Once the workorder totals have been calculated, and any payments or deposits have been properly posted, you are ready to print the final document for the client or technician.

Printing is handled using the Print button on the Workorder Development screen.

MLS 2026 supports printing:

•Estimates

•Invoices

•Counter Sales

•Technician Worksheets

•Inspection Reports

The system also supports:

•Multi-page documents

•Duplex printing

•PDF generation

•Emailing

•Faxing

•Network printers

•Print preview mode

Before printing, always verify:

•The printer is online

•Paper is loaded correctly

•The proper printer has been selected

•Invoice print setup has already been configured

If the printer is unavailable:

•MLS 2026 will display an error message

•You may correct the issue before continuing

Printers occasionally become:

•Offline

•Disconnected

•Out of paper

•Turned off accidentally

The system attempts to detect these issues before processing the print request.

Multi-Page Printing

Workorders with extensive:

•Parts lists

•Labor descriptions

•Inspection reports

•Recommendations

may require multiple pages.

MLS 2026 automatically handles:

•Page breaks

•Totals continuation

•Multi-page formatting

•Header repetition

without operator intervention.

Pre-Printed Forms

MLS 2026 supports the use of:

•Plain paper invoices

•Pre-printed forms

Pre-printed forms may include:

•Logos

•Company information

•Custom layouts

•Legal language

If pre-printed forms are used:

•Some printing options such as borders or company headers may be disabled

Contact MasterLink Software for information regarding available print formats.

Printout Options Window

When the Print button is selected, MLS 2026 first displays the Printout Options window.

This allows you to select:

•The document type

•Layout preferences

•Additional printing options

Print Types

Estimate

Prints a customer copy of the estimated services and charges.

This document is commonly used:

•Before work begins

•For customer approval

•For insurance estimates

Worksheet

Prints a Technician Worksheet containing:

•Service instructions

•Parts information

•Workorder notes

•Internal service information

This document is intended for shop personnel and generally contains information not appropriate for the client.

Counter Sale

Prints a sales receipt for:

•Parts-only transactions

•Non-service sales

Invoice

Prints the final billing invoice for completed services.

Additional Print Options

Print Shop Info?

Some companies use pre-printed forms and therefore disable company information in defaults.

However:

•PDF files

•Emails

•Electronic copies

often require the company information to appear.

Checking this box forces the company information to print.

Group Parts Under Labor?

Normally, all parts print in a single section.

This option instead groups parts beneath the labor item where they were used.

Many shops prefer this because:

•It improves readability

•Clients better understand the repair

•The invoice appears more organized

Print Inspection Report?

If the Inspection Checklist system is used, this option includes:

•The complete inspection report

•Vehicle condition information

•Service recommendations

with the invoice package.

Print Full Labor Detail?

Normally, full labor descriptions are printed.

Some clients may request abbreviated invoices instead.

Unchecking this option shortens the labor detail display.

Copies

The number of copies defaults from system setup but may be modified for this print session.

Print Both Sides?

If the selected printer supports duplex printing:

•Both sides of the paper may be used automatically

This saves:

•Paper

•Filing space

•Printing costs

Print Discount Retail?

Normally only the final selling price prints.

This option also displays:

•Original retail pricing

•Discounted pricing

allowing the customer to clearly see discounts provided.

Printer Selection Options

After selecting the print format, MLS 2026 displays the Printer Selection window.

Default / Alternate Printer

By default:

•Output goes to the Windows default printer

If Alternate Printer is selected:

•You may choose another printer

•Send output to a fax device

•Change copy counts

•Redirect printing to another workstation printer

Many shops:

•Use one printer for invoices

•Use another printer for technician worksheets

Network printing is fully supported.

View

Selecting View displays the document on screen before printing.

This is useful for:

•Verifying layout

•Reviewing totals

•Emailing PDFs

•Catching mistakes before printing

From preview mode you may:

•Print

•Email

•Save

•Navigate pages

Print

Selecting Print immediately sends the document to the selected printer.

Cancel

Cancels the print request and exits the printing process.

Emailing A Printout

To email a document:

1.Select View

2.Open the preview window

3.Select the Email icon

4.Enter:

oSubject line

oMessage text

5.Send the email

The entire document will automatically be attached as a PDF.

For emailing to function properly:

•The MLS Email system must already be configured

Faxing A Printout

MLS 2026 can also send documents through:

•Windows fax software

•Fax-enabled printers

•Third-party fax systems

To fax:

1.Select Alternate Printer

2.Choose the fax device from the printer list

3.Continue through the Windows fax prompts

Windows then transfers control to the installed fax software.

If transmission fails:

•The fax software usually stores the document

•It may later be resent manually

Printing Multiple Copies

To print multiple copies:

1.Select Alternate Printer

2.Open the printer setup window

3.Specify the number of copies desired

MLS 2026 will automatically process the requested quantity.

Special Invoice Graphics

MLS 2026 supports enhanced invoice graphics and formatting features designed to improve:

•Professional appearance

•Customer confidence

•Readability

•Brand identity

Please review the section:

•Special Invoice Graphics

for additional information regarding advanced print presentation features.