Linking a Database

JETMate^© uses a linking system that allows the user to define a template for a particular database.  This step in integral to the printing process because it tells the program what fields to use from your database.

You can use this as a guide for your particular print job because most of the functions are the same for any situation.  There are side-bar issues that will show you how to do special functions beyond the simple tasks of merging a database.  Follow these links if they apply to your situation.

Let's Begin!

1. Open RENA JETMate^©
                  SIDE-BAR:  IF YOUR FILE IS NOT A *.dbf  OR A FIXED-LENGTH
                  FILE,  YOU MUST CONVERT YOUR DATABASE FIRST.
                  CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW!

2.  Select the Database Menu from the toolbar.

3.  Select the 'Map Fields' function.

4.  A window will pop-up that shows you a list of templates.  This is where you will go in the future to select a pre-defined template.  For now, we will create a new one.

5.  Click on the button that has a document with a Lightening Bolt.  This will start the Create New Template function.

6.  A new window will pop-up and there will be a question box asking to create a new record - select Yes.

7.  The Select File window will pop-up that shows you a list of recently used files.  If you have not used the file we are linking before, select Browse. If the data file you want is on the list, select that file and skip to Step 11.

8.  A new Select File window will now pop-up. Change the Look In pull-down menu to reflect the destination directory where your data file is located.  Our example shows we have selected a directory called 'Databases' below.

9.  JETMate^© has a list of common files to help you narrow your search if you have a lot of files in your Look In directory.  Select 'Database files (*.dbf)' from the Files Of Type pull-down menu to show only those files.

10.  Once you have located your file, select it and click the Open button.
           If you have converted your file using JETMate's Merge/Convert
           feature, click here first.

11. You will then be shown the Set Parameters window.  This is where we map the fields of the database to our Database Template.  As shown in the picture above: click on the desired field in your data file on the right side, then click on the corresponding JETMate^© field on the left.

11 Alternate. - If you have a fixed-length text file, you need to highlight the text for the line you want, then click on the field on the left.  For example, the name field may look like this:  JOHNSON********************TIM*************

Use your mouse to highlight the whole field of from J to the last asterisk before the T in Tim.  This will be the fixed-length field data.

12.  Repeat this for each field until you have mapped all the data fields you want to use from the database.  When you are finished, click OK.

13.  You will be back to the File Parameters window.  Type in a descriptive name to help organize your templates.  After you name it, click on the Save button.

14.  A message window will pop-up that tell you the record has been added to the list of templates.  Click OK.

15.  This will send you back to the Database Templates window where we started.  You will see the name of your new template listed here.  You are done mapping the database, so all you have to do is close this window as shown.

16.  Congratulations!  You have just mapped your database file to RENA JETMate's^© Database Template.

You may now proceed to Choosing a Layout for your mailpiece.

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