Epson Label Boost User Manual

1. Introduction

Epson Label Boost software is designed to enhance business operations by increasing customer engagement, reducing material and labor costs, and streamlining processes. It allows users to transform standard black-and-white shipping labels into dynamic ones by adding full-color coupons, targeted advertisements, and essential secondary labels such as regulatory information or shipping-and-handling details. The software can also highlight critical information, like parcel counts or expedited shipping status, to improve accuracy and delivery timeliness.

Label Boost offers a hassle-free deployment, allowing most of the label creation process to remain unchanged. It modifies existing labels only at the final printing stage. The software integrates seamlessly with existing shipping software, ensuring that delivery operations continue to run smoothly. Label Boost is compatible with most Epson ColorWorks printers, delivering exceptional image quality that reflects positively on the brand.

2. Overview

Label Boost functions by intercepting standard ZPL shipping label print jobs. It analyzes the ZPL print data and then either enhances it or injects new data into the data stream. This capability is achieved without requiring any changes to the label templates within the shipping software.

The workflow is as follows:

• Label Software generates a ZPL Label.
• This ZPL Label is intercepted by the Epson Label Boost Service.
• The service analyzes the ZPL data and applies user-defined rules.
• The enhanced label data is then sent to an Epson ColorWorks Printer for printing.

Users interact with the system via the Epson Label Boost User Interface to Configure Rules, which are then processed by the service.

The process can be visualized as:

• Before Label Boost: Label Software → ZPL Label → Standard Shipping Label Printer (b/w)
• With Label Boost: Label Software → ZPL Label → Epson Label Boost Service (using configured rules) → Prints → Epson ColorWorks Printer

3. Installation

3.1. System Requirements

• Printers: Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000, CW-C6000, or CW-C6500 Series
• Operating Systems:
  • Windows 10 Professional 64-bit (version 22H2 or higher)
  • Windows 10 Enterprise 64-bit (version 22H2 or higher)
  • Windows 11 Professional 64-bit (version 22H2 or higher)
  • Windows 11 Enterprise 64-bit (version 22H2 or higher)
• Computer hardware:
  • Intel® Core™ i5 8th gen processor at 2GHz or higher
  • 8GB DDR4 RAM
  • 1GB free HDD space
• Access: Administrator rights required for installation & setup.
• Interfaces: USB & Network (specific limitations depend on printer support).
• Compatible Label Apps: Fedex Ship Manager®, UPS Worldship®, ShipStation, Stamps.com

3.2. Epson ColorWorks Printer and Printer Driver Setup

Refer to the installation manual provided with your Epson ColorWorks printer for setup and driver installation procedures. It is crucial to install the ColorWorks printer driver before installing Label Boost. Printing a test label using your shipping label application after driver installation is highly recommended to ensure the printer is functioning correctly.

3.3. Installing Label Boost

To install Label Boost, visit epson.com/LabelBoostDownload and run the downloaded file. Windows administrator privileges are required for installation; enter credentials when prompted.

The installer will guide you through the process:

1. The Welcome Screen will appear. Click Next to continue.
2. The Select Installation Folder dialog will appear. The default folder is usually suitable. You can click Browse... to select a different location. The Disk Cost... button can be used to check available disk space. Click Next to proceed after selecting the folder.
3. Click Next to start the installation.
4. During installation, temporary windows may appear, which is normal. Once complete, an "Installation Complete" dialog will appear. Click Close to exit. Label Boost is now installed.

It is recommended to use Windows Update to check for any critical updates to the .NET Framework.

3.4. Adjusting the Label Boost driver media settings

After installation, Label Boost imports initial settings from your ColorWorks driver. These settings may need adjustment for accurate printouts. Follow these steps (written for Windows 11, equivalent for Windows 10) to adjust media size:

1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Type "Printers".
3. Click on "Printers & scanners".
4. Click on "EPSON Label Boost Printer (with Zebra Emulation)".
5. Click on "Printing preferences".
6. In the "General" tab, under "Media Setting", select "Custom" from the "Media Name" drop-down menu.
7. Ensure the "Length" is set to 6.00 inches. Adjust if necessary by typing the value or using the arrows.
8. Ensure the "Width" is set to 4.25 inches. Adjust if necessary.
9. Click OK to close the Printer Preferences dialog and apply settings.
10. Click OK to close the Properties dialog.
11. Click the Close button (the "X" icon) to close the Settings window.
12. Click the Close button (the "X" icon) to close the Control Panel window.

4. Operation

4.1. Initial Startup

After installation, the application can be launched by clicking on Label Boost under All Apps.

4.1.1. Accept the EULA

The first time Label Boost runs, an End User License Agreement (EULA) dialog will appear. Review the terms and click Accept to continue.

4.1.2. Licensing

Label Boost requires a license for use. A 30-day free trial is available for evaluation. A license key must be purchased for continued use beyond the trial period. Follow on-screen prompts to select the trial license or enter your license key. Online activation requires internet access. Offline activation is also available if internet access is limited, requiring a USB key and another machine with internet access.

4.1.3. Welcome Screen

Upon accepting the EULA, a Welcome Screen will display initial information. Navigate through additional screens using the Next and Back buttons. After viewing all screens, click Close. To skip these screens in the future, check the "Do not show this again" box before closing.

The Welcome Screen typically shows a visual guide titled "How to Boost Your Labels" with "3 Easy Steps": Define Conditions, Choose Actions, Start Printing.

4.1.4. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) application

The Label Boost GUI provides the following controls:

• Main Window:
  • Apply Changes: Applies the current set of rules to the Label Boost Service.
  • + Add New: Creates a new group of rules.
  • Name: Edits the name of the currently selected group.
  • Delete: Removes the currently selected group of rules.
  • Status indicator: Provides a quick overview of the service operation.
    • Green: The service is running normally.
    • Yellow: The service is running in Bypass mode (Actions are Disabled) or is otherwise unavailable.
• Conditions Pane:
  • New: Creates a new condition.
  • Delete: Deletes the currently selected condition.
  • Edit: Modifies the currently selected condition.
  • AND/OR Radio Buttons: Control the logical combination of multiple conditions.
• Actions Pane:
  • New: Creates a new action.
  • Delete: Deletes the currently selected action.
  • Edit: Modifies the currently selected action.

4.2. Selecting the Printer and Printer Settings

To select the printer and configure its settings, click on the File menu and choose Printer Settings. Only Epson ColorWorks printers are supported.

In the Printer Settings dialog, select the desired printer from the drop-down menu. You can also specify the Label Width, Label Length, and Printer Resolution. Enter values appropriate for your labels and click OK to save changes.

4.3. Changing the printer on your shipping label software

To utilize Label Boost, your shipping label software must be reconfigured to print to the Label Boost virtual printer. This is typically done within the print settings of your shipping software. Select the "EPSON Label Boost Printer (with Zebra Emulation)".

Important: If the Label Boost service is not running, you will be unable to print labels from your shipping application after making this change. To revert to direct printing, change your shipping label software's print settings back to your physical printer.

4.4. Creating a Label Enhancement Group

Click the + Add New button to create a new group, initially named "Untitled Group 1". You can rename the group in the Name box. To remove a group, use the Delete button.

4.5. Creating a Condition

To create a condition, click the New button in the Conditions pane. The Condition Editor will open.

You can select a trigger for the condition. The NOT checkbox can be used to define a condition that is true when the trigger is not met.

Available condition options include:

• Always: The condition is always true.
• Date Range: True if the current date falls between specified start and end dates.
• Select day(s) of the week: True if the current weekday is one of the selected days.
• Select month(s): True if the current month is one of the selected months.
• Select destination state(s): True if the recipient's address state is in the list of selected states (US only).
• If text exists: True if the specified text is found within the label data.

After configuring a condition, click OK to return to the main window. Click Cancel if no further conditions are needed. Multiple conditions can be combined using AND or OR logic.

4.6. Creating an Action

To create an action, click the New button in the Actions pane. The Actions Editor will open.

Enter a name for the action in the Action Name field. Available action types include:

• Insert image: Inserts an image at the top or bottom of the label.
• Change text color: Modifies the color of specified text.
• Highlight text: Applies a highlight color to specific text.

4.6.1. Insert image

When inserting an image, you can specify its Position (Top or Bottom). The Image File can be selected from your local drive using the Select button or from a built-in library via the Library button. Only PNG format is supported. Ensure the image size is appropriate for the label; for example, at 200 DPI, an 800 x 400 pixel image corresponds to a 4 x 2 inch size.

4.6.2. Selecting Text Options (Color and Highlight)

These options allow modification of existing text on the label. Wildcard support is available via the "Use Wildcards" checkbox, interpreting "*" and "?" as wildcards. Text operations are case-sensitive.

4.6.2.1. Change text color

Select the color to apply to text found using the Find Text field. The color change applies to the entire ZPL text element containing the found text. Click Select to choose a color from the palette, ensuring it maintains label readability.

4.6.2.2. Highlight text

Select a highlight color for text found using the Find Text field. The highlight color applies to the entire ZPL text element containing the found text. Click Select to choose a highlight color from the palette, ensuring it maintains label readability.

4.7. Managing sets of Rules

The File menu in the GUI application allows management of rule sets:

• New: Creates a new set of rules. A confirmation dialog appears if the current set is unsaved.
• Open: Opens an existing rule set file.
• Save: Saves the current rule set. If unsaved, you will be prompted for a file name and location.
• Save As: Saves the current rule set to a specified file and folder.
• Retrieve: Loads a saved configuration from the service into the GUI for viewing or editing.

4.8. Controlling the Label Boost service

Label Boost consists of two components: the GUI application and the background Windows Service. The Windows Service runs continuously, even when the GUI is closed.

4.8.1. The Status indicator

The status indicator provides a visual cue for the service's operational state:

• Green: The service is running normally.
• Yellow: The service is running in Bypass mode (Actions are Disabled) or is otherwise unavailable.

4.8.2. The Operation menu

The Operation menu includes the Disable Actions option. When checked, this forwards print jobs to the printer without applying Label Boost actions, useful for troubleshooting or when actively editing rules. The status indicator turns yellow when actions are disabled.

4.8.3. Apply Changes

To activate the currently configured rules, click the Apply Changes button. The button is blue when rules are pending application or have been edited. It turns gray once the rules have been successfully applied.

4.9. The Help menu

4.9.1. About

The Help menu's About option displays information about the application, including version, copyright, and licensing details (status, trial days remaining, license key). The Activate option (trial license only) allows entering a license key to upgrade. The Deactivate option (full license only) allows deactivating the license from the current machine, useful for computer replacements or transfers.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1. Accessing the Log File

The log file can be viewed or saved by clicking the Label Boost icon in the application's upper-left corner. Options include View Log File and Save Log File.

5.2. The Label Boost installation fails to complete

If installation fails, ensure that the driver for a supported Epson ColorWorks printer is installed. The printer driver must be installed prior to Label Boost. Printing a test label after driver installation is recommended to confirm proper printer functionality.

5.3. The Label Boost printer is not selectable or the printout is not as expected

If the Label Boost printer is not selectable in your shipping application, or if printouts are incorrect, check your shipping label application's printer settings. Consider enabling the "Send to Thermal Printer" option if available, as this may resolve the issue.

5.4. Label Boost is not receiving print jobs

Label Boost uses port 9100 to intercept print jobs. Firewall software may block this port. To resolve this, configure your firewall to allow access to port 9100:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Windows Firewall.
3. Select Advanced Settings.
4. Right-click on "Inbound Rules" and select "New Rule".
5. Select "Port", click "Next".
6. Enter "9100" for the port and click "Next".
7. Click "Next" again.
8. Name the rule "Epson Label Boost Inbound port 9100" and click "Finish".
9. Repeat these steps for "Outbound" rules, substituting "Outbound" for "Inbound" in the rule name.
10. Reboot your machine.

5.5. The shipping label is cutoff or is the incorrect size

Incorrect label size or cutoff images may be due to the media settings in the Label Boost driver. Refer to section 3.4 for instructions on adjusting media settings.

5.6. Additional Support

For further assistance, contact your Epson reseller or Epson support:

• Phone: (562) 276-1340
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 4 pm (PT)

6. Open Source Software Credits

This software utilizes the following open-source libraries:

1. log4net logging library, version 2.0.15. License: Apache 2.0. Available at: https://logging.apache.org/log4net/
2. Newtonsoft JSON library, version 13.0.3. License: MIT. Available at: https://www.newtonsoft.com/json