^FP
Field ParameterPreview: not drawnPrints a field's characters down the label instead of across it, with control over the space between them.
Syntax
^FPd,gParameters
| Parameter | Description and accepted values | If omitted |
|---|---|---|
| d | Direction: horizontal, vertical, or reverse (right to left).H horizontal, V vertical, R reverse (right to left) | H |
| g | Extra space between characters, in dots.0 to 9999 — extra space between characters, in dots | 0 |
How it works
^FP changes how the characters of the next field are laid out. Vertical stacks them one under another, reverse runs them right to left, and the gap parameter adds space between them in either direction.
This is not the same as rotating the field. ^FW and the field's own orientation parameter turn the whole field, glyphs and all, so the text reads sideways. ^FPV keeps every character upright and stacks them, which is what a spine label or a narrow side panel needs.
It applies to one field, like the other field commands, and is cleared by ^FS along with the rest of the field's settings.
Example
^XA
^FO50,40^FPV,6^A0N,30,30^FDSIDE^FS
^XZRendering…
How the preview on this site handles it
Not drawn. A field using ^FP previews as ordinary horizontal text at its field origin, so the characters are right and their arrangement is not. ^FW and the field orientation parameter, which rotate a field rather than stack it, do preview correctly.
Common mistakes
- Reaching for it when you want rotation. ^FPV stacks upright characters; ^FWR turns the whole field on its side.
- Forgetting it ends at ^FS. The next field starts horizontal again.
- Stacking a long string. Vertical text runs off the bottom of the label quickly, and there is no wrapping — ^FB does not apply.