1.1 Opening Your First File

Start by importing your Excel data file containing label information:

1. Launch Sif LabelForge
2. Click "Select file" or press Ctrl/Cmd + O
3. Choose your Excel file (.xlsx, .xls, .xlsm)
4. The application will automatically detect and map data fields

1.2 Field Mapping

Configure how your Excel columns map to label elements:

• Name: Product or item name
• SKU: Product code or identifier
• Position: Item position number
• QR Value: Data for QR code generation
• Dimensions: Length, diameter, weight fields
• Custom Fields: Additional data (a, b, c, d, e, f, etc.)

2.1 Preview Navigation

Navigate through your labels using the preview panel:

• Use Left/Right arrow keys to navigate between labels
• Press Spacebar to toggle between packages and items view
• Use the page selector to jump to specific labels
• Preview shows real-time updates as you modify data

2.2 Template Customization

The application uses a 4x4 inch template with the following elements:

• Company Information: Name, address, phone number
• QR Code: Automatically generated from your data
• Product Details: Name, dimensions, weight, quantity
• Project Information: Client, project name, order details
• Standards & Certifications: Industry standards display
• Custom Fields: Flexible data fields (a-f, u-y, etc.)

3.1 External API Processing

Enhance your data with external API processing:

1. After importing your Excel file, the system automatically processes data
2. Watch the progress indicator during API processing
3. Toggle between "Items" and "Packages" view using the switch
4. Processed data includes additional fields and validation

3.2 Data Validation

The system validates and normalizes your data:

• Automatic field validation and error checking
• Data normalization for consistent formatting
• Missing field detection and warnings
• QR code generation validation

4.1 PDF Export

Export your labels to high-quality PDF:

1. Click "Export to PDF" or press Ctrl/Cmd + E
2. Choose export options: All pages or specific range
3. Select destination folder
4. Wait for PDF generation to complete
5. Open the exported PDF to verify results

4.2 Direct Printing

Print labels directly from the application:

1. First export to PDF (required for printing)
2. Select your printer from the dropdown
3. Click "Print" or press Ctrl/Cmd + P
4. Confirm print settings and submit job

5.1 Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these shortcuts for efficient workflow:

5.2 Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

• File won't load: Ensure Excel file is not password protected
• Missing data: Check field mapping and column headers
• Print issues: Verify printer connection and drivers
• API errors: Check internet connection and try again
• Performance: Use Reset State (Ctrl/Cmd + R) to clear cache