IDAutomation Bar Code Image Generator Manual & Tutorial

IDAutomation’s Barcode Image Generator is used to create barcode image files and paste barcodes into Windows® applications. It creates images one at a time and is commonly used to generate barcode image files for Photo Shop, PaintShop Pro, Quark, Corel Draw and other graphic applications.

INDEX:

• Installing the Image Generator
• Installation on a network drive for multiple users
• Generating and saving an image file
• Pasting barcodes into applications
• Creating image files from the command line or DOS prompt
• Generating multiple image files dynamically
• Adjusting the properties of the image and barcode
  • Linear properties
  • Code 128 and GS1-128 Specific Properties
  • PDF417 and MacroPDF417 Specific properties (available only in the 2D version)
  • Data Matrix Specific properties (available only in the 2D version)
  • MaxiCode Specific Properties (available only in the 2D version)
  • GS1-DataBar (RSS), Composite and MicroPDF417 properties (available only in the RSS Version)
• It is important to have the ability to test printed barcodes with a barcode scanner. If a scanner is not available for testing purposes, IDAutomation sells high quality complete barcode scanner kits.
• If it is necessary to create multiple barcodes encoding different data, IDAutomation also offers Barcode Label Software that creates images dynamically from a list or database.

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Installing the Barcode Image Generator

IDAutomation's Barcode Image Generator is built to run on any operating system that supports the Microsoft.NET Framework. It is compatible with Windows 98 and above, including ME, 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista.

1. Download and unzip the package to a folder on a local hard drive. It is recommended to download and install WinZip if a program is not available to open WinZip files.
2. Run Setup.Exe to start the install utility.
3. If a message is generated that Microsoft® .NET Framework must first be installed, do so and run Setup again. The .NET Framework may be installed by running Windows Update from a computer connected to the Internet or it may be downloaded.

Installation on a network drive for multiple users

Because this product does not install any DLLs or other components in the system directories, it may be easily installed and used from a network or a mapped drive.

1. Run Setup.Exe to start the install utility.
2. When prompted for the location, select the network drive and complete the install process.
3. Create shortcuts on other computers that need to run the application.
4. If errors occur on other computers, try performing the steps outlines in the document about setting security rights for .NET applications.
5. Make sure there is a license for each user that has access to the software.

Generating and saving an image file

1. Choose the Generate Image File button.
2. In the Save as type dialog box, choose the image type to create. The most common image type to create for importing into other applications, such as PhotoShop, is JPEG or TIFF. The following file types are supported: jpeg, gif, tiff, png, bmp or wmf.
3. The File name dialog is automatically generated to be unique, however it may be changed if necessary.

Pasting barcodes into applications

1. Choose the Copy to Clipboard button.
2. In the application, choose Edit - Paste or press CRTL-V. If the image does not paste in the application correctly, it may not support pasting of graphic images.
3. The default clipboard image type is a resolution-independent Windows metafile. If the bitmap option is chosen, the image is created according to the DPI setting in the image properties. After pasting this image, it may have to be resized accordingly.

Creating image files from the command line or DOS prompt

1. Open the Image Generator and change any properties as necessary. The image created will use the properties that were last set and only the data encoded in the barcode will change. After the properties are set, close the Image Generator.
2. From the Windows command prompt or DOS command line, the following parameters are available to create image files:
   [ DataToEncode ] [ Optional file path, name.ImageType ]
   
   An example that generates a JPEG file in the current directory would contain the following in a batch file:
   "Image Generator.exe" 123456789012
   which would create an image file named 123456789012 .jpeg
   
   An example that generates a GIF file in a specified directory with a specified file name would contain the following in a batch file:
   "Image Generator.exe" 123456789012 C:\Windows\Temp\TestFile.gif
   which would create a gif file. The following types of files may be created: jpeg, gif, tiff, png, bmp or wmf.

Generating multiple image files dynamically

• Multiple image files may be generated dynamically with an external program that makes a call to the application.
• A DOS batch file may be used to demonstrate this capability. The following is a batch file that makes multiple sequential images with a loop:
  @ECHO OFF
  SET Prefix=12345678
  SET Start=1001
  SET Stop=1004
  SET IncrementBy=1
  :Loop
     CALL "Image Generator.exe" %Prefix%%Start%
     echo Created image for value %Prefix%%Start%
     if %Start%==%Stop% goto Exit
     SET /A Start=Start+%IncrementBy%
  goto Loop
  :Exit

This section explains the barcode properties. The unit of measure (when applicable) may be changed by choosing Edit - Set unit of measure. The default unit of measurement is inches.

Linear Bar Code Properties (The default values of all properties are set to their most common selection)

• Bar Height is the height of the bars in the barcode.
• BearerBar Horizontal determines the horizontal bearer bar width. The value is a multiple of the X Dimension. Default = 0.
• BearerBar Vertical determines the vertical bearer bar width. The value is a multiple of the X Dimension. Default = 0.
• CharacterGrouping determines the number of characters between spaces in the text interpretation of the data encoded in the barcode. Default =0 (off); supported values are 3, 4 and 5.
• Data To Encode is the data that is to be encoded in the barcode.
• Left Margin adjusts the space to the left and right of the barcode; also known as the quiet zone.
• Symbology is the type of barcode to be used. The default is code 128. For more information on barcode types, visit the bar-coding for beginners site.
• Text Margin is the distance between the barcode and the text.
• Top Margin adjusts the white space above and below the barcode.
• UPCE System is the encoding system to be used for UPC-E, valid values are 0 and 1. The system is automatically determined if the leading zero or one is included in the data to encode.
• Use Check Digit automatically adds the check digit to the barcode. The check digit is required for all symbologies except Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5 and Codabar. When using symbologies that do not require the check digit or where the check digit is already provided then use the option to disable the check digit.
• Wide to Narrow Ratio is the wide to narrow ratio of symbologies that only contain wide and narrow bars such as Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5 and MSI. Common values are 2, 2.5, 2.75 and 3. The default value is 2.
• White Bar Increase is the percentage of increase of the white bars compared to black bars. This property is used when a printer prints darker than normal, it increases the amount of white space between bars to improve readability. Recommended values are 15% to 25% for ink jet printers. Values must be entered as a percentage; for example, 20% or .20. Default = 0 (no increase).
• X Dimension is the width of the narrow bars that make up the barcode. The default is 0.03 cm or 12 mils. Increase this value if the scanner cannot read barcodes with small X dimensions. This value may be decreased to obtain a higher density barcode with a  high quality laser or CCD scanner.

Text Properties

• Place Text Above Barcode moves the human readable text from below the barcode to above the barcode.
• Show Human Readable Text - If this value is yes or true, the human readable text will be displayed with the barcode.
• Show Check Digit In Text automatically adds the check digit that is encoded in the barcode to the human readable text that is displayed.
• Text Font Point Size will adjust the font size of the human readable text, not the barcode itself.

Image Properties

• Clipboard Image Type - When creating images that will be pasted into other applications, it is recommended the Resolution Independent Metafile be used.
• Image DPI determines the DPI of the image file created. This setting is also the source that is used to determine the resolution the image is drawn to, which creates a more accurate barcode. Note that a 300 DPI image may appear about 3 times larger than normal when imported into an application. After import, the image may be resized as desired. Different sized images may require different text font settings because fonts operate differently than graphics.
• Orientation indicates the orientation of the barcode. Valid values are 0 (normal), 90 (vertical),180 (inverted) and 270 (inverted vertical).

Code 128 and GS1-128 Specific Properties

• Apply Tilde in Code 128 - If Code 128 AUTO is selected, use the following formatting options. Default is off.
  • Encode an ASCII character: The format ~ddd may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. For example, by entering the following text in the Data field: 66~02977 it will actually encode 66GS77, where GS is the delimiter ASCII 29 character. Other commonly used ASCII codes are ~009 for a tab and ~013 which is a return function. This property is only valid for Code 128 Auto.
  • Encoding GS1-128 & UCC/EAN-128: To encode alpha-numeric GS1-128 (UCC/EAN128), the character must be set to "AUTO" for automatic. Then, ASCII 202 or character Ê is entered as the FNC1 before each AI and the required start C is included automatically. For example, the GS1 data of (8100)712345(21)12WH5678 should be entered as: Ê8100712345Ê2112WH5678. In most cases, the AI's will be properly represented in the human readable text with parentheses. If the parentheses are not around the correct number for the AI, enter the following extended ASCII character as the FNC1 for the correct number of digits in the AI:
    ASCII 212 = 2 digits
    ASCII 213 = 3 digits
    ASCII 214 = 4 digits
    ASCII 215 = 5 digits
    ASCII 216 = 6 digits
    ASCII 217 = 7 digits
    For example, to encode (1277)56, enter Ö127756.
  • Create a Mod 10 Check digit: To Create a Mod 10 check digit for xx number of characters add the following to the DataToEncode:  ~mnn (where nn is a 2 digit number representing the number of characters preceding the tilde in which to base the Mod 10 calculation). For example, setting the DataToEncode property to 7112345678912345678~m19, will cause a mod 10 check digit to be created based on all 19 characters before the tilde. The human readable text and scanned data will be displayed as 71123456789123456787. The final 7 is the mod 10 check digit and replaces ~m19.
  • FNC2: When necessary, the FNC2 character may be inserted into the DataToEncode string by using ASCII 197. For example; Å8012349091. IDAutomation's SC5USB Scanner can be programmed to hold the barcode starting with the FNC2 in memory, and only transmit it to the computer after scanning a barcode containing the FNC1.

• Code 128 Set - The set of characters to be used in code128. Valid values are: AUTO, A, B or C. The recommended setting and the default is AUTO. For more information on Code 128, review the Code 128 FAQ.

UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8 and EAN-13 Properties:
The +2 and +5 add-on supplemental codes may be created by just adding the digits to the end of the UPC or EAN symbol. If the check digit is added, it will be ignored and regenerated to ensure that the code can be scanned. If rotated by 270 degrees, the top margin may need to be increased. For UPC-E, the full 11 or 12 digit UPC-A code may be entered and the barcode will be compressed if possible; a 6, 7 or 8 digit compressed UPC-E code may also be entered.

USPS Intelligent Mail (OneCode), POSTNET and PLANET Properties:
When using the Intelligent Mail (AKA OneCode), PostNet or Planet barcode, the Narrow Bar Width of .05 cm or 20 mils should be used. For barcodes to be acceptable to the US post offices, they must be between 22 and 24 bars per inch. Adjust this setting for the printer if the results are different.

These properties are available only in the RSS Composite Version of this product. Read the RSS and Composite Symbology FAQ  or the MicroPDF417 FAQ for more information about these barcode types.

• CompositeData - The composite data to be encoded above the linear barcode. Not applicable when using PDF417 or MicroPDF417.
• IncludeAIinHRText - True or false value that determines if the implied AI is displayed in the human readable text. An RSS 14 barcode contains an implied AI of (01).
• InludeLinkageFlaginHRText - True or false (default is false) value that 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 go along with the linear RSS barcode.
• IsComposite - True or false (default is false) value that determines the linkage flag. The linkage flag tells the scanner whether or not there is a 2D composite barcode associated with the barcode.
• SymbologyID - This is the type of GS1 Databar (RSS) or Composite barcode to be used. Please refer to the GS1 Databar FAQ and Tutorial for an explanation of which symbology to use or contact EAN International or the UCC for assistance. There is an implied AI encoded for RSS-14 of 01 that should not be part of the DataToEncode except when using RSS-14 Expanded. When using RSS Expanded, the AI's must be entered manually to ensure the proper encoding method, for example: (01)90012345678908(3103)012233(15)991231

    Properties in the GS1 (RSS) product specific to Composite, MicroPDF417 or PDF417:

• ApplyTilde - If set to "true", use the format ~ddd to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. Default is on. Commonly used ASCII codes are ~009 for a tab and ~013 which is a return function.
• PDFColumns - Controls the width and height by increasing the number of data columns in the PDF417 barcode. The default is 0 and the maximum is 30. When this is left at 0, the control will automatically adjust this setting.
• PDFErrorCorrectionLevel - The Reed Solomon error correction level placed in the symbol. More error correction creates a larger symbol that can withstand more damage. Default = 0 for automatic selection.
• PDFMode - The default, (binary mode) encodes bytes of data and text mode encodes all characters on the US keyboard plus returns and tabs. If encoding text only, the text mode can sometimes reduce symbol size.
• XtoYRatio - The X multiple height of individual cells; default=3, usually 2 to 4 times the XDimensionCM (X).

These properties are available only in the 2D Version of this product. Read the PDF417 FAQ for information about this symbology.

• Apply Tilde - If set to "true", use the format ~ddd to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. Default is on. Commonly used ASCII codes are ~009 which is a tab and ~013 which is a return function.
• PDF Columns - Controls the width and height by increasing the number of data columns in the PDF417 barcode. The default is 0 and the maximum is 30. When this is left at 0 the control will automatically adjust this setting. Many scanners do not dependably read over 20 columns.
• PDF Rows - The number of minimum rows in the symbol. If this setting is left at 0, the control will automatically adjust this setting. This setting should be left at 0 because the number of rows should be automatically generated.
• PDF EC - The Reed Solomon error correction level placed in the symbol. More error correction creates a larger symbol that can withstand more damage. Default = 0 for automatic selection.
• PDF Mode - The default, (binary mode) encodes bytes of data and text mode encodes all characters on the US keyboard plus returns and tabs. If encoding text only, the text mode can sometimes reduce symbol size.
• Truncated - If checked, truncated symbols will be created according to the ISO specification.
• X to Y Ratio - The X multiple height of individual cells; default=3, usually 2 to 4 times the XDimensionCM (X).
• MacroPDFEnable - A boolean indicating that this barcode is part of a MacroPDF417 sequence.
• MacroPDFFileID - Assigns a file id to the MacroPDF barcode. Each barcode in the MacroPDF sequence must have the same file id assigned to it. Default is 0; valid options are 0-899.
• MacroPDFSegmentIndex - The index number of this MacroPDF barcode in relation to the set. Default is 0; valid options are 0-99998; each barcode in the MacroPDF sequence must have a unique segment index, starting at zero and incrementing thereafter.
• MacroPDFLastSegment - A boolean indicating that this is the final barcode in the MacroPDF sequence.

These properties are available only in the 2D Version of this product. Read the Data Matrix FAQ for information about this symbology. The version of Data Matrix generated is ECC200.

• EncodingMode - The encoding mode that compresses information in the symbol; valid values are, E_ASCII, E_C40, E_TEXT or E_BASE256 (default).
  • ASCII is used to encode data that mainly contains ASCII characters (0-127). It encodes one alphanumeric or two numeric characters per byte.
  • C40 is used to encode data that mainly contains numeric and upper case characters. C40 encodes three alphanumeric data characters into two bytes.
  • TEXT is used to encode data that mainly contains numeric and lowercase characters. TEXT encodes three alphanumeric data characters into two bytes.
  • BASE256 is used to encode bytes of data and 8 bit values.
  • More information about the modes.
• PreferredFormat (DM_FORMAT) sets the preferred format represented by a number; valid values are from 0 (10X10) to 23 (144X144) and from 24 (8X18) to 29 (16X48); This will be automatically determined if the size of the symbol chosen is too small. More information on PreferredFormat.
• ProcessTilde - If true ("Y") the tilde (~) will be processed. For example, use ~d032 for a space character, ~I for a tab and ~M to encode a return.
  • ~X is used to represent character values from 0 to 26. Replace the X like in the following example ~@ = means character ASCII 0, ~A = means character 1, ~B = means character 2, ~C = means character 3 ...
  • ~dNNN represents the ASCII character encoded by the 3 digits NNN. For example, ~d065 represents the character 'A'.
  • ~1 represents the character FNC1. When FNC1 appears in the first position (or in the fifth position of the first symbol of a Structured Append), it will indicate that the data conforms to the UCC/EAN Application Identifier standard format.
  • More information on the tilde formatting.

These properties are available only in the 2D version of this product. Read the Maxicode FAQ for information about this symbology. Maxicode can only be printed at 200 DPI or greater resolution.

When Maxicode is used for UPS applications, it is recommended that the input be a single complete string, formatted with the specifications that UPS requires and using the ApplyTilde function to encode the RS, GS and EOT codes as recommended in the Maxicode FAQ. For example:
[)>~03001~02996336260000~029840~029002~0291Z14647438~029UPSN~029410E1W~029195~029~0291/1~029~029Y~029135Lightner ~029TAMPA~029FL~030~004

• ApplyTilde - If set to "true", use the format ~ddd to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. Default is on. Commonly used ASCII codes are ~029 for GS, ~030 for RS, ~004 for EOT, ~009 for a tab and ~013 which is a return function.
• EncodingMode - Modes 2 and 3 are designed for use in the transport industry. They encode the destination address and the class of service as defined by the carrier. Mode 4 can encode up to 93 characters or 138 digits. Mode 5 can only encode up to 77 characters but it provides more error correction capabilities than mode 4. Mode 6 indicates that the symbol encodes a message used to program the reader system (scanner). Mode 2 is the default.

The following properties are only used in modes 2 and 3 and are ignored if the data begins with [)>RS01GS as explained here.

• CountryCode is a 3 digit number representing the country code.
• ServiceClass is a 3 digit number representing the service code.
• ZipCode is the postal code; mode 2 uses a 9 digit numeric postal code and mode 3 uses a 6 character alphanumeric postal code.

To obtain technical support for this product, please visit the Image Generator Technical Support Site.

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