Being a cloud-based software, Shepherd does not connect directly to any printer nor does it control any print settings. You’ll need to make sure your printer(s) are connected to a computer correctly. Shepherd will send print information through your web browser, Google Chrome, which is then processed through the driver and settings on your computer.

To allow for printing of any label size or through any label printer, (i.e. DYMO, Zebra, or Brother) we have a custom label builder to help you format your prescription, patient, and cage card labels. Within the custom label builder, you are also able to modify what content is included on the label as well as additional settings like font sizes.

First, make sure your printer(s) are connected to a computer. You’ll need to have the correct driver installed for your printer and operating system to work together. For example

Step 1: Install the Driver

After determining which driver will work for your operating system and printer, select the link to download it. After it downloads, you’ll need to open the driver installation file and make sure it’s successfully installed on your computer.

Step 2: Hook Up the Printer

Unless you’re using a wireless printer, you need to make sure that the printer is:

Step 3: Add the Printer

Before printing, you’ll need to add the printer as a destination. The process is different for computers running MacOS and Windows.

See the Apple printer installation guide for MacOS

See the Microsoft printer Installation guide for Windows

Depending on the label size and printer you are using, you may want to adjust the print settings. Below is an example for additional settings on 2.13in x 2.75in (54mm x 70mm) label sizes, often used with DYMO printers.

Due to label size variability and customization options, you'll need to ensure the label size selected in your printer settings matches your printer brand and label size.

In addition to configuring your printer(s) to your workstation(s), you'll also need to configure your Shepherd label settings to match. Shepherd will generate a label which your workstation and printer will take over to complete the printing request.

To allow for printing of any label size or through any label printer, (i.e. DYMO, Zebra, or Brother) we have a custom label builder to help you format your prescription, patient, and cage card labels. Within the custom label builder, you are also able to modify what content is included on the label as well as additional settings like font sizes.

To access your label settings:

Shepherd offers two default labels for 54mm x 70mm size labels, often used for DYMO printers, or 49mm x 89mm, often used for Zebra printers. Our default labels cannot be edited or modified but do not require any additional setup before usage. If you want to use another label size or change the content or font size on the label, you can set up a custom label.

You will need to select what template you want to use for prescription labels, patient labels, and cage cards. NOTE: You can create a custom label for each label type.

To create a custom label, you can either duplicate from an existing template or create your own new label template from a blank canvas.

Duplicating an existing template means you can begin from a previous design and perform updates or modifications to your preference without needing to define all variables and their placements. Duplicated custom labels will not be font responsive, meaning longer text will not decrease in size to fit within the defined variable area. Please be mindful of the length of text entered in these spaces.

To duplicate an existing template, select the double paper icon, located at the end of the action icons within any template card.

Next, you will be prompted to confirm the duplicated template's label size. Once you've confirmed the label size, you can modify and update the variables as normal.

Visit the Variables section below to learn more about using label variables and edit features.

Once you've reviewed and confirmed your label template design is correct, ensure you have defined a title in the upper left-hand corner. Then select the green 'save template' button in the upper right-hand corner to save the template design for usage.

To start from a blank custom label, select Add New under the section you want to make a label for then select Custom from the dropdown menu. From there, you will enter the size of your labels.

Label variables are placeholders that will pre-populate the corresponding information when the label is printed. For example, {Clinic Name} will print the name of your clinic and {Patient Name} will print the patient's name,

Selecting a variable along the right-sided menu will place the block within the blank label canvas. You then resize or click and drag the variable to the correct position.

A variable can be removed using the delete key once it is highlighted.
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Selecting a placed variable will open a menu with additional style and placement options such as font size, text styles, and alignment. When editing variables within your template, be sure to size appropriately, especially with considerations for medication directions as this will likely require more space.

You may also wish to manually include leading title text in front of variables for specific areas (ie. quantity, refills remaining, directions, etc.). You can do this by manually updating the 'Content' field under the text title of the associated variable.

An example is offered below:

Use the 'preview' button located in the upper right-hand corner to review your design. Sample data options are provided to easily incorporate realistic example content in your preview.

Once you've reviewed and confirmed your label template design is correct, ensure you have defined a title in the upper left-hand corner. Then select the green Save Template button in the upper right-hand corner to save the template design for usage.