I need a barcode generator

the_rmg · 17 Oct 2007 at 16:29

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew of any barcode generator software, that is preferably opensource and can be integrated in MS Access. I would also be open to suggestions about coding this myself if possible. Any pointers in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

The_RMG

~J~ · 17 Oct 2007 at 16:37

Are you wanting to create the barcodes themselves, with lines?

Why can't you use the ISO standard CODE39 font? It's a hell of a lot easier and will work on any barcode reader.

the_rmg · 17 Oct 2007 at 17:19

Can i just use this font in access, so that it transforms numbers into a barcode?

~J~ · 17 Oct 2007 at 17:32

Yeah, it's exactly what I've done for one of my customers and it's a piece of cake.

You just install the font (obviously make sure every terminal has the font installed) and within a control on the form, set the font to the barcode font and when you print out a report it converts the text into the barcode format.

There are loads of these fonts out, but I believe you do have to pay for a CODE39 font as it's the industry standard, although a quick google does reveal this : http://www.barcodesinc.com/free-barcode-font/ which says it's free and it's a CODE39 type so that should be your answer.

*edit* just been reading what that person says about how he can't believe people charge for the font. "PERSONALLY" I'd not use it as I'm not a big believer in free lunches, but y'never know. Everyone I've bought for customers though has been about £20.

the_rmg · 17 Oct 2007 at 17:42

I have just downloaded that .zip file and have read the text file. It says that anything that you want to generate a barcode for must begin and end with a * . Is this really the case, as that would be a real pain in the backside to sort out?

the_rmg · 17 Oct 2007 at 17:45

Also is it possible to get the 128code? Do both versions have the barcode width the same or does it alter depending on which coding version you are using.

Cheers

~J~ · 17 Oct 2007 at 17:54

The asterisks do need to go at the start AND end of a string, you find this on every font I'm afraid, there is a perfectly valid and sensible reason to it.

For example if you wanted to print off "the_rmg" you'd actually output "*the_rmg*" as the asterisks tell the barcode reader where the start and end of the code is. Reason why it does this is of course if you had a barcode within a black border, the reader may get confused, so the asterisks are literally saying "Anything between here, is what you're after".

Not done much with the 128codes (that's for prices isn't it?), but you'll generally find the CODE39 can have anything in it, but the barcodes will be slightly bigger than a specific CODE128 code which will probably on have numbers and a decimal point.