iWork Numbers Barcode Tutorial for Mac
Using Self Checking Barcode Fonts with Numbers:
Self-Checking
Barcode Fonts such as
Code 39 (for
numbers and/or uppercase letters) and
Codabar (for
numbers only) are the easiest to use in Numbers when encoding numbers
and/or uppercase letters. Self-checking barcode fonts have built-in
checking code so that it is not required to calculate a check character.
These self
checking fonts may be printed or generated as a calculated field
in Numbers easily. The following tutorial demonstrates how this is accomplished:
- To create a proper barcode with
self checking
fonts, a start character must be added to the beginning and
a stop character added to the end of the data being encoded. This
is referred to as the start/stop character, which is easily added F
to IDAutomation's
Code 3 of 9
barcode (for uppercase letters and/or numbers) with the asterisk
character and
Codabar
(numbers only) fonts with an A as a start character and a B as a
stop character.
- The start/stop character may be easily added to the beginning
and ending of the data being encoded with a simple Numbers formula
of ="*"&CELL&"*" where CELL is
the cell of the data being encoded in the barcode.
- Fig. 1 Entering Code 39 formula.
- After the formula is entered in the cell and copied down the
column, select the correct barcode font for the cell and a symbol
should appear. The cells may need to be sized to contain the entire
symbol.
- Fig. 2 Applying Code 39 formula and font to cells.
- Fig. 3 Applying Codabar formula and font to cells.
- Print and scan the barcode(s) to verify the correct data is
encoded. If a scanner is needed to verify barcodes, IDAutomation
recommends the
IDAutomation USB Barcode Scanner.
Combining Multiple Columns in a Single Barcode
Tabs and returns may be added using
Extended
Code 39 barcode fonts between cells by inserting "$I" (for a tab)
or "$M" (for a return). For example, the following formula encodes a
tab between cells A2 and B2: ="*"&A2&"$I"&B2&"*"
Fig. 4 Encode a tab between combined cells.
Creating a Column of Barcodes in a
Spreadsheet
IDAutomation barcode fonts provide an easy method of barcoding a
column in Numbers. Code 3 of 9 barcodes are created in a Numbers spreadsheet
in this example, with the IDAutomationC39
font that is included in the
Code 39 Barcode
Font Package.
Codabar Fonts
may also be used to create smaller bar codes when using numbers only.
To use fonts other than
Codabar and
Code 39 on the
Macintosh platform, refer to
IDAutomation's Barcode
Integration Guide for Macintosh.
- Barcodes are created in column B from the data in
column A in this example. Enter the formula
="*"&A2&"*" in cell B2 to append the
required asterisks to the text from cell A2:
- Fig. 4 Entering Code39 Formula to barcode cell.
- Select the cell containing the formula and choose Edit -
Copy. Highlight the entire column by selecting the rectangle
labeled "B" at the top of the spreadsheet and choose Edit - Paste.
The formulas may take some time to recalculate if the spreadsheet
is large.
- Fig. 5 Applying the Code 39 Font and formula to cells.
- With the entire column that contains the formula highlighted,
select the IDAutomationHC39S font from the
Code 39 Barcode
Font Package or another appropriate font. The barcodes
will then appear in the entire column.
- Fig. 6 Select the Code 39 Barcode Font for the entire
column.
- With the entire column that contains the formula highlighted,
select the appropriate point size. In this example, 12 points is
used. With the entire column that contains the formula highlighted,
center the text so the barcode is in the center of the field. Size
the column so it is wide enough to contain the barcode.
- Fig. 7 Adjust the font size and center the barcode in
the cell.
- Print and scan the barcode(s) to verify the correct data is
encoded. If a scanner is needed to verify barcodes, IDAutomation
offers several USB
Barcode Scanners. If there is a need to use barcodes smaller
than 12 points, the
IDAutomation Plug 'n Play USB Barcode Scanner dependably scans
the Code 39 font when printed as small as 6 points.
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