Frequently asked questions

In some cases, a black bar may appear in the center of the badge. To remove it, close the Preview window and open it again.  

Note:  this black bar will not be printed when issuing the badge.

This window corresponds to the system of pop-up information windows which provide information (e.g. on cleaning the machine) or indicate the actions required to print (e.g. changing the ribbon, etc.).
This window is generated by the "Printer Manager" communication tool.

Check the FAQ for more details What is the Badgy Printer Manager?

The Badgy printer is a single-sided printer, with no flip-over feature. After printing the front side, cards can be returned manually into the feeder to print on their reverse side.

You can add one or more objects to your badge template (fixed or variable zones).

Adding a fixed zone
To add a fixed zone, you must: 

• Click Settings
• Select the Issue Badge tab
• Tick the Fixed Zones box (default setting in the window).
• Click Add.

    
Select the type of object to add to your badge, and then click OK. 

The new object is now displayed on your badge, while its name and type are both added to the list of fixed zones.
 
Adding a variable zone

To add a variable zone, you need to:

• Click Settings
• Select the Issue Badge tab
• Tick the Variable Zones option.
• Click Add to display a new window. Key in the name of this new variable zone (field name in the Excel spreadsheet)

Select the type of object to add to your badge, and then click OK.
The new object/zone is displayed on your badge, while the name and type of this object are both added to the list of variable zones.

The following object types are available:

• Text
• WordArt
• Tick box

It is not possible to add a variable image. If you need this feature for your badge, please select a template which comes with a variable picture, from our Website or from the CD-Rom supplied with Badgy. 

Due to the presence of INFRARED sensors which are used for the cards synchronization, the transparent or translucent card cannot be used correctly with the Badgy.

It’s not possible to print with a Badgy ribbon on a card that has already been printed with this ribbon. The ink can be applied only once on each side of the card.

In fact, printing will optimize colors only on a white background.

ONLY Badgy ribbons are guaranteed to print correctly.

The use of generic ribbons may lead to printing problems. This also voids the printer warranty.

No technical support will be available if generic ribbons are used.

You can delete any of the fixed zones on the badge.

However, you can only delete variable zones that you have added yourself. The other variable zones can be hidden.
 
How to hide/mask a zone?

Click the "Settings" button, then select the object you wish to hide (it can be a fixed or variable zone). Alternatively, choose the appropriate category using the radio buttons on the right of the Settings window).

Check "Masked" if you don't want the object to appear on the badge. Uncheck "Masked" to display it again. 

How to delete a zone?

• Click "Settings".
• Select the "Issue badge" tab.
• Choose the "Fixed Zones" or "Variable Zones" option. 
• Select the zone concerned.
• Click the "Delete" button => Confirmation window displayed.
• Confirm (or cancel) the deletion.

Reminder: You can delete only the variable zones you have created. 

Please consult the user guide on the CD that comes with the printer, or the tutorial  "How to install a ribbon?".

To know the driver version in use by the computer, you can open the Badgy Identification card.

There are two ways to access this ID card :

1.     Double-click on the Printer Manager icon (located at the bottom of your screen, in the notification zone).
   
2.     Right-click on the Printer Manager icon to get the menu panel (see below) and select Identification card.
   

Office-Cards lets you fully modify your badges: you can hide all the features and/or add fixed and variable zones, to suit your needs.

Any badge from our card library can be adapted to your needs. You just need to select a badge you like using the categories menu or by doing a keyword search.

You can also download the "Badge Wizard" to help you create your own design from scratch. 

Badgy offers a complete cleaning kit to perform all cleaning tasks. Do not use any other cleaning product

1. Connect your printer to your computer and switch it on.
2. Download the installation file to your hard disk from the Downloads area on the Badgy website.
3. Double-click the SetupWizardBadgy.exe file to start the update, and follow the instructions.
4. Select your printer from the list to update it.
5. The on-off switch on the control panel should flash during the firmware update. (Do not switch off the printer)
6. Click Next twice to complete the installation. The printer will automatically adjust the sensors.

A drop-down list can be created to speed up the data entry process.

A drop-down list avoids manual data entry, especially when such data can be selected from a defined list of options.

You can modify any data in the list through the following procedure. 

Delete an option from the list

1. Position your mouse on the list of options cell of an empty data entry row.
2. Select the option to be deleted
3. Hit the “Delete” key on your keyboard.

Add an option to the list

1.     Position your mouse on the list of options cell of an empty data entry row.
2.     Type the option to be added.
3.     Hit the “Enter” key on your keyboard.

1.    Open up the Print Options menu:

   
   From the Start button found bottom-left on the Windows task bar, select "Printers and faxes".

   
2. Double-click the printer icon "Evolis Badgy1."
   
3. In the "Evolis Badgy1" window, click "Printer", then select "Printing Preferences".
   
4. In the "Printing Preferences" window, select "Advanced" in the "Layout" tab.
   
   
5. Under "Document options/Printer features", select "Black" under "Ribbon Type", and click "OK".
   
   

From the Badgy website

Downloading Badgy card templates requires a personal user account.

To sign up for an online account, you first need your printer’s serial number (format similar to B81693149), located on the ID card of your printer. Then go to www.badgy.com.

• Click “My Account” located à the top of the screen. Click “New user” if applicable. If you already have an account, simply select your template, then click “Login to download”
• Once your account is created, click “Download”
• Save the template file to your computer and rename it if required.

From the CDROM supplied with the printer

• Click the Choose a template menu item. You can now select a template from any of the 6 categories.
• Click the selected template.
• The file will open. Make sure you have defined the security level of macros to Medium (more info)

You then need to save this template to your computer, and therefore save any editing: Click File, then Save As from the Excel menu.

Photo/Picture objects can be added to selected badges.

Select the object to modify from the Settings windows and click Modify. The following screen is displayed. 

Here is how each button operates:

Field name

You can rename this field. Note that this setting will not be printed on your badge.This setting cannot be edited for Photo/Picture variable objects.
  

Picture
Click the « … » button to modify the picture to be used. This will open a window and let you browse to select the picture on your PC. 

Expand/Shrink

You can select the height and length of the area covered by the object.
  

Move

You can drag the object to any direction.
  

Bring to Front/Move to Back

You can select on which layer the object will be displayed, with regards to other objects. 
  
 

Moving speed on the screen

Sets the speed for the three above features: choose Slow for precise configuration or Fast for faster results.

 

Brightness

To change picture brightness.

 

Contrast

To change picture contrast.

 

Rotation

To change the picture rotation angle.

Text objects can be configured to suit your needs.

Select the object to modify from the Settings window and click Modify. The following screen will be displayed. The role of each button is displayed below:

Field Name

If this is a fixed zone, you can rename this field. Note that this setting will not be printed on your badge.

For variables zones, this data appears as a column title, but won’t show up on printed badges. 
  

Fixed text field and « Enter » button

The data contained in this field is fixed and will appear on all printed badges. Use the Enter button located to the right of this field to return when typing your text.
Note that this field will not be displayed if the zone is defined as variable.

Expand/Shrink

You can select the height and length of the object zone
 
 

Drag

You can drag the object to any direction.

 

Bring to Front/Move to Back

You can select on which layer the object will be displayed, with regards to other objects.
  
 

Moving speed on the screen

Sets the speed for the three above features: choose Slow for precise configuration or Fast for faster operation.   
 
 

Fonts and layout

These buttons trigger a window that will let you configure fonts (font type and format such bold, underlined, font color) and text layout (left, center, right).

WordArt objects are text-based objects with preset effects. Such effects are offered by all tools from the Microsoft Office™ suite.

WordArt objects can be configured to suit your needs.

Select the object to edit from the Settings window and click Modify.  The following window will appear. 

Here is how each button operates:

Field name

If this is a fixed zone, you can rename this field. Note that this setting will not be printed on your badge.
For variables zones, this data appears as column title, and won’t show up on printed badges.
  

Fixed text field and « Enter » button

The data contained in this field is fixed and will appear on all printed badges. Use the Enter button located to the right of this field to return when typing your text.
Note that this field will not be displayed if the zone is defined as variable. 

Expand/Shrink

You can select the height and length of the object zone.
  
 

Move

You can drag the object to any direction.
  
 

Bring to Front/Move to Back

You can select on which layer the object will be displayed, with regards to other objects.  
  
 

Moving speed on the screen

Sets the speed for the three above features: Choose Slow for precise configuration or Fast for faster operation.   
  
 

Transparency, Background Color, Border Color, Rotation and type

WordArt enables you to select different preset text formats and to edit colors (background and border), transparency and rotation.
Use the following configuration buttons to personalize the WordArt object.

Fonts and orientation

These buttons display the WordArt object in Bold or in Italics.
You can also change the text orientation (display letter vertically or horizontally).
 

Special case of concatenations: 

The WordArt object named « Full Name » is often a variable zone.
This object will display both the First Name and The Surname, separated by a field. This is called “concatenation”.

Such data will be displayed in the user-defined zone, whatever the number of characters in the WordArt string. The text will therefore scale to fit the size of the area, not the contrary (see image below).

In order to use the Office-Cards application and personalize badge templates, you must activate the Excel macros and have a medium level of security.

Excel deactivates them for security reasons and will ask you if you wish to activate the macros (Excel 2010 example):

However, Excel may not always ask you if you wish to activate them when they are deactivated.

The activation/deactivation of macros varies depending on the Excel version used. The information provided below will allow you to activate macros for most Excel versions (2013/2010/2007/2002).

Activating macros (EXCEL 2013)

Click "File" > "Options":

Then on "Trust Center" > "Trust Center Settings":

Then on "Macro Settings":

The default (and recommended) option is "Disable all macros with notification" (with this option, you will be invited to activate macros on opening a file).

Activating macros (EXCEL 2010)

Click "File" > "Options":

Then on "Trust Center" > "Trust Center Settings":

Then on "Macro Settings":

The default (and recommended) option is "Disable all macros with notification" (with this option, you will be invited to activate macros on opening a file).

Activating macros (EXCEL 2007)

Click "Excel Options":

Then on "Trust Center" > "Trust Center Settings":

Then on "Macro Settings":

The recommended option is "Disable all macros with notification" (with this option, you will be invited to activate macros on opening a file).

Activating macros (EXCEL 2002)

Click "Tools" > "Macro" > "Security":

The recommended option is "Medium security level" (with this option, you will be invited to activate macros on opening a file).

Excel tips:

Which version of Excel should I use?

You can use the Microsoft Excel online help.
In Excel, open the help (keyboard shortcut: F1) and type the search term "version"

For Office 2013

The latest version of Office still uses the File tab and the Microsoft Office Backstage mode.

1. Click File > Account.
2. Find the version number under Product Information.

For Office 2010

Office 2010 introduced the File tab and the Microsoft Office Backstage mode.

1. Click File > Help.
2. Find the version number under Product Activated.

For Office 2007

Office 2007 introduced tabs and the Microsoft Office button   as well a tabs menu.

1. Click the Microsoft Office button  > Word Options.
2. In the Options dialog, click Resources. Find the version and Service Pack (SP) numbers.

For Office 2003

Office 2003 includes text menus in the gray bar: File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Tools, Table, Window

1. Click Help > About.
2. In the About dialog box, find the version and Service Pack (SP) numbers. 

2 Ways:

1.     By displaying the printer ID Card (For Windows only). 
2.     By looking at the sticker on the back of the printer

To preview a badge, select the related row in the Excel-based data entry form, then click Preview.

A Preview window will pop up. The previewed badge will display all data from the selected row. 

When downloading a badge template, you need to save it to your hard drive so that your data and edits are saved as well. 

For Excel 2007, 2010, or 2013, you should save your Office-Cards file in XLSB format (Menu "File | Save as" > Document type option).

To select a different language in the Printer Manager, right-click on the Printer Manager icon (located at the bottom of your screen, in the notification area).

Then, choose the « Language » menu item, and then select your preferred language from the displayed list.

You can modify text colors in order to personalize your cards.
You can select you own colors if you want to use colors other than those displayed in the color palette from the text zone format window.

Do the following from the Excel menu:
Select Tools > Options > Color > Select color to be modified > Modify > select you requested color > OK

To select this color:
Settings > Select the item to be modified > Color > The new color appears in the color palette.

Careful: do not modify “standard” colors. It is advised to modify colors located at the bottom of the standard color palette (see below).

Three tools can be used to modify the colors of a WordArt object: Transparency, Background color and Border color. To switch colors, simply slowly move the cursors.

Note: choice of colors is restricted when using WordArt.

Check that the cards are not stuck together and that you are using cards compatible with Badgy (Badgy consumables are designed to optimize print quality).
Clean your printer, following the guidelines in the FAQ "How to clean the Badgy printer?"

If the problem persists, please call your Badgy reseller/distributor for assistance.

If the ribbon has been torn, please check the following:

1. Check that you are using a Badgy ribbon.
2. Check that you are using Evolis plastic cards which meet the specifications for your printer. Badgy takes PVC, PVC composite, PVC laminated, and PET cards.
3. Check that you are using the latest version of the firmware/printer driver for the Badgy printer. Run any updates required using this procedure  "FAQ driver version and firmware".

Please note: You can repair your torn ribbon using a single piece of adhesive tape.

No, the white margins (min is 1.4mm) from the printed cards’ edge are normal with the Badgy printer. It is not possible at all to reduce it completely.

The USB port versions 1.0 to 3.0 are compatible with Badgy. If you have any printer driver installation problems with a USB port 3.0, please contact your Badgy reseller/distributor.

Click here to update your firmware.

White lines on the printed cards mean that the print head is unable to heat the ribbon in this zone: the ink cannot be diffused/applied correctly onto the card surface. This issue may arise from a dirty or faulty print head. Clean the print head.

If cleaning of the print head does not clear this defect, please contact your Badgy reseller/distributor.

This may happen if some dust is present on the card surface or in the printer.

The print head and the ribbon are in contact with the card those parts have to be dust free.

Make sure your cards and the ribbon are stored in a dust free environment.

Do not touch the printable surface of the cards as this could affect the print quality. You can also clean the printer to improve the print quality.

Please watch the tutorials.

If you’re a Mac user, if you already have your own card design software, or if you need to use a document already created in Microsoft Word for example, you may want to use an alternative to Office-Cards in order to design your ID cards.

Badgy is supplied as an ‘all in one’ offer, but the printer can print documents designed in a large number of applications and softwares.

For instance, several Windows applications allow documents to be printed (for example the tools in Microsoft’s Office suite, i.e. MS-Word, MS-Access, Ms-Excel, MS-PowerPoint).
To gain familiarity with the layout of a card and configuring its formatting and printing, we suggest the following example.

E.g. How to set up and print a badge in Microsoft® Word

•     After having set the Evolis printer as the default:
•     Start the MS-Word application
•     Click on the File in the menu bar, then on Page Setup
•     The Paper tab has a Paper Size option, select CR80 Card
•     In the Margins tab, set all margins to 0.05’’ (1.4 mm), then in the Orientation section, select Landscape.
•     Close the window by clicking OK.
•     Your Word window should now look like this: 

• You are ready to customize your card by adding the various items that go to makeup a card (Logo and Illustration, ID photo, barcode, etc.)
• Once ready, click on File and then on Print. 

The “User’s Guide” provides you a clear explanation of every LED on the control panel.

This guide is available on the Evolis CD-ROM shipped with the printer, or, it can also be downloaded from our website. 

If the ribbon gets cut during the printing process, please check the following points:
 

1. Make sure you are using a Badgy original ribbon.
    
2. Make sure you are using Badgy plastic cards (which are compliant with the printer requirement). PVC, composite PVC, laminated PVC and PET cards can be used with Badgy.
   
3. Clean the printer (see here)
    
4. Check if the ribbon is not faulty (replace it with a new one).
    
5. If you still have the same issue, please contact your Badgy reseller or contact us.

If no LED light is on, including the power button, please check the following points:
 

If you still have the same glitch even after following these points, please contact your Badgy reseller or distributor.    

1. Is the power supply connected to a live electrical wall socket?
2. Are you using the power supply provided with your Badgy printer? 
3. Is the power supply faulty? (The power supply displays a green light when it operates properly).
4. Is the power supply suitably connected to the printer?

During the install process it sometimes gets placed in the “Unspecified” folder of the printer menu and the Badgy icon gets stuck initializing.  The solution to this issue is pretty simple:

• Right click Badgy icon in "Unspecified folder"
• Choose "Troubleshoot"
• After it runs diagnostic click "Apply This Fix"
• The printer should successfully install.

If the problem persists, please call your Badgy reseller/distributor for assistance.

Please directly contact your Badgy reseller/distributor 

Office Cards badges display different objects that define either fixed or variable zones on the badge.

• A variable zone hosts information sourced from the data entry form. Variable areas let you display different data from one badge to the other. For example : Surname, First Name, ID picture, etc.
   
• A fixed zone host unvarying data, not sourced from the data entry area. Such data is common to all badges printed from this template. For example: Corporate/Organization name, logo, expiration date, etc.

All objects, whether fixed or variable, are pre-arranged on a template and are part of the design layout. They can be hidden or configured. You can also add/delete objects. You can delete any fixed zone. Meanwhile, you can only delete the variable zones that you have created.

It is not possible to add a variable image. If you need this feature for your badge, please select a template which comes with a variable picture, from our Website or from the CD-Rom supplied with Badgy. 

The Badgy printer and its print head have a 1-year warranty for an unlimited number of prints.

The warranty conditions are contained in the warranty notice provided with your Badgy printer, on the badgy.com website under the "Support | Downloads" menu and also on the second screen of the installation wizard.

The Printer Manager icon switches to different colors according to the status of your Badgy printer 

 Green The printer is ready.

 Grey The printer is not connected (Power or USB cable).

  Orange An action is required to enable printing. The printing job will automatically resume after the action is implemented.To access to local help, click  . It is also possible, in some cases, to cancel the printing job in progress by clicking  .

  Red An error has occurred in the Badgy Printer, and some action is required to be taken. To resume printing, click the  button in the pop-up window. To access to local help, click . It is also possible, in some cases, to cancel the printing job in progress by clicking   .

A driver is a computer program,  hardware-dependent and operating-system
Specific, that allows a hardware device to communicate with a computer.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and programs that use the printer.
Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver knows.

From the driver properties, you will find the possibilities to set ribbon type,
orientation (portrait or landscape), printing rotation (to print a card with a 180° angle) and the number of printouts. Your driver has a printing option for black characters. Such characters are useful if you want to print barcodes with software other than Office Cards.

The drivers also sends internal notifications and data from the printer. The driver must be installed prior to the first use of the printer and must be compatible with the operating system. 

The identification card displays several data (listed below) that are requested when calling upon technical support:  
 

• Printer Name
• Printer Model
• Port Name
• Serial Number
• Version of the Driver and of the Setup program
• Firmware version
• The computer’s Operating System
• A status Identification number
• A date of validation.

An ID card can be printed in two ways:

1. Double-click the Printer Manager icon (located at the bottom of your screen, in the notification area).

2. Right-click on the Printer Manager icon to display the following menu, then select Identification Card. 

Note: Data printed on an ID card is automatically updated after each print job. 

The Badgy Printer Manager is a communication tool for Windows, between your computer and your Badgy printer. There is no equivalent tool for Macs.

It gives you instant information on your Badgy via:
 

•     A small icon located in the lower part of your screen, in the notification area, that switches color according to the current status of your printer (printer connected or disconnected, specific action to be taken, etc.).

• An information system of animated pop-up windows that tells you what action is required to be taken for printing (change ribbon, clean the printer, etc.). 

This window provides access to local help, by clicking  , It is also possible, in some cases, to cancel the printing job in progress by clicking . You can also resume the printing job by clicking  .

The memory capacity of the main board is 16 Megabytes of Random Access Memory (16 MB RAM). 

The print resolution is 300 dpi (11.8 pts/mm).

This icon is a Printer Manager communication tool between your computer and your Badgy printer. It gives you instant information about the status of your machine (connected or not, actions required, etc.). Check the FAQ for more details What is the Badgy Printer Manager?

Before starting an Badgy driver installation, make sure you are logged-in with ADMINISTRATOR rights, or else the computer will turn down the driver's installation. 

Any type of barcode generated by an application can be printed. The printer will therefore print any barcode available in this application’s library.
Download the barcode font package.

Drivers for Badgy are available for the following platforms:

•     Windows XP
•     Windows Vista (32 & 64-bits)
•     Windows 7, 8 (32 & 64 bits)
•     Mac OS 10.8

The "Badgy" solution consists of a Badgy printer and the Office-Cards software. This software uses Microsoft Excel (compatible with versions 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, and 2013 (32-bit)). You need to have Excel installed on your computer to use it.
No installation is required: simply download a template from our website www.badgy.com (card from the CD that comes with the printer) . You can then access this software directly.

You can also use most of your printing and office tools because the Badgy printer uses a driver which is compatible with Windows and Mac computers. If you do, you should set your document to the card format(dimensions 86x54 mm / 3.370x2.125 inches – ISO CR80).

Improve your efficiency and also discover Evolis Badge Studio, the new software for creating and personalizing cards and badges. An ergonomic, user-friendly interface to create your badges simply and easily. If you use Office Card software, download Evolis Badge Studio for free.

PVC, PVC composite, PVC laminated, and PET cards can be used with Badgy.

Badgy accepts cards in bank card format (dimensions: 86x54 mm/3.370x2.125 inches – ISO CR80) with a thickness of between 0.50 mm and 0.76 mm.

Print quality varies depending on the card manufacturer. That's why we recommend using Badgy consumables which are designed to optimize print quality. Using Evolis consumables prolongs the life of your badges and your Badgy printer.

USB port versions 1.0 to 3.0 are all compatible. If you have any printer driver installation problems with a USB port 3.0.

Check that you are using the latest version of the firmware/printer driver for the Badgy printer.

If the problem persists, please call your Badgy reseller/distributor for assistance.

Office-Cards is compatible with the 32-bit version of Excel only, for versions 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, and Excel 2013.

Office-Cards is not compatible with Office 365, Open Office, or a virtual version of Windows on a Mac.

For the 2013 version of Excel, please make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Office installed from Microsoft Update.