A data format defines the fields a label can use, and can also carry lookup-source bindings and computed fields. Presets for the SortingGo APP are already built in, and you can create your own custom formats for other printing needs.
Before you start
- If you need lookup fields (Excel-based), upload the Excel file on the Lookup Sources page first.
Steps
- Create or select a data format
Add a new format in the Format Catalog, or select an existing one and switch to Field Structure. - Manage fields
When adding a field, fill in its display name, English key, and type; you can drag to reorder and mark fields as "required for print". "Choose Sample Excel" can bulk-create fields straight from a header row. - Set up lookup-source bindings
Choose the lookup source, the join field on this format, and a virtual-field prefix. Once bound, the Label Designer can use "prefix.ExcelColumn" virtual fields (e.g. pinfo.barcode), resolved by the server at print time. - Set up computed fields
Build a computed field with a concatenation expression like {field}+'text', evaluated by the server before printing; it can reference raw fields, other computed fields, and lookup fields. - Save this data format
All changes require clicking "Save This Data Format" to persist. Field changes affect placeholder bindings already used in the Label Designer.
Notes
- The built-in system formats (SortingGo sorting_lines, preparation_items) keep their names and field structure fixed, but their lookup bindings can be freely adjusted — service startup never overwrites your changes.
- You can "Export" a data format to a JSON backup and "Import" it later to restore or move it.
Limitations
- Deleting a data format also deletes any label formats bound to it — confirm before deleting.
- "Apply Sample Excel Header" clears the format's existing fields, lookup bindings, and computed fields before rebuilding from the header row.