Using and creating overlays

Issue description

An Overlay is a graphical template that can be defined and then printed as a background on a form. Overlays can include text, graphics or images and must be created and downloaded directly to the printer from a workstation. Typical examples of overlays include company logos or letterheads, decorative borders, etc.

Note:  Overlays are only available in PCL and PCL XL emulation drivers for Lexmark v2 drivers. Only printers that have memory options installed can use overlays (overlay files are stored locally in the printer).

Solution

Downloading overlays to the printer

Click here for an illustration.

1. From the Printer Properties dialog, navigate to Overlays > Download overlays to the printer.



2. For PCL 5, from the Overlay ID field in the Download Overlay dialog, enter the ID for your new overlay.



3. From the Descriptive Overlay name field, type a reference name for your new overlay.

   • From the Overlay Source File field, type the path to the overlay file, or click Browse to select the file.
   • From the Download Destination menu, select the printer memory option where you want the overlay file stored.
   • From the Remove Printer Commands section, select the printer commands that you need to remove.


4. Click 'Download' then 'Close'.

Note:  If the memory option selected for the download location is full then click 'Format' button to erase its contents. However, clicking the 'Format' option erases the entire content of the selected memory option (either Hard disk, Flash or RAM). As a result, it is important to make sure that there is no important data stored in the printer memory prior to clicking 'Format'.

Adding and removing Overlays from the printer driver

• To add an Overlay:


1. From the Printer Properties dialog, click the Overlays tab.



2. From the Overlay ID field in the 'Add to Available Overlays' section, enter the ID for the overlay you want.



3. From the Overlay Name field, enter a reference name for the overlay.



4. Click Add > Apply > OK.

• To remove an Overlay:


1. From the Printer Properties dialog, click the Overlays tab.



2. From the Available Overlays list, select the overlay that you want to remove.



3. Click Remove > Apply > OK.

Using the Overlay feature

Click here for an illustration.

1. From the Printing Preferences dialog, click the 'Overlays' tab.



2. Select the overlay option you want from the overlay options menu.



3. From the Overlay Placement section, select the placement option you want.



4. Click Apply then OK.

Additional information

A combination of any two overlays can be used for any kind of print job. For example, it can be specified that the first overlay is the one to be used on the first page and the second overlay can be used for all subsequent pages.

This is useful when the first page represents a company letterhead. Another option is to specify the first overlay as the one to be used for all odd-numbered pages and the second overlay as the one to be used for all even-numbered pages.