IDAutomation GS1 DataBar Barcode Font User Manual

The DataBar Barcode Font is a single font that generates multiple DataBar barcode types. It is compatible with multiple operating systems and language settings, including Double Byte versions of Windows.

Index:

• Order Now
• Features
• Installation
• Font Encoders
• Encoder Source Code
• Implementation Tutorials
• Distribution with an Application
• Specifications
• Troubleshooting Procedures
• DataBar Barcode FAQ
• DataBar USB Barcode Scanner

After installing the DataBar font, the appropriate Font Encoder (or font tool) should be implemented.

Windows Installation:

1. Run the INSTALL.EXE setup utility. This utility will install the Native Windows DLL and Crystal UFL font encoders and includes implementation examples for Word, Excel, Access and Crystal Reports.
2. Implement the appropriate Font Encoder in the desired application.

MAC, Linux, Unix and Other Operating Systems:

1. Install the DataBar fonts according to the Font Installation Procedures.
2. Implement the appropriate Font Encoder (feature level 9 or greater) in the desired application.

The DataBar Barcode Font requires the use of a Font Encoder that is feature level 9 or greater to convert the data being encoded into a unique string of text, so that when it is combined with IDAutomation's DataBar font, it will create a correct barcode. When it is necessary to create a single barcode, such as for coupons or desktop publishing, IDAutomation recommends using the Online DataBar Font Encoder. If any of the feature level 9 or greater Font Encoders cannot be utilized, several other options are available.

Encoder Source Code Availability

Source code to any single font encoder project is available with the purchase of a Developer License and a signed Source Code Agreement. Available projects include:

• ANSI C .h file
• C++ .h file and DLL project for Visual Studio 6
• C# .NET Encoder project for Visual Studio 2003
• Java Class .java file for JDK 1.1 and above

Source code for 2 encoder projects may be provided with the purchase of a 5 Developer License and 3 encoder projects may be provided with the purchase of the Unlimited Developer License. These also require a signed Source Code Agreement.

Implementation of the IDAutomation DataBar Barcode Font is accomplished with IDAutomation's Font Encoders that are feature level 9 or greater. Implementation tutorials are provided in each of these packages, with the primary difference being that the functions are preceded with IDAutomation_DataBar_.

After purchasing a Developer License, the font files and font tools may be distributed in an application royalty-free according to the License Agreement. With a signed Source Code Agreement, the source code and font may be integrated directly into an application, eliminating the need to distribute any DLLs.

NOTE: Redistribution of IDAutomation fonts or components requires a Developer License.

The IDAutomation DataBar Font Package consists of 3 font types to match the required height and width specifications of each DataBar font type, IDAutomation DataBar 13, IDAutomation DataBar 24 and IDAutomation DataBar 34. The height of the font is a multiple of the X Dimension, which is represented as the last number in the name. For example, IDAutomation DataBar 34 has a height that is 34 times the width of the narrowest bar. When IDAutomation DataBar 34 is used in a stacked barcode type (such as the Expanded Stacked code type that is commonly used for coupons) the required height of 71x is still achieved. The recommended point size to use is 12 points.

Chart 1. Barcode Types, Height Specification Requirements and Font Names.

* DataBar Expanded Stacked symbols are created 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 a DataBar Expanded barcode.

Although IDAutomation DataBar 24 is not referenced in Chart 1, it may be used to create a slightly smaller symbol for barcode types that have a height of 34x or 71x. Because a smaller than required barcode is created with the 24x font, it should only be used in closed systems after ensuring that all scanner types utilized in the application can dependably read the symbol. IDAutomation DataBar 13 may also be used for 34x or 71x barcode types to create very small symbols in closed systems.

IDAutomation's DataBar fonts have been specially designed to be able to produce dependable barcodes when printed at large and small point sizes. The font may be printed as small as 4 points if the scanner is capable reading it, however, it is recommended to print at 12 points. IDAutomation's DataBar fonts are reliably read with the IDAutomation USB Barcode Scanner when printed as small as 6 points and as large as 48 points.

Chart 2. Font Point sizes and X Dimensions.

When using a printer with less than 600 DPI, only the following point sizes will create accurate barcodes:

The following may be performed in Windows to verify that the font is working properly.

1. Install the package on a Windows PC by running the Install.exe file.
2. After installation, reboot the PC to ensure the font will be recognized by the application.
3. Open the Excel example provided with the package, which is an icon located in Start - Programs - IDAutomation DataBar Font - Excel Example.
4. Change the text in cell A2 to 20012345678909 and press enter. If scientific notations appear, ensure the cell is formatted as text.
5. Change the font in cell B2 to the Arial font.
6. The text data in cell B2 should be exactly a1a1c3a1e1b7d1a1b2a2a5a2e1b1a1b1a2h3c2a2a2c2a1
7. This text, when combined with the DataBar font, will create a correct DataBar barcode.
8. After the font in cell B2 is changed to the IDAutomation DataBar 13 font, a correct barcode will be created.
9. Print and test decoding the symbol with a DataBar Compatible Barcode Scanner.
10. Additional values may be tested by changing the data in cell A2, or by using the Online DataBar Font Encoder.

If the font works properly in Excel as mentioned above, it is installed properly and the Windows DLL is formatting the data properly for the font. To troubleshoot any existing problems further, refer to IDAutomation's Font Problems and Solutions site or search resolved public help desk issues. Priority phone, email and help desk support is also provided up to 30 days after purchase. Additional priority phone, email and help desk support may be obtained if the Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription is active.

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