A text object is simply a line of printable characters. A text object is created whenever the LabelWriter printer receives a printable character that is not otherwise part of a command. Once it’s created, a text object will remain active until it is terminated.
While a text object is active, any printable characters sent to the printer will be added to that text object. The only exceptions are printable characters that are sent as part of a command. While a text object is active, commands that alter text line attributes (such as font and double-height character commands) are ignored. Commands that alter text character attributes (such as double wide and inverse) may be sent at any time.
Line attributes include the five basic fonts (ESC S, P, M, U, and T), plus the double-height font command (GS DC2). These commands may not be issued while a text object is active; instead they should be issued before a text object is begun. The font line attribute persists until another font command is received. The double-height line attribute persists either until the cancel double-height command (GS DC3) is sent or the current font is changed.
The character attribute commands include the set font to double wide (SO) and set inverse print mode (GS RS) commands. These commands may be issued or canceled at any time. Character attributes persist only until the end of a text object.
A text object can be terminated with a carriage return, a line feed, or both, in either combination. If the length of the text object exceeds the space allowed for printing, it will either wrap to the next line or truncate at the end of the printable area. The decision to wrap or truncate is determined by the select line wrap/truncate mode command (GS T). By default, text objects will wrap to the next line.