Update label printer GUI with improved preview layout - 50% larger canvas, proportional barcodes, 25 char limit, 0.5cm left margin

2026-02-04 17:21:53 +02:00
parent 602c83a8ce
commit a79fdf3759
12 changed files with 126 additions and 262 deletions
--- a/documentation/GETTING_STARTED.md
+++ b/documentation/GETTING_STARTED.md
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+# Getting Started with Label Printer GUI
+
+## Overview
+
+Your Label Printer application now has a modern Kivy-based GUI interface! This guide will help you get started.
+
+## Quick Start (3 Steps)
+
+### Option 1: Python Script (Recommended)
+```bash
+python3 setup_and_run.py
+```
+This handles everything - checks dependencies, installs packages, and starts the GUI.
+
+### Option 2: Bash Script
+```bash
+chmod +x start_gui.sh
+./start_gui.sh
+```
+
+### Option 3: Manual
+```bash
+pip install -r requirements_gui.txt
+python3 label_printer_gui.py
+```
+
+## What You'll See
+
+### Main Window Layout
+
+```
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│                    Label Printer Interface                   │
+├──────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┤
+│   Input Column   │      Preview Column                       │
+│   (40%)          │      (60%)                                │
+│                  │                                           │
+│ ✓ SAP-Nr. Input │      ╔════════════════════╗               │
+│   [________]    │      ║   Live Preview     ║               │
+│                  │      ║   11.5cm x 8cm     ║               │
+│ ✓ Quantity      │      ║                    ║               │
+│   [________]    │      ║  [Barcode]         ║               │
+│                  │      ║   SAP | QTY | ID   ║               │
+│ ✓ Cable ID      │      ║                    ║               │
+│   [________]    │      ╚════════════════════╝               │
+│                  │                                           │
+│ ✓ Printer ▼     │                                           │
+│   [PDF    ▼]    │                                           │
+│                  │                                           │
+│ [PRINT LABEL]   │                                           │
+│                  │                                           │
+└──────────────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────┘
+```
+
+## Features Explained
+
+### Left Column - Data Entry
+
+1. **SAP-Nr. Articol**
+   - Enter the SAP article number or identifier
+   - Example: `A012345`
+   - Updates preview automatically
+
+2. **Cantitate (Quantity)**
+   - Numbers only
+   - Example: `100`
+   - Numeric input only
+
+3. **ID rola cablu (Cable Reel ID)**
+   - Cable reel identifier
+   - Example: `REEL-001`
+   - Updates preview automatically
+
+4. **Printer Selection**
+   - Dropdown menu with available system printers
+   - Shows all CUPS-configured printers
+   - Default: PDF printer (if no others available)
+
+5. **Print Label Button**
+   - Green button at bottom
+   - Triggers printing to selected printer
+   - Shows status notifications
+
+### Right Column - Live Preview
+
+- Shows exactly what will print
+- Updates in real-time as you type
+- Label dimensions: 11.5 cm × 8 cm
+- Displays:
+  - Barcode (Code128 format)
+  - SAP number, quantity, and cable ID combined
+  - High quality 300 DPI rendering
+
+## Workflow Example
+
+1. **Start the application:**
+   ```bash
+   python3 setup_and_run.py
+   ```
+
+2. **Enter data:**
+   - SAP-Nr: `A456789`
+   - Cantitate: `50`
+   - ID rola cablu: `REEL-042`
+
+3. **Check preview** (automatically updates on right)
+
+4. **Select printer** (use dropdown)
+
+5. **Click PRINT LABEL** button
+
+6. **Confirm** when notification appears
+
+## Printer Setup
+
+### Check Available Printers
+```bash
+lpstat -p -d
+```
+
+### Add a Printer (if needed)
+```bash
+# Use CUPS web interface
+http://localhost:631
+```
+
+### Common Printer Names
+- `PDF` - Virtual PDF printer (for testing)
+- `Brother_HL_L2350DW` - Brother laser printer
+- `Canon_PIXMA` - Canon printer
+- Check your system for exact name
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "No Printers Found"
+```bash
+# Start CUPS service
+sudo systemctl start cups
+
+# Check status
+sudo systemctl status cups
+
+# List printers
+lpstat -p -d
+```
+
+### Preview Not Updating
+- Check Python console for errors
+- Verify all dependencies installed: `pip list | grep -E 'kivy|barcode|pillow'`
+- Try restarting the application
+
+### Print Fails
+```bash
+# Test print command manually
+echo "test" | lp -d PDF
+
+# Check printer status
+lpstat -p -l
+```
+
+### Kivy Window Issues
+- If window doesn't open, check X11 display:
+  ```bash
+  echo $DISPLAY
+  ```
+- Resize window manually if elements overlap
+
+## File Guide
+
+- **label_printer_gui.py** - Main GUI application
+- **print_label.py** - Core printing functions
+- **setup_and_run.py** - Automatic setup script
+- **start_gui.sh** - Bash launcher script
+- **requirements_gui.txt** - Python dependencies
+- **README_GUI.md** - Complete documentation
+
+## Tips & Tricks
+
+1. **Fast Printing:**
+   - Preset SAP number as most common value
+   - Just change quantity/ID for each label
+
+2. **Batch Printing:**
+   - Print one label at a time
+   - Small UI makes it quick
+
+3. **Testing:**
+   - Use "PDF" printer to save test labels
+   - Check output files to verify format
+
+4. **Keyboard:**
+   - Tab between fields
+   - Enter in printer dropdown to confirm selection
+   - Alt+P might activate Print button (Kivy dependent)
+
+## Next Steps
+
+- **Learn More:** See [README_GUI.md](README_GUI.md)
+- **Customize:** Modify `label_printer_gui.py` for your needs
+- **Integrate:** Use functions in other Python applications
+- **Support:** Check console output for detailed error messages
+
+---
+
+**Ready to print?** Start with: `python3 setup_and_run.py`
+