A printed page tag encoder is provided having an input at which to receive a tag structure template, an input at which to receive fixed data bits, each fixed data bit being the same for all tags to be printed on a page, an input at which to receive variable data bits, each variable data bit being specified for a corresponding tag to be printed on a page, and a tag dot generator outputting single bits depending on position in each tag defined by the tag structure template and said fixed and said variable data.