The chart below explains a variety of common properties for linear
barcode types. Several of these barcode properties are also used for
DataBar and 2D barcode types.
| Barcode Properties |
| Property Name |
Property Description |
| Application Identifier |
An Application Identifier (AI) defines the purpose of the
data in the symbol and how it is to be used. An AI is commonly used in GS1 barcodes. |
| Apply Tilde |
When set to true in Code
128 Auto and 2D barcode types, the tilde character may be used
to encode
GS1 Application Identifiers or specific ASCII characters
and several additional options are
enabled. |
| Aztec |
Aztec is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode type that uses
square modules with a unique finder pattern in the middle of the symbol, which
helps
the barcode scanner determine cell locations to decode the symbol. |
| Back Color |
The background color of the
barcode canvas. This setting should be white or transparent
to ensure the
scanner can easily decode the symbol. |
| Bar Height |
The height of the bars in
the barcode, usually measured in
centimeters (CM). 2.54 CM equals one inch.
Common values
are:
1 CM = .4 inches
1.27 CM = .5 inches (commonly used for
GS1-128)
1.905 CM = .75 inches
2.54 CM = 1 inch
3.175 CM = 1.25 inches |
| Barcode Slot Reader |
Barcode slot readers are devices that look
similar to magnetic
stripe readers but have the capability to read barcodes. |
| Barcode Verifier |
A barcode verifier is a scanning device used to verify a
barcode's tolerance and readability on the printed widths of bars and spaces, and contrast
between bars and spaces. |
| Bearer Bars |
Horizontal and Vertical bearer
bars are commonly used in
Interleaved 2 of 5 and
Code
39 to ensure the scanner does not misread if the scanner
aiming beam falls off the barcode before it reaches the beginning
or end of the symbol. This is measured as a multiple of the
X Dimension. The default value of zero disables this option.
Valid values are 0-10, with common values being 5 or 6. |
| Bullseye |
A bullseye is the center of a target of a Maxicode
barcode. |
| Captions |
When text appears in the
caption property, it is displayed in the margin of the barcode.
Using captions increases the barcode size and the space between
the barcode image and the caption. When it is desired to have
complete control over captions, IDAutomation suggests using
a separate field. |
| CCD Barcode Scanner |
CCD barcode scanners or readers are durable (because
there are no moving parts), low power, maintenance free scanners that read barcodes
by taking a linear picture that is quickly decoded. |
| Character Grouping |
Determines the number of
characters between spaces in the human readable interpretation
of the barcode to make text and numbers easier to read.
Supported values are 0 (which disables grouping), 3, 4 and 5. |
| Check Character |
Automatically adds the check
digit to the barcode when true. The check digit is required
for all symbologies except
Code
39,
Interleaved 2 of 5 and
Codabar.
When using symbologies that do not require the check digit,
the check digit may be disabled. The check digit for
DataBar and
Code 128 is required and therefore cannot be disabled.
|
|
Check Character
in Text |
If the "Check
Character in Text" or "Add Check Digit to Text" option
is true, the check digit that is encoded in the barcode will
be appended to the human readable text interpretation that is
displayed. This option is not valid for
DataBar and
Code 128 because their check characters include non-printable
values. |
|
Check Reader |
Check readers can read bank checks encoded with either
E-13B fonts or CMC-7 fonts and have a magnetic stripe reader option. |
|
Codabar |
Codabar is a barcode symbology used for various numeric
barcoding applications including libraries, blood banks and parcels. |
|
Codabar Start
& Stop Characters |
Within
Codabar,
the start and stop characters are A, B, C or D letters. These
letters may be used as application identifiers to identify
the type of data being encoded. |
| Code 128 |
Code 128 is a very high-density barcode symbology. It can
encode all 128 characters of ASCII. |
| Code 128 Set |
The set of characters to
be used in
Code 128.
Valid values are:
Auto,
A,
B or
C. IDAutomation recommends using Auto. Characters in the
sets may be viewed in the
Code 128 Character Set Chart. |
|
Code 39 |
Code 39 (Code 3 of 9) is the easiest of the alpha-numeric
barcode types to use and only requires start/stop characters. |
|
Code 93 |
Code 93 is a barcode symbology that creates a higher
density barcode; it requires two checksums to be calculated. |
|
Columns (PDF Columns) |
In the
PDF417 barcode type, controls the width or height by setting
the number of data columns. When this is left at 0, the product
will automatically adjust this setting. Normally, this value
is between 5 and 15. The maximum value of 30 is difficult to
read by most scanners. |
|
Combo Reader |
Combo readers are devices that can read both barcode and
magnetic stripe media. |
|
Composite Data |
In
DataBar products, this
is the composite data to be encoded above the linear barcode.
Not applicable when using PDF417 or MicroPDF417. |
|
Data Matrix |
Data Matrix is a high-density, two-dimensional (2D)
symbology that encodes text, numbers, files and actual data bytes. |
|
Databar |
GS1 Databar is the latest barcode type for
space-constrained identification from GS1 (Formerly EAN International and the
Uniform Code Council, Inc.) |
|
DataToEncode |
The data that is to be
encoded in the barcode. The
tilde character may be used in this property for Code 128
and 2D barcode types to encode
GS1 Application Identifiers or perform specific functions.
Additional data may be included in this property for
UPC
and
EAN
barcode types to create 2 and 5 digit add-ons. When using
DataBar Expanded, AI's must be entered manually as parentheses
to ensure the proper encoding method. Within Maxicode, all data
must be
entered as one complete string. |
|
DPI |
Dots per inch (DPI) is a measure of printing resolution. |
|
Dynamic Barcode Generator Service |
The
Dynamic Online Barcode Generator Service is an online
service that is hosted and managed by IDAutomation. It dynamically creates
high-quality images that are streamed to an application. |
|
EAN-13 |
(European Article Number) renamed International Article
Number is a 13 digit barcoding standard. It is used worldwide for marking
products. It produces a 13 digit barcode. |
|
EAN-8 |
European Article Numbering system EAN-8, which consists
of eight (8) digits for small packages. |
|
Encode |
Encode means to convert data into another form. |
|
Encoding Mode |
The encoding mode determines
how information is encoded in a 2D symbol.
- ASCII is used to encode data that mainly contains
ASCII characters (0-127).
- Binary is used to encode binary data and bytes
of data.
- BASE256 is used to encode bytes of data or bits
of data in 8 bit increments.
- C40 is used to encode data that mainly contains
numeric and upper case characters similar to the
Code-39 character set.
- TEXT is used to encode data that mainly contains
numeric and lowercase characters.
-
MaxiCode modes 2-6 specify the carrier type and
error correction level.
|
|
Error Correction Level
(EC) |
The Reed Solomon error correction
level placed in the symbol. More error correction creates a
larger symbol that can withstand more damage. Within PDF417,
the error correction level should be
increased with the amount of data encoded. |
|
Fit Control
to Barcode |
Automatically sizes the control
canvas to fit the barcode. |
|
FNC1 |
FNC1 is the single character Function Code 1, which
specifies that a Code 128 barcode is a GS1-128 code. |
|
Font |
Used to change the font name and point size of the text
interpretation or human readable text. |
|
Font Tool |
A font tool (encoder) is an add-in, plug-in, or stand
alone tool designed to format data for a barcode. Data formatting may include
adding start/stop characters and/or calculating a check character. |
|
Fore Color |
The color of the foreground
text and bars in the barcode. The default of black should be
used to ensure the scanner can easily decode the symbol. |
|
GS1-128 |
GS1-128 (previously known as UCC-128 and EAN-128) is
defined by GS1 and used to create several types of barcode symbols that include
Application Identifiers. |
|
Human Readable |
Human Readable is the data representation of the barcode.
It usually appears underneath the barcode. |
|
Include AI in Text |
In DataBar products, determines
if the implied
GS1 Application Identifier (AI) is displayed in the human
readable text. All DataBar barcodes contain an implied AI of
(01) with the exception of
DataBar Expanded. |
|
Include Linkage Flag
in Text |
In DataBar products, determines
if the Linkage Flag for the barcode should be displayed in the
human readable text. This linkage flag determines if there is
a 2D composite barcode to accompany the linear DataBar barcode.
|
|
Intelligent Mail |
Intelligent Mail is a barcode type coined by the United
Stated Postal Service (USPS) that is used to track and sort letters and flat
packages. |
|
Interleaved 2 of 5 |
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF, I2of5) is a numeric only barcode
used to encode pairs of numbers. Every two digits are interleaved with each
other to create a single symbol |
|
Is Composite |
In DataBar products, determines
if a composite symbol is linked to the linear DataBar barcode
by changing the value of the linkage flag. |
|
ISBN |
ISBN (International Standard Book Number) system is used
to automate ordering and inventory systems for book publishers, distributors and
retailers. |
|
ISBT |
ISBT 128 barcode symbology is an international standard
based on the Code 128 Barcode for the transfer of information associated with
blood transfusion, cellular therapy and tissue transplantation |
|
Keyboard Wedge |
A keyboard wedge cable is a Y-cable PS/2 connection where
both the scanner and computer keyboard can be used simultaneously while pulling
power from the computer to run the scanner. |
|
Laser Scanner |
Laser barcode scanners (compared to CCD scanners) are
capable of reading longer and smaller density barcodes, as well as increased
scanning distances. |
|
Left Margin |
This property adds space
to the left margin and when necessary, also adds the same space
to the right margin. This property is usually measured in
centimeters (CM). Common values are 0.06, 0.1 and 0.2 CM. |
|
Macro PDF |
Macro PDF properties allow large amounts of data to be stored
in multiple PDF-417 symbols. |
|
Maxicode |
Maxicode is a 2D (two-dimensional) barcode that is
currently used by UPS on shipping labels for world-wide addressing and package
sortation. |
|
Micro PDF |
MicroPDF417 is a two-dimensional (2D), multi-row
symbology, derived from PDF417 that encodes up to 150 bytes. |
|
MILS |
X Dimension in MILS is the width in mils (1/1000 of an
inch) of the narrow bars. |
|
Mod 10 |
A Mod10 may be required when implementing GS1-128
barcodes for various specifications; the AI is usually not included in the MOD
10 calculation. |
|
Mod 103 |
Mod 103 is a mandatory check digit for Code 128 barcodes.
It is not displayed in human readable form because some of the values are high
ASCII characters that cannot be entered from the keyboard. |
|
Mod 43 |
Mod 43 is a checksum value produced by Code 39. |
|
MSR |
Magnetic stripe readers (also referred to as MSRs) read
drivers licenses, credit cards and other information encoded in the magnetic
strips contained in the card. |
|
Narrow Bar Width |
The
X Dimension of the barcode symbol
that determines the width of the most narrow bar. |
|
Narrow to Wide
Ratio |
Also known as the N Dimension,
it is the difference between narrow and wide bars of symbologies
that only contain narrow and wide bars such as Code 39, Interleaved
2 of 5 and MSI. Common values are 2, 2.5, 2.75 and 3. |
|
PCL |
Printer Command Language (PCL) fonts are printer
fonts that install on PCL compatible printers. |
|
Portable Memory Scanner |
Portable memory scanners are easy to carry portable units
that can capture and store barcodes data and information. |
|
PostNet |
Postal Numeric Encoding Technique is a barcode symbology
that is used by the USPS to assist in directing mail. It is generally encoded as
the Zip Code, Zip +4, or Zip +4 along with the Delivery Point. |
|
PQA |
Print quality assessment (PQA) is a unique feature in
some scanners that verifies and grades several attributes of the barcode symbol. |
|
Preferred Format |
Within Data Matrix, set
the
preferred format as represented by a number. Valid values are
(-1 for automatic) and from 0 (10X10) to 23 (144X144) and from
24 (8X18) to 29 (16X48). This will be automatically increased
if the size of the symbol chosen is too small. |
|
Quiet Zone |
A quiet zone is the blank area on either size of a
barcode that is used to tell the barcode scanner where the barcode begins and
ends. |
|
Reed Solomon |
Reed Solomon is an error correction that allows the
symbol to endure some damage without causing loss of data. |
|
Resolution |
The source that is used to
determine the resolution the image is drawn to, which creates
a more accurate barcode. Default is set to printer. If the custom
option is selected, the number residing in the Resolution Custom
DPI property will determine the resolution. |
|
Rotation Angle |
Indicates the orientation
of the barcode. Valid values are 0, 90, 180 and 270. |
|
Rows (PDF417) |
The number of minimum rows
in a PDF417 symbol. If this setting is 0, the product
will automatically adjust this setting. This setting should
be 0 because the number of rows should be automatically
generated. |
|
SC1500 Barcode Scanner |
IDAutomation
Linear Barcode Scanner capable of
scanning linear and Databar barcodes. |
|
SC5 Barcode Scanner |
See SC1500 Barcode Scanner. |
|
SC7 Barcode Scanner |
IDAutomation
2D Barcode Scanner capable of scanning Linear and 2D
barcodes; it also has a
PQA feature. |
|
Segments |
The segments property applies
only to
DataBar Expanded and is changed to a low even number such
as 4 or 6 to create a stacked symbol. |
|
Show Text |
When enabled, the human readable
text interpretation will be displayed with the barcode. |
|
Show Text Location |
Determines if the human readable
text is placed above or below the barcode. |
|
Supp Separation |
The distance between the
end of the barcode and the beginning of the supplement for UPC-A,
UPC-E, EAN-13 and EAN-8 symbologies. |
|
Symbology |
A symbology is a protocol for arranging the bars and
spaces that make up a particular kind of barcode, such as Code 128, Code 39,
etc. |
|
Symbology ID |
The symbology or barcode
type to be used. To obtain more information about barcode types,
visit the barcoding for beginners site. |
|
Text Margin |
Sets the distance between
the symbol and the human readable text interpretation, usually
measured in
centimeters. |
|
Top Margin |
This property adds space
to the top margin and when necessary, also adds the same space
to the bottom margin. This property is usually measured in
centimeters (CM). Common values are 0.03, 0.06 and 0.1 CM. |
|
TrueType Font |
TrueType is the most common font technology for every day
use. |
|
Truncated |
In PDF417, creates a
truncated symbol according to the ISO specification. |
|
UFL |
User function library (UFL) is a DLL that is integrated
into Crystal Reports. The IDAutomation UFL is designed to encode data. |
|
Universal Barcode Font |
A
Universal barcode font is a single barcode font that
can create multiple barcode types. Its unique encoding allows cross-platform
support between Unix, Linux, Macintosh and Windows® systems. |
|
UPC |
Universal Product Code (UPC) is a barcode symbology that
is widely used in the United States and Canada for tracking trade items in
stores. |
|
UPC-E System |
The encoding system to be
used in
UPC-E;
valid values are 0, 1 and Auto. |
|
White Bar Increase |
A decimal percentage value
that increases the white space between bars to improve readability
for printers that print darker than normal. For example, a value
of 0.20 increases the white space
by 20%. Common values are .10, .15, .20 and .25. A decimal value
must be entered to enable this feature. |
|
X Dimension |
The width of the most narrow
bars in the barcode, which all other bars are built on. In most
products, this is measured in
centimeters (CM). X
Dimension MILS is a similar property, which is specified
in 1/1000 of an inch increments. The most common value is .03
CM or 12 MILS. The X dimension should be increased if
the barcode
scanner being used does not dependably decode the symbol.
When X Dimension CM and
X Dimension MILS are both present,
setting one will override the value of the other property.
When using
Intelligent Mail, Postnet or Planet barcode types,
the X Dimension of .05 cm or 20 MILS should be used to achieve
a width of between 22 and 24 bars per inch.
|
Conversion Table:
Inches |
MILs |
CM |
| .004 |
4 |
.01 |
| .006 |
6 |
.015 |
| .008 |
8 |
.02 |
| .010 |
10 |
.025 |
| .012 |
12 |
.03 |
| .014 |
14 |
.035 |
| .016 |
16 |
.04 |
| .02 |
20 |
.05 |
| .04 |
40 |
.1 |
|
|
X to Y Ratio |
The height multiple of bars
in a stacked barcode, which is usually 2 to 5 times the X Dimension.
The default value of 3 is most common. |
|
Outdated Properties |
|
Property Name |
Property Description |
|
Resolution
Printer to Use |
The property was used to
get the resolution for the images based off a specific printer
in the printer list. This allows printing to a printer that
is not the default. This property is no longer necessary when
using the
current method of printing. Invalid printer names passed
into this function will be ignored. A developer may retrieve
the list of valid printer name string values by checking the
installed printers collection. The following C# code snippet
loops through all installed printers on a machine and writes
the names of the printers to the console:
foreach(string pkInstalledPrinters in PrinterSettings.InstalledPrinters)
{Console.Write("Installed printer name is " + pkInstalledPrinters
+ (char)10);}
|
|
Verifying Barcodes |
| Linear and DataBar
barcodes may be read with the
IDAutomation USB Barcode Scanner. 2D symbols may be read
with a 2D Imager
such as
IDAutomation
2D Barcode Scanner with print quality assessment. |
