File Types

Scantron DesignExpert software provides several types of files.

• OMR Document (.dew)

  An OMR document file is used to design your custom document for use with an OMR scanner. This is the file you use for printing your document, either by sending it to Scantron Print Services for printing or by printing locally on your laser printer. There are two types of OMR document files:

  • OMR - designed for offset printing at Scantron or for laser printing on plain paper with the PrintFlex option.
  • OMR - Laser Printer Only - designed for printing on your laser printer using Scantron DesignExpert stock form 103188 or 265914, or using plain paper with the PrintFlex option.

  An OMR document can be saved as an OMR document file (*.dew), template file (*.det), or underlay file (*.deu).

  You can perform merge printing from a document file via the Merge Wizard or the MergePrint Utility.

  PrintFlex printing is available from OMR document files if you have the PrintFlex option.

• Template (.det)

  A templateThe file name extension (*.det) for a Scantron DesignExpert software template file, a document design file which has been saved so that it can serve as a pattern for the creation of new forms. The primary reasons to use templates are to reduce the time required to design new forms and to maintain consistent design standards. file contains predefined document attributes that can save you time in creating a document file. You can open a template file, save it as a document file, and then proceed to work in the document. You can also save an existing document file as a template, so it is available for creating future documents.

  A template can be saved as a document file (*.dew) or template file (*.det). When saved as a document file, the OMRtype is automatically created, based on the original file type that the template was created from. When saved as a template file, OMR documents are saved as *.det file types.

  You can perform merge printing from a template file via the Merge Wizard or the MergePrint Utility.

  PrintFlex printing is available from OMR template files if you have the PrintFlex option.

Additional File Types - Print Personalization

Additionally, two file types, Underlay and Overlay, can be used for print personalizationPre-printing information on a form using a database, usually in Access, Excel, or CSV format. The information is usually specific to the person who will use the form. Printing is usually performed with a laser printer or similar device. This service, when performed by Scantron Print Services is called VIP, Variable Intelligent Printing. See Also Access, CSV, Excel, pre-print, pre-slug with an OMR file. These file types allow you to protect the design of a base form that was printed at Scantron while using flexible overlays to control the print personalization.

• Underlay (.deu)

  An underlayThe file name extension (*.deu) for a Scantron DesignExpert underlay file. A read-only file (*.deu) is created from a Scantron DesignExpert file (*.dew or *.dei). It serves as a kind of template upon which additional text, graphics, or variable text placeholders can be added. All of the shapes and text from the .dew or .dei file are displayed at 50% in the underlay file, so the added text and graphics can be precisely aligned. The added text and graphics can then be saved as an Overlay (*.deo) for later printing to the finished DesignExpert form. is a read-only file that represents the custom-designed base form you had printed at Scantron. An underlay is used as the source for overlay files, so shapes on the overlay align accurately.

  An underlayThe file name extension (*.deu) for a Scantron DesignExpert underlay file. A read-only file (*.deu) is created from a Scantron DesignExpert file (*.dew or *.dei). It serves as a kind of template upon which additional text, graphics, or variable text placeholders can be added. All of the shapes and text from the .dew or .dei file are displayed at 50% in the underlay file, so the added text and graphics can be precisely aligned. The added text and graphics can then be saved as an Overlay (*.deo) for later printing to the finished DesignExpert form.is created from the document (.dew) file that matches the printed form. From the .dew file, select "Save As". In the "Save As" dialog box, click the drop-down arrow for "Save As Type" and select "DesignExpert Underlay". An underlay file is a read-only format where the existing shapes/graphic elements CANNOT be modified, moved, selected, or deleted. When you open an underlay file, all existing shapes are displayed using a 50% screen, so it is more apparent that they cannot be selected. You may open an underlay file and add more shapes to it; then you can save it as an overlay.

  An underlay can only be saved as an overlay file.

  An underlay can only be printed from the Merge Wizard. This capability is useful during development and testing of print personalization for your form. Underlays cannot be printed directly to your laser printer or with the PrintFlex option.

• Overlay (.deo)

  An overlayThe file name extension (*.deo) for a Scantron DesignExpert software overlay file. A file (*.deo) is created from an DesignExpert underlay file (*.deu). After additional text, graphics, or variable text placeholders are added to an underlay file, it can be saved as an overlay file (*.deo) for later printing to the finished DesignExpert form. is used for overprinting on your local laser printer. The paper stock you use when you print an overlay is the document you had printed at Scantron.

  An overlay is created only from an underlay (.deu) file. After you have added shapes to the underlay, select "Save As". In the "Save As" dialog box. The "Save As Type" displays "DesignExpert Overlay". Other elements can be added to an overlay, such as graphics or non-variable text. Typically, variable caption text place holders for print personalization are defined in an overlay. For an OMR file, you cannot add response grids to the overlay.

  An overlay file is automatically linked to its Underlay(s). The shapes/graphic elements from the corresponding underlay are displayed in a 50% screen and can NOT be modified, moved, selected, or deleted. New elements added to an overlay appear in the colors you select. Multiple overlay files can be created from a single underlay.

  An overlay can only be saved as an overlay file.

  An overlay is intended for printing from the Merge Wizard or from the MergePrint Utility. You can also print an overlay directly to your laser printer for proofing purposes. The PrintFlex option is not available for overlay files.

See Merge Wizard for details on using print personalization.

File Type Summary

The following table summarizes characteristics of the different files available in Scantron DesignExpert software.

Related topics

Document Setup Overview - New Image File

Document Setup Overview - New OMR File

Getting Started Options dialog

New OMR File - Laser Printer dialog

Working with the MergePrint Utility