C128 ReturnType Barcode 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. Encoders that are feature level 10 or greater enable cross-platform compatible Unicode character strings and support human readable text and GS1-128 AIs within the IDAutomation C128 Barcode Font.

ReturnType	Description	Example
0	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.
1	Returns a text string for a standard font such as Ariel. Usually used to display the human-readable text for GS1-128 with the C128() function.	(17) 231231
2	Returns only the check-digit, if applicable.	3
Types 3 through 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	Description	Example
3	Returns human-readable text spliced every 3 digits, if applicable.	172 312 310
4	Returns human-readable text spliced every 4 digits, if applicable.	1723 1231 0
5	Returns human-readable text spliced every 5 digits, if applicable.	17231 2310
Unicode Encoding: When compatible, offers true Unicode encoding compatibility and human readable interpretations with Code 128 Fonts version 2009 or greater Font Encoders that are Feature Level 10 or greater.
ReturnType	Description	Example
6	Returns a Unicode character string that generates Human Readable interpretation within the font. Compatible with all GS1-128 AIs.
7	Same functionality as ReturnType 6, except with taller bars at the beginning and ending which may improve omni-directional scanning.
8	Returns a Unicode character string formatted to the associated barcode font with standard bar heights.
9	Same functionality as ReturnType 6, except 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 seems to strip out Unicode characters and convert 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, IDAutomation suggests implementation with the Universal Font.

C128 ReturnType Specifications