file (data
elements) filters access the associated data
file. The reasons to have associated file filters
include lookup of e-mail addresses for SMTP, adding
properties using external database, etc. There are a few
associated filters provided by default:
- Assoc_add – adds name=value
pair to the end of associated file
- Assoc_name_replace – replaces
existing name with another name
- Assoc_order
– suppresses values of multiple identical names
leaving only the first of the identical names
Use Setup (top level menu) and
Filters to see detailed descriptions of
the filters.
There are a number of pre-defined filters available
in FTSpooler, or you can use your own customized program. Left click Add/Remove Filter
to pop up a list of pre-built input Filters.
More
information on Define filters
Click the Apply button to save the
changes.
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Note: FTLabelPrint should be invoked as an
Application, NOT as a filter as it does not return a modified
file to the Spooler.