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Home > Font Encoders > Crystal Reports Font Encoder UFL

Crystal Reports Barcode Font Encoder UFL

  • Crystal Reports Barcode Font Encoder Tool TutorialEasily create barcodes in Crystal Reports with fonts.
  • Enables easy Change To Barcode functionality.
  • Generates many linear barcode types including Code 128, GS1-128, DataBar, Code 39, Code 93, Interleaved 2 of 5,  UPC, EAN, Postnet and Intelligent Mail.
  • Compatible with Crystal Reports versions 7 and higher.
  • Supports Visual Studio .NET environments.
  • Compatible with Windows 95 and greater, including 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008.
  • Supports double-byte language settings when used with Databar or Universal Barcode Fonts.
  • Free to use with demo or purchased IDAutomation barcode fonts.

Download the IDAutomation Crystal Barcode Font Encoder UFL Functions List | Support | Native Generator | Font Formulas | Integration Guide

Crystal Reports Barcode Font Encoder UFL Overview

“This is easily the best software I’ve found for barcode printing in Crystal by a long way -- I must have downloaded 6 or 7 other fonts and packages, but none are as easy to use as this.” Michael Ainley, IT Manager, UK

The IDAutomation Crystal Reports Barcode Font Encoder UFL is very easy-to-use when generating barcodes in crystal reports. This UFL encoder tool supports many linear barcode types including Code 128, GS1-128, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC, EAN, DataBar, Postnet, Intelligent Mail and more. Advanced 2D barcode fonts such as Aztec, DataMatrix, PDF417, Maxicode and QR-Code must use the UFL supplied with that specific package.

Download the IDAutomation Crystal Barcode Font Encoder UFL

Crystal Reports Tutorial Index

Crystal Reports Version 7 to 11 Barcode Font UFL Tutorial

  1. Install the IDAutomation demo or purchased barcode fonts of your choice. If unsure which font to use, consider IDAutomation's Code 128 fonts, which are easy to use with this tool.
    • When using Code 128 or Interleaved 2 of 5, the Universal barcode fonts must instead be used if the character set is not US English, 1252 Latin-1, 1250 European, 1251 Cyrillic, 1253 Greek, 1254 Turkish, 1255 Hebrew or 1256 Arabic.
    • This example uses the Code 128 Barcode Font Advantage Package. Some font packages also include Font Formulas, which allow the font-formatting routines to be embedded in a report without the need for a UFL.
  2. Download the Crystal Reports Barcode Font Encoder UFL. After installation is complete, the barcode functions will show in the formula editor under Additional Functions.
    • For backward compatibility with previous report formulas, IDAutomation also provides the COM based Crystal UFL. If the earlier version of the UFL is used, refer to the documentation in that package.
  3. Choose the Design tab to enter the design mode of the report.
  4. Open the Field Explorer. In Crystal 9, select View - Field Explorer. In versions prior to 9, select Insert - Formula Field.
  5. Right-click on Formula Fields and select New.
  6. In the Formula Name dialog box, enter a name to identify the formula field. In this example, the formula is simply named "Barcode."

    Enter the Name You Want to Identify the Formula by in the Formula Name Box.
     
  7. Click OK and select Use Editor if asked. The Formula Editor should now be open.
  8. In the Functions column, expand Additional Functions and expand the IDAutomation section to Select the appropriate function.
    • If the IDAutomation functions do not show up in the Additional Functions section after installing the UFL, copy the U25IDAutomation.dll file from the Windows System directory (for example C:\Windows\System32) to the directory where the Crystal DLLs are located.
      • In Crystal 11 the file may be copied to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Business Objects\3.0\bin;
      • In Crystal 10 and previous versions the file may be copied to %Windows%\Crystal where %Windows% is the directory where Windows is installed.
  9. Make sure the utilized function matches the font listed in the Font To Use column. As an example, only use the IDAutomation_Code128() function with the IDAutomationC128 font.
  10. With the cursor positioned between the parentheses of the function, select the data field that is to be encoded. Data fields used in this formula must be formatted as text. If the data fields are not text, use ToText or cStr for conversion.
    • The syntax of the formula should look similar to the formula below which formats Field1 of Table1 to a Code 128 barcode font.
       
      IDAutomation_Code128 ({Table1.Field1})       or
      IDAutomation_Code128 (cStr( {Table1.Field1},0 ) )
       
  11. Choose Save and then Close. If a "A string is required" or similar error appears, convert the data to a string with the cStr function.
     
    For example: IDAutomation_Code128 (Str( {Customers.CustNum},0 ) )
     
  12. To include a text interpretation of the encoded data below the barcode, consider creating an additional formula. In this example, the formula is named BarcodeHR to return the "human readable" text for Table1.Field1: {Table1.Field1}
    • When creating GS1-128 (UCC/EAN) barcodes which require specific text interpretations, the appropriate HR function may be used for that purpose.
      For example, to display the text for a GS1-128 barcode, BarcodeHR is created with a different formula to return the formatted text from Table1.Field1:

      IDAutomation_Code128HumanReadable ({Table1.Field1})
       
  13. Return to the Field Explorer dialog box.
  14. Click on the formula field and drag it onto the report.

    Click on the Formula Field and Drag it onto Your Report.
     
  15. Now that the fields have been created in the report, choose the Preview tab to make sure the data is being retrieved from the fields and properly formatted to the barcode font. Special characters will append to the beginning and end of the data from the fields, which are required for the start and stop characters in the barcode.
     
    The Preview tab shows whether the data is being pulled from the fields and properly formatted to the barcode font.

    Additional formatting may also be necessary that scrambles the data which is normal for Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5 and all functions in the Universal barcode font and DataBar Font. The graphic above shows the first field produced by the @Barcode formula and the second produced by the @BarcodeHR formula.
  16. Select the Design tab again and size the barcode formula field to display the appropriate barcode font in the report.
  17. Change the formula field to the appropriate barcode font and set the size to 12 points or another appropriate size. Ensure the formula used matches the font listed in the Font to Use column. This is a very important step and the barcodes will not be properly created if this step is performed incorrectly.

    Note: When selecting the font from the pull down menu, please do not use the fonts that begin with the "@" Symbol. Instead, scroll down in the list and select fonts that begin with "IDAutomation”.
     
  18. Select the Preview tab (or File - Print Preview) to view the barcodes in the report. Print one page of the report and test with a scanner.
     
    When you choose the Preview tab you should see your barcodes in the report.

    Consider testing with the easy-to-use IDAutomation USB Barcode Scanner, which reads all popular linear and GS1 DataBar barcodes. When 2D Data Matrix, PDF417, QR Code, Aztec or Intelligent Mail symbols need to be verified, IDAutomation suggests the IDAutomation 2D Barcode Scanner.

Easy Barcode Generation for Crystal 12 and Greater

Turning fields into barcodes is a new functionality introduced in Crystal Reports 12. When using Crystal versions below 12, the standard UFL tutorial must be followed.


View Video Full Screen on YouTube
  1. Install the appropriate barcode fonts. If in doubt about which font to use, IDAutomation recommends the Universal Barcode Font for the Code 128 barcode.
  2. Download and install the latest version of IDAutomation's Crystal Reports UFL. Only versions released March 2008 or later are compatible with the Change to Barcode functionality introduced in Crystal Reports 12.
  3. Add a field to the report that contains the data that will be encoded in the barcode. If necessary, a formula field may be created to append text or concatenate fields.
  4. Select the Preview tab (or File - Print Preview) to confirm that the correct data appears in the field.
  5. Right-click on this field, choose Change To Barcode and select from the list of installed barcode fonts, the type of barcode to create.

    Crystal Reports 12 Change To Barcode Feature
     
  6. The barcode should be instantly created in the report. To create a text interpretation, simply add the same field to the report again and position it below the barcode as necessary.
  7. Print one page of the report and test with a barcode scanner.

Font Formulas

Many of IDAutomation's font packages include Font Formulas, which allow font formatting routines to be embedded in a report without the need for a UFL. These formulas are saved as part of the report file (.rpt) and do not have any external dependencies, with the exception of the required barcode font. When distributing reports, consider this method or try the Native Barcode Generator for Crystal Reports, which creates dynamic embedded barcodes without fonts.

Formulas to Combine Multiple Fields or Encode Functions

Functions may be easily modified with formulas to combine multiple fields or append text in a single barcode, as demonstrated in the following examples:

  • This formula appends the text "ECC200", combines two fields in a single barcode and places a tab function (which is ASCII 009) between them:

    IDAutomation_Code128ApplyTilde ( "ECC200" & {Table1.DataField1} & "~009" & {Table1.UPC})
     
  • This formula adds in the GS1-128 Application Identifier (~202) and calculates a MOD 10 check digit.

    IDAutomation_Code128ApplyTilde ("~202" & {Table1.DataField1} & "~m19" )

UFL & Font Distribution with Crystal Runtime Files

IDAutomation's Formulas for Crystal Reports require only the applicable barcode font to be installed. IDAutomation's Crystal Reports Barcode UFL is free to use and distribute in an application with the purchase of any IDAutomation fonts package. The following runtime files should be distributed with the application.

Crystal Reports UFL Files to Distribute

Type

File to Distribute

Notes
Font File(s) ???.ttf TrueType fonts may be distributed with the purchase of a Developer License.
Crystal UFL U25IDAutomation.dll The IDAutomation Crystal UFL should be installed in the Windows System directory (ex. C:\Windows\System32).

Crystal UFL Barcode Functions List

The functions listed below are all available in the Crystal Reports UFL download are valid when used with the barcode font listed in the Font to Use column. The data input type for all functions is a string.

Functions for Standard Barcode Fonts

Barcode Type

Functions
(View Function Property Descriptions)

Font to use
Code 11 IDAutomation_Code 11 (DataToEncode) IDAutomationC11
Code 128 IDAutomation_Code128 (DataToEncode)
Recommended for general barcoding purposes.		 IDAutomationC128
Additional Code 128 Functions
IDAutomation_Code128ApplyTilde (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_Code128ApplyTilde() applies Code 128 tilde processing to the barcode and is used to create GS1-128 or encode functions.
IDAutomation_Code128A (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_Code128B (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_Code128C (DataToEncode)		 IDAutomationC128
IDAutomation_Code128HumanReadableTilde (DataToEncode)
This method returns the human readable text for Code 128 barcodes, such as with GS1-128.		 Text Font
Code 39 IDAutomation_Code39 (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_Code39Mod43 (DataToEncode)		 IDAutomationC39
Code 93 IDAutomation_Code93 (DataToEncode) IDAutomationC93
Codabar IDAutomation_Codabar (DataToEncode) IDAutomationCB
EAN-13 IDAutomation_EAN13 (DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN
EAN-8 IDAutomation_EAN8 (DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN
Interleaved 2 of 5 IDAutomation_I2of5 (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_I2of5Mod10 (DataToEncode)		 IDAutomationI25
MSI Plessey IDAutomation_MSI (DataToEncode) IDAutomationMSI
UPC-A IDAutomation_UPCa (DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN
UPC-E IDAutomation_UPCe (DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN
USPS IntelligentMail IDAutomation_IntelligentMail (DataToEncode) IDAutomationPOSTNET
or IDAutomationIMB
USPS Postnet IDAutomation_Postnet (DataToEncode) IDAutomationPOSTNET
USPS Planet IDAutomation_Postnet (DataToEncode) IDAutomationPOSTNET
Not Applicable IDAutomation_Mod10 (DataToEncode) not applicable

Universal Barcode Font Functions
The functions listed below are preceded with IDAutomation_Uni_ and should be used with IDAutomation Universal Barcode Fonts or IDAutomation DataBar Barcode Fonts.

Barcode Type

Functions

Font to Use
Code 128 IDAutomation_Uni_C128 (DataToEncode)
C128() is recommended for general barcoding purposes. 		IDAutomation_Uni
or IDAutomation DataBar
Additional Code 128 Functions
IDAutomation_Uni_C128ApplyTilde (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_Uni_C128ApplyTilde() applies Code 128 tilde processing and is used to create GS1-128 or encode functions.
IDAutomation_Uni_C128A (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_Uni_C128B (DataToEncode)
IDAutomation_Uni_C128C (DataToEncode)		 IDAutomation_Uni
or IDAutomation DataBar
IDAutomation_Code128HumanReadableTilde (DataToEncode)
This method returns the human readable text for Code 128 barcodes, such as with GS1-128.		 Text Font
Code 39 IDAutomation_Uni_C39 (DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit)
Example:

IDAutomation_Uni_C39 ("12345678",3,TRUE )		 IDAutomation_Uni
or IDAutomation DataBar
Codabar IDAutomation_Uni_Codabar (DataToEncode, N_Dimension, StartChar, StopChar)
Example:

IDAutomation_Uni_Codabar ("12345678",2,A,B )		 IDAutomation_Uni
or IDAutomation DataBar
Interleaved 2 of 5 IDAutomation_Uni_I2of5 (DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit)
Example:
 
IDAutomation_Uni_I2of5 ("12345678",2,FALSE  )		 IDAutomation_Uni
or IDAutomation DataBar
MSI Plessey IDAutomation_Uni_MSI (DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni
or IDAutomation DataBar
USPS IntelligentMail IDAutomation_Uni_IntelligentMail (DataToEncode) IDAutomation_Uni
USPS Postnet IDAutomation_Uni_Postnet (DataToEncode, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni
USPS Planet IDAutomation_Uni_Planet (DataToEncode, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni

DataBar Functions
The methods listed below are preceded with IDAutomation_DataBar_ and are only to be used with the IDAutomation GS1 DataBar Font.

Barcode Type

Functions

Font to use
DataBar IDAutomation_DataBar (DataToEncode) IDAutomation DataBar 34
DataBar Expanded IDAutomation_DataBarExpanded (DataToEncode) IDAutomation DataBar 34
DataBar Expanded Stacked DataBar Expanded Stacked requires a custom formula field to be copied from the sample report provided. IDAutomation DataBar 34
DataBar Limited IDAutomation_DataBarLimited (DataToEncode) IDAutomation DataBar 13
DataBar Stacked IDAutomation_DataBarStacked (DataToEncode) IDAutomation DataBar 13
DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional IDAutomation_DataBarStackedOmniDirectional (DataToEncode) IDAutomation DataBar 34
DataBar Truncated IDAutomation_DataBar (DataToEncode) IDAutomation DataBar 13

Function Property Descriptions

  • DataToEncode: a string value that represents the data being encoded.
  • N_Dimension: determines the width of the wide bars that is a multiple of the X dimension. Valid values are 2, 2.5 and 3. The default is 2. The X dimension is determined by the font point size.
  • IncludeCheckDigit: a Boolean value that determines whether a check digit should be automatically calculated and included for the DataToEncode.
  • ApplyTilde: when ApplyTilde is set to "1" in Code 128 with the Auto character set, the format ~ddd may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded and several other tilde options are enabled.

DataBar Expanded Stacked Barcode Generation

This procedure inserts a formula field for DataBar Expanded Stacked symbols and is compatible with Crystal Reports version 9 and up. This is a necessary step to ensure that DataBar Expanded Stacked symbols are created properly in Crystal Reports.

  1. Install the package and open the Crystal Report example provided.
  2. Choose View - Design to switch to design mode.
  3. Highlight the @IDAutomation_DataBarExpandedStacked field and choose Edit - Copy.
  4. Open the report choose Edit - Paste to paste the field where it is desired.
  5. Highlight the field and choose Edit - Edit Formula.
    1. Modify the "DataToEncode:=" line of the formula to equal the data that is to be encoded in the barcode.
    2. Change the "Segments:= 4;" line of the formula to equal the number of segments needed.
      The complete formula should look something similar to:

      stringVar DataToEncode:= {Table1.DataField1};
      numberVar Segments:= 6;
      stringVar CompleteBarcodeString:="";
      numberVar i:=0;
      numberVar DataSegments:= ToNumber (IDAutomation_DataBarExpandedStackedSet(DataToEncode,Segments));
      For i:=1 to DataSegments Do
      (
      CompleteBarcodeString := CompleteBarcodeString + IDAutomation_DataBarExpandedStackedGet(DataToEncode,Segments,i);
      );
      CompleteBarcodeString
       
  6. Continue implementation and testing with Step 11 of the tutorial.

Crystal Reports Barcode Font Integration Support

Free product support is available by reviewing the font problems and solutions information that IDAutomation has documented and by searching resolved public forum threads.

Pre-sales and existing customer support is available by contacting IDAutomation, and additional technical support may be attained with the purchase of the one year Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription.

Common Issues and Notices

2D Crystal Report Barcode Font Integration

Related Products and Information

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