Edit Barcode Format

Controls which symbol is used for the barcode image.

Typically, barcodes are one dimensional, displayed as a series of parallel bars of varying widths and spaces. But there are two dimensional barcodes that are displayed as patterns of squares, dots and hexagons.

For one dimensional barcodes, all of the information can be read by scanning the image in one direction (usually horizontally, from left to right) only. For two dimensional barcodes, the image must be scanned in its entirety.

Each barcode is designed for different uses, printers, displays and readers. There is a limit to the number of symbols some barcodes display; for example, UPCE only allows eight symbols. You need to take this length into account when creating an expression for the barcode.

Also referred to as check digit. It is used to check the barcode has been read correctly when scanned. It is a single digit added to the end of the barcode. The digit is calculated based on the information in the barcode. When the barcode is scanned the reader checks the barcode against the check digit calculation.

Note: Some barcodes don't support this check.

Controls where the barcode text is displayed. Choose to display text above or below the barcode. Or you can decide not to show the text. However, text is important should the printed barcode become damaged or of poor quality.

Controls the space between the text and the barcode.

Tip: To change the measurement unit, choose Tools > Options, then on the Options tab set the layout Measurement unit.

Controls the colour of the bars in the barcode.

Tip: Black bars are the optimum colour for barcodes with white spaces as the background.

Controls the width of a single bar.

The size of each barcode symbol is subject to upper and lower limits. For example, the EAN-13 symbology has a magnification range of 80% to 200% of its specific nominal size.

Any change to the barcode's size should be proportionate otherwise it will affect scan rates.

Tip: To change the measurement unit, choose Tools > Options, then on the Options tab set the layout Measurement unit.

Controls the height of the barcode.

The size of each barcode symbol is subject to upper and lower limits. For example, the EAN-13 symbology has a magnification range of 80% to 200% of its specific nominal size.

Any change to the barcode's size should be proportionate otherwise it will affect scan rates.

Tip: To change the measurement unit, choose Tools > Options, then on the Options tab set the layout Measurement unit.

Controls the ratio between the size of wide bars to that of narrow bars.

Perhaps you have a specific a barcode format you want to achieve, you could use this setting to get the desired result. However, the default setting works in most cases.

Note: Some barcodes don't support this.

This wil produce a smoother barcode image. This improvement in quality may affect the speed of generating and printing reports or labels.

Controls the fineness of an image, which is measured in DPI (dots per inch). The higher the DPI the finer the barcode. It is worth considering the capability of the printer and printer driver used to print the barcodes before increasing the resolution. High-resolution barcodes may affect the speed of generating and printing reports or labels.

Angles the barcode and its text to match how it will be fed to the reader.

Gives you an image of the barcode based on your current settings.

The example uses values 0-9, but you can enter any value you want to check.