Your questions, Answered by Experts
At Mediasoft, we help individuals and businesses design and print high-quality plastic badges with ease.
Our team shares practical advice on customizing your ID cards, choosing the right badge printers, using our software to simplify your workflow, and staying up to date with the latest badge printing trends.

1. Download, Installation & Activation
1.1 How can I download eMedia CS2 software?
You can download the latest version of eMedia CS2 from the official Mediasoft website in the “Downloads” section. Always ensure you’re installing the version that matches your license and operating system (Windows 10 or higher).
1.2 What are the system requirements for eMedia CS2?
eMedia CS2 runs on Windows 10 and later versions. It requires at least 2 GB RAM, 300 MB of disk space, and a screen resolution of 1024×768 or higher.
1.3 How do I activate my eMedia CS2 license?
Once the software is installed, launch it and go to Help > License Activation. Enter your license key, and follow the on-screen instructions. An internet connection is required for online activation.
1.4 I don’t have internet access. Can I activate offline?
Yes, eMedia CS2 supports offline activation. After entering your license key, choose “Manual Activation.” You’ll receive a file to send to Mediasoft support, who will return a response file to complete activation.
1.5 Is it possible to install eMedia CS2 on multiple computers?
A single-user license can be installed on one device only. For additional workstations, consider a multi-user or network license.
1.6 My antivirus blocked the installation. What should I do?
Sometimes, security software may block new applications. Temporarily disable your antivirus during installation and whitelist the program folder after setup.
2. Customize Your Card
2.1 Can I design ID cards from scratch in eMedia CS2?
Yes! eMedia CS2 includes a powerful card designer. You can create single- or double-sided ID cards using shapes, text, barcodes, photos, and backgrounds.
2.2 Does eMedia support dynamic text or image fields?
Absolutely. You can add dynamic fields linked to your database, like names or photos, and they will be updated automatically during batch printing.
2.3 Can I import images, logos or backgrounds?
Yes, you can import PNG, JPG, and BMP files directly into your card template. Drag and drop your logo, or use the “Insert Image” button in the layout editor.
2.4 Can I use QR codes or barcodes on my cards?
eMedia CS2 supports most standard barcodes including QR Code, Code 39, EAN 13, and more. Just insert a barcode object and link it to your data.
2.5 Is it possible to set conditional formatting on cards?
Yes. With the “Conditions” panel, you can define rules to show/hide elements based on the content of a field (e.g., different logo per department).
2.6 Can I print different designs based on data?
Yes, eMedia CS2 allows template switching or layout conditions depending on database fields. This is ideal for schools, events, or multi-site organizations.
3. Database
3.1 What types of databases are compatible with eMedia CS2?
eMedia CS2 supports MS Excel, CSV files, MS Access, SQL Server, MySQL, and other ODBC-compliant sources.
3.2 How do I connect eMedia to a database?
Use the “Database” wizard in the card project. Select your database type, browse the file or enter the connection string, and test the connection.
3.3 Can I use Excel as a data source?
Yes. Excel files (XLS, XLSX) can be directly linked. Make sure the spreadsheet has a header row with clear field names.
3.4 Can I preview records before printing?
Of course. Use the “Record View” to preview data before launching a print batch. This helps you check every card layout in advance.
3.5 Is it possible to filter data before printing?
Yes. eMedia includes a filtering system to print only specific records based on conditions (e.g., Department = Sales).
3.6 Can I link a photo field to a folder of images?
Yes. The software can auto-link photos based on filenames (e.g., employee_id.jpg). Just map the database field to the image path.
4. Printing
4.1 What printers are compatible with eMedia CS2?
eMedia CS2 is compatible with all major card printers such as Evolis, HID Fargo, Zebra, Magicard, and more. Just ensure the driver is installed.
4.2 How do I select the printer?
In the print setup, choose your installed card printer. You can also select the printing method (single/double-sided) and resolution.
4.3 Can I print cards in batch?
Yes! eMedia CS2 was built for batch printing. Connect your database, load your design, and click “Print” to process hundreds of records at once.
4.4 Can I adjust card alignment and margins?
Yes. You can fine-tune positioning using the print calibration settings, useful for edge-to-edge printing or when switching card types.
4.5 Why is my card printing blank?
Make sure you selected the correct printer and that the ribbon is loaded properly. Also verify that your dynamic fields are linked to real data.
4.6 How do I print on both sides of a card?
Your printer must support duplex printing. Then in your eMedia project, enable the back side layout and assign elements to the reverse side of your card.
5. Encoding (Magnetic & RFID)
5.1 Can eMedia CS2 encode magnetic stripes?
Yes. You can encode tracks 1, 2 and 3 of ISO magnetic cards. Configure encoding in the “Magnetic Stripe” settings under the printer setup.
5.2 What kind of smart card encoding is supported?
eMedia supports encoding for contactless cards like MIFARE, HID Prox, and others—depending on your printer’s encoding capabilities.
5.3 How do I set up RFID encoding?
Connect your RFID-compatible printer and go to “Encoding Settings.” Choose the chip type and configure the encoding data fields.
5.4 Can I encode and print in one pass?
Yes. Most advanced printers supported by eMedia allow simultaneous printing and encoding for streamlined production.
5.5 What if encoding fails during print?
If encoding fails, the print job can be canceled or repeated. Always test your encoding settings with a sample card before full production.
5.6 Is encryption supported during encoding?
Yes. For RFID encoding, you can use encryption keys or access control bits when supported by the card type and the encoder module.
6. Troubleshooting & Support
6.1 eMedia CS2 won’t start. What should I do?
If eMedia CS2 doesn’t launch, make sure your Windows system is up to date and that all required permissions are granted. Try running the application as administrator. If the issue persists, reinstall the software and ensure your antivirus isn’t blocking it.
6.2 Why are my dynamic fields showing as blank?
This usually means your database is not connected or the field mapping is incorrect. Check that your data source is properly linked, and verify the field names used in your layout match those in your database.
6.3 My printer is connected but not printing. How can I fix this?
First, ensure the correct printer driver is installed and selected in eMedia CS2. Check the ribbon and card tray. Also verify that your layout includes printable elements and that you’re not trying to print an empty record.
6.4 How do I update eMedia CS2 to the latest version?
To update, visit the official Mediasoft website and download the latest version from the “Downloads” page. Install it over your current version—your projects and license will remain intact.
6.5 Where can I download the user manual or support documentation?
You’ll find the full user manual and Quick Start Guide in the “Help” menu of the software or on the Mediasoft website under “Support > Documentation”.
6.6 How can I contact Mediasoft technical support?
You can reach our support team by email via the Contact page on the Mediasoft website. Be sure to include your license number, version, and a clear description of your issue for a faster response.
You can also find our YouTube Tutorials
Need some help?
Our support team is available for you
Contact information
228 Rue de la Convention, 75015, Paris, FRANCE
+33 811 696 700
support@emedia-cs.com