184178275b
- Make app cross-platform compatible (Windows, Linux, macOS) - Replace CUPS-only printer detection with platform-aware code - Add Windows printer support using win32print/win32api - Add macOS printer support using lpstat - Keep Linux CUPS support - Add requirements_windows.txt for Windows installation - Add comprehensive WINDOWS_SETUP.md guide - Fallback to PDF output on all platforms - Tested on Linux, ready for Windows/macOS
115 lines
2.9 KiB
Markdown
115 lines
2.9 KiB
Markdown
# Label Printer GUI - Windows Setup Guide
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## Installation Steps
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### 1. Install Python
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- Download Python 3.11+ from [python.org](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
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- **Important**: Check "Add Python to PATH" during installation
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### 2. Create Virtual Environment
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```bash
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python -m venv venv
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venv\Scripts\activate
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```
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### 3. Install Dependencies
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```bash
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pip install -r requirements_windows.txt
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```
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### 4. Optional: Windows Printer Support (pywin32)
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After installing requirements, run:
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```bash
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python -m pip install --upgrade pywin32
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python Scripts/pywin32_postinstall.py -install
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```
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This enables native Windows printer detection.
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## Running the App
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### From Command Prompt
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```bash
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venv\Scripts\activate
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python label_printer_gui.py
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```
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### Create Shortcut (Optional)
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Create a batch file `run_app.bat`:
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```batch
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@echo off
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call venv\Scripts\activate.bat
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python label_printer_gui.py
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pause
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```
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Then double-click the batch file to run the app.
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## Features
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✅ **Cross-Platform GUI** - Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS
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✅ **Barcode Generation** - Automatic Code128 barcode creation
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✅ **PDF Output** - High-quality PDF labels stored in `pdf_backup/` folder
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✅ **Printer Support** - Automatic printer detection (Windows, Linux, macOS)
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✅ **Input Validation** - 25-character limit with real-time validation
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✅ **PDF Backup** - All generated labels automatically saved
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## Printer Setup
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### Windows
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1. Go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners
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2. Add your label printer
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3. Run the app - printer will be auto-detected
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4. Select printer from dropdown
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### Alternative (No Printer)
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- Select "PDF" option
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- Labels will be saved to `pdf_backup/` folder
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- Open and print from any PDF viewer
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## Troubleshooting
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### "No Printers Found"
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- This is normal - select "PDF" option
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- You can print PDFs manually from the backup folder
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- Or install your printer driver
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### Windows Defender Warning
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- Click "More info" → "Run anyway"
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- This is safe - the app is open-source
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### Missing Dependencies
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```bash
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pip install --upgrade pip
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pip install -r requirements_windows.txt
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```
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### Port Already in Use
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If you get an error about ports, restart your computer or:
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```bash
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python -m pip uninstall -y pywin32
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python -m pip install pywin32
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```
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## File Structure
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```
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Label-design/
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├── label_printer_gui.py # Main GUI application
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├── print_label.py # Print functionality
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├── print_label_pdf.py # PDF generation
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├── requirements_windows.txt # Windows dependencies
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├── pdf_backup/ # Stored PDF labels
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├── venv/ # Virtual environment
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└── documentation/ # Documentation files
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```
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## Tips
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- **Character Limit**: Each field supports up to 25 characters (barcode limit)
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- **Quantity Field**: Only numbers allowed
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- **PDF Backup**: All labels automatically saved with timestamp
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- **Cross-Platform**: Same code runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
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For more information, see the documentation folder.
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