How to add a barcode to a template in the visual template editor

April 03, 2021 23:24

Heads up

If a barcode is too small, scanners might not be able to decode it. For the best results, allow enough space in your template so your barcode doesn't wrap around to a second line.

How To

How do I add a barcode to a template in the visual template editor?

Follow these steps

There are different ways to add barcodes to a template. Choose which method suits your needs and follow the steps to add a barcode to a template.

Add multiple barcodes assigned to a product

To include all barcodes assigned to a single product, follow these steps.

Select Container from the left menu to add a container component to the template.
Ensure the container is selected, then under properties select Data Field, and then select Barcode.
Select the Barcode component from the left hand menu and drag it inside the container component.
From the properties window, select Insert Data Field.
Select the Barcode data field, then select Insert Data Field.
Optional: Under properties, check Show text to show the corresponding barcode number below the barcode.
Optional: Under properties, check Quiet Zone to add white space that helps prevent the scanner from picking up items on the label that should not be scanned.

Add a single barcode assigned to a product

To add a single barcode to a template, follow these steps.

Select Barcode from the left menu to add a barcode component to the template.
From the properties window, select Insert Data Field.
From the list, select the Barcode array to open a drop down, then select Barcode, and then select Insert Data Field.
Optional: Under properties, check Show text and Quiet Zone to clean up the barcode.

Add a barcode as a text field only

Follow the instructions above for either single or multiple barcodes, instead replace the Barcode Component with a Text Component.

Add a SKU as a barcode

If you're using the barcodes to scan in an inventory count, or if you have products from local suppliers that don't have a barcode, you can use the product's SKU to create a barcode.

To add the SKU as a barcode, follow these steps.

Select Barcode from the left menu to add a barcode component to the template.
From the properties window, select Insert Data Field.
Choose the SKU data field and then select Insert Data Field.
Optional: Under properties, check Show text to display the SKU under the barcode and Quiet Zone to clean up the barcode.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 1D barcode?
This linear barcode, typically used in grocery stores and consumable items, offers a horizontal range of black and white patterns. The variable-width lines and spaces are used to encode numbers or characters from left to right. 1D barcodes hold a limited number of characters, typically 20-25. 1D barcodes depend on database connectivity, after a scanner reads the numbers in the code, it must be linked back to the product or pricing data, or other information.
What is a 2D barcode?
A 2D barcode uses patterns, shapes, and dots to encrypt information both horizontally and vertically. Today it is typically used as a QR code, PDF417, and Data Matrix. Unlike the 1D barcode, it has the capacity to hold around 2000 characters Because of its capacity, the data it holds can encrypt includes images, website addresses, and other binary data, which means that the codes can work independently of a database. It is important to note that 2D Barcodes, like QR Codes, require a 2D scanner to work.
I don't know the type of barcodes on my products. What type of barcode should I choose for my template?
The barcode format is you choose is mainly important for scanning purposes, if you don't know the exact type of barcode used in your store, choose a barcode format that is compatible with your barcode scanner. 1D barcodes, also known as linear barcodes, are the most common type of barcode used today. It is always best to consult with your scanner's manufacturer or supplier to ensure compatibility, but selecting a 1D barcode format, like C39, should suffice. If you aren't sure, try selecting a barcode format and scanning it with your scanner into a notepad. This will allow you to check if the scanner can read the barcode and determine if it is compatible with the barcode format you have selected.

More Information

For more information, see the article Why is the barcode on my template corrupted?.