Barcode Integration Guide for Microsoft Word
IDAutomation provides a variety of solutions for integrating barcodes into Microsoft 365 Word, compatible with online and locally installed versions of Word 365.
Recommended Solutions (for creating barcodes one at a time)
- Barcode Image Generator - Available in Windows and Mac versions. Barcode Generator Tutorial.
- QR Code Word Addin - The best choice when using the online version of Word 365.
Word Mail Merge Solutions (generating dynamic barcodes from a data source)
- Code 39 Barcode Font Package - The easiest implementation of barcoding in Word with mail merge. Tutorial: Generating Code 39 in Word Mail Merge.
- VBA Functions in Excel with Barcode Fonts - A working example is included in all barcode font packages using Excel as a data source. The example may be easily modified and used. For detailed information, refer to the Implementing VBA Macros with Word tutorial.
- IDAutomation ActiveX Control - This implementation is more difficult and is only recommended for technical users or users familiar with VBA. Refer to the Linking the ActiveX barcode object to a Word mail merge field tutorial.
Alternative Products
The following implementation can usually produce the same result with greater functionality than Word, which was not designed to generate dynamic barcodes.
- Use Barcode Label Software with each label the size of one page. This software is an easy-to-use barcode label printing software with a WYSIWYG label design interface. Easy barcode incrementing options are built into the software. The label software also contains its own data source, and it can import from comma-delimited text files, Excel, Access, and CSV files.
FAQ
How do I add a barcode to a Microsoft Word document?
You can add barcodes to Word documents using the recommendations mentioned in the IDAutomation Barcode Integration Guide. For static barcodes, use the Barcode Image Generator. For dynamic barcodes in mail merges, apply barcode fonts with VBA macros or use the Word Barcode Add-In. Learn more about Word mail merge setup on Microsoft’s Mail Merge Help Page.
What barcode types are supported in Word using IDAutomation tools?
IDAutomation supports a wide range of barcode types, including Code 39, Code 128, UPC, EAN, QR Code, PDF417, and Data Matrix. These can be implemented via fonts, ActiveX controls, or the Word Barcode Add-In. For a full list of supported symbologies, visit the IDAutomation Barcode Fonts Page.
Is the IDAutomation Barcode Add-In compatible with Microsoft 365?
Yes. The Barcode Add-In works with both the desktop version of Microsoft Word and the online version via Office 365. For setup instructions, refer to the Word Add-In User Manual and Microsoft’s Office Add-ins Developer Guide.
Do I need a special license to distribute Word documents with embedded barcodes?
Yes. To distribute Word documents with embedded barcode fonts, you must purchase at least a Developer License from IDAutomation. This ensures font embedding and proper rendering on recipient systems. Review licensing options on the IDAutomation Licensing Page.
Can I verify barcodes in Word documents using a scanner?
Absolutely. IDAutomation offers the Barcode Decoder Verifier App for testing. IDAutomation also offers USB barcode scanners for testing and verification. These scanners ensure that barcodes generated in Word are readable and properly encoded. Explore available scanners on the IDAutomation Barcode Scanners Page.
