OVERLAY = <DevPPN filespec>
Example: OVERLAY = ASHCFG:INVOIC.OVL
(Windows only, PASSHTHROUGH must be off.) If specified, the corresponding file is printed at the start of every page. The overlay file must be limited to a single page (with no form feed characters.) Typically, overlay files consist of GDI print commands (see Print Directives) to create the background of a form, or perhaps letterhead. This is logically equivalent to you including the same text at the start of every page of your report, but obviously, this way is much cleaner and simpler. Note that if you want to reset the printer "cursor" to the top of the page after processing the overlay, you can append a //MOVETO,0,0 command to the end of the overlay file.
The filespec specified with the command assumes a default file extension of ".OVL."
When converting from a pre-printed form printed in PASSTHROUGH mode to a laser generated form using OVERLAY, you’ll probably need to use PITCH=AUTO and CPP=80,132 to simulate the original printer font, and you may want to use the XORIGIN and YORIGEN commands to make up for the loss of ability to move the paper in the printer.
See Also
| • | The A-Shell forum discussion "Generating forms on demand" has more information on strategies for replacing pre-printed forms. |
