FAQ Barcode Creation

How Do I Create a Barcode for My Product?

To generate a valid bar code for retail use, you have to register it at your local GS1 organization. Please follow these steps:

1. Open the website https://www.gs1.org.
2. Register your company to get a company prefix for your barcode number.
3. After receiving a GS1 company prefix, you are able to assign a identification number for your product(s).
4. Now you are ready to generate the required EAN-13 / UPC-A barcode using one of our barcode software tools.
5. We recommend to test the generated barcode before using it on your product(s).

Your appropriate GS1 organization can provide you with specific information about getting GS1 company prefix or assigning numbers.
Further information on this topic, you will find here:

• https://www.gs1.org/standards/barcodes/10-steps-to-barcode-your-product/english
• https://www.gs1.org/standards/get-barcodes

How to Generate Barcodes to Sell Products on Amazon?

Each product uploaded for sale on Amazon requires its own ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) code which is obtained from Amazon and is generated based on your product's GS1 number: UPC, EAN or ISBN. If you already have ASIN codes for your product, you can generate barcodes with our barcode generation software.

If you still don't have ASIN codes to create product barcodes for Amazon, please follow these steps:

1. Contact your local GS1 organization to apply for valid UPC, EAN or ISBN numbers (https://www.gs1.org).
2. Having received GS1 numbers, forward them to Amazon to get ASINs for your products.
3. With a valid ASIN number, you are ready to generate the required Amazon product ID barcode (e.g. UPC, EAN, ISBN...) using one of our barcode software products.
4. We recommend to test the barcode before using it.

For detailed information on how to get ASIN numbers, please contact Amazon directly. Further information can be found here:

• https://services.amazon.com/content/sellers-contact-amazon
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/seller/asin-upc-isbn
• https://www.wikihow.com/get-an-amazon-standard-identification-number-(asin)

How to Encode GS, RS and EOT into a 2D Barcode?

RS, GS and EOT are ASCII control characters, which are used to format data in a 2D bar code (see ISO/IEC 15434). Because they are unprintable you need to use special escape sequences to encode them in the bar code data.

• \x1d - GS, Group Separator, ASCII Code 29 (Hex 1D)
• \x1e - RS, Record Separator, ASCII Code 30 (Hex 1E)
• \x04 - EOT, End of Transmission, ASCII Code 04 (Hex 04)

In order to convert the hexadecimal sequences (starting with \x...) into their ASCII value, you have to enable Escape-Sequences (Translate Escape Sequences) in the bar code properties.

How to Encode Binary Data (2D Codes)

Even if you use an escape sequence for binary data the encoder will use code page conversion (example: \x88 leads to a different value in Data Matrix as desired).

Solution:

• Switch off code page conversion (use encoding mode LowByte)
• Force binary encoding mode if available (see PDF417 encoding mode, Data Matrix EnforceBinaryEncoding)

How Can I Calculate the GTIN Check Digit with GS1 DataMatrix?

Assuming you have several Application Identifiers to encode (01-GTIN + 17-Expiration Date + 10-Batch Lot...) and you want to calculate the check digit of the GTIN number with TBarCode, proceed as follows:

Set Property Format = 01#############^
Set Property Translate Esc Sequences = True
Set Property CheckDigit = EAN-14 (complies with Mod-10 used with GTIN)
Set Property DMFormat = EAN

Set Property Text = GTIN (13 digits, no check digit) + 17 + Exp. Date + 10 + Batch Lot Number

Note: Encode the leading GTIN number without 01 and with only the first 13 digits (no check digit).The "^" character in the format property controls the position, where the calculated check digit will be automatically inserted. The leading 01 AI for the GTIN is also contained in the format string.

The resulting barcode data will be as follows:

10 + GTIN (13 digits + 1 check digit) + 17 + Exp. Date + 10 + Batch Lot Number

How to Make a Barcode - Free and Online?

Few steps to use TEC-IT's Online Barcode Generator:

• Step 1: Open the Online Barcode Generator on barcode.tec-it.com.
• Step 2: Select the barcode type on the left side.
• Step 3: After choosing the barcode type, enter the data.
• Step 4: The barcode will immediately appear in the preview window.
• Step 5: If required you may customize your barcode.
• Step 6: Download the barcode image for further use.

Watch the video to learn more!

What Are the Correct Font Settings for EAN-13 or UPC-A?

EAN-13 / UPC-A can be printed in several sizes. The possible sizes can be found in the specification. The nominal module width is 0.330 mm (optimized for 300 dpi printers it would be 0.339 mm). The human readable font must be adapted to these sizes.

The specification says that a "clearly legible font shall be used" for the human-readable digits, and OCR-B (as defined in ISO 1073-2) with a height of 2.75 mm at nominal size is recommended. Because this font is referenced only as a convenient standard typeface, you can use Courier or Arial (Bold) if you don't have the OCR-B font available.

It is not part of the specification but you can use this kind of formula to get a useful font size (based upon the module width parameter).

FontSize [pt] = ModuleWidth [mm] / 0.339 * 10

• EAN13 (module width X=0.339mm) = font size 10pt (optional: bold)
• If module width X would be 0.5 mm = font size 14,7pt

The formula above can be used for other barcodes, too.

How to Create a Barcodes with OCR Font in Human Readable Text?

To use an OCR-A or an OCR-B font to generate UPC / EAN barcodes, you can also refer to the free of charge fonts created by Matthew Skalas. The font can be downloaded directly from here:

• Download OCR Fonts (Freeware)

For more information on this topic, please read this article.

How to Use the Compressed Mode of Code 128?

Simply select Code128 as the bar code type. Make sure to clear the Format string. Code 128 auto compresses data by default (and subset switching is done automatically).

What Are Data Segments in GS1 DataBar / RSS Expanded?

GS1 DataBar Expanded (alias RSS Expanded) symbols are constructed as a sequence of triplets, each consisting of a finder pattern between two symbol characters. Such a triplet contains 2 data segments (symbol characters).

2 segments forming a "triplet" consist of 17+15+17 modules. The left and right guard pattern for the symbol consist each of 1 bar + 1 space.

Per segment/data character you can encode 12 bits. Each symbol is prefixed with a check character. So the smallest symbol, which uses at least 4 symbol characters (containing 1 check char) can encode 36 Bits.

Input data is processed with a character set mapping algorithm + error recognition. With a simple formula it would be hard to predict how many data segments are required for a given set of input characters.

How Can I Enable the 2D Composite Component for EAN-13?

First select the EAN-13 symbology in the barcode library.

Then add a 2D composite component with this function:

• TBarCode .NET:
  barcodeControl1.Barcode.CompositeSymbol.CCType == CompositeComponentTypes.Auto;
• TBarCode DLL:
  BCSet2DCompositeComponent (pBarcode, eCC_Auto);
• TBarCode OCX:
  TBarCode111.CompositeComponent = eCC_Auto

The barcode data must consist of

<12 digits or 13 digits> + | + <2D data> 

How Can I Generate a Data Matrix in Accordance with MIL Std 130 N?

The Data Matrix symbol according to MIL Std 130 N is based on ISO/IEC 16022 Data Matrix ECC200, this is the same standard which is used by TEC-IT. The module width may be between 0.19 mm and 0.635 mm, and must be adjusted so that final symbol width does not exceed 25.4 mm.

For more details, see MIL Std 130 N specification (chapter 5.2.3.2).

Data Structure:

The structure of data depends on the label, whereas Application Identifier, Data Identifier or TEI can be selected (see specification 5.2.4 Syntax).

• If you choose Application Identifiers, you should select Format Indicator 05 as shown below:

  Library/DLL:      BCSet_DM_Format (pBarCode, eDMPr_Macro05)
  TBarCode/X:     --DMformat=3
  

  Result: In the data stream, a header of "[)>" + RS + "05" + GS and a trailer of RS + EOT will be inserted. FNC1 is for field separation with variable-length AIs (see specification 5.2.1.4).

• If you choose Data Identifiers, you should use Format Indicator 06 as shown below.

  Library/DLL:      BCSet_DM_Format (pBarCode, eDMPr_Macro06)
  TBarCode/X:     --DMformat=4
  

  Result: In the data stream, a header of "[)>" + RS + "06" + GS and a trailer of RS + EOT will be inserted.

  User Data Example:

  17V12345\x1d1P1234\x1dS12345

  Explanation:

  17V ... DI for CAGE ID
  1P   ... DI for Part Number
  S     ... DI for Serial Number
  \x1d ... GS
  
  Translate Escape Sequences must be activated!

• If you choose TEI, there is a separate Format Indicator 12. You must manually implement the Format 12 (header, trailer) on the user data. There is no macro (format) available in the software for this.

How Do I Create a GS1 DataMatrix According to EU FMD (Serialization)?

For prescription medicine packaging, there are new imitation protection guidelines, which is called EU Falsified Medicine Directive (EU FMD, 2011/62/EU). According to delegated regulation 2016/161/EU the products are identified by a 2D barcode and contain a unique product number as well as other security features.

01 + NTIN (14 digits) + 17 + Expiration Date (6 digits) + 10  + lot number + \F + 21 + serial number

Related Links:

• Overview FMD and serialization (GS1 Austria)
• The randomized serial number is unique and protects against imitations:
  - Encoding rules for serial number (Austria)
  - Encoding rules for serial number (Germany)
• FMD GTIN / NTIN Transition

How Can I Create a Swiss QR Code V2?

The following sample code in C# .NET shows how to create the data format for Swiss QR Code 2.0.

public enum CurrencyCodes
{
  CHF,
  EUR
}

public enum ReferenceTypes
{
  NON,
  SCOR,
  QRR
}

private const string fldSep = "\n";

decimal? Amount = new decimal(99.01);
CurrencyCodes Currency = CurrencyCodes.CHF;
ReferenceTypes ReferenceType = ReferenceTypes.SCOR;

string QRIBAN            = "";
string CreditorIBAN      = "CH180024024037606600Q";
string CreditorName      = "Robert Schneider AG";
string CreditorAddress1  = "Rue du Lac 1268";
string CreditorAddress2  = "2501 Biel";
string CreditorCountry   = "CH";

string DebtorName        = "Max Mustermann";
string DebtorAddress1    = "Musterstrasse 2";
string DebtorAddress2    = "1234 Musterstadt";
string DebtorCountry     = "CH";
string QRReference       = "";
string CreditorReference = "RF18539007547034";
string Message           = "Optional";
string BillInfo          = "";
string Parameter1        = "";
string Parameter2        = "";


/// 
/// returns the Data string valid for Swiss QR-Code version 2
/// 
/// 
public string GetDataString()
{
  var sb = new StringBuilder();

  //initial
  sb.Append("SPC" + fldSep);
  sb.Append("0200" + fldSep);
  sb.Append("1" + fldSep);

  //creditor
  if (ReferenceType == ReferenceTypes.QRR)
    sb.Append(QRIBAN + fldSep);
  else
    sb.Append(CreditorIBAN + fldSep);

  sb.Append("K" + fldSep);
  sb.Append(CreditorName + fldSep);
  sb.Append(CreditorAddress1 + fldSep);
  sb.Append(CreditorAddress2 + fldSep);
  sb.Append(fldSep + fldSep);
  sb.Append(CreditorCountry + fldSep);

  //ultimate creditor
  sb.Append(fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep);

  //amount
  if (Amount.HasValue)
    sb.Append(Amount.Value.ToString("#########.00", System.Globalization.CultureInfo.InvariantCulture) + fldSep);
  else
    sb.Append(fldSep);

  sb.Append(Currency + fldSep);

  //debtor
  if (DebtorName + DebtorAddress1 + DebtorAddress2 + DebtorCountry == string.Empty)
    sb.Append(fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep + fldSep);
  else
  {
    sb.Append("K" + fldSep);
    sb.Append(DebtorName + fldSep);
    sb.Append(DebtorAddress1 + fldSep);
    sb.Append(DebtorAddress2 + fldSep);
    sb.Append(fldSep + fldSep);
    sb.Append(DebtorCountry + fldSep);
  }

  //reference
  sb.Append(ReferenceType + fldSep);
  if (ReferenceType == ReferenceTypes.QRR)
    sb.Append(QRReference + fldSep);
  else if (ReferenceType == ReferenceTypes.SCOR)
    sb.Append(CreditorReference + fldSep);
  else
    sb.Append(fldSep);

  //additional
  sb.Append(Message + fldSep);
  sb.Append("EPD");
 
  // optional
  if (BillInfo != string.Empty || Parameter1 != string.Empty || Parameter2 != string.Empty)
  {
    sb.Append(fldSep); // close EPD line
    sb.Append(BillInfo + fldSep);
    sb.Append(Parameter1 + fldSep);
    sb.Append(Parameter2);
  }

  return sb.ToString(); // NOTE: last line does not end with fieldSeparator
}

What is Aztec Rune Mode?

The Aztec rune mode can encode one single byte of information. If it is enabled, the barcode data should contain a string, which consists of a number range between 0 and 255. This will be converted to a byte value in the encoder software.

After enabling rune mode in our barcode software, the small 11x11 rune symbol (eAztecSz_Rune) is selected automatically (no extra API call required).

What is Industry Format in a 2D Code?

All newer 2D symbologies support the "Industry Format" - but what is it? The industry format works as follows:

• An application defines an industry format specifier (e.g. 01) and standardizes this for an application area.
• In the barcode generator you switch to Industry Format and indicate the specifier (2 digits or 1 alphanumeric character).
• The encoder brings the format specifier into an internal data format and inserts it into the bar code header.
• The decoder (barcode reader) recognizes the format specifier and outputs a specific prefix, including the format, in front of the utilizable bar code data. The scanner may need further configuration for that.
• By means of the prefix the application identifies the actual barcode as industry format bar code and reacts appropriately. Other bar codes without that prefix can be ignored by the application.

Industry format may be used in closed circuits where the purpose of the data package should be clearly defined and other data formats locked out. Typically the format specifier is given in a label standard for a specific application.

How Can I Change the Size of a MaxiCode Symbol?

The USPS MaxiCode symbol has a predefined constant size, therefore the module width has been set to a fixed value in the barcode generator. With that behavior the bar code will not adapt to the bounding rectangle even if size mode eSizeMode_FitToBoundingRect has been set.

If you need to change the size of a MaxiCode symbol you need to change the module width (please see API or UI description on how to change the module width). More information about MaxiCode can be found in our Barcode Reference.

What's Important When I Create a HIBC Barcode?

The Asterisk '*' within the HIBC Standard

Depending on the bar code type the * character is used specifically. Code 39 utilizes an asterisk character as a start and stop indicator - in this case TBarCode generates the asterisk character automatically. With Code-128 the asterisk character is not encoded into the bar code symbol but displayed in the text below (according to ANSI/HIBC 2.2 - 2006).
Important: The barcode scanner does not transmit the start and stop character, only the raw data.

That means

• According to the HIBC standard the raw data does not contain any * character.
• TBarCode optionally allows to enter the barcode data with '*' start and stop character when using a code 39 symbology. But this option is not available for the Code 128 symbology.
• The * character is always displayed in the text line below no matter if the character is encoded or not.

Once you choose a HIBC barcode symbology the TBarCode software complies with these guidelines.

Check Digit

The HIBC format requires a check digit. If a HIBC barcode symbology was chosen, TBarCode calculates and attaches it automatically. Normally you can enter the data WITHOUT the check digit. If the data already contains the check digit just disable the check digit in the TBarCode options. Otherwise two check digits are attached and you will get a faulty barcode!

Data Format

The HIBC standard distinguishes between the LIC and the PAS data format. The barcode data is validated according to the HIBC type. If needed an error message will be displayed.

Advanced Links

• HIBC syntax standard by the Health Industry Business Communications Council (English)
• HIBC syntax standard by the European Health Industry Business Communications Council (German)

How is the Bar Width Reduction Applied to a 2D Matrix Code?

In Standard Mode, the bar width reduction is applied to each side at 50% of the desired total reduction. If you want to apply the reduction only to the bottom and right side of the matrix dot, use the Legacy Options as shown below.

Standard Mode (Default)

• 4 Pixel / module
• Bar width reduction = 50% → 2 Pixel
• Options: No legacy option set
• We reduce 1 Pixel at each side of a dot or a connected line of dots.

Legacy Mode 1

• 3 Pixel / module
• Bar width reduction = 33% → 1 Pixel
• Options: DRAW_BarWidthReduction_Legacy=1
• We reduce 1 Pixel at right and bottom of each dot, also of connected dots.

Legacy Mode 2

• 4 Pixel / module
• Bar width reduction = 25% → 1 Pixel
• Options: DRAW_BarWidthReduction_Legacy=2
• Connected dots are not reduced.
• We reduce 1 Pixel at right and bottom of each dot or connected line of dots.