Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ's) and other support information regarding the Simply ID software and
systems are updated periodically at this location below. Please
visit often for up-to-date information. We recommend bookmarking this
page.
Current Simply ID software version 4.0. (Check your version by
going to the help/about section in your Simply ID software).
You need to first register the system or software by emailing us at
register@aphotoid.com. The software comes with a 30 day warranty.
(Covers tech support of for software, extended warranty's are available
per incident, 6 months and 1 year please contact your customer service
agent for assistance.)
Email us the following contact information below to begin your warranty
service:
Company, Contact, Phone, Address, Serial # and Date Purchased.
Simply ID Update
Recommended Operating Systems
for Simply ID is: Windows 2000 or Windows XP since they offer the
latest drivers and stability in an operating system. MAKE SURE you have
administrative rights or rights to the simplyid folder.
Many support issues can be resolved by reading all of the questions below.
Always have the latest Windows updates if you are using older operating
systems. To install Windows updates use the Tools/Windows Update in
Internet Explorer.
Note: Updating to our latest Simply ID software version 4.0 is
highly recommended for users of 2.014 -3.1. Check your version by
going to help/about in Simply ID. If you have a previous version then exit
out of Simply ID and install this free update. You must run the .exe file
that you download to install. Please
click here to update
your Simply ID Software. You must run the program if you saved it
or choose open to update your software. The update resolves many issues
and adds many features. Please make a backup of your SimplyID folder
located on your computer. You can right click the folder, copy then paste
it somewhere on your hard drive. We recommend doing this backup before
installing the update. Backing up your system is highly recommended since
our software utilizes a database. This is the easiest way to perform an
entire backup.
Importing Data: Simply ID 4.0 offers a Import/Export Utility. See
question 16 below on how to import your data.
Simply ID Demo
Want to try before you buy our
software?
Email us your Company Name, Name and Email Address at
demo@aphotoid.com. We will
email you our demo download version of Simply ID.
We will not send unsolicited mail if you email us for this demo. We will
only email you the demo link and manual to help get you started.
FAQ's for Simply ID Software and Systems
Importing Data: All data is stored in the SimplyID.MDB file (table
1) located in the Simply ID folder. You must use MS Access 2000 or XP.
Access 97 will not work. We do not support importing data and recommend
having someone at your organization that is familar with MS Access to do
this. If you go into Simply ID and it does not open properly with errors
then the data table structure has been changed. We recommend you only
import data into the proper fields. DO NOT change columns or modify the
table in any way. We recommend removing Simply ID and ALSO removing the
SimplyID folder if you do receive errors. This will wipe out all data and
card designs. We highly recommend backing up the entire SimplyID folder on
a regular basis or before you import data so you do not lose data or card
designs.
32 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and 7 support information
documents regarding the Simply ID software and systems are located
below. The Simply ID software manual is located below named the
"Simple Tips Installation Guide". Please visit often for up-to-date
information. All manuals are located at the bottom of this
page in PDF format.
PVC Card Printer Help
Eltron/Zebra
If you have a Eltron/Zebra P210, P310 or P420 card printer and are
experiencing problems review our FAQ's below or visit www.zebracard.com.
Fargo
If you have a Fargo card printer and are experiencing problems go to
www.fargo.com
Magicard
If you have a Magicard printer and are experiencing problems contact (425)
556-9708 or www.ultramagicard.com
FAQ's for Simply ID Software and Systems
SAMPLE CARD TEMPLATES ARE LOADED INTO THE SIMPLYID FOLDER WITH VERSION 4.0
AS A .BAG FILE EXTENSION. PLEASE USE THOSE CARDS IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE
SETTING UP A CARD TEMPLATE!
1A. How do I design a portrait card with the 2 or 8up laminate
paper? 1B. How do I map the pic 1 in the picture viewer to the card? 1C.
How do I change the database field labels? 1D. How do I put objects on the
card like my logo or put static text onto the card? 1E. My picture image
looks distorted on the card or in the picture viewer, how do I change
this? 1F. How do I layer items on the card?
1A:
Go to file/new card and choose CR 80, LANDSCAPE, 2 or 8 cards per page
Click ok. After the card is in place you must rotate every object on the
landscape card 90 degrees. You can do this by right clicking the object
and choose properties then 90 degree rotation. Make sure to adjust the
image box size for images by clicking on the box and stretch out to the
desired size. If you do not the image will look distorted. You must have
version 3.0 of Simply ID in order to do this. If you have 2.7 you can
upgrade for $199.00. Email us at upgrade@simplyid.com
1B:
Double click on the card and use insert DB Image, choose pic 1. Click OK.
Adjust the box size by clicking on the box. Next click the picture viewer
button and double click pic 1 Import from Image (JPEG or BMP) or select a
TWAIN source camera. If you are using a TWAIN camera then double click pic
1 again to acquire TWAIN image from camera. This will save the picture
with that record.
1C:
Download our latest version. Once installed click view/display tags and
make your changes accordingly.
1D:
Double or right click the card in a blank area and all the object fields
will come up like insert text, insert db text, insert image, etc... Next
double or right click that object to change the color, change properties
or change font. Adding a logo use insert image and double click the box,
to add static text you always want to have on the card use insert text and
then edit the properties by double clicking. In the properties you can add
the text. Many people use this feature to add a title to the card like
"ABC Plumbing".
1E:
The picture will look distorted but prints out fine on the card. If you
want to adjust the size of the picture click on the picture box on the
card and expand the box.
1F: Simply ID 3.0 allows this feature. Right click and choose properties.
You can layer by adjusting the draw priority to 0-255.
2. How do I adjust my printout for the 2 up or 8 up card paper with
my inkjet or laser printer? How can I put a "poor man's hologram" or a 1D
hologram effect onto the card with the P210, P310 or P420 PVC printer?
Many inkjet or laser printers will print differently due to their
resolution. You can adjust the print settings by going to file/print
options. TO GET SMALLEST SPACE SETTING OF THE CARDS USE 1. 0 DOES NOT WORK
ON VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL SPACING OF THE CARDS ON 8 UP AND WILL NOT SAVE.
You will need to adjust the margins and spacing accordingly. Here is a
sample setting for a HP 4550 Color LaserJet for 8 up:
15.00 for Top Margin 20.00 for Left Margin 22.00 for Horizontal Spacing
18.00 for Vertical Spacing
Here is a sample setting for a HP 4550 Color LaserJet for 2 up:
30.00 for Top Margin 64.00 for Left Margin 1.00 for Horizontal Spacing
42.450 for Vertical Spacing
First we recommend printing out the 2 or 8 cards on regular paper then
viewing through light the 2 or 8 up card paper with the 2 or 8 cards you
printed on regular paper. Adjust margins from that. Another tip is make
sure you designed your card using the file/new card and choosing the
Standard CR 80. If you designed it as CR 80 edge to edge you will need to
pull items on the card more inside the card design but CR 80 Edge to Edge
works great with 2 up. MAKE SURE YOU SAVE THE MARGIN SETTINGS AND WRITE
THEM DOWN!
The "poor man's hologram" requires a monochrome bitmap logo to implement
into the overlay. Go to start/settings/programs/accessories/paint.
Open your logo and click file/save as and save the logo as a monochrome
bitmap by selecting this from the drop down list box.
Next go into the printer driver by clicking start/settings/printers/right
click the printer and choose printing preferences/advanced/expand the
ribbon and choose front overlay varnish/choose bitmap overlay varnish from
drop down menu/click browse and find you monochrome image you saved.
3. My barcode is not reading, what can I do?
Use Code 3 of 9 Standard not Code 3 of 9 Full ASC. Next we recommend first
seeing what type of barcode format and barcode your reader will like.
Next, make sure that the checksum is checked if you use a checksum and the
ratio is set to 3:1, 2:1 or 2:5:1 for the barcode. Adjusting the barcode
height to 50 or such may help as well. The foreground and font color must
be black (0,0,0) so right click the barcode to make sure this is correct.
The background may also have to be white. Adjusting these settings fixes
the issue most of the time. If not please contact your time & attendance
rep for the proper barcode format.
Some readers require that the barcode be printed in carbon or resin black.
If you have an Eltron or Fargo printer make sure that black or resin black
is being used. Some readers will not read barcodes printed from inkjet
printers. These K resin settings are located in the printer driver.
4. My images, logos or photos look pale on the Simply ID Card System
or Eltron printer, how do I adjust the color setting?
Go to start/settings/printers and right click your Eltron printer. Click
on properties/printing preferences/advanced find the color settings (in
card or displayed there)and change all the color correction settings to
-10 for red, green, etc...
You may want to adjust your camera settings in their format properties and
change the backlight to on or adjust brightness.
5. How do I batch print cards using the Simply ID Card System,
Eltron or Fargo printer?
Go to the first record in the database or the record you want to batch
print from. Next go to file/print options and see that 1 card per page is
checked and check enable batch print. Choose how many records you want to
print from the drop down list box. Click ok. Next go to file print and
begin to print cards.
6. How do I batch print cards using the Simply ID Laminate Card
System, inkjet or laser printer?
Go to the first record in the database or the record you want to batch
print from. Next go to file/print options and see that 2, 6 or 8 card per
page is checked or load your print saved settings from the load button.
(You have to adjust margins in order for the cards to be aligned). Click
ok. Next go to file print and begin to print cards.
If you designate 8 cards to a page it will print all 8 records on the
first page. If you designed a 2 sided card it will print all front cards
for the 8 record holders on the first page and all back cards for the 8
record holders on the second page. Go to the next record after the last
record printed and repeat the process by clicking print.
7. How do I install Simply ID as a User under Windows 2000 or XP? 7A
How do I setup users within Simply ID 4.0?
1) Log in as an Administrator then grant the user administrator
privileges. (You many need to contact your network administrator to
activate this). 2) Switch to that user and install the Simply ID software.
3) Switch back to the administrator and revoke administrator privileges
from that user.
7A: You first must purchase Simply ID 4.0, next go to File/Admin options
to setup a user.
8. How do I install Simply ID on a network and have multiple users
access the cards and database?
Basically you will need to "map" the ODBC connection on that local machine
by going into the ODBC Sources under adminstrative tools and then
configuring the SimplyID source to the location where the SimplyID.mdb
file is located on the network. You must purchase a copy for each
workstation. Also adding records or maintaining the database at the same
time if more than one user is accessing the data may cause errors. This
configuration has not been fully tested and is not supported by Simply ID.
However, it seems to work on our test networks.
9. How do I install the Simply ID Signature Module?
Make sure you enter your serial # that came with the signature module when
installing the Simply ID Software. If you upgraded to a signature module
just enter your serial # in the help/about of Simply ID. Next put the
Signature CD into the CD drive and click on the USB folder. Next click on
the setup. It will walk you through the installation. Make sure you check
install the wintab driver. Next plug in the signature pad. You may have to
go back into the CD and click on the setup under the USB folder to finish
the installation. See
Signature Install Tips for detailed information.
If you click on the picture viewer and right click Pic 2 in Simply ID the
signature pad should be enabled. If you can't write from the pad we
recommend clicking on the setup under the USB folder in the signature CD
to finish the installation. You should see a variety of drivers being
installed. If you can write then the pad is operating normally. Rebooting
helps "reset" the signature pad drivers. Runs under Windows 2000 and XP
only! If the pad is sluggish See
Signature Install Tips for detailed information.
10. How do I encode a magstripe card with Simply ID?
First your printer needs the magstripe encoder. If you bought a system
with an encoder then you are ok. You also need magstripe cards that need
to go into the printer towards the back (If you are facing the front of
the printer the magstripe is down and away from you).
Go to file/new card and check the enable magstripe encoding. Once your
card is setup. Double click the black stripe on the card design. Choose
which Track you want to encode. For example we want to encode the static #
1234 then the data field FIRSTNAME on Track 1 and the same on track 2 then
1234 SSN on Track 3.
Check Track 1 then for Text 1 type in 1234. For data source 1 choose Text
1 then for data source 2 choose First Name. For track 2 Check Track 2 then
for Text 1 type in 1234. For data source 1 choose Text 1 then for data
source 2 choose First Name. For track 3 Check Track 3 then for Text 1 type
in 1234. For Data source 1 choose text 1 then for datasource 2 choose SSN.
Make sure your printer is set to encode in the printer properties and that
all upper case is used for the data when entering this data. Example JOHN
DOE. This may sound confusing but it is quite simple. If you have any
problems email us at support@simplyid.com and we will be happy to walk you
through it.
11. I purchased the tracking module and would like to configure the
reader, how can I configure the card reader?
There are a variety of ways to customize the reader so please review the
reader manual at
Reader Install Tips
You can totally customize the read by coding information to the reader
through Notepad or MS Word.
Some Suggestions:
The reader is delayed on the card swipe so we recommend changing the
factory settings. Go into Notepad(Start/Programs/Accessories/Notpad)
and type this code in hitting enter after each entry. All settings
are located in the Tracking
/e/d/fb (Hit Enter) b2 (Hit Enter) 0 (Hit Enter) bz (Hit Enter)
This will speed up the reading speed.
To disable returns after each magstripe track read,
/e/d/fh (Hit Enter) h4 (Hit Enter) n (Hit Enter) hz (Hit Enter)
To disable Track 3 (Recommended since the tracking mode will not operate
properly if data is empty in track 3).
/e/d/fd (Hit Enter) h1 (Hit Enter) d (Hit Enter) dz (Hit Enter)
12. I have about a 1500 records and everything seems to be slowing
down, when printing what can I do?
Download our latest 4.0 or higher version by clicking software updates on
the left side of this page to resolve the slowness. Once installed click
view/database optimizer. Click optimize. This will compress the images to
JPEG format. You may lose some image quality on the pictures but your
database will be smaller. Also if you click the go to record filter button
and filter the database by the records you want to print it will print
faster. To reset the filter go to record/reset record filter.
We ALWAYS recommend backing up the SimplyID database before trying
to do any of this just in case something happens that may delete or
corrupt the data. It is always good practice to back up your data daily or
weekly. Click file/backup database or make a copy of the entire simply id
folder usually located at c:/SimplyID
13. How do I print Edge to Edge with the Simply ID Card System,
Eltron or Fargo Printer?
Go to file/new card and choose the Oversized and 1 card per page. After
card setup, go to file/print options and change margins for 1.59 top
margin and 6.40 left margin.
You may have to still adjust card sizes and change margins, etc... for
many printers depending on resolution and card design.
14. How do I save a card? How do I save and use multiple cards?
Design your card by going to file/new card and follow the setup. After you
have customized your card go to file/save card as and save the card in the
Simply ID folder. Repeat this process for the other cards. When you want
to use a card click on file/open card or click the open card button on the
top left of the tool bar. All cards are saved so you can use them for
future card processing.
15. Where is my database information in Simply ID stored? How can I
protect my database with a password?
Simply ID stores all data information in the simplyid.mdb file located in
the Simply ID folder. Default location is C:\SimplyID\SimplyID.MDB. You
must have MS Access 2000 or greater to open this file. We do not offer
support for Simply ID if you modify or change the SimplyID.MDB file.
If you have Microsoft Access 2000 or XP loaded on the same machine you can
add a password to the simplyid.mdb file. Go into MS Access and choose
file/open. Open the SimplyID.MDB file located in the Simply ID folder.
When choosing to open the file click on the open button (right side) and
choose open exclusive. Click on tools/security/set database
password. Now when you go into Simply ID it will ask for the user name and
password that you set.
16. How do I import existing data from a database into Simply ID?
You must have Simply ID 4.0 version or greater and go to file/import
database. Your data must be in a .csv file and you must have the same file
heading we recommend. You need to go to help/help topics and choose the
import database topic. This will describe in detail on how to import in
4.0.
Using Microsoft Access 2000 or greater
You must use MS Access. All data is stored in the SimplyID.MDB file (table
1) located in the Simply ID folder. You must use MS Access 2000 or XP.
Access 97 will not work. We do not support importing data and recommend
having someone at your organization that is familar with MS Access to do
this. If you go into Simply ID and it does not open properly with errors
then the data table structure has been changed. We recommend you only
import data into the proper fields.
DO NOT change columns or modify the table in any way. We recommend
removing Simply ID and ALSO removing the SimplyID folder if you do receive
errors. This will wipe out all data and card designs. We highly recommend
backing up the entire SimplyID folder on a regular basis or before you
import data so you do not lose data or card designs.
17. When I enter the Simply ID program, it stays in the toolbar and
does not open, what do I do?
Right click Simply ID in the toolbar and click maximize. The Simply
ID program should now open.
18. I designed a card and my logo disappears when I print, what do I
do?
One symptom is that the logo or image is too big. Try reducing the size of
the logo then use it on the card. We recommend a size of 100k or less and
save it as a JPG. Also when printing to a network printer or over a
network sometimes the logo will dissapear when multiple cards are being
printed. If it dissapears often we recommend deleting the Pic 1 or 2 or 3
(persons picture) and deleting the logo. Next put the picture field (pic 1
or 2 or 3 whichever you are using normally pic 1) on the card first then
add the logo by using insert image. Save the card. It should print fine.
If it still does not resolve this we recommend using the printer locally
on your machine or installing the latest printer drivers for that printer.
However reducing the size of the logo seems to resolve the issue most of
the time.
19. My logo or other objects dissapear when I print a 2 sided card
or a 2,4,6, or 8 up card layout. How do I resolve this?
One symptom is that the logo or image is too big. Try reducing the size of
the logo saving it as a JPG then use it on the card. A file size of 100 or
less is recommended. Also when printing to a network printer or over a
network sometimes the logo will dissapear when multiple cards are being
printed. If it dissapears often we recommend deleting the Pic 1 or 2 or 3
(persons picture) and deleting the logo. Next put the picture field (pic 1
or 2 or 3 whichever you are using normally pic 1) on the card first then
add the logo by using insert image. Save the card. It should print fine.
If it still does not resolve this we recommend using the printer locally
on your machine or installing the latest printer drivers for that printer.
However reducing the size of the logo seems to resolve the issue most of
the time.
20. My laminator with the Simply ID is not laminating the card, what
has happened?
Your laminator may have been dropped during shipping or dropped at your
location. We will send you a free laminator if it is still under the 90
day warranty from your date of purchase.
21. Why am I getting an "Unrecognizable Database format, driver
errors or ODBC errors"?
You need to install the latest Microsoft Data Access Components by
downloading them direct from Microsoft at
click here to update your ODBC Components to version 2.8.
Also you need to make sure you download our latest version. Go to Help
About in Simply ID to see if you are up to date.
Normally older machines like Windows 98 do not have the latest drivers and
if you keep receiving errors please upgrade your computer to a better and
more recent operating system like Windows 2000 or XP. We do not support
Windows 95 or 98.
22. How do I print a "report" of an individual or create an 8 1/2 x
11 dossier sheet of an employee?
You can do reporting if you have MS Access 2000 or XP and open the
SimplyID.MDB file (Table 1). If you want to print a sheet with individual
information and photo for their employee file we recommend creating a new
large card and putting their data and picture on the card. Go to file/new
card click custom and use the settings 279 x 215 mm. Adjust the margins
accordingly in file print options to line up with the page.
23. How do I remove the word "DEMO" from my purchased Simply ID
software?
First you need administrative rights to enter the serial # and erase the
word DEMO on the card. Go to help about and click Enter serial #. Next
enter the serial number (caps must be applied to lettering). Hit ok and
exit out of Simply ID. Go back into the program and the word DEMO will be
removed. If it is not removed then you do not have Admin rights on that
machine and you will need to get your network administrator to enter the
serial # described above.
24. What are the different card dimensions for particular cards and
how do I design that size?
First make sure you have paper that is designed for your card size or a
printer that handles that particular card dimension. Design a particular
card in Simply ID by going to file/new card choose custom for a custom
size or use CR80 (Credit Card Size) or CR80 (Edge to Edge) for PVC card
printers. Below are some dimensions for a landscape card. Reverse settings
in the custom setting for a portrait setup. Larger cards bigger than
credit card are used on inkjet or laser printers specifically.
CR80 (Credit Card Size for Credit Card Laminate Pouches)This is
good for our 8up paper. Use CR 80 Standard or 1 1 15/16 in x 3 1/16 in or
(49 x 78mm)
Government/Military Size Cards 3 7/8 in x 2 21/32 in or (98.5 x
67.5mm)
Large Cards 3in x 4 in
25. A. Why does the Simply ID demo keep installing when I click on
the simplyid.exe file when I downloaded the demo? B. Why does Simply ID
perform an illegal operation on my first saved card?
A. When downloading the demo file do not save it in a folder called
simplyid. Instead save the program on your C: Drive or a temp folder. If
you have not done this uninstall the program and save the file as
recommended and re-install.
B. Design a new card again and save it again. You should not see this
error.
26. Why does my barcode not print out to the "i" series Eltron/Zebra
card printers when using the insert barcode function?
This is fixed in Zebra's P310i's driver release 2.0 or higher and firmware
3.34 or higher:
Model Zebra P310i
http://www.zebracard.com/drivers/index.html#p310i
Model Zebra P420i
http://www.zebracard.com/drivers/index.html#p420i
A simple workaround is to use insert db text by right clicking the card
then use field 15 as the barcode field. Right click the text box and
choose fonts. Change the font to WASP 39 H or other WASP barcode. We
suggest WASP codabar H, etc.... Next make the font size at least 36,
regular and black. Adjust the box size so the barcode has white spacing
around the barcode. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE * at the start
and stop of the # so the barcode will read. In order for the barcode to
read you must use the * at the start and end of the #’s in field 15.
Example *1234*. If your barcode does not read we suggest a different
barcode, adjusting font size, etc...
27. Where can I purchase Keytags for my PVC card printer? How do I
design a 3 up key tag with Simply ID?
You can purchase the 3up pvc keytags by calling 800-338-7941
See link to setup the Key
Tag Settings
28. How do I print a edge to edge colored cards with a pvc card
printer in Simply ID?
Go to file/new card and use the oversize card or if you have already
designed your card go to view/card properties and change the size to
oversize. You may need to adjust objects on the card and move them in on
the card design. Also you may need to adjust your margins by going to
file/print options then view the card by going to file/print preview.
29. My pictures look grainy or deformed in Simply ID using the
Logitech QC 4000?
Simply ID 4.0 allows you to edit an image with a crop box. Right click the
picture and choose edit image/crop. Next draw the box in a portrait style
and click "crop". Now those crop settings will be remembered. Adjust the
image box on the card to reflect the new crop settings so it will not be
deformed.
Logitech captures their images in a landscape mode using live view. We
recommend adjusting the box size on the card to a landscape box or
cropping the image in portrait style mentioned above. If you decide on
landscape then highlight the picture box on the card and then pull the box
width out or adjust the box size bigger to a landscape look. Please note
the images may print out different and look better than on screen. We also
recommend that your display settings on your computer are set to 16 bit or
higher and 800 x 600.
30. I am using the Zebra P420i/P520i card printer and my cards print
2 sided on 2 different cards. What do I do to fix this?
The issue is in Zebra's most recent 1.16 driver. You need to download the
2.0 or higher version software and the latest 3.34 firmware or higher. Go
to www.zebracard.com and click drivers and then P420i or P520i.
31. I am using the Eltron / Zebra P310 /P420 / P520 card printer and
my cards print light. What do I do to fix this?
Go to the control panel/printers/click properties/printing preferences/
change the use resin black setting to use always and black bitmap
to on. (sometimes you must change from except in color picture to
enable the black bitmap then choose on).
32. The database and printing seem slow when I have a database over
500 records, what can I do?
You can filter the database by clicking the go to record button or
use record/record filter and pull up only the cards you want to print. To
see all records again click record/reset record filter. We have addressed
this in our 4.0 higher version.
Installation Documents (PDF Format)
Simply ID support documents are located below in PDF format. Please
download these documents and save them for system installation or software
support instructions. Download may take a few minutes.
