GS1-128 Barcode Font User Manual
The GS1-128 Barcode Font Suite provides several font sizes designed to produce any GS1-128 barcode type to meet various requirements.
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GS1 Font Sizes - Chart of all Fonts by Name
- X Dimension by Font Point Size
- Encoder Functions
- Generating GS1 DataBar Font Symbols
- Integration Examples
- GS1-128 Barcodes in Excel
- GS1-128 Barcodes in Access
- Barcode Decoder Verification App (verifies FNC, AI, and Element Strings)
- Support
Buy License Support Download Demo Release Log
GS1 Font Sizes
GS1-128 Size Summary: For GS1-128 symbols, the absolute minimum X-dimension is 0.250 mm (0.00984 in.). The maximum X dimension is 1.016 mm (0.040 in.). Application specifications stipulate a target and range of the X dimension. For symbols used in general distribution, the minimum height is 32 mm (1.25 in.). The actual symbol height used depends on specific application requirements.
Several font versions are provided to support different GS1 height and width specifications. The last number in the font name determines the X to Y (narrow bar to height) ratio which determines the height of the barcode symbol. Every single font may also be printed at various point sizes, which means several combinations of heights and widths may be produced. This GS1 font package is designed to produce all sizes to meet any GS1 specification. The charts below list several implementation examples. Always refer to the latest GS1 General Specifications for a complete list of current implementation requirements.
Chart of common fonts used with .50" (13mm) height requirements:
| Font Name | Points | X Dimension | GS1 Implementation Examples |
| IDAutomationGS1 68 | 9 | 7mil (.17mm) | Minimum size for non-retail consumer trade items. |
| IDAutomationGS1 60 | 11 | 9mil (.23mm) | Consumer trade items. |
| IDAutomationGS1 50 | 12 | 10mil (.25mm) | Minimum X and height for GS1-128 when used for SSCC, GDTI, GRAI, GIAI, and GLN. |
| IDAutomationGS1 38 | 16 | 13mil (.33mm) | The recommended size for retail consumer trade items. |
| IDAutomationGS1 32 | 19 | 15mil (.39mm) | USPS Customs Declarations Form. |
| IDAutomationGS1 28 | 22 | 18mil (.47mm) | Minimum height for GS1-128 with larger X dimension. |
Chart of common fonts used with .75" (19mm) height requirements:
| Font Name | Points | X Dimension | GS1 Implementation Examples |
| IDAutomationGS1 64 | 14 | 12mil (.30mm) | Small X at .75" high. |
| IDAutomationGS1 56 | 16 | 13mil (.33mm) | USPS Special Services minimum height and width. |
| IDAutomationGS1 52 | 18 | 15mil (.39mm) | USPS Special Services preferred height and width. |
Chart of common fonts used with 1.25" (32mm) height requirements:
| Font Name | Points | X Dimension | Y (Height) | GS1 Implementation Examples |
| IDAutomationGS1 92 | 16 | 13mil (.34mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Shortest width for labels. |
| IDAutomationGS1 76 | 20 | 16mil (.42mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Shorter width for labels. |
| IDAutomationGS1 64 | 23 | 19mil (.495mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Minimum X for trade items in general distribution. |
| IDAutomationGS1 46 | 30 | 25mil (.64mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | The target size for trade items scanned in general distribution. |
| IDAutomationGS1 46 | 34 | 28mil (.71mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Medium X for trade items. |
| IDAutomationGS1 42 | 38 | 30mil (.64mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Larger X for trade items. |
| IDAutomationGS1 32 | 48 | 40mil (1.0mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Largest X for trade items. Carton barcode size when not printed on labels. |
Complete chart of all fonts by name:
| Font Name | Points | X Dimension | Y (Height) | GS1 Implementation Examples |
| IDAutomationGS1 13 | 12 | 10mil (.25mm) | .13" (3.2mm) | DataBar Truncated smallest size. |
| IDAutomationGS1 24 | 12 | 10mil (.25mm) | .24" (6.2mm) | DataBar Expanded shortest height. |
| IDAutomationGS1 28 | 22 | 18mil (.47mm) | .50" (13mm) | Minimum height for GS1-128 in non-automated
scanning. DataBar Stacked shortened height. |
| IDAutomationGS1 32 | 19 | 15mil (.39mm) | .50" (13mm) | USPS Customs Declarations Form. |
| IDAutomationGS1 32 | 48 | 40mil (1.0mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | GS1 UK carton barcode when not printed on labels. |
| IDAutomationGS1 34 | 10 | 8mil (.208mm) | .28" (7.1mm) | DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional for loose produce. Stacked height: .58" (14.8mm) |
| IDAutomationGS1 34 | 12 | 10mil (.25mm) | .34" (8.7mm) | DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional for POS. Stacked height: .72" (18.2mm) |
| IDAutomationGS1 38 | 16 | 13mil (.33mm) | .50" (13mm) | GS1 US 13mil with minimum height. |
| IDAutomationGS1 42 | 38 | 30mil (.64mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Large X Dimension with 32mm height. |
| IDAutomationGS1 46 | 34 | 28mil (.71mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Medium X Dimension with 32mm height. |
| IDAutomationGS1 50 | 12 | 10mil (.25mm) | .50" (13mm) | Minimum X and height for GS1-128. |
| IDAutomationGS1 52 | 18 | 15mil (.39mm) | .76" (20mm) | USPS Special Services preferred height and width. |
| IDAutomationGS1 56 | 16 | 13mil (.33mm) | .75" (19mm) | USPS Special Services. |
| IDAutomationGS1 60 | 11 | 9mil (.23mm) | .50" (13mm) | GS1 consumer trade items. |
| IDAutomationGS1 64 | 23 | 20mil (.5mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Small X Dimension with 32mm height. |
| IDAutomationGS1 68 | 9 | 7mil (.17mm) | .50" (13mm) | Minimum for healthcare non-retail consumer trade items. |
| IDAutomationGS1 72 | 21 | 17mil (.44mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Custom size for carton labels. |
| IDAutomationGS1 76 | 20 | 16mil (.42mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Short width for labels. |
| IDAutomationGS1 80 | 19 | 15mil (.40mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Shorter width for labels. |
| IDAutomationGS1 92 | 16 | 13mil (.34mm) | 1.25" (32mm) | Shortest width for labels. |
| Note: Measurements may vary up to 5%
depending upon the resolution of the destination device. Custom Sizes:
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X Dimensions by Font Point Size
The width of the narrowest bar in the symbol is referred to as the X-Dimension. The chart below lists the approximate X dimensions for several common sizes used in the GS1 system.
|
Point Size |
X-Dimension |
| 9 | 7mil (.17mm) |
| 10 | 8mil (.21mm) |
| 11 | 9mil (.23mm) |
| 12 | 10mil (.25mm) |
| 14 | 12mil (.30mm) |
| 16 | 13mil (.33mm) |
| 18 | 15mil (.39mm) |
| 19 | 15mil (.40mm) |
| 20 | 16mil (.42mm) |
| 21 | 17mil (.44mm) |
| 22 | 18mil (.47mm) |
| 23 | 19mil (.495mm) |
| 24 | 20mil (.51mm) |
| 30 | 25mil (.64mm) |
| 34 | 28mil (.71mm) |
| 38 | 30mil (.64mm) |
| 40 | 33mil (.84mm) |
| 48 | 40mil (1.0mm) |
|
Note: Measurements may vary up to 5% depending upon the resolution of the destination device. |
|
When printing to a printer with less than 600 DPI, use the following point sizes to generate the most accurate symbols:
| 203 DPI Thermal Printer | 300 DPI Printer |
| 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 | 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 |
Encoding Data with Font Encoders
All barcode fonts require special formatting so that the data, when the barcode font is applied, will meet the required specifications. Several royalty-free font encoders, macros, and plug-ins are available to perform this automatically, including a stand-alone Font Encoder Software Application. Visual Basic Modules, SSRS Encoders, Java Encoders, .NET Assembly DLL, .NET Standard, .NET Core, C++ Header files, and Oracle PLLs are included with a purchase of a Developer License and above.
The IDAutomationGS1 fonts may use any function beginning with IDAutomation_Uni (as in the figure above) or IDAutomation_DataBar. The Human Readable portion in the example above used the IDAutomation_C128HR function. The .NET Standard and Core products use the Code128() method. All of the IDAutomation_Uni methods listed below work with the IDAutomationGS1 fonts.
| Symbology | Encoder Method | Examples and Notes |
| GS1-128 | IDAutomation_Uni_C128(DataToEncode, ApplyTilde) | When using
IDAutomation_Uni_C128 to generate GS1-128, ensure that ApplyTilde
is enabled to encode the FNC1 (represented as ~202 or character
Ê) is included at the
beginning of the data being encoded. For example: IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("~2020110614141543219", TRUE) Most encoders also provide an automated method of calculating MOD 10 characters if they are required with ~m as defined in IDAutomation's GS1-128 Barcode FAQ, for example: IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("~202912312214123442441134~m19", TRUE ) |
| GS1-128 HR Text | IDAutomation_C128HR(DataToEncode) | Formats HR text by adding parentheses around each AI according to
each appropriate FNC1 tilde code, as defined in IDAutomation's
GS1-128 Barcode FAQ. For example: IDAutomation_C128HR ("~2120110614141543219") The VB script and VBA included with this product also places parentheses around appropriate fixed-length AIs that are not preceded by an FNC1 character. |
| ITF-14 | IDAutomation_Uni_I2of5(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) | ITF-14 will always encode 14
digits; the last digit is a check digit and will be calculated automatically if
that option is set to True. IDAutomation_Uni_I2of5 ("1061414154321", 2.5, TRUE) |
| Code 39, Code 93, MSI & Codabar | Use the appropriate function beginning with IDAutomation_Uni within any Font Encoder. For example, IDAutomation_Uni_C39 ("1061414154321", 3, TRUE) | |
Function Descriptions
- DataToEncode: This string value represents the data being encoded.
- N_Dimension: Determines the width of the wide bars, which is a multiple of the X dimension. Valid values are 2, 2.5, and 3. The default is 2.
- IncludeCheckDigit: A Boolean value that determines whether a check digit should be automatically calculated and included for the DataToEncode.
- ApplyTilde: If ApplyTilde is enabled, the tilde will be processed and allow several encoding options In Code 128 Auto.
Generating GS1 DataBar Font Symbols
In addition to GS1-128, the IDAutomationGS1 fonts with sizes between 13 and 34 can also generate DataBar symbols when the appropriate font encoder is used. DataBar symbols are generally printed at 12 points which is 10mil (.25mm).
| GS1 Barcode Font Type | Height | Font to Use | Encoder Method |
| DataBar | 34x | IDAutomationGS1 34 (22, 28, 32)* | DataBar (DataToEncode) |
| DataBar Expanded | 34x | IDAutomationGS1 34 (22, 28, 32)* | DataBarExpanded (DataToEncode, 22) |
| DataBar Expanded Stacked | 71x | IDAutomationGS1 34 (22, 28, 32)* | DataBarExpanded (DataToEncode, Segments) ** |
| DataBar Limited | 13x | IDAutomationGS1 13 | DataBarLimited (DataToEncode) |
| DataBar Stacked | 13x | IDAutomationGS1 13 | DataBarStacked (DataToEncode) |
| DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional | 71x | IDAutomationGS1 34 (22, 28, 32)* | DataBarStackedOmniDirectional (DataToEncode) |
| DataBar Truncated | 13x | IDAutomationGS1 13 | DataBar (DataToEncode) |
* Functions designed to utilize IDAutomationGS1 34 may also use the shorter 22, 28, and 32 font heights. However, because these heights are below GS1 specifications they should only be used in closed systems after ensuring that all scanners can dependably decode the barcode.
** DataBar Expanded Stacked symbols are produced in the DataBar Expanded method by reducing the segments property to a low, even number such as 4 or 6. DataBar Expanded and DataBar Expanded Stacked are both Omnidirectional, even though Omnidirectional is not part of the name. When the symbol is 22 segments or not stacked, it is referred to as DataBar Expanded.
Support
Refer to IDAutomation's Font Problems and Solutions, the IDAutomation Support Forum, or contact support.
Priority phone, email, and forum support are provided via several contact methods within 30 days of purchase. Support after this complimentary period may be received with an active Priority Support & Upgrade Subscription.
Popular Support Information and Forum Post Resolutions:
- Use the Barcode Decoder Verification App to verify correct FNC1, AI, and Element Strings.
- Create GS1-128 Barcodes in Excel Tutorial
- Create GS1-128 Barcodes in Access Tutorial
- .NET Standard | .NET Core Source Code Examples
