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<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: MLS 2026 Operations & Reference Guide > Special Utilities & Features > Special Invoice Graphics |
MasterLink Shop Writer provides several ways to enhance the appearance of your printed invoices, estimates, and workorders.
Professional looking documents reinforce your business image and help create a polished presentation for your clients. MLS allows you to:
•control printed layouts
•add framing and shading
•use custom graphic headers
•include company logos
•print watermark images
•customize invoice appearance
These features are configured through the Invoice Setup options and by adding specific graphic files to the MLS server folder.
Go to:
Setup → Invoice
This section controls the appearance and formatting of printed invoices and estimates.
When this option is checked:
•MLS prints your company name
•address
•phone numbers
•company information
directly onto the invoice.
Use this option if:
•you print on blank paper
•you do not use pre-printed forms
•you want MLS to print all company information automatically
Disable this option if:
•you use pre-printed invoice forms
•your company information already exists on the paper
•you are using custom graphic headers or logos
When enabled:
•boxes are printed around invoice sections
•a border frame is placed around the workorder
This creates:
•better organization
•easier readability
•a cleaner professional appearance
Many shops prefer this option enabled.
This option adds:
•grey shading
•highlighted background sections
•enhanced visual separation
to selected invoice areas.
The result is a more polished and professional looking invoice.
MasterLink Shop Writer supports invoice watermark graphics.
A watermark is:
•a faded background image
•usually a company logo
•lightly visible behind printed information
Watermarks can greatly improve the visual presentation of:
•estimates
•invoices
•workorders
To use a watermark:
Create a bitmap file named:
wtrmk.bmp
Then place the file into:
MLS12s folder on the server
Watermarks should be:
•very light
•subdued
•low contrast
•semi-transparent
The printed text must remain easy to read.
Recommended settings:
•approximately 20% image intensity
•approximately 80% transparency
A graphics professional can help create a proper watermark image if desired.
MLS can also print a custom graphic banner at the top of invoices.
Typically this includes:
•your logo
•business name
•branding elements
This creates a much more professional presentation than plain text headings.
To create a banner:
Create a bitmap file named:
mlbanner.bmp
The graphic must be:
576 x 72 pixels
Place the file into:
MLS12s folder on the server
Then:
Uncheck “Print Company Data”
in the Invoice Setup screen.
MLS will automatically use the graphic banner during printing.
You may also replace the normal address section with a fully customized graphic.
This is useful when you want:
•custom fonts
•logo integration
•stylized layouts
•special formatting
•multiple phone numbers
•promotional messaging
Create a bitmap file named:
mlcologo.bmp
The image must be:
774 x 194 pixels
Place the file into:
MLS12s folder on the server
Then:
Uncheck “Print Company Data”
in the Invoice Setup screen.
MLS will automatically print the graphic instead of standard company information.
Many shops include:
•business logo
•address
•phone numbers
•website
•email address
•certifications
•slogans
•business licensing
•ASE logos
•Firewise/community messaging
•specialty service branding
Keep graphics clean and easy to read.
•Graphics must be bitmap (.bmp) files
•File names must match exactly
•Graphics must be placed in the correct MLS12s server folder
•Incorrect dimensions may produce distorted output
•Large or dark graphics may interfere with readability
1.Create graphics using a graphics program or designer
2.Save files with the required names
3.Verify correct image dimensions
4.Copy files into the MLS12s folder
5.Adjust Invoice Setup options
6.Print a test invoice
7.Verify alignment and readability
•Keep invoice graphics professional and uncluttered
•Use subdued colors and shading
•Avoid dark watermark backgrounds
•Test print on multiple printers
•Use high quality graphics
•Ensure logos remain readable when printed
•Avoid excessive image detail
•Keep branding consistent with your website and signage
•Some printers reproduce graphics differently
•Laser printers generally provide the best output quality
•Watermarks may appear differently on monochrome printers
•Pre-printed forms may not align properly with graphic overlays
•Always print test samples before full deployment
A professionally designed invoice presentation helps reinforce your company image and can leave a lasting positive impression on your clients.