C128 ReturnType Barcode Specifications

GS1-128 Barcode Font with AI in Human Readable

C128 ReturnType Specifications

The C128 ReturnType is an optional property used in IDAutomation's barcode font encoders to add additional functionality to the information returned from a function. Feature Level 10 or greater encoders enable cross-platform compatible Unicode character strings, and support human readable text and GS1-128 AIs within the IDAutomation Code 128 Barcode Font.

ReturnType

Specification Description

Example

Returns a character string formatted to the associated barcode font. When this text is used with the appropriate font, a proper barcode will be created.

Returns a text string for a standard font such as Arial. Usually used to display the human-readable text for GS1-128 with the C128() function.

(17) 231231

Returns the check-digit only, if applicable.

Types 3 to 5 return a human-readable text interpretation in the same manner as the SpliceText function with Font Encoders that are Feature Level 10 or greater using the Code128() function.

ReturnType

Specification Description

Example

Returns human-readable text spliced every 3 digits, if applicable.

172 312 310

Returns human-readable text spliced every 4 digits, if applicable.

1723 1231 0

Returns human-readable text spliced every 5 digits, if applicable.

17231 2310

Unicode Encoding

Where compatible true Unicode encoding compatibility and human readable interpretations are available with Code 128 Fonts version 2009 or greater Font Encoders that are Feature Level 10 or greater.

ReturnType

Specification Description

Example

Returns a Unicode character string that generates Human Readable interpretation within the font. Compatible with all GS1-128 AIs.

Same functionality as ReturnType 6 with taller bars at the beginning and ending which can improve omni-directional scanning.

Returns a Unicode character string formatted to the associated barcode font with standard bar heights.

Same functionality as ReturnType 6 with shorter bars with a small white space below.

Benefits, Requirements and Limitations of Unicode Encoding:

Benefits

Cross-platform compatibility with all systems that support Unicode, including Unix and MAC OS-X.
Provides human readable text interpretations without displaying the check-digit.
When using GS1-128, displays parentheses around the AI in human readable form.

Requirements

Code 128 Fonts version 2009 or greater.
Font Encoders that are Feature Level 10 or greater.
Complete Unicode compatibility.

Limitations

Because Return Types 6-9 uses the Unicode character set, some applications and fonts are not compatible.

PCL fonts and Classic MAC fonts (mtt, mb1 and bma) because they do not support Unicode.
Word mail-merge. The mail-merge process strips out Unicode characters and converts them to question marks.
Systems and processes that are not completely Unicode compliant will usually replace the encoded data with question marks or another character. In this case, please consider the Universal Barcode Fonts Package.