Barcodes from Text

(see also: Text Overview)

This tool allows you to convert a string of text or numbers into a barcode. There are various options to size and shape the barcode, as well as several different barcode standards.

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To convert Text to Barcode:

  • Select the text using the Select Tool or a Text tool.
  • From the Text menu, point to Barcode and select Barcode 39, Extended Barcode 39, or Barcode 128.
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Text converted to a barcode can be resized and edited using the Title tab in DesignCentral

Note: Arc text and Path text cannot be converted to a barcode.

Barcode Tab

You can adjust the following barcode parameters in DesignCentral.

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It is important to note that Barcode Scanners require certain ratios in order to read the barcode, so adjusting one setting will affect the others.

Barcode Type Allows you to change the encoding method of the barcode. Options are Barcode 39, Extended Barcode 39, and Barcode 128.
  • Code 39 is an alphanumeric bar code. It can encode numbers 0-9, the uppercase alphabet A-Z, Space, and some symbols ( - . * $ / % + ).
  • Extended Code 39 encodes the 128-character ASCII character set - including lowercase.
  • Code 128 can also hold any character of the ASCII 128 character set. That includes all digits, character and punctuation marks. It is more compact than Code 39 which gives a good data storage to size ration
Narrow Bar Width Sets the width of a narrow bar.
Bar Height Sets the barcode height.
Wide to Narrow Ratio Establishes the width ratio between wide bars and narrow bars.
Space to Narrow Ratio Establishes the width ratio between spaces and narrow bars.
Quiet Zone Width Sets the width of the blank areas before and after the barcode.

 

Barcode Title Tab

You can adjust the following Barcode Title parameters in DesignCentral:

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Show Title Select to show the title under the barcode.
Show Asterisks Select to show the asterisks at either end of the title.
Font Title Specifies the Font used in the title.
Font Style Specifies the Font used in the title.
Font Size Specifies the Font Size for the title.
Edit Opens a dialog box to edit the original text.
Convert to Text Converts the barcode back to text.

 

To convert Barcode to Text

  • Select the Barcode using the Select Tool
  • From the Text menu, point to Barcode and select Barcode to Text.mceclip8.png

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