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Bar Code Image Generator Manual & Tutorial

A license is required for each computer this software is installed on;
this software may only be used according to the License Agreement.

Our Barcode Image Generator supports several linear barcode symbologies including Code 39, Extended Code 39, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, Interleaved 2 of 5, LOGMARS, Codabar, UPC-A, UPC-E, MSI, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code 11, Code 93, Industrial 2 of 5 Planet and POSTNET. The Linear +2D version supports all linear symbologies plus PDF417, DataMatrix and Maxicode.

INDEX:

Image Generator Tutorial

Installing the Barcode Image Generator

Our Barcode Image Generator is built to run on any operating system that supports the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is compatible with Windows 98 and above including Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows 2003. It is not compatible with Windows 3.1 or Windows 95.

  1. Download and unzip the package to a folder on your hard drive. We recommend downloading and installing WinZip if you do not already have a program that can open WinZip files.
  2. Run Setup.Exe to start the install utility.
  3. If you receive a message that you must first install the Microsoft .NET Framework, run dotnetfx.exe and then run Setup.Exe again. The Microsoft .NET Framework may also be installed by running Windows Update from a computer connected to the Internet.

Adjusting the properties of the image and barcode

After you install the control you may wish to change some barcode properties.

This section explains the main configuration parameters:

NOTE: Many of the barcode sizing parameters are calculated in CM (centimeters). Some barcode measurements are determined in "mils", which are 1/1000 of an inch. You may use the following rules for your conversions:

  1. To convert mils to CM, multiply the mils value by .00254. For example, 12 mils * .00254 = .03 CM.
  2. To convert CM to mils, divide the CM value by 2.54. For example, .03 CM / 2.54 = 11.8 mils.
  3. To convert inches to CM, divide the value in inches by 2.54.

PDF417 Specific properties
These properties are available only in the 2D version. Properties not mentioned here are the same as in the Linear Control.

Data Matrix Specific properties
These properties are available only in the 2D version. Properties not mentioned here are the same as in the Linear Control.


Symbology specific notes

UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8 and EAN-13
Enter the data to be encoded without any spaces or dashes. You can enter the +2 and +5 add-on codes by just adding them to the end of the string. If the check digit is added, it will be ignored and regenerated to ensure that the code can be scanned. If you rotate the barcode by 270, you may need to increase the top margin. For UPC-E, you must enter the full 11 or 12 digit UPC-A code and the barcode will be compressed if possible.

POSTNET and PLANET
When using the POSTNET barcode, the XDimensionCM (Narrow Bar Width) of .05 CM should be used. For barcodes to be acceptable to the US post offices, they must be between 22 and 24 bars per inch. Setting the XDimensionCM to .05 should produce about 23 bars per inch. You should adjust this setting for your printer if your results are different.

Code 128
The "AUTO" setting for Code 128 will automatically switch character sets in the barcode as necessary. Our implementation of Code 128 auto has many options as described below:


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Technical support

To obtain technical support for this product, please visit the Image Generator Technical Support Site.


 

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