Converting numbers to a bar code

[Joanne]

I've been told by a developer that you cannot write code
that will convert a string of numbers to a bar code. She
says that we need a specific font to do this. Is this
true? Does anyone know how to write the code to convert
numbers to bar codes? Thanks.

 

[Jay Freedman]

I've been told by a developer that you cannot write code
that will convert a string of numbers to a bar code. She
says that we need a specific font to do this. Is this
true? Does anyone know how to write the code to convert
numbers to bar codes? Thanks.

Hi Joanne

There are indeed barcode fonts -- for example, see
http://www.barcode-1.net/pub/russadam/fonts.html. There are also programs
that will create barcodes as graphic objects, often of much better quality
than is available with fonts (http://www.adams1.com/pub/russadam/share.html
and look on Google for more).

Within Word, if you want US postal barcodes, you can use the BARCODE field
from the Insert > Field dialog. This is what the Envelopes wizard uses when
you check the option for delivery point barcode.

 

[Alek Szymanski]

Joanne,

You have two options - Fonts and Plug-ins (ActiveX controls).

I guess it would depend on the type of barcode you wish to make.
As far as fonts go, the easiest is Code 39. To encode 12345 into a
barcode, you simply type: *12345* (notice the asterisks), and you're
ready to print.

For any other type of barcode, fonts get much harder to use. You need
to worry about start/stop bars, as well as calculate the correct
checksum character (or two) - most barcode types will not scan at all
if the checksum is incorrect. If you need exact dimensions, you will
be doing some guessing just to get it right.

I would recommend using a barcode ActiveX control (plugin). They tend
to be much more user friendly. You won't need to calculate any
checksum characters, and will be able to specify your dimensions, add
bearer bars, borders, change human-readable text fonts, change colors,
add borders, rotate, etc etc.

If you have a minute, please take a look at BarCodeWiz ActiveX
Component here:
http://www.barcodewiz.com
There is more information there about the control and the Code 39
fonts we offer.

Even if you decide that BarCodeWiz is not for you, please take a look
at our screen shot pages here:

http://www.barcodewiz.com/screenshots_Word2000.asp

This page shows you how easy it is to use an ActiveX barcode component
(whether it's ours or not) in Word (there are more pages as well, for
Access, VB6, and Delphi).

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Alek Szymanski
BarCodeWiz - BarCode your documents and programs.
http://www.barcodewiz.com

 

[MontereySoft]

I've been told by a developer that you cannot write code
that will convert a string of numbers to a bar code. She
says that we need a specific font to do this. Is this
true? Does anyone know how to write the code to convert
numbers to bar codes? Thanks.

I would recommend using a barcode font such as Morovia Code 3 of 9.
Very simple. There are some cheap ones around the Interenet.

For more information you may visit www.morovia.com/font/