The UPC-A or UPC-12 is the most widely used barcode for product identification in the US retail industry. Clients must have a GS1 Company Prefix and 12-digit UPC number to create this barcode. Click here for assistance obtaining a GS1 Company Prefix and creating UPCs. If you already have a UPC number, enter the first 11 digits into the site. Barcode Fonts included: Code 39 - CCode39S3.ttf Industrial 2 of 5 - CCodeIND2of5S3.ttf POSTNET - CCodePostnet.ttf The Fonts are Free for both Commercial and non-Commercial use. The software contains instructions on exporting the fonts for setup on your Windows and tutorials on the use of the fonts with third party applications such as Word.
The Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is often an overlooked and yet important symbology used in the shipping and warehouse industries. Typically it is printed in low density to make it easy to scan or “read,” but it really is a high-density, numbers-only barcode developed in 1972 by David Allais, a leader in barcode design and the automatic identification industry. It goes by a variety of names including I 2 of 5, I/L 2 of 5, 2 of 5, 2/5 Interleaved and some more unique one like ANSI/AIM ITF-5, ANSI/AIM I-25, Uniform Symbology Spec ITF, and USS ITF 2/5, ITF.
One of the drawbacks to using this particular code is that it will only work with an even number of numeric characters. If there is an odd number of digits to encode, a zero is often added to the beginning of the code. Since the data security of Interleaved 2-of-5 is not quite as good as the popular alpha-numeric Code 39, adding a Check Sum or Digit would also work. Yet another way around this “pairs” requirement is to add five narrow spaces to the last digit.
Unlike other lineal types of barcodes, the bars and spaces in Interleaved 2 of 5 only have two widths – wide and narrow. What makes it so popular is that the data will be encoded in both the bars AND the spaces between the bars, thus achieving higher density by taking half the space of a Code 39 barcode. It is called “interleaved” because the data is interweaved between the bars and spaces. For instance, the first character will use the first five bars, while the second character will use the first 5 spaces. By doing this, two characters are encoded in the space of what 5 bars would normally take. Two of every 5 bars or spaces are wide and three are narrow. This explains why this symbology will only accept an even number of characters. It also explains where the term “2 of 5” comes from.
Create custom barcodes with our free easy-to-use label generator tool. Choose from 9 different barcode types (UPC, EAN, Code 128, & more) for your business.
Unlike other barcodes, I 2 of 5 will often contain what are called “bearer bars” that create a frame around the entire code or simply two perpendicular bars running across the top and bottom of the code. It’s rather interesting to understand the history of those bars… the name “bearer bars” comes from the design of a metal grate or gate. Keep in mind too, that this code is commonly used on shipping boxes and the original way to print barcodes on cardboard involved stamping a printed image. In order to prevent barcode distortion when the stamp or print plate hits the box, bearer bars were added to strength the plate. Another solid incentive for using the bearers was discovered when people tried to scan the barcode at too sharp an angle. If that happens, the reader may not pick up all the data at the ends of the barcode and without realizing it, a valid translation will still be reported. The extra bars help prevent this from happening and also assure a proper quiet zone. (These days, inkjet printing is becoming a preferred way to print barcodes directly on cardboard but bearer bars are still used because the barcodes can be so big and scanning may be done at high speeds in conveyor systems.)
Another place where I/L 2 of 5 with bearer bars is popular is on security badge labels where space constraints are a concern. Time clock readers typically require barcodes up to 18 digits in length so the compressed interleaving or interweaving is particularly useful on labels less 3.00” long.
There is also an older, Standard 2 of 5 (aka Industrial 2 of 5 or simply 2 of 5) that has been around since the 1960’s; it is used in photofinishing, on airline tickets and warehouse sorting. It is a fairly simple low-density code that encodes data only in the width of the bars, not the spaces. Because it can encode any number of characters and not just an even number of values, it can easily incorporate an optional module or mod 10 check digit to improve the accuracy of the symbology. Like Interleaved 2 of 5, the wide bars are typically three times the width of the narrow bars, but the spaces are usually the width of the narrow bar.
Code 2 of 5 with check sum:
Multipart article
Using Excel as a barcode formulator and to translate numbers and letters into barcodes can aid in your business’s inventory management and barcode management processes. Learn how to create barcodes in Excel with this step-by-step guide.
Included on this page, you’ll learn how to create a barcode in Excel step-by-step, how to generate random barcodes, types of barcodes and barcode fonts, and which versions of Excel support barcode creation.
Barcode Maker 2 1200
How to Make a Barcode in Excel
First, you’ll need to download a barcode font. The most common font — and the one we’ll use in this tutorial — is code 39 (more on that in this section of the article). You can download a version of the font from a number of places, including Dafont, Free Barcode Font, ID Automation, or Square Gear. Once you download the font, follow Microsoft’s instructions on how to install a font for Office to get it working with your version of Excel.
Below are a couple of notes about installing fonts:
Below are a couple of notes about installing fonts:
- You may need to quit and restart Excel for the font to appear in your font list.
- Not all fonts work perfectly for all OSs and versions of Excel. If one doesn’t operate well, delete it and try another.
- Code39 has worked best during the research for this article
Creating a Barcode in Excel
Once you install the font, it’s easy to create barcodes in Excel. Simply follow the steps below.
Step One: Create two columns in a blank spreadsheet.
Title the columns Text and Barcode.
Place the alphanumeric data in the Text column (this is the basis for the barcodes). The barcodes will appear in the Barcode column.
Note: If you want to add a description of each item the barcode applies to, add additional columns to make a table-like layout.
Step Two: Format the cells in the Text column.
Anytrans 4 9 0 – complete ios content management. Select the Text column, then right-click on it. Click Format Cells, click Number, click Text. This will prevent larger numbers from displaying in scientific notation as well as preserving leading zeros.
Step Three: Enter the following formula: ='*'&A2&'*' in the first blank row of the Barcode column.
In this step, we’re assuming that the cell in the Text column is A2; if not, adjust the formula accordingly. If you there’s no text in the first column, the second column will display two asterisks.
Step Four: Fill the Barcode column down.
Step Five: Change the font in the Barcode column.
From the font menu, select the downloaded and installed barcode font. It’s a good idea to use the same font for the header row as you do for the rest of the spreadsheet, but that’s up to you.
Step Six: Enter alphanumeric data into the Text column.
The Code 39 font can encode 1-9, A-Z (the font considers uppercase and lowercase the same), the en dash (-), dollar sign ($), percent sign (%) period (.), slash (/), plus (+), and a space. The font also encodes the asterisk (*), which is used as an indicator for the beginning and end of the sequence (this is also why the formula in Step Three adds an asterisk before and after the text entered). The Barcode row will automatically populate with barcodes.
Benefits of Creating Barcodes in Excel
While creating barcodes in Excel will work well for many, doing so may not be scalable. However, the process is an easy and inexpensive way to do the following:
- Print product numbers or UPC codes.
- Produce a product catalog or product list.
- Track stocked items.
All of these capabilities are extremely useful in inventory management.
How to Generate Random Barcodes in Excel
Nebulosity 4 4 15. You can use the RANDBETWEEN Excel function for barcodes that require random numbers. Follow the steps below to automatically create random numbers for barcodes.
Note: If you changed the column to text format (see Step Two in the Creating a Barcode in Excel section), change it back to General.
- Enter the RANDBETWEEN Excel function. In the first cell of the Text column, enter =RANDBETWEEN(X,Y), where X is the lowest value and Y the highest. For example, =RANDBETWEEN(100,500) will generate random numbers between 100 and 500.
- Fill down the row to generate random barcode numbers. Each cell will have a random number in the specified range.
What Versions of Excel Can Make Barcodes?
The 2010, 2013, and 2016 versions of Microsoft Excels can make barcodes. Some older versions may also be able to make barcodes with a supported add-in. This includes those released in 2003 and 2007.
Types of Barcodes and Barcode Fonts
In addition to Code 39, there are a number of other barcodes available, including the following:
- Code 128: This code is generally used for shipping and supply chain labels. It can encode the same set of characters as Code 39 (though uppercase and lowercase letters can appear differently). There is no length restriction.
- UPC/EAN: This is the barcode most people are familiar with because it’s used for product barcodes. UPC stands for Universal Product Code; EAN for European Article Numbering. The barcode is also known as UPC-A and is restricted to 12 characters.
- I2of5: This is a two row barcode that’s used on rolls of 35mm film, and to label some cartons. It’s also known as industrial 2 of 5 or interleaved 2 of 5, and encodes numeric characters.
- UPC-E: This is a variation of a UPC barcode where certain characters (e.g., leading zeros) are omitted, in order to keep the code to six digits.
- QR: This 2D barcode can be used to open a website or app when scanned with a mobile phone camera. These barcodes are usually used for a printed ticket, to provide a discount, or for mobile payment. The barcode can encode alphanumeric, binary, and kanji. QR stands for Quick Response.
- Postnet: Formerly used by the U.S. Postal Service, this barcode encodes numeric characters.
- Intelligent Mail: Currently used by the U.S. Postal Service, this barcode encodes up to 65 characters. Not only do the width of the bars and spaces carry information, but so do the height and vertical location. Intelligent Mail encodes numeric characters.
What’s the Deal with Code 39?
Barcode Maker 2 12 Oz
Also called the 3 of 9 Barcode, Code 3 of 9, and Barcode39, this option is popular for the following reasons:
- It’s well-established.
- It encodes both numbers and letters.
- It’s readily available for free.
Each character display appears as five bars and four spaces; three of the nine bars in the barcode will always be wider.
Creating Barcodes in Word and Other Apps
You can also create barcodes in Word, PowerPoint, Wordpad, TextEdit, and pretty much any app that allows you to change the font. Once you download the font and install it on your computer, enter the text in your program of choice and change the font to the barcode font.
How to Use Excel Barcode Fonts
![Barcode maker 2 12 cu ft Barcode maker 2 12 cu ft](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/e993637a-c164-46a4-8f8b-acfeaa8442cd_2.501b918dc13f28bf53ee395dc01c12e2.jpeg)
Once you've created barcodes, you need to deploy them. You can print or use a barcode in a catalog and then use a scanner to retrieve the data encoded in the barcode. Scanners can be custom built or off-the-shelf, and you can also use a smartphone that has a designated scanning app.
How Excel Barcodes Work with Android, iPhone, and Macs
Barcode Maker 2 12 Inch
You can create barcodes in Excel on a Mac, just like you would on a PC. Apple’s iOS doesn’t support custom fonts, so you can’t view, edit, or create barcodes on an iPhone. An app called AllFonts claims it can get past this restriction, but we have not tested it. Android devices accept custom fonts, so you can download a barcode font to your phone and use it in the Excel app to view, edit, and create barcodes using the same steps above.
How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2007
Download and install a barcode font. Create two rows (Text and Barcode) in a blank Excel spreadsheet. Use the barcode font in the Barcode row and enter the following formula: ='*'&A2&'*' in the first blank row of that column. Then, fill the formula in the remaining cells in the Barcode row. The numbers/letters you place in the Text row will appear as barcodes in the Barcode row. See step-by-step instructions for Excel 2007 here.
How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2010
Download and install a barcode font. Create two rows (Text and Barcode) in a blank Excel spreadsheet. Use the barcode font in the Barcode row and enter the following formula: ='*'&A2&'*' in the first blank row of that column. Then, fill the formula in the remaining cells in the Barcode row. The numbers/letters you place in the Text row will appear as barcodes in the Barcode row. See step-by-step instructions for Excel 2010 here.
How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2013
Download and install a barcode font. Create two rows (Text and Barcode) in a blank Excel spreadsheet. Use the barcode font in the Barcode row and enter the following formula: ='*'&A2&'*' in the first blank row of that column. Then, fill the formula in the remaining cells in the Barcode row. The numbers/letters you place in the Text row will appear as barcodes in the Barcode row. See step-by-step instructions for Excel 2013 here.
How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2016
Download and install a barcode font. Create two rows (Text and Barcode) in a blank Excel spreadsheet. Use the barcode font in the Barcode row and enter the following formula: ='*'&A2&'*' in the first blank row of that column. Then, fill the formula in the remaining cells in the Barcode row. The numbers/letters you place in the Text row will appear as barcodes in the Barcode row. See step-by-step instructions for Excel 2016 here.
Free Excel Barcode Generators
There are a number of websites that will turn alphanumeric text into barcodes. If you don’t want to use Excel, or you only need a barcode once in a while, the following sites are good options:
- Barcode.tec
- Bartender Software
- Cognex
- POSGuys
Barcode Maker 2 128gb
How to Generate Bulk Barcodes in Excel
If you need a lot of barcodes, you can follow these steps to create them individually, but that might be arduous. Another option is to use a barcode generator add-in. You can also use the online bulk barcode generator offered by POSGuys, and then upload the barcodes to a spreadsheet.
How to Use a Barcode Scanner with Excel
You can use barcode scanners with Excel to scan existing barcodes and enter the data into Excel. For example, when a shipping/receiving department gets new parts, they can scan the barcodes on each part and then enter those codes into a Received Parts spreadsheet.
The second way is to use a scanner to scan the barcodes created in Excel via the steps outlined in this article. You can then enter them into a database or other system.
Using Third-Party Excel Barcode Add-Ins and Software
An add-in is a software package that allows you to extend Excel’s (as well as other Office applications) functionality. You can use Excel barcode add-ins to create individual barcodes, lists, or tables, and to set parameters. Below are some examples of add-ins that can help create barcodes:
- TBar: This is an Excel add-in that can create a single barcode, as well as lists and tables. The add-in allows for direct insertion into cells, and dynamically links to other spreadsheet data. You can also customize the parameters of the barcodes, including height, width, and check digits.
- Barcode Resource Encoder: This standalone software package interfaces with Excel and uses macros to create barcodes.
- ConnectCode: This is a standalone software package to create barcodes.
Harness Excel Barcodes with Inventory Management in Smartsheet
Barcodes are a vital tool for managing and tracking inventory, and Excel provides an easy way to create your own barcodes. In order to get the most out of your barcodes, however, you’ll need a tool that acts as an inventory management system, and allows you to gain instant visibility into the status of your products.
Smartsheet is an enterprise work execution platform that is fundamentally changing the way businesses and teams work. Over 80,000 brands and millions of information workers trust Smartsheet to help them accelerate business execution and address the volume and velocity of today's collaborative work.
The familiar Smartsheet interface that is designed for how people actually work leads to rapid and broad adoption across your organization. Use self-service reports and dashboards in Smartsheet to provide real-time visibility into resources, status, and performance, so you can rapidly align operations with strategy.
Discover why millions of professionals around the world use Smartsheet to move from idea to impact fast.