There are only three steps to print any envelope with FastEnvelope, first, however you must correctly install the program.
If you are using System 6.0:
Install the FastEnvelope desk accessory with the Font/DA Mover. If you are not familiar with DA's or the Font/DA Mover refer to your FastEnvelope manual.
Drag the FastEnvelope.Envelopes file and the FastEnvelope.Help files to your System folder. This is very important. FastEnvelope will not run without the Envelopes file and the Help system won't run without the Help file.
If you are using System 7.0
Drag FastEnvelope, FastEnvelope.Envelopes, and FastEnvelope.Help to your System folder. The system will put everything in appropriate places.
As far as we're concerned this is reason enough to be running System 7!
There are only three steps to print an envelope with FastEnvelope (it just doesn't get any easier than this!)
1. Choose an appropriate template from Templates menu. (ImageWriter templates start with 'IW-', LaserWriter templates with 'LW-', and Deskwriter templates with 'DW-'.)
2. Type an address from the keyboard. (If nothing happens when you type, select 'New Entry' from the Edit menu to get things started.)
3. Choose Print from the File menu.
Wow! Wasn't that easy? You've just printed your first envelope and you're not even sweating yet!
Now, let's say you want to print an envelope with a USPS barcode. (USPS barcodes are used by the post office to route your mail. Barcoded mail generally arrives more quickly than non barcoded mail. Barcoded mail also makes you look like you know what you're doing, which you will in a minute...
Repeat steps 1 and 2 above. Make sure you enter a zip code in the address, even if it is 12345.
On the left side of the Envelope window are 7 buttons. Each of these buttons turn an Object off and on. Objects that are 'on' will be printed on your envelope. Objects that are not on won't be printed. Objects are the basic building blocks of your envelope. There are text objects, icon objects, picture objects and, of course, barcode objects, all of which you can turn on and off and move around to create unique and appealing envelopes.
To print an envelope with a barcode, turn the barcode object 'on' by selecting its button with the mouse. (Black is for on, white for off.) FastEnvelope will take care of positioning the barcode in the correct place on the envelope for you.
Now choose Print from the File menu. As my old Economics professor used to say, "What a mouse."
You have just learned to use FastEnvelope. You can now print envelopes quickly and easily without haveing to fire up the old Selectric. Your letters will arrive faster and you look more professional.
There is much more you can do with FastEnvelope:
Import entire mailing lists
Have FastEnvelope automatically paste addresses from the clipboard
Have FastEnvelope automatically open an address file for you each time it starts up
Add graphics
Add icons
Give you hints about government, taxes and the meaning of life
It's really quite a remarkable program. We hope you like it.
The USPS uses three methods to sort mail: barcode readers, optical character readers, and manual sorting.
Clearly, manual sorting is the slowest, interestingly though, barcode readers and optical character readers sort mail equally efficiently -- provided you have provided them with correct information.
To maximize the processing of your envelope for OCR:
Use a plain text san serif font like Helvetica or Geneva
Use a font with minimum or no kearning
Use a font size between 8pt and 18 pt (10 or 12 pt is preferred)
Use all capitals in your address
Keep additonal text and graphics at least 1" away from the left and right sides of the Address
To maximize the processing of your envelope by barcode:
Make sure the zip code is correct. FastEnvelope will take care of the rest.
Keep additional text and graphics at least 5/8" away from the two barcodes on the envelope.
No text or graphics should follow the lower barcode.
Summary:
It is not strictly necessary to use the USPS barcode to quickly route mail. By using the correct font and style the USPS OCR can barcode your mail for you and quickly send it on its way.
The best way to ensure speedy delivery of your mail is to optimize your envelope for processing both by the OCR and barcode readers.
