Fix blank label between copies: send all copies in single GDI print job (StartDoc/N pages/EndDoc) instead of N separate jobs - thermal printers eject blank label between rapid separate jobs

- Remove find_ghostscript() and print_pdf_with_ghostscript() from print_label.py
- SumatraPDF is now the primary print method with -print-settings noscale
- Fix SumatraPDF arg order: file_path moved to last position
- Add -appdata-dir so SumatraPDF reads conf/SumatraPDF-settings.txt (PrintScale=noscale)
- win32api ShellExecute kept as last-resort fallback
- Remove GhostScript bundling from LabelPrinter.spec and build_exe.py
- Add conf/ folder pre-flight check to build_exe.py
- Rebuild dist/LabelPrinter.exe (41 MB, SumatraPDF-only)

.gitignore

@@ -9,4 +9,6 @@ __pycache__/
 *.pyc
 *.pyo
 *.pyd
+build_output.log
+.vscode/
 

LabelPrinter.spec

@@ -59,11 +59,12 @@ a = Analysis(
     binaries=gs_binaries,
     datas=base_datas + gs_datas,
     hiddenimports=[
-        'kivy', 'PIL', 'barcode', 'reportlab',
+        'kivy', 'PIL', 'PIL.ImageWin', 'barcode', 'reportlab',
         'print_label', 'print_label_pdf',
+        'fitz', 'pymupdf',
         'svglib', 'cairosvg',
         'watchdog', 'watchdog.observers', 'watchdog.events',
-        'pystray', 'win32timezone',
+        'pystray', 'win32api', 'win32print', 'win32ui', 'win32con', 'win32timezone',
     ],
     hookspath=[],
     hooksconfig={},

build_exe.py

@@ -11,91 +11,41 @@ To build for Windows:
 3. Run this script: python build_exe.py
 4. The Windows .exe will be created in the dist/ folder
 
-GhostScript bundling
---------------------
-If GhostScript is installed on this build machine the script will
-automatically copy the required files into conf\\ghostscript\\ before
-calling PyInstaller so they are embedded in LabelPrinter.exe.
-The target machine then needs NO separate GhostScript install.
+Printing method
+---------------
+SumatraPDF is bundled inside the exe and used for all printing.
+It sends the PDF at its exact 35x25 mm page size via -print-settings noscale.
+No GhostScript installation required on the build or target machine.
 """
 
 import os
 import sys
 import subprocess
-import shutil
 
 # Get the current directory
 script_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
 
 
-def prepare_ghostscript():
+def check_conf_folder():
     """
-    Find the system GhostScript installation and copy the minimum files
-    needed for bundling into conf\\ghostscript\\.
-
-    Files copied:
-        conf\\ghostscript\\bin\\gswin64c.exe  (or 32-bit variant)
-        conf\\ghostscript\\bin\\gsdll64.dll
-        conf\\ghostscript\\lib\\*.ps          (PostScript init files)
-
-    Returns True if GhostScript was found and prepared, False otherwise.
+    Verify that required files are present in the conf\ folder before building.
+    Returns True if all required files exist, False otherwise.
     """
-    import glob
-
-    gs_exe = None
-    gs_dll = None
-    gs_lib = None
-
-    for pf in [r"C:\Program Files", r"C:\Program Files (x86)"]:
-        gs_base = os.path.join(pf, "gs")
-        if not os.path.isdir(gs_base):
-            continue
-        # Iterate versions newest-first
-        for ver_dir in sorted(os.listdir(gs_base), reverse=True):
-            bin_dir = os.path.join(gs_base, ver_dir, "bin")
-            lib_dir = os.path.join(gs_base, ver_dir, "lib")
-            if os.path.exists(os.path.join(bin_dir, "gswin64c.exe")):
-                gs_exe = os.path.join(bin_dir, "gswin64c.exe")
-                gs_dll = os.path.join(bin_dir, "gsdll64.dll")
-                gs_lib = lib_dir
-                break
-            if os.path.exists(os.path.join(bin_dir, "gswin32c.exe")):
-                gs_exe = os.path.join(bin_dir, "gswin32c.exe")
-                gs_dll = os.path.join(bin_dir, "gsdll32.dll")
-                gs_lib = lib_dir
-                break
-        if gs_exe:
-            break
-
-    if not gs_exe:
-        print("  WARNING: GhostScript not found on this machine.")
-        print("  The exe will still build but GhostScript will NOT be bundled.")
-        print("  Install GhostScript from https://ghostscript.com/releases/gsdnld.html")
-        print("  then rebuild for sharp vector-quality printing.")
-        return False
-
-    dest_bin = os.path.join("conf", "ghostscript", "bin")
-    dest_lib = os.path.join("conf", "ghostscript", "lib")
-    os.makedirs(dest_bin, exist_ok=True)
-    os.makedirs(dest_lib, exist_ok=True)
-
-    print(f"  GhostScript found: {os.path.dirname(gs_exe)}")
-
-    shutil.copy2(gs_exe, dest_bin)
-    print(f"  Copied: {os.path.basename(gs_exe)}")
-
-    if os.path.exists(gs_dll):
-        shutil.copy2(gs_dll, dest_bin)
-        print(f"  Copied: {os.path.basename(gs_dll)}")
-
-    count = 0
-    for ps_file in glob.glob(os.path.join(gs_lib, "*.ps")):
-        shutil.copy2(ps_file, dest_lib)
-        count += 1
-    print(f"  Copied {count} .ps init files from lib/")
-
-    print(f"  GhostScript prepared in conf\\ghostscript\\")
-    return True
+    required = [
+        os.path.join('conf', 'SumatraPDF.exe'),
+        os.path.join('conf', 'SumatraPDF-settings.txt'),
+        os.path.join('conf', 'label_template_ok.svg'),
+        os.path.join('conf', 'label_template_nok.svg'),
+        os.path.join('conf', 'label_template.svg'),
+    ]
+    all_ok = True
+    for f in required:
+        if os.path.exists(f):
+            print(f"  OK: {f}")
+        else:
+            print(f"  MISSING: {f}")
+            all_ok = False
+    return all_ok
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
@@ -106,15 +56,14 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
     # Change to script directory so relative paths work
     os.chdir(script_dir)
 
-    # Step 1: Prepare GhostScript for bundling (Windows only)
-    if sys.platform == "win32":
-        print("\n[1/2] Preparing GhostScript for bundling...")
-        prepare_ghostscript()
-    else:
-        print("\n[1/2] Skipping GhostScript prep (non-Windows build machine)")
+    # Step 1: Verify conf\ folder contents
+    print("\n[1/2] Checking conf\\ folder...")
+    if not check_conf_folder():
+        print("\nERROR: One or more required conf\\ files are missing.")
+        print("Place SumatraPDF.exe and the SVG templates in the conf\\ folder, then retry.")
+        sys.exit(1)
 
     # Step 2: Build with PyInstaller using the handcrafted spec file.
-    # The spec's Python code auto-detects conf\\ghostscript\\ and includes it.
     print("\n[2/2] Building standalone executable via LabelPrinter.spec...")
     print("This may take a few minutes...\n")
 
@@ -130,8 +79,7 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
         print("=" * 60)
         print("\nExecutable location: ./dist/LabelPrinter.exe")
         print("\nBundled components:")
-        print("  - GhostScript (vector-quality printing)")
-        print("  - SumatraPDF  (fallback printing)")
+        print("  - SumatraPDF  (primary printing, noscale 35x25 mm)")
         print("  - SVG templates, conf files")
         print("\nYou can now:")
         print("  1. Double-click LabelPrinter.exe to run")

build_windows.bat

@@ -23,12 +23,12 @@ if errorlevel 1 (
     exit /b 1
 )
 
-echo [1/5] Checking Python installation...
+echo [1/6] Checking Python installation...
 python --version
 echo.
 
 REM Upgrade pip
-echo [2/5] Upgrading pip, setuptools, and wheel...
+echo [2/6] Upgrading pip, setuptools, and wheel...
 python -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
 if errorlevel 1 (
     echo ERROR: Failed to upgrade pip
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ echo.
 
 REM Copy GhostScript binaries for bundling (optional but strongly recommended)
 echo [4/6] Preparing GhostScript for bundling...
-call prepare_ghostscript.bat
+python prepare_ghostscript.py
 echo.
 
 REM Check that SumatraPDF.exe exists before building

check_pdf_size.py

@@ -1,20 +1,110 @@
-from reportlab.lib.pagesizes import landscape
-from reportlab.lib.utils import ImageReader
-from reportlab.pdfgen import canvas
+"""
+check_pdf_size.py – verify that a PDF's page dimensions match 35 mm × 25 mm.
+
+Usage:
+    python check_pdf_size.py [path/to/label.pdf]
+
+If no path is given the script operates on every PDF found in pdf_backup/.
+Exit code 0 = all OK, 1 = mismatch or error.
+"""
+
 import os
+import sys
 
-# Check the test PDF file
-if os.path.exists('test_label.pdf'):
-    file_size = os.path.getsize('test_label.pdf')
-    print(f'test_label.pdf exists ({file_size} bytes)')
-    print(f'Expected: 35mm x 25mm landscape (99.2 x 70.9 points)')
-    print(f'')
-    print(f'Open test_label.pdf in a PDF viewer to verify:')
-    print(f'  - Page size should be wider than tall')
-    print(f'  - Content should be correctly oriented')
-    print(f'')
-    print(f'In Adobe Reader: File > Properties > Description')
-    print(f'  Page size should show: 3.5 x 2.5 cm or 1.38 x 0.98 in')
-else:
-    print('test_label.pdf not found')
+# ── Target dimensions ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+TARGET_W_MM = 35.0   # width  (landscape, wider side)
+TARGET_H_MM = 25.0   # height
+TOLERANCE_MM = 0.5   # ± 0.5 mm is acceptable rounding from PDF viewers
+
+PT_PER_MM = 72.0 / 25.4   # 1 mm in points
+
+
+def read_page_size_pt(pdf_path):
+    """
+    Return (width_pt, height_pt) of the first page of *pdf_path*.
+    Tries pypdf first, then pymupdf (fitz) as a fallback.
+    Raises RuntimeError if neither library is available.
+    """
+    # ── pypdf ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    try:
+        from pypdf import PdfReader                     # type: ignore
+        reader = PdfReader(pdf_path)
+        page = reader.pages[0]
+        w = float(page.mediabox.width)
+        h = float(page.mediabox.height)
+        return w, h
+    except ImportError:
+        pass
+
+    # ── pymupdf (fitz) ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    try:
+        import fitz                                     # type: ignore
+        doc = fitz.open(pdf_path)
+        rect = doc[0].rect
+        return rect.width, rect.height
+    except ImportError:
+        pass
+
+    raise RuntimeError(
+        "Install pypdf or pymupdf:\n"
+        "  pip install pypdf\n"
+        "  pip install pymupdf"
+    )
+
+
+def check_file(pdf_path):
+    """Print a pass/fail line for one PDF.  Returns True if dimensions match."""
+    if not os.path.exists(pdf_path):
+        print(f"  MISS  {pdf_path}  (file not found)")
+        return False
+
+    try:
+        w_pt, h_pt = read_page_size_pt(pdf_path)
+    except Exception as e:
+        print(f"  ERR   {pdf_path}  ({e})")
+        return False
+
+    w_mm = w_pt / PT_PER_MM
+    h_mm = h_pt / PT_PER_MM
+
+    w_ok = abs(w_mm - TARGET_W_MM) <= TOLERANCE_MM
+    h_ok = abs(h_mm - TARGET_H_MM) <= TOLERANCE_MM
+    ok = w_ok and h_ok
+
+    status = "PASS" if ok else "FAIL"
+    print(
+        f"  {status}  {os.path.basename(pdf_path)}"
+        f"  {w_mm:.2f}×{h_mm:.2f} mm"
+        f"  (target {TARGET_W_MM}×{TARGET_H_MM} mm ±{TOLERANCE_MM} mm)"
+    )
+    return ok
+
+
+def main():
+    targets = sys.argv[1:]
+
+    if not targets:
+        backup_dir = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "pdf_backup")
+        if os.path.isdir(backup_dir):
+            targets = [
+                os.path.join(backup_dir, f)
+                for f in sorted(os.listdir(backup_dir))
+                if f.lower().endswith(".pdf")
+            ]
+        if not targets:
+            # fall back to test_label.pdf in cwd
+            targets = ["test_label.pdf"]
+
+    print(f"Checking {len(targets)} PDF(s)…")
+    results = [check_file(p) for p in targets]
+
+    total  = len(results)
+    passed = sum(results)
+    failed = total - passed
+    print(f"\n  {passed}/{total} passed" + (f", {failed} FAILED" if failed else ""))
+    sys.exit(0 if failed == 0 else 1)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()
 

label_printer_gui.py

@@ -982,23 +982,13 @@ printer = PDF
             success = False
             all_success = True
             try:
-                # Print multiple copies if count > 1
-                for i in range(count):
-                    if count > 1:
-                        Clock.schedule_once(lambda dt, idx=i: popup.content.children[0].text.replace(
-                            f'Processing {count} label(s)...',
-                            f'Printing {idx+1} of {count}...'
-                        ), 0)
-                    
-                    success = print_label_standalone(label_text, printer, preview=0, use_pdf=True, svg_template=template_path)
-                    
-                    if not success:
-                        all_success = False
-                        break
-                    
-                    # Small delay between prints for multiple copies
-                    if i < count - 1:
-                        time.sleep(0.5)
+                # Send all copies in ONE print job to prevent blank labels
+                # being ejected between separate jobs on thermal printers.
+                success = print_label_standalone(
+                    label_text, printer, preview=0,
+                    svg_template=template_path, copies=count
+                )
+                all_success = success
                 
                 # Get the PDF filename that was created
                 # Files are saved to pdf_backup/ with timestamp

prepare_ghostscript.bat

@@ -22,6 +22,10 @@ set GS_BIN_SRC=
 set GS_LIB_SRC=
 set GS_EXE=
 
+REM Pre-assign ProgramFiles(x86) to avoid batch parser choking on the parentheses
+set "PF64=%ProgramFiles%"
+set "PF32=%ProgramFiles(x86)%"
+
 echo.
 echo ============================================================
 echo   GhostScript Bundle Preparation
@@ -29,7 +33,7 @@ echo ============================================================
 echo.
 
 REM ---- Search for GhostScript in both Program Files locations ----
-for %%P in ("%ProgramFiles%" "%ProgramFiles(x86)%") do (
+for %%P in ("%PF64%" "%PF32%") do (
     if exist "%%~P\gs" (
         for /d %%V in ("%%~P\gs\gs*") do (
             if exist "%%~V\bin\gswin64c.exe" (

prepare_ghostscript.py

@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+"""
+prepare_ghostscript.py
+Finds the system GhostScript installation and copies the files needed for
+bundling into conf/ghostscript/
+
+Files copied:
+  conf/ghostscript/bin/gswin64c.exe  (or gswin32c.exe)
+  conf/ghostscript/bin/gsdll64.dll   (or gsdll32.dll)
+  conf/ghostscript/lib/*.ps          (PostScript init files)
+
+Run this ONCE before building the exe with build_windows.bat.
+"""
+
+import os
+import shutil
+import glob
+import sys
+
+SCRIPT_DIR = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+DEST_BIN   = os.path.join(SCRIPT_DIR, "conf", "ghostscript", "bin")
+DEST_LIB   = os.path.join(SCRIPT_DIR, "conf", "ghostscript", "lib")
+
+SEARCH_ROOTS = [
+    os.environ.get("ProgramFiles",         r"C:\Program Files"),
+    os.environ.get("ProgramFiles(x86)",    r"C:\Program Files (x86)"),
+    os.environ.get("ProgramW6432",         r"C:\Program Files"),
+]
+
+FLAVOURS = [
+    ("gswin64c.exe", "gsdll64.dll"),
+    ("gswin32c.exe", "gsdll32.dll"),
+]
+
+print()
+print("=" * 60)
+print("  GhostScript Bundle Preparation")
+print("=" * 60)
+print()
+
+
+def find_ghostscript():
+    """Return (bin_dir, lib_dir, exe_name, dll_name) or None."""
+    for root in dict.fromkeys(r for r in SEARCH_ROOTS if r):  # unique, preserve order
+        gs_root = os.path.join(root, "gs")
+        if not os.path.isdir(gs_root):
+            continue
+        # Each versioned sub-folder, newest first
+        versions = sorted(
+            [d for d in glob.glob(os.path.join(gs_root, "gs*")) if os.path.isdir(d)],
+            reverse=True,
+        )
+        for ver_dir in versions:
+            bin_dir = os.path.join(ver_dir, "bin")
+            lib_dir = os.path.join(ver_dir, "lib")
+            for exe, dll in FLAVOURS:
+                if os.path.isfile(os.path.join(bin_dir, exe)):
+                    print(f"Found GhostScript: {ver_dir}")
+                    return bin_dir, lib_dir, exe, dll
+    return None
+
+
+result = find_ghostscript()
+
+if result is None:
+    print("WARNING: GhostScript is NOT installed on this machine.")
+    print()
+    print("  The exe will still build successfully, but GhostScript will")
+    print("  NOT be bundled.  On the target machine the app will fall back")
+    print("  to SumatraPDF for printing (which may produce dotted output).")
+    print()
+    print("  To get sharp vector-quality printing, install GhostScript:")
+    print("    https://ghostscript.com/releases/gsdnld.html")
+    print("  Then re-run this script before building.")
+    print()
+    sys.exit(0)
+
+src_bin, src_lib, exe_name, dll_name = result
+
+# Create destination folders
+os.makedirs(DEST_BIN, exist_ok=True)
+os.makedirs(DEST_LIB, exist_ok=True)
+
+# Copy executable and DLL
+print("Copying GhostScript binaries...")
+for fname in (exe_name, dll_name):
+    src = os.path.join(src_bin, fname)
+    dst = os.path.join(DEST_BIN, fname)
+    if os.path.isfile(src):
+        shutil.copy2(src, dst)
+        print(f"  + {fname}")
+    else:
+        print(f"  WARNING: {fname} not found in {src_bin}")
+
+# Copy lib/ (PostScript init files .ps)
+print()
+print("Copying GhostScript lib (PostScript init files)...")
+ps_files = glob.glob(os.path.join(src_lib, "*.ps"))
+for ps in ps_files:
+    shutil.copy2(ps, DEST_LIB)
+print(f"  + {len(ps_files)} .ps files copied from {src_lib}")
+
+# Report
+bin_count = len(os.listdir(DEST_BIN))
+lib_count = len(os.listdir(DEST_LIB))
+
+print()
+print("=" * 60)
+print("  GhostScript prepared successfully in conf\\ghostscript\\")
+print("=" * 60)
+print()
+print(f"  bin\\  : {bin_count} file(s)")
+print(f"  lib\\  : {lib_count} file(s)")
+print()
+print("GhostScript will be embedded into LabelPrinter.exe at build time.")
+print()

print_label.py

@@ -1,6 +1,3 @@
-from PIL import Image, ImageDraw, ImageFont
-import barcode
-from barcode.writer import ImageWriter
 import time
 import os
 import sys
@@ -9,6 +6,21 @@ import platform
 import subprocess
 from print_label_pdf import PDFLabelGenerator
 
+
+def _write_print_log(msg):
+    """Write a timestamped debug line to print_debug.log next to the exe / script."""
+    try:
+        if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
+            log_dir = os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
+        else:
+            log_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+        log_path = os.path.join(log_dir, 'print_debug.log')
+        ts = datetime.datetime.now().strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')
+        with open(log_path, 'a', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+            f.write(f"[{ts}] {msg}\n")
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
 # Cross-platform printer support
 try:
     import cups
@@ -89,119 +101,6 @@ def get_available_printers():
         return ["PDF"]
 
 
-def create_label_image(text):
-    """
-    Create a label image with 3 rows: label + barcode for each field.
-    
-    Args:
-        text (str): Combined text in format "SAP|CANTITATE|LOT" or single value
-        
-    Returns:
-        PIL.Image: The generated label image
-    """
-    # Parse the text input
-    parts = text.split('|') if '|' in text else [text, '', '']
-    sap_nr = parts[0].strip() if len(parts) > 0 else ''
-    cantitate = parts[1].strip() if len(parts) > 1 else ''
-    lot_number = parts[2].strip() if len(parts) > 2 else ''
-    
-    # Label dimensions (narrower, 3 rows)
-    label_width = 800   # 8 cm
-    label_height = 600  # 6 cm
-    
-    # Create canvas
-    label_img = Image.new('RGB', (label_width, label_height), 'white')
-    draw = ImageDraw.Draw(label_img)
-    
-    # Row setup - 3 equal rows
-    row_height = label_height // 3
-    left_margin = 15
-    row_spacing = 3
-    
-    # Fonts
-    font_path = "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans-Bold.ttf"
-    try:
-        label_font = ImageFont.truetype(font_path, 16)
-        value_font = ImageFont.truetype(font_path, 14)
-    except IOError:
-        label_font = ImageFont.load_default()
-        value_font = ImageFont.load_default()
-    
-    # Data for 3 rows
-    rows_data = [
-        ("SAP-Nr", sap_nr),
-        ("Cantitate", cantitate),
-        ("Lot Nr", lot_number),
-    ]
-    
-    # Generate barcodes first
-    CODE128 = barcode.get_barcode_class('code128')
-    writer_options = {
-        "write_text": False,
-        "module_width": 0.4,
-        "module_height": 8,
-        "quiet_zone": 2,
-        "font_size": 0
-    }
-    
-    barcode_images = []
-    for _, value in rows_data:
-        if value:
-            try:
-                code = CODE128(value[:25], writer=ImageWriter())
-                filename = code.save('temp_barcode', options=writer_options)
-                barcode_img = Image.open(filename)
-                barcode_images.append(barcode_img)
-            except:
-                barcode_images.append(None)
-        else:
-            barcode_images.append(None)
-    
-    # Draw each row with label and barcode
-    for idx, ((label_name, value), barcode_img) in enumerate(zip(rows_data, barcode_images)):
-        row_y = idx * row_height
-        
-        # Draw label name
-        draw.text(
-            (left_margin, row_y + 3),
-            label_name,
-            fill='black',
-            font=label_font
-        )
-        
-        # Draw barcode if available
-        if barcode_img:
-            # Resize barcode to fit in row width
-            barcode_width = label_width - left_margin - 10
-            barcode_height = row_height - 25
-            # Use high-quality resampling for crisp barcodes
-            try:
-                # Try newer Pillow API first
-                from PIL.Image import Resampling
-                barcode_resized = barcode_img.resize((barcode_width, barcode_height), Resampling.LANCZOS)
-            except (ImportError, AttributeError):
-                # Fallback for older Pillow versions
-                barcode_resized = barcode_img.resize((barcode_width, barcode_height), Image.LANCZOS)
-            label_img.paste(barcode_resized, (left_margin, row_y + 20))
-        else:
-            # Fallback: show value as text
-            draw.text(
-                (left_margin, row_y + 25),
-                value if value else "(empty)",
-                fill='black',
-                font=value_font
-            )
-    
-    # Clean up temporary barcode files
-    try:
-        if os.path.exists('temp_barcode.png'):
-            os.remove('temp_barcode.png')
-    except:
-        pass
-    
-    return label_img
-
-
 def create_label_pdf(text, svg_template=None):
     """
     Create a high-quality PDF label with 3 rows: label + barcode for each field.
@@ -259,198 +158,154 @@ def create_label_pdf(text, svg_template=None):
     return generator.create_label_pdf(article, nr_art, serial, pdf_filename, image_path, selected_template)
 
 
-def configure_printer_quality(printer_name, width_mm=35, height_mm=25):
+def _print_pdf_windows(file_path, printer_name, copies=1):
     """
-    Configure printer for high quality label printing (Windows only).
-    Sets paper size, orientation, and QUALITY settings.
-    
-    Args:
-        printer_name (str): Name of the printer
-        width_mm (int): Label width in millimeters (default 35)
-        height_mm (int): Label height in millimeters (default 25)
-        
-    Returns:
-        bool: True if successful
+    Print a PDF on Windows using pymupdf (fitz) to render and win32print/GDI to send.
+    All copies are sent as multiple pages within ONE print job so the printer
+    never sees a gap (which causes blank labels on thermal printers).
+    No external application is launched.  Falls back to SumatraPDF if pymupdf
+    is unavailable.
+
+    Returns True on success, False on failure.
     """
-    if SYSTEM != "Windows" or not WIN32_AVAILABLE:
-        return False
-    
+    copies = max(1, int(copies))
+    _write_print_log(f"_print_pdf_windows called: printer={printer_name!r} copies={copies} file={file_path!r}")
+
+    # ── Method 1: pure-Python GDI (pymupdf + win32print) ─────────────────
     try:
+        import fitz          # pymupdf
         import win32print
-        import pywintypes
-        
-        hprinter = win32print.OpenPrinter(printer_name)
-        
-        try:
-            # Get current printer properties
-            props = win32print.GetPrinter(hprinter, 2)
-            devmode = props.get("pDevMode")
-            
-            if devmode is None:
-                print("Could not get printer DEVMODE")
-                return False
-            
-            # CRITICAL: Set print quality to HIGHEST
-            # This prevents dotted/pixelated text
-            try:
-                devmode.PrintQuality = 600  # 600 DPI (high quality)
-            except:
-                try:
-                    devmode.PrintQuality = 4  # DMRES_HIGH
-                except:
-                    pass
-            
-            # Set custom paper size
-            try:
-                devmode.PaperSize = 256  # DMPAPER_USER (custom size)
-                devmode.PaperLength = height_mm * 10  # Height in 0.1mm units
-                devmode.PaperWidth = width_mm * 10    # Width in 0.1mm units
-            except:
-                pass
-            
-            # Set orientation to PORTRAIT (1 = no rotation).
-            # For a 35mm × 25mm thermal label, Portrait means "print across the
-            # 35mm print-head width without rotating".  Landscape (2) would
-            # rotate the output 90° CCW, which is exactly the reported
-            # "rotated-left" symptom – so we must NOT use Landscape here.
-            try:
-                devmode.Orientation = 1  # Portrait = no rotation
-            except:
-                pass
-            
-            # Set additional quality settings
-            try:
-                devmode.Color = 1  # Monochrome for labels
-            except:
-                pass
-            
-            try:
-                devmode.TTOption = 2  # DMTT_BITMAP - print TrueType as graphics (sharper)
-            except:
-                pass
-            
-            # Apply settings
-            try:
-                props["pDevMode"] = devmode
-                win32print.SetPrinter(hprinter, 2, props, 0)
-                print(f"Printer configured: {width_mm}x{height_mm}mm @ HIGH QUALITY")
-                return True
-            except Exception as set_err:
-                print(f"Could not apply printer settings: {set_err}")
-                return False
-            
-        finally:
-            win32print.ClosePrinter(hprinter)
-            
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(f"Could not configure printer quality: {e}")
-        return False
+        import win32ui
+        import win32con
+        from PIL import ImageWin, Image as PILImage
 
+        _write_print_log("pymupdf + win32 imports OK – using GDI method")
 
-def find_ghostscript():
-    """
-    Find GhostScript executable.  Search order:
-      1. Bundled inside the PyInstaller .exe  (ghostscript/bin/ in _MEIPASS)
-      2. System-level installation            (C:\\Program Files\\gs\\...)
-    Returns the full path to gswin64c.exe / gswin32c.exe, or None.
-    """
-    # 1 ── Bundled location (PyInstaller one-file build)
-    if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False) and hasattr(sys, '_MEIPASS'):
-        for exe_name in ['gswin64c.exe', 'gswin32c.exe']:
-            bundled = os.path.join(sys._MEIPASS, 'ghostscript', 'bin', exe_name)
-            if os.path.exists(bundled):
-                print(f"Using bundled GhostScript: {bundled}")
-                return bundled
+        doc = fitz.open(file_path)
+        if doc.page_count == 0:
+            _write_print_log("PDF has no pages – aborting")
+            return False
+        page = doc[0]
 
-    # 2 ── System installation (newest version first)
-    for program_files in [r"C:\Program Files", r"C:\Program Files (x86)"]:
-        gs_base = os.path.join(program_files, "gs")
-        if os.path.exists(gs_base):
-            for version_dir in sorted(os.listdir(gs_base), reverse=True):
-                for exe_name in ["gswin64c.exe", "gswin32c.exe"]:
-                    gs_path = os.path.join(gs_base, version_dir, "bin", exe_name)
-                    if os.path.exists(gs_path):
-                        return gs_path
-    return None
+        # Get the printer's native resolution
+        hdc = win32ui.CreateDC()
+        hdc.CreatePrinterDC(printer_name)
+        x_dpi = hdc.GetDeviceCaps(win32con.LOGPIXELSX)
+        y_dpi = hdc.GetDeviceCaps(win32con.LOGPIXELSY)
+        _write_print_log(f"Printer DPI={x_dpi}x{y_dpi}")
 
+        # Render PDF page at printer DPI (PDF uses 72 pt/inch)
+        mat = fitz.Matrix(x_dpi / 72.0, y_dpi / 72.0)
+        pix = page.get_pixmap(matrix=mat, alpha=False)
+        img = PILImage.frombytes("RGB", [pix.width, pix.height], pix.samples)
 
-def print_pdf_with_ghostscript(pdf_path, printer_name):
-    """
-    Print PDF via GhostScript mswinpr2 device for true vector quality.
-    GhostScript sends native vector data to the printer driver, avoiding
-    the low-DPI rasterisation that causes dotted/pixelated output.
-
-    Returns True on success, False if GhostScript is unavailable or fails.
-    """
-    gs_path = find_ghostscript()
-    if not gs_path:
-        print("GhostScript not found – skipping to SumatraPDF fallback.")
-        return False
-
-    # Build environment: if running as a bundled exe, point GS_LIB at the
-    # extracted lib/ folder so GhostScript can find its .ps init files.
-    env = os.environ.copy()
-    if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False) and hasattr(sys, '_MEIPASS'):
-        bundled_lib = os.path.join(sys._MEIPASS, 'ghostscript', 'lib')
-        if os.path.isdir(bundled_lib):
-            env['GS_LIB'] = bundled_lib
-            print(f"GS_LIB → {bundled_lib}")
-
-    try:
-        # -sDEVICE=mswinpr2     : native Windows printer device (vector path)
-        # -dNOPAUSE / -dBATCH   : batch mode, no user prompts
-        # -r600                 : 600 DPI matches typical thermal-printer head
-        # -dTextAlphaBits=4     : anti-aliasing for text
-        # -dGraphicsAlphaBits=4
-        # -dNOSAFER             : allow file access needed for fonts
-        # -dDEVICEWIDTHPOINTS  \
-        # -dDEVICEHEIGHTPOINTS  : explicit label size (35mm x 25mm in pts)
-        # -dFIXEDMEDIA          : do not auto-scale/rotate to a different size
-        # 35mm = 35/25.4*72 ≈ 99.21 pt,  25mm = 25/25.4*72 ≈ 70.87 pt
-        cmd = [
-            gs_path,
-            "-dNOPAUSE",
-            "-dBATCH",
-            "-sDEVICE=mswinpr2",
-            "-dNOSAFER",
-            "-r600",
-            "-dTextAlphaBits=4",
-            "-dGraphicsAlphaBits=4",
-            "-dDEVICEWIDTHPOINTS=99.21",   # 35 mm
-            "-dDEVICEHEIGHTPOINTS=70.87",  # 25 mm
-            "-dFIXEDMEDIA",
-            f"-sOutputFile=%printer%{printer_name}",
-            pdf_path,
-        ]
-        print(f"Printing with GhostScript (vector quality) to: {printer_name}")
-        result = subprocess.run(
-            cmd,
-            check=True,
-            capture_output=True,
-            text=True,
-            timeout=60,
-            env=env,
-            creationflags=subprocess.CREATE_NO_WINDOW if os.name == "nt" else 0,
+        # Read physical page size before closing the document
+        pdf_page_w_pts = page.rect.width   # PDF points (1pt = 1/72 inch)
+        pdf_page_h_pts = page.rect.height
+        doc.close()
+        dest_w = int(round(pdf_page_w_pts * x_dpi / 72.0))
+        dest_h = int(round(pdf_page_h_pts * y_dpi / 72.0))
+        _write_print_log(
+            f"PDF page={pdf_page_w_pts:.1f}x{pdf_page_h_pts:.1f}pt  "
+            f"rendered={pix.width}x{pix.height}px  dest={dest_w}x{dest_h}px"
         )
-        print(f"✅ Label sent via GhostScript: {printer_name}")
+
+        # Draw at exact physical size – NOT stretched to the driver's paper area.
+        # All copies go into ONE print job to prevent blank labels between jobs.
+        hdc.StartDoc(os.path.basename(file_path))
+        dib = ImageWin.Dib(img)
+        for copy_idx in range(copies):
+            hdc.StartPage()
+            dib.draw(hdc.GetHandleOutput(), (0, 0, dest_w, dest_h))
+            hdc.EndPage()
+        hdc.EndDoc()
+        hdc.DeleteDC()
+
+        _write_print_log(f"GDI print SUCCESS → {printer_name} ({copies} cop{'y' if copies==1 else 'ies'} in 1 job)")
         return True
-    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
-        print(f"GhostScript print failed (exit {e.returncode}): {e.stderr.strip() if e.stderr else ''}")
-        return False
+
+    except ImportError as ie:
+        _write_print_log(f"GDI method unavailable ({ie}) – trying SumatraPDF fallback")
     except Exception as e:
-        print(f"GhostScript error: {e}")
-        return False
+        _write_print_log(f"GDI print error: {e}")
+        try:
+            hdc.DeleteDC()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    # ── Method 2: SumatraPDF fallback ────────────────────────────────────
+    _write_print_log("Attempting SumatraPDF fallback")
+    sumatra_paths = []
+    if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
+        if hasattr(sys, '_MEIPASS'):
+            sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(sys._MEIPASS, 'SumatraPDF.exe'))
+        app_dir = os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
+        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, 'conf', 'SumatraPDF.exe'))
+        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, 'SumatraPDF.exe'))
+    else:
+        app_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, 'conf', 'SumatraPDF.exe'))
+        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, 'SumatraPDF.exe'))
+    sumatra_paths += [
+        r"C:\Program Files\SumatraPDF\SumatraPDF.exe",
+        r"C:\Program Files (x86)\SumatraPDF\SumatraPDF.exe",
+    ]
+    _write_print_log(f"SumatraPDF search paths: {sumatra_paths}")
+
+    for sumatra_path in sumatra_paths:
+        _write_print_log(f"Checking: {sumatra_path} → exists={os.path.exists(sumatra_path)}")
+        if os.path.exists(sumatra_path):
+            try:
+                # Find conf folder with SumatraPDF-settings.txt
+                settings_candidates = []
+                if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
+                    if hasattr(sys, '_MEIPASS'):
+                        settings_candidates.append(os.path.join(sys._MEIPASS, 'conf'))
+                    settings_candidates.append(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(sys.executable), 'conf'))
+                else:
+                    settings_candidates.append(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), 'conf'))
+                settings_candidates.append(os.path.dirname(sumatra_path))
+
+                appdata_dir = next(
+                    (d for d in settings_candidates
+                     if os.path.exists(os.path.join(d, 'SumatraPDF-settings.txt'))),
+                    None
+                )
+                _write_print_log(f"SumatraPDF settings dir: {appdata_dir}")
+
+                cmd = [sumatra_path, "-print-to", printer_name,
+                       "-print-settings", "noscale",
+                       "-silent", "-exit-when-done"]
+                if appdata_dir:
+                    cmd += ["-appdata-dir", appdata_dir]
+                cmd.append(file_path)
+
+                _write_print_log(f"SumatraPDF cmd: {' '.join(cmd)}")
+                result = subprocess.run(
+                    cmd, check=False,
+                    creationflags=subprocess.CREATE_NO_WINDOW,
+                    capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=30)
+                _write_print_log(f"SumatraPDF exit={result.returncode} "
+                                 f"stdout={result.stdout.strip()!r} "
+                                 f"stderr={result.stderr.strip()!r}")
+                return True   # treat any completed run as spooled
+            except Exception as se:
+                _write_print_log(f"SumatraPDF error: {se}")
+
+    _write_print_log("All print methods failed")
+    return False
 
 
-def print_to_printer(printer_name, file_path):
+def print_to_printer(printer_name, file_path, copies=1):
     """
     Print file to printer (cross-platform).
-    Uses SumatraPDF for silent printing on Windows.
-    
+    Uses pymupdf+GDI for silent printing on Windows with all copies in one job.
+
     Args:
         printer_name (str): Name of printer or "PDF" for PDF output
         file_path (str): Path to file to print
-        
+        copies (int): Number of copies to print in a single print job
+
     Returns:
         bool: True if successful
     """
@@ -468,120 +323,14 @@ def print_to_printer(printer_name, file_path):
             return True
         
         elif SYSTEM == "Windows":
-            # Windows: Print PDF silently without any viewer opening
-            try:
-                if WIN32_AVAILABLE:
-                    import win32print
-                    import win32api
-
-                # Configure printer DEVMODE BEFORE sending any job.
-                # This is critical: it sets Portrait orientation (no rotation)
-                # and maximum print quality so the 35mm×25mm PDF maps
-                # directly to the physical label without being auto-rotated
-                # by the driver (which caused the 90° "rotated left" symptom).
-                configure_printer_quality(printer_name)
-
-                if file_path.endswith('.pdf'):
-                    # Try silent printing methods (no viewer opens)
-                    import os
-                    import winreg
-                    
-                    printed = False
-
-                    # Method 1: GhostScript (best quality – true vector path).
-                    # Tried first regardless of whether we are running as a
-                    # script or as the packaged .exe, because GhostScript is
-                    # a system-level installation and will be present on the
-                    # machine independently of how this app is launched.
-                    # If GhostScript is not installed it returns False
-                    # immediately and we fall through to SumatraPDF.
-                    printed = print_pdf_with_ghostscript(file_path, printer_name)
-
-                    if printed:
-                        return True
-
-                    # Method 2: SumatraPDF (bundled inside exe or external)
-                    sumatra_paths = []
-                    
-                    # Get the directory where this script/exe is running
-                    if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
-                        # Running as compiled executable
-                        # PyInstaller extracts bundled files to sys._MEIPASS temp folder
-                        if hasattr(sys, '_MEIPASS'):
-                            # Check bundled version first (inside the exe)
-                            bundled_sumatra = os.path.join(sys._MEIPASS, 'SumatraPDF.exe')
-                            sumatra_paths.append(bundled_sumatra)
-                        
-                        # Check app directory and conf subfolder for external version
-                        app_dir = os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
-                        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, "SumatraPDF", "SumatraPDF.exe"))
-                        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, "SumatraPDF.exe"))
-                        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, "conf", "SumatraPDF.exe"))  # conf subfolder next to exe
-                        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(os.getcwd(), "conf", "SumatraPDF.exe"))  # conf relative to cwd
-                    else:
-                        # Running as script - check local folders
-                        app_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
-                        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, "SumatraPDF", "SumatraPDF.exe"))
-                        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, "SumatraPDF.exe"))
-                        sumatra_paths.append(os.path.join(app_dir, "conf", "SumatraPDF.exe"))
-                    
-                    # Then check system installations
-                    sumatra_paths.extend([
-                        r"C:\Program Files\SumatraPDF\SumatraPDF.exe",
-                        r"C:\Program Files (x86)\SumatraPDF\SumatraPDF.exe",
-                    ])
-                    
-                    for sumatra_path in sumatra_paths:
-                        if os.path.exists(sumatra_path):
-                            try:
-                                print(f"Using SumatraPDF: {sumatra_path}")
-                                print(f"Sending to printer: {printer_name}")
-                                # The printer DEVMODE has already been configured
-                                # above (Portrait, 35mm×25mm, high quality).
-                                # "noscale" tells SumatraPDF to send the PDF
-                                # at its exact size without any shrink/fit.
-                                # Do NOT add "landscape" here: the DEVMODE
-                                # Portrait setting already matches the label
-                                # orientation; adding landscape would tell the
-                                # driver to rotate 90° again and undo the fix.
-                                result = subprocess.run([
-                                    sumatra_path,
-                                    "-print-to",
-                                    printer_name,
-                                    file_path,
-                                    "-print-settings",
-                                    "noscale",
-                                    "-silent",
-                                    "-exit-when-done"
-                                ], check=False, creationflags=subprocess.CREATE_NO_WINDOW,
-                                   capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=30)
-                                if result.returncode != 0:
-                                    print(f"SumatraPDF returned code {result.returncode}")
-                                    if result.stderr:
-                                        print(f"SumatraPDF stderr: {result.stderr.strip()}")
-                                else:
-                                    print(f"Label sent to printer via SumatraPDF: {printer_name}")
-                                    printed = True
-                                    break
-                            except Exception as e:
-                                print(f"SumatraPDF error: {e}")
-                    
-                    # Do not launch default PDF viewers (Adobe/Edge/etc.) as fallback.
-                    if not printed:
-                        print("SumatraPDF not found or failed. PDF saved as backup only (no viewer launched).")
-                        return False
-
-                    return True
-                else:
-                    # Non-PDF files
-                    subprocess.run(['notepad', '/p', file_path],
-                                  check=False,
-                                  creationflags=subprocess.CREATE_NO_WINDOW)
-                    print(f"Label sent to printer: {printer_name}")
-                    return True
-            except Exception as e:
-                print(f"Windows print error: {e}")
-                print("PDF backup saved as fallback")
+            # Windows: Print PDF using Python GDI (pymupdf + win32print).
+            # No external viewer is launched at any point.
+            if file_path.endswith('.pdf'):
+                return _print_pdf_windows(file_path, printer_name, copies=copies)
+            else:
+                subprocess.run(['notepad', '/p', file_path],
+                               check=False,
+                               creationflags=subprocess.CREATE_NO_WINDOW)
                 return True
         
         elif SYSTEM == "Darwin":
@@ -601,73 +350,44 @@ def print_to_printer(printer_name, file_path):
         return True
 
 
-def print_label_standalone(value, printer, preview=0, use_pdf=True, svg_template=None):
+def print_label_standalone(value, printer, preview=0, svg_template=None, copies=1):
     """
-    Print a label with the specified text on the specified printer.
-    Always generates a PDF backup in pdf_backup and prints that PDF.
-    
+    Generate a PDF label, save it to pdf_backup/, and print it on the printer.
+    All copies are sent in a single print job to avoid blank labels on thermal
+    printers that eject a label between separate jobs.
+
     Args:
-        value (str): The text to print on the label
-        printer (str): The name of the printer to use
-        preview (int): 0 = no preview, 1-3 = 3s preview, >3 = 5s preview
-        use_pdf (bool): False to also generate a PNG if PDF generation fails
-        svg_template (str): Path to specific SVG template to use (optional)
-    
+        value (str): Label data in format "article;nr_art;serial;status"
+        printer (str): Printer name (or "PDF" to skip physical printing)
+        preview (int): 0 = print immediately; 1-3 = 3 s delay; >3 = 5 s delay
+        svg_template (str): Path to SVG template (optional; auto-selected if None)
+        copies (int): Number of copies to print in one job (default 1)
+
     Returns:
-        bool: True if printing was successful, False otherwise
+        bool: True if sending to printer succeeded, False otherwise
     """
-    # Track generated files
-    file_created = False
-    temp_file = None
+    copies = max(1, int(copies))
     pdf_file = None
-    
     try:
-        # Debug output
-        print(f"Preview value: {preview}")
-        print(f"Preview type: {type(preview)}")
-        print(f"Using format: {'PDF' if use_pdf else 'PNG'}")
-        
-        # Always generate a PDF backup and print that PDF for verification
+        # Step 1 – Generate and save PDF to pdf_backup/
         try:
             pdf_file = create_label_pdf(value, svg_template)
             if pdf_file and os.path.exists(pdf_file):
                 print(f"PDF label created: {pdf_file}")
-                print(f"PDF backup saved to: {pdf_file}")
             else:
-                print("PDF generation returned no file path")
+                print("PDF generation failed – no output file")
+                return False
         except Exception as pdf_err:
-            print(f"PDF generation failed: {pdf_err}")
-
-        # Optionally also create the label image (PNG)
-        if not pdf_file or not os.path.exists(pdf_file):
-            if not use_pdf:
-                label_img = create_label_image(value)
-                temp_file = 'final_label.png'
-                label_img.save(temp_file)
-                print(f"PNG label created: {temp_file}")
-        else:
-            temp_file = pdf_file
-        
-        file_created = True
-
-        if not temp_file or not os.path.exists(temp_file):
-            print("No label file created for printing")
+            print(f"PDF generation error: {pdf_err}")
             return False
-        
-        # Convert preview to int if it's a string
+
+        # Step 2 – Optional countdown before printing
         if isinstance(preview, str):
             preview = int(preview)
-        
-        if preview > 0:  # Any value above 0 shows a preview message
-            # Calculate preview duration in seconds
-            if 1 <= preview <= 3:
-                preview_sec = 3  # 3 seconds
-            else:  # preview > 3
-                preview_sec = 5  # 5 seconds
-            
-            print(f"Printing in {preview_sec} seconds... (Press Ctrl+C to cancel)")
-            
-            # Simple countdown timer using time.sleep
+
+        if preview > 0:
+            preview_sec = 3 if 1 <= preview <= 3 else 5
+            print(f"Printing in {preview_sec} seconds… (Ctrl+C to cancel)")
             try:
                 for i in range(preview_sec, 0, -1):
                     print(f"  {i}...", end=" ", flush=True)
@@ -676,25 +396,20 @@ def print_label_standalone(value, printer, preview=0, use_pdf=True, svg_template
             except KeyboardInterrupt:
                 print("\nCancelled by user")
                 return False
-            
-            # Print after preview
-            print("Sending to printer...")
-            return print_to_printer(printer, temp_file)
-        else:
-            print("Direct printing without preview...")
-            # Direct printing without preview (preview = 0)
-            return print_to_printer(printer, temp_file)
-            
+
+        # Step 3 – Send to printer (all copies in one job)
+        print(f"Sending to printer ({copies} cop{'y' if copies==1 else 'ies'})...")
+        return print_to_printer(printer, pdf_file, copies=copies)
+
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Error printing label: {str(e)}")
         return False
-        
+
     finally:
-        # This block always executes, ensuring cleanup
         if pdf_file and os.path.exists(pdf_file):
-            print("Cleanup complete - PDF backup saved to pdf_backup folder")
+            print("Cleanup complete – PDF backup saved to pdf_backup/")
         else:
-            print("Cleanup complete - label file retained for reference")
+            print("Cleanup complete")
 
 
 # Main code removed - import this module or run as part of the Kivy GUI application

print_label_pdf.py

@@ -49,8 +49,8 @@ class PDFLabelGenerator:
         """
         self.label_width = label_width * cm
         self.label_height = label_height * cm
-        # Force landscape: ensure width > height
-        self.page_size = landscape((self.label_height, self.label_width)) if self.label_width > self.label_height else (self.label_width, self.label_height)
+        # label_width (3.5 cm) > label_height (2.5 cm) → page is already landscape
+        self.page_size = (self.label_width, self.label_height)
         self.dpi = dpi
         self.margin = 1 * mm  # Minimal margin