How to Configure Print Color in iDempiere
Learn how the Print Color window in iDempiere lets you create, activate and translate reusable colors for standard Print Format report generation.
Introduction
The Print Color window in iDempiere is a standard Application Dictionary setup screen used to define reusable colors that Print Formats apply when generating printed documents and reports.
It supports the document printing process across all standard iDempiere modules and is typically maintained by system administrators or report designers rather than end users during daily transactions.
Process Flow
Business Rules
- Only Active Print Colors are available for selection in Print Format configuration.
- A Print Color marked as Default is automatically used when a new Print Format needs a color.
- Print Color records are Tenant-level and can be scoped to a specific Organization or to all (*).
- An optional Validation Code can restrict when the Print Color record is usable.
- Translation records let the same Print Color display its Name in multiple languages.
- Print Colors control report appearance only; they do not affect transaction data or postings.
Prerequisites
- User role with access to the Application Dictionary menu (System Administrator or Report Designer).
- Tenant and Organization already configured in standard iDempiere.
- Basic familiarity with standard iDempiere Print Format setup.
Configuration Steps
Step 1: Open the Print Color Window
This step is required to access existing Print Color records or start a new one before it can be linked to a Print Format.
Navigate to Application Dictionary → Print → Print Color. The window opens showing the first record, with navigation controls to browse all records.
Step 2: Define Print Color Header Details
Setting the Tenant, Organization and Name identifies the color and determines its visibility scope across the system.
Enter a unique, descriptive Name. Confirm the Tenant and Organization values, using “*” for Organization when the color should be available to all organizations.
Step 3: Set Active and Default Flags
The Active and Default checkboxes control whether the color is usable and whether it is applied automatically.
Check Active to make the color available for selection. Check Default only for the color that should be pre-selected on new Print Formats.
Step 4: Define the Validation Code
The Validation Code allows administrators to restrict when this Print Color record is considered valid or displayed.
Leave the default value as-is for standard use, or enter a valid logical expression only if custom validation is required.
iDempiere evaluates the Validation Code, if provided, before allowing the record to display or be selected.
| Field | Sample Value | Description |
| Tenant | System | Owning tenant of the Print Color record. |
| Organization | * | Scope of the record; * means available to all organizations. |
| Name | Black | Descriptive name identifying the print color. |
| Active | Checked | Determines if the Print Color can be selected and used. |
| Default | Checked | Marks this color as the default choice for new selections. |
| Validation Code | . | Optional logical expression that restricts record usage. |
Step 5: Maintain Translations
Translations allow the Print Color Name to display correctly for users working in a different system language.
In the Translation tab, add a row per required language, enter the translated Name, and mark it Active and Translated.
| Field | Sample Value | Description |
| Print Color | Black | Base Print Color record being translated. |
| Language | Spanish (Colombia) | Target language for the translated name. |
| Active | Checked | Enables the translation for use. |
| Translated | Checked | Confirms the translation has been completed. |
| Name | Negro | Translated display name of the Print Color. |
After completing the configuration, the window is ready for use in standard iDempiere transactions.
Common Issues and Resolutions
| Issue | Cause | Resolution |
| Print Color not appearing in Print Format | Active checkbox is unchecked | Enable the Active checkbox on the Print Color record and save. |
| Default color not applied automatically | Default flag not set on any record | Check the Default checkbox on the intended Print Color record. |
| Translated name not visible in reports | No translation record for the required language | Add a translation row in the Translation tab for that language. |
| Color not selectable in a specific Organization | Organization scope mismatch | Set Organization to “*” or to the matching organization. |
| Record unexpectedly hidden or unusable | Incorrect Validation Code expression | Review and correct the logical expression in Validation Code. |
| Duplicate or unclear color names | No naming convention followed | Apply a consistent naming standard when creating new colors. |
| Changes not reflected in a printed report | Report was generated before the change was saved | Save the Print Color record, then regenerate or reprint the report. |
Next Steps
- Print Format – assign the configured Print Color to report elements.
- Print Paper – define paper size and layout used alongside Print Color.
- Print Font – configure fonts that work together with Print Colors on reports.
- Report and Process – review how Print Formats are applied when running reports.