Abstract: A method of generating messaging on a matrix having a plurality of labels with a computer in response to entries from an input means to complete a job is provided. The matrix and/or ones of the plurality of labels has at least one message thereon. The at least one message is generated by entering a new message to a textbox after clicking on an first button, and selecting a standard labeling format and position to which the message will be added; and copying the message into the format from a desired messaging tab, and copying the new message into the job, and printing at least one matrix having said new message on a backing film.

Abstract: A label making apparatus that includes a computer with a label program and a label meter program. The label program has a positional palette feature that permits the assignment of an attribute scheme to character positions of a multi-position label independent of the alphanumeric content of the positions. Other features include an ad hoc job that permits the formation of a plurality of unrelated labels in a single job, but yet is versatile enough to include labels that have some ordered relationship. Other features include the ability to customize the appearance and value of the bar code and an associate human readable character set. The values of an ordered sequence can be numeric, alphabetic or a combination thereof. The label meter program automatically keeps track of a user's label stock inventory.