Re: AFP

On 5/18/2024 11:55 AM, ubelhor@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

We are working with a customer on an older box on OS 7.1.  They asked for us  to change an invoice form overlay.  We tracked it back and it is using AFP.  The STRAFPU command isn't on the box. I thought AFP support was discontinued some time ago.  But wanted confirmation before we look at other options.
I'll look forward to insight on AFP.  If we are able to use it OS 7.1 or not.

I have been using AFP to create printed (paper) invoices and other documents for many years. I have never used STRAFPU. I'm on 7.4, and AFP printing still works just fine.

The general arrangement is to have a printer device (CRTDEVPRT) that is AFPDS-capable. Mine are all *LAN 3812 model 1 port 9100. If the physical printer is HP PJL-compatible, add SYSDRVPGM(*HPPJLDRV).

The print file (CRTPRTF) I use typically has DEVTYPE(*AFPDS). This allows for bar codes, multiple fonts / sizes, colours (on a colour-capable printer), boxes, and graphics like logos.

The logos are made by 'printing' a graphic (like in Word) to an AFP printer driver https://help.ricohsoftware.com/swinfocenter/infoprint-manager/en-us/IPM_Windows_project.ditamap/$/iprzc_pfd This generates a binary file of the graphic that can be used by IBM i to create either an overlay (like a full page of a pre-printed form) or a a page segment (like a logo). FTP that file to a PF (in binary) and then do CRTPAGSEG or CRTOVL as you need.

In the printer DDS, you can use keywords like BARCODE and PAGSEG. If you wish, you can also specify OVERLAY on the CRTPRTF command.

I hope this gives you something to start with.