GS1 DataBar Coupon Barcode Generation Tutorial

This tutorial outlines the basic steps to create the new GS1 DataBar coupon barcode with IDAutomation's DataBar Barcode Font or the DataBar Image Generator. Before coupon barcodes can be generated, the data to be encoded in the coupon needs to be determined. If this is not known, obtain the coupon barcode specification from a GS1 Member Organization or other associated coupon committee.

Image Generator Tutorial:

1. It is preferred to use the DataBar Image Generator to generate coupon symbols as images on the PC. The result can be easily pasted into other Windows applications or the file may be saved to a disc for import into a graphic application on the MAC. If this is the application of choice, download or purchase the DataBar Image Generator.
2. Install and open the DataBar Image Generator.
3. Change the Symbology to "DataBar Expanded", enter the Data to Encode and change the segments property to 6. Make sure there are no spaces before or after the data, just numbers and parentheses as shown below. The barcode should now appear in the image preview.
   
4. Choose the "Text & Color" tab and disable the human readable text.
   
5. Choose the "Caption" tab, enter the GS1 company prefix and offer code. Modify the upper caption space so that the text is a proper distance from the symbol.
   
6. After the symbol appears accurately in the image preview, choose the copy button and paste the barcode into the chosen application or save it to a file.
   
7. Test scan the result with the IDAutomation USB Scanner or other DataBar Compatible Scanner.

DataBar Font Tutorial:

1. IDAutomation's DataBar Barcode Font may be used on any operating system to create precise, device independent symbols. When using fonts, each system making use of the symbol must have the font installed until it is printed or saved as an image. The font implementation may be the best choice for MAC users working with publishing applications such as PhotoShop or Quark XPress. If this is the product of choice, download or purchase the font.
2. Install the font. After the font is installed, it is recommended to reboot the system.
3. Open the preferred application and insert a text box. Within the text box, enter the company prefix and offer code.
   
4. Press return so the cursor appears below the company prefix and offer code and change the font to IDAutomation DataBar 34.
5. Open the Online DataBar Font Encoder or an appropriate Font Tool.
6. Enter the data that is to be encoded with the required parentheses and choose the DataBar Expanded 6 Segments button. Several letters should appear in the Encoded Text field.
   
7. Highlight all text in the "Encoded Text" box and copy it to the clipboard. This is easily accomplished by placing the cursor in the box, pressing CTRL-A (to select all) and then CTRL-C (to copy to the clipboard). MAC users must use Apple-A and Apple-C.
8. In the text box, choose the paste option by pressing CTRL-V. Apple-V for MACs. In applications with spell checking such as Microsoft Word, auto-correction lines may appear, this is normal and should not appear in the printed document.
   
9. Test scan the result with the IDAutomation USB Scanner or other DataBar Compatible Scanner.

NOTE:
Coupons printed before January 2010 should also include the UPC symbol. After January 2010, the UPC symbol does not need to be printed.

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