A barcode generator that checks every label will scan
An online barcode generator is fine for one code. Shelf tags for a whole catalog, asset stickers for an office or a run of numbered tickets need something that takes a list, lays it out on the stock you actually own, and tells you before you waste a roll whether the scanner will read it.
Barcode Label Generator & Reader draws the labels as a strip coming out of a printer, each one shown at the size it will print. While you work it checks every code and gives the batch a grade from A to F. When a label falls short, the headline says which one and why: the code is too long for the label, the bars are only one printer dot or a few mils wide, they are too short for a hand scanner, or there is no quiet zone around the code. If you print with failures in the batch, it asks first.
Under Printer and labels, set Print resolution to 203, 300 or 600 dpi. Bars are snapped to whole printer dots at that setting, which is why the edges come out crisp on a thermal printer.
Bulk barcode generator from an Excel or CSV list
Under Labels, the Table view accepts rows pasted from a spreadsheet into any cell, or a file you open or drop: CSV, TSV, TXT, XLSX, XLSM, XLSB, XLS or ODS. Tick First row is headings, then point Code and Name at the right columns. Only a slice of a long table is listed on screen, but every row prints.
Switch to Serial numbers for stock with no list behind it. Set a Prefix such as ASSET-, a Start at number, How many and the number of Digits, and you get ASSET-0001 onward, up to 10,000 labels in one run. Name on every label adds a fixed line above each code.
UPC, EAN, Code 128 and QR barcode types
Pick the symbology under Barcode. The hint beside each says what it will accept:
- Code 128 and Code 93: letters, digits and punctuation, the usual choice for SKUs and asset tags
- UPC-A (11 or 12 digits), UPC-E, EAN-13 and EAN-8 for retail products, with the check digit filled in
- Code 39: capitals, digits and - . $ / + %
- ITF: an even number of digits, common on cartons
- QR code and Data Matrix: any text, links included
Read barcodes from an image, your screen or a webcam
Read a barcode opens a scanner with three sources: Open a picture, Read the screen, or hold a code up to the webcam. Every code found is listed with Copy and Add to labels, and when it matches one in your batch you see Matches label 14 with its name, which makes it a quick spot check on a fresh print.
Scan with your phone shows a pairing code. Point the phone's camera at it and the phone becomes a wireless scanner, either adding each read as a label or, with Type them, typing it into whatever window you have open, followed by Enter or Tab if you set that.
