Barcodes in Lasernet Developer

A large range of built-in barcodes can be inserted into the output view of a text form. A barcode can be inserted and delivered as a print output or embedded into PDF or TIFF files for archiving, mailing, and so on.

A range of linear and 2D barcodes are included in Lasernet Core as standard. The barcodes can be inserted as images into forms designed through the Lasernet Form Editor, and generated based on values in the incoming job data.

This page introduces barcode profiles, which enable you to reuse the same barcode specification in multiple forms and labels. Also, it describes every type of linear and 2D barcode that Lasernet Core can generate, and provides settings reference information to help you to configure barcodes in Lasernet Developer and Lasernet Form Editor.

Note

For comprehensive instructions on adding barcodes to PDF, TIFF, and EMF sheets whose underlying format is EMF, see Add Barcodes to a Sheet.

Barcode Profiles

A barcode profile is useful if the same barcode, with the same settings, is used in many different forms or labels. Changing settings for a profile will affect any form where the barcode profile is used. This is a powerful way to manage barcode settings and it ensures that barcode settings are the same for all forms.

You can also insert barcodes into forms and labels without first creating a profile. When this method is used, barcodes are defined inside a form (rather than in a profile); as a result, barcode settings cannot be inherited from other forms. Creating barcodes without profiles is convenient if only a few forms include barcodes.

Add a Barcode Profile

To add a barcode profile to the Lasernet Core configuration, follow these steps:

1. In the lower-right corner of Lasernet Developer, click the Profiles tab (see 1 in the image below).

   

2. Click Barcode Profiles (2).

3. In the toolbar, click Add (3).

4. Click Built-in or Symbology (4) and then click OK.

   • Built-in: Lasernet Core uses its built-in barcode generation capability to generate the linear barcode or 2D barcode that you specify. The Built-in Barcode Profile window opens.

   • Symbology: Lasernet Core uses separately bought and installed TrueType barcode fonts to generate linear barcodes. The Setup Barcode window opens.

5. In the Built-in Barcode Profile or Setup Barcode window, use the available settings to specify the barcode that you want Lasernet Core to generate when a barcode rearrange in a form uses this profile:

   • If you want to use the built-in linear barcode capability: See Linear Barcodes.

   • If you want to use the built-in 2D barcode capability: See 2D Barcodes.

   • If you want to use symbology fonts to generate linear barcodes: See Linear Barcodes (Symbology and TrueType Fonts).

6. After you have specified the barcode’s settings, click OK.

Lasernet Developer adds the barcode profile to the list in the main application area.

Linear Barcodes

Select Linear for Barcode type, select the barcode type (name of barcode) from the Symbology list, and then enter a Profile name that describes the barcode that you want to define.

Next, provide appropriate settings values for the barcode.

Dimensions – Basic Settings for Linear Barcodes

These settings are common to most linear barcodes.

If the selected barcode type supports adding the barcode value in human-readable form below the barcode, use the settings in the Human readable area to enable the feature and specify a font type and size to use.

Some settings (such as Add check digit and Wide to narrow ratio) are common to some, but not all, barcode types.

Supported Linear Barcodes

More detailed information about linear barcodes can be found here:

http://www.idautomation.com/barcode-faq/

Code 128

Code 128 barcode fonts encode numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase text as well as functions such as returns and tabs. All Code 128 barcode fonts require a start character, checksum character, and a stop character to create readable barcodes.

Set Barcode type to Linear and select Code 128 from the Symbology list.

Additional Information for Code 128

Application Identifiers for Code 128

When you create a barcode rearrange on a form, you specify the barcode value on the Objects tab of the Edit Barcode window.

The value can be encoded with ~202 as the FNC1 before each application identifier (AI). For example, (01)4075600255149 (30)96 should be entered as: ~2020104075600255149~2023096.

Code 39

Code 39 is a common barcode type used for various labels such as name badges, inventory and industrial applications. The symbology of the Code 39 character set consists of barcode symbols representing numbers 0-9, upper-case letters A-Z, the space character and the following symbols: - . $ / + %. Lower-case characters may also be easily encoded

Set Barcode type to Linear and select Code 39 from the Symbology list.

Code 93

Code 93 is a barcode symbology to provide a higher density and data security enhancement to Code 39. It is an alphanumeric, variable-length symbology. To generate the Code 93 barcode font, the start and stop digits and 2 check characters must be included.

Set Barcode type to Linear and select Code 93 from the Symbology list.

Codabar

Codabar is a low-density numeric bar code. It includes 16 characters: the numbers 0-9, plus "-", ".", ":", "$", "/", and "+". The use of four separate Start and Stop characters (A, B, C, and D) allows useful information to be encoded by characters normally considered as overhead. Can be of variable length and do not require a checksum.

Set Barcode type to Linear and select Codabar from the Symbology list.

Interleaved 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a numeric only barcode used to encode pairs of numbers into a self-checking, high-density barcode format. In this symbology, every two digits are interleaved with each other to create a single symbol. If a number string containing an odd number of digits needs to be encoded, a leading zero must be added to produce an even number of digits in the Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode.

Set Barcode type to Linear and select Interleaved 2 of 5 from the Symbology list.

Postnet

POSTNET (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) is a barcode symbology used by the United States Postal Service to assist in directing mail.

Set Barcode type to Linear and select Postnet from the Symbology list.

UPC-A, EAN-8 and EAN-13

Along with the related EAN barcode, the UPC (Universal Product Code) is the barcode mainly used for scanning of trade items at the point of sale, per GS1 specifications.

Set Barcode type to Linear and select UPC-A, EAN8, or EAN13 from the Symbology list.

UCC128 (EAN-128, GS1-128)

GS1-128 is a standard of the GS1 implementation using the Code 128 barcode specification. The former correct name was UCC/EAN-128. Other no longer used names have included UCC-128 and EAN-128. GS1-128 uses a series of “application identifiers” to include additional data such as best before dates, batch numbers, quantities, weights and many other attributes needed by the user.

Set Barcode type to Linear and select UCC128 from the Symbology list.

For more information about the supported linear barcodes, refer to the specifications at http://www.idautomation.com/barcode-faq/

Application Identifiers for UCC128

When you create a barcode rearrange on a form, you specify the barcode value on the Objects tab of the Edit Barcode window.

The barcode is automatically encoded with FNC1 for a single element. The value can be encoded with ~202 as the FNC1 before each additional application identifier (AI). For example, (01)4075600255149 (30)96 should be entered as: 0104075600255149~2023096.

2D Barcodes

Select 2D for Barcode type, select the barcode type (name of barcode) from the Symbology list, and then enter a Profile name that describes the barcode that you want to define.

Next, provide appropriate settings values for the barcode.

Supported 2D Barcodes

More detailed information about 2D barcodes can be found here:

http://www.idautomation.com/barcode-faq/

DataMatrix

DataMatrix code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode. The information to be encoded can be text or numeric data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to 1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data depends on the number of cells in the matrix. Error correction codes are often used to increase reliability; even if one or more cells are so damaged as to be unreadable, the message can still be read. A Data Matrix symbol can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters.

Set Barcode type to 2D and select DataMatrix from the Symbology list.

Settings

DataMatrix Encoding Modes

By default, the encoding mode for most components is BASE256. If the choice is to encode text or numbers only and size is a concern, a change of the encoding mode to ASCII, TEXT or C40 may produce a smaller symbol. The data represented in the symbol may be compressed using one of the following modes:

• ASCII is used to encode data that mainly contains ASCII characters (0-127). It encodes approximately one alphanumeric or two numeric characters per byte. As a general rule, use ASCII to encode text that includes uppercase and lowercase letters with or without numbers and punctuation.

• C40 is used to encode data that contains only numeric and upper-case characters. C40 encodes approximately three alphanumeric data characters into two bytes.

• TEXT is used to encode data that mainly contains numeric and lowercase characters. TEXT encodes approximately three alphanumeric data characters into two bytes.

• BASE256 is used to encode images, double-byte characters, binary data and 8-bit values.

DataMatrix Formats

Data Matrix ECC 200 barcode products support all formats. The following table contains the size, capacity and error correction features of each format. By default, the encoding mode is BASE256 (or binary) for compatibility reasons. The encoding mode may be changed to reduce the symbol size in some situations. The chart below illustrates the smallest symbol size, in the best-case scenario, for the amount of data encoded.

GS1 DataMatrix

GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are standardized DataMatrix barcodes that conform to the GS1 DataMatrix Guideline. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes have the same basic attributes as DataMatrix barcodes.

To generate GS1 DataMatrix barcodes, set the barcode properties as follows:

You can set the Narrow bar and Preferred Format properties as required.

Application Identifiers for GS1 DataMatrix

In Form Editor, when you create a barcode rearrange on a form, you specify the barcode value by adding items to the Objects tab of the Edit Barcode window. To generate GS1 DataMatrix barcodes, insert ~1 into the barcode value at every position where an FNC1 must be inserted. For guidance on FNC1, see the GS1 DataMatrix Guideline.

Depending on a data field’s application identifier (AI), it might not need to be followed by FNC1. Refer to Table 2-3 in the guidelines to learn which AIs do not require an FNC1 to follow their data field.

For example, to encode (01)34567890123457(15)171231 in the barcode, the barcode rearrange’s value must be ~1013456789012345715171231. In this example, an FNC1 is not required before the (15)171231 data, because the preceding value (01)34567890123457 has an AI of 01. According to Table 2-3, data fields whose AI is 01 do not need to be followed by FNC1.

MaxiCode

Maxicode is an international 2D (two-dimensional) barcode that is currently used by UPS on shipping labels for world-wide addressing and package sorting. MaxiCode symbols are fixed in size and are made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a unique finder pattern. MaxiCode includes error correction, which enables the symbol to be decoded when it is slightly damaged.

Set Barcode type to 2D and select MaxiCode from the Symbology list.

MaxiCode symbols encode two messages; a primary message and a secondary message. The primary message usually encodes the postal code, country code and the class of service number. The secondary message usually encodes address data, but can encode other types of information as well.

MaxiCode barcodes have different modes of operation.

• 2 = US Carrier with postal codes up to 9 digits in length.
  Approximately 93 characters may be encoded in this mode.

• 3 = International Carrier with alpha-numeric postal codes up to 6 digits in length.
  Approximately 93 characters may be encoded in this mode.

• 4 = Standard Symbol encodes general information for purposes other than the shipping industry.
  Approximately 90 characters may be encoded in this mode.

• 5 = Secure Symbol encodes general information with more error correction.
  Approximately 74 characters may be encoded in this mode.

• 6 = Reader Program allows scanner manufacturers to program barcode readers.

Symbol Size & Tolerance

The size and tolerance range of the MaxiCode symbol is noted below in millimetres. The sizes listed include the required quiet zone of one white hexagon on each side of the symbol, referred to as 1x. The allowable tolerance from the nominal size is approximately 5%.

The printed size may vary slightly depending on the printer and labels used. We recommend printing the MaxiCode Font at 300 DPI or greater.

PDF417

PDF417 is a multi-row, variable-length symbology with high data capacity and error-correction capability. PDF417 has some unique features that make it the most widely used 2D symbology. A PDF417 symbol can be read by linear scanners, laser scanners or two-dimensional scanners. PDF417 is capable of encoding more than 1100 bytes, 1800 text characters or 2710 digits.

Set Barcode type to 2D and select PDF417 from the Symbology list.

Large amounts of text and data can be stored securely and inexpensively when using the PDF417 barcode symbology. The printed symbol consists of several linear rows of stacked codewords. Each codeword represents 1 of 929 possible values from one of three different clusters. A different cluster is chosen for each row, repeating after every three rows. Because the codewords in each cluster are unique, the scanner is able to determine what line each cluster is from.

PDF417 Error Correction Levels

PDF417 uses Reed Solomon error correction instead of check digits. This error correction allows the symbol to endure some damage without causing loss of data. AIM standards recommend a minimum error correction level of 2. The error correction level depends on the amount of data that needs to be encoded, the size and the amount of symbol damage that could occur. The error correction levels range from 0 to 8. The chart below indicates the number of error correction codewords that are added to the printed symbol and AIM recommendations for the EC level.

AIM Recommended EC Levels

X and Y Dimensions

The X dimension is the width of the narrowest bar in a printed codeword. The Y dimension is the height of each row within the PDF417 symbol. The PDF417 barcode is usually printed at an X to Y ratio of 1:2 to 1:5, with 1:3 being the most popular. By lowering the ratio, a significant amount of space can be saved; however, some scanners cannot read X to Y ratios of less than 1:3. Most scanners read PDF417 barcodes well at 1:3. When creating symbols with more than 10 columns we recommend using a ratio of 1:4 or 1:5.

Row and Column Limits

The number of rows and columns can be selected, allowing the symbol to be created in various forms. However, the PDF417 barcode symbol is limited to 30 columns and 90 rows. Keep in mind when selecting columns, only the number of data columns in the symbol are being selected. The normal PDF417 barcode symbol has two row start columns and two row stop columns. Truncated PDF417 contains only two row start columns. Some scanners and decoders cannot dependably read over 20 columns.

Truncated PDF417

A truncated PDF417 symbol uses less area than the normal PDF417 barcode. By selecting this option, the right-hand side of the symbol is removed or truncated. This option should be used primarily in a clean environment, because it is more susceptible to damage.

QR Code

QR Code is a very efficient, two-dimensional (2D) barcode symbology that uses a small area of square modules with a unique perimeter pattern, which helps the barcode scanner determine cell locations and decode the QR Code symbol. Characters, numbers, text and actual bytes of data may be encoded, including Unicode characters and images. Implementation of QR Code is based on the ISO/IEC 18004:2006 standard. Asian/Kanji characters are not supported.

Note

Colored QR codes are supported. Also, inverted QR codes are supported – for example, white on a black background.

Set Barcode type to 2D and select QRCode from the Symbology list.

Error Correction and Encoding Modes

By default, the encoding mode for most components is "byte" and an error correction level of M. If you are only encoding text and size is a concern, changing the encoding mode to Alpha-Numeric may produce a smaller symbol. The data represented in the symbol may be encoded using one of the following modes:

Four levels of Reed-Solomon error correction are referred to as L, M, Q and H. The error correction levels allow verification of data and recovery in the event that part of the symbol is damaged. Increasing the error correction level increases the symbol size and reduces data capacity. The percentage of recovery and capacity noted below are approximate.

Symbol Version

The version is the size of the symbol from (1) 21x21 to (40) 177x177. Zero is the default selection. If the symbol needs to be larger than the selection, the component automatically overrides this value.

If you want read more about the supported 2D barcodes we recommend reading the specifications from:

http://www.idautomation.com/barcode-faq/

Swiss QR Code

A matrix symbol similar to the QR code, with a Swiss cross in the center. Used for invoice documents in Switzerland.

Property values for a Swiss QR Code are provided in one of the following ways:

• As static values (for example: Sample text).

• You can use JobInfo substitution syntax, such as #NameOfJobInfo#, to provide dynamic values. The property value is retrieved from the specified JobInfo object in the form.

Note

The maximum permitted data content for a Swiss QR code is 997 characters (including the element separators). If the sum of all fields exceeds 997 characters, data fields will be shortened to 50–100 characters depending on line type. This will prevent a corrupted Swiss QR code from being produced.

Note

The Amount field is able to process only data that is in Number format.

Swiss QRCode Property Names

Linear Barcodes (Symbology and TrueType Fonts)

Inserting barcodes via TrueType fonts is supported and compatible with barcode fonts from www.elfring.com, which must be bought and installed separately. Lasernet Core is able to calculate the symbology for a list of linear, insert stop, start code and check sums. The symbology for a TrueType font is maintained via barcode profiles only. Barcode rearranges in forms cannot define embedded symbology barcode profiles.

Generic barcode support is provided in Lasernet Core for the following symbologies:

• Code 128 and EAN 128

• Code 2 of 5 Interleaved

• Code 3/9

• EAN 8/13

A barcode symbology defines what characters the barcode can represent, how to calculate checksums (if any) and other properties specific for the individual barcode.

For Lasernet Core to produce its own barcodes, TrueType barcode fonts are required. Lasernet Core uses the Elfring TrueType fonts.

To create a new barcode profile, in the Setup Barcode window, first choose which Symbology to use.

Next, provide appropriate settings values for the barcode.

2 of 5 Interleaved

2 of 5 Interleaved encodes digits, lowercase and uppercase characters and a few special characters. The Character mapping tables are only for information. They should not be edited. At present Lasernet Core only supports Elfring barcode fonts.

This symbology requires that the resulting barcode encodes an even number of characters. This includes the checksum digit. The Auto-even with property is used to ensure this. If this is not checked and the resulting barcode does not have an even number of characters, an error is printed instead.

Code 3/9

A simplistic symbology - encodes capital letters, digits and few special characters. It provides an option for a checksum. Please note that you need an intelligent reader to actually verify this checksum, since it is just a digit extra in the barcode.

Code 128

Code 128 is one of the most advanced barcodes, capable of encoding nearly all characters in the standard ASCII character set. It is also able to encode pure digits very efficiently.

The three tables show how the symbology encodes all these characters, using one of three subsets (A, B and C). Subset A focuses on capital letters, single digits, special characters and ASCII control characters. Subset B focuses on both lowercase and uppercase characters, single digits and a few special characters. Subset C concentrates on the expression of two digits for each barcode digit. This means that if you only need to encode digits you can use subset C to limit the width of the barcode.

For each subset there is a conversion table which consists of four columns:

• Input ASCII

• Name

• Output ASCII

• Char

Input ASCII shows the ASCII values that you need to write to get a specific barcode character. Name is the name that the barcode symbology gives that character.

Output ASCII shows the ASCII value of the character in the barcode font. Char is just a character representation of that value.

Three of four columns are editable: Input ASCII, Output ASCII and Char (Output ASCII and Char automatically follow one another when changed).

Reasons for changing the Input ASCII may occur if it was not possible to generate a specific character in your output system.

Output ASCII/Char values may need to be changed if another barcode font is chosen over Elfring, as alternate character mapping may be used by the new font.

Subset C uses Input ASCII combined with a ‘+’, for example, 53+50. This means that you should output 52 to Lasernet Core in order to get the barcode to encode those digits. Please note that only Subset C supports the ‘+’ syntax.

Code 128 or EAN 128 supports subset changing during the barcode.

This means Lasernet Core can create a Code 128 A, Code 128 B and Code 128 C. Rather than two subsets in a single barcode e.g., Code 128 B+C, or Code 128 A+B. The same rules apply for EAN 128.

EAN 8/13

This barcode is widely used for food packaging. It encodes 8 or 13 digits. The mapping table is subject to the same limitations as for Code 3/9.