How to Create Barcodes in Word

PDF download Download Article
2 easy ways to create barcodes in Microsoft Word
PDF download Download Article

Barcodes are images that contain distributions of shapes, like lines, dots, or rectangles, which can be read by scanner to interpret the data contained in the code. This makes it easy to access product information, track product movement, and keep up with inventory, which might help you in your business endeavors. Knowing how to translate data from a common format, like the text of a word processor, takes only a little know-how and a basic understanding of the different symbologies used for barcodes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Barcode Fonts in Word

PDF download Download Article
  1. You may have noticed that there are a wide variety of barcodes, some appearing like thin lines and others, like QR codes, which are more blocky in appearance. These barcode types are called symbologies, some of which include:
    • Plessey: Used for catalogs, store shelves, inventory
    • UPC: Used for North America retail
    • EAN-UCC: Used for international retail
    • Codabar: Used for libraries, blood banks, airbills
    • Code 39: Used for various purposes
    • Code 128: Used for various purposes
    • Code 11: Used for telephones
    • Code 16K: 1D version of Code 128.
    • QR Code: Public domain code from Nippon Denso ID Systems. Has the ability to encode Japanese Kanji and Kana characters.
  2. The information you want contained in your barcode will need to be translated to a suitable barcode format, like an alphanumeric string, for it to be properly read by scanners. You should have a general format in mind for how you will structure all barcodes for your particular purpose.
    • Many different kinds of information can be included in your barcode, but generally this information pertains to: identification, tracking, and inventory.
    • Consistent formatting will help make the translated information easier to read, and will make human processing of barcode information more efficient.
    • "Alphanumeric" refers to a system that uses both letters and numbers. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. Now that you have your data properly organized, do an online search for a "String builder" for the barcode symbology you will be using. This will give you the converted text that you will need to use with a barcode font.
    • For example, you might search, "barcode string builder code 128."
    • Some symbologies may use other inputs than simple alphanumeric. Do an online search of your chosen symbology to find how to convert your data to a suitable barcode format. [2]
  4. To have the text you've converted to show up properly as a barcode, you'll need to input your barcode string into your Word document in the font for your symbology. There are many online sources for fonts, some free and some for pay, which you can find by searching your symbology (e.g. Code 39 font).
    • Always exercise caution when downloading anything from the Internet. There is always the risk that you may get a virus or some other kind of malware.
  5. Cut and paste your converted barcode string into your word document. Highlight this text, and then change the font to the appropriate barcode font and your barcode should appear.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a MS Word Add-in

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some ad-ins might have a separate pane while some might be located under a general word setting option, like the "Insert Object" button. The add-in you have decided upon will determine where you will find your add-in interface.
    • For the purposes of offering a guided example , this process will be outlined with the barcode add-in StrokeScribe, which is available to individual users for free. To access StrokeScribe's interface, click on the "Insert" tab, then click the "Insert Object" button and select "StrokeScribe Document" from the list provided.
  2. Barcodes have many different types, and these are referred to as symbologies. There should be an extensive list of barcode symbologies in a submenu of your add-in interface. Search through this until you find the symbology that best suits your purposes.
    • Continuing with the guided example , you should right-click the barcode image after selecting "StrokeScribe Document" and from the following menu choose StrokeScribe Control → Properties.
    • Be sure that your barcode reading software/equipment has the capability of reading the symbology you have chosen for your code.
    • Some common symbologies: UPS, Code 39, Code 128, QR
  3. You'll need to input the text that you want to be converted to barcode format and the Alphabet you want the text to be converted into, which will be the same as the symbology you've already decided upon.
    • In the guided example , after clicking "Properties" you should see the Control Properties window, in which you can type your data to be converted into barcode by the "Text" field, and you can select your symbology with the "Alphabet" dropdown menu.
  4. Some add-ins might have a specific Insert Barcode button, or you may only need to press Ok . With most add-ins, the barcode you create will be treated like an image.
    • For the guided example , you only need to click Ok to insert the image. To make the barcode a floating image, right click it, select "Format Object," and change the text wrapping under the "Layout" tab.
    • Right-click the barcode, select the "Format Object" option, and click the Layout tab in the following menu. This should list different styles in which your barcode will be wrapped with in-document text.
  5. Using the white manipulator boxes occupying the corners and midpoints around the border of your barcode, alter the size of your barcode until it is satisfactory. You may also be able to change the size within a "Properties" window associated with your barcode add-in.
    • To complete the guided example , use the manipulator boxes to adjust width and height until it is positioned and sized best for your purposes.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • The POSTNET barcode that could be automatically generated as a function of Microsoft Word is now obsolete, so be aware of this if trying to use a postal barcode through the "Envelopes and Labels" feature of Word. [3]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Post Cards in Word
      How to
      Add a Word to the Dictionary in Microsoft Word
      How to
      Add a Header in Microsoft Word
      Easily Add Page Numbers to a Word Document on Any Platform
      How to
      Add Check Boxes to Word: 10 Simple Steps
      How to
      Remove a Blank Page in Word
      3 Simple Ways to Insert a Hyperlink in Microsoft Word
      How to
      Add Backgrounds in Microsoft Word: Watermarks, Images, & Colors
      3 Easy Ways to Delete a Horizontal Line in a Word Document
      How to
      Print Avery Labels in Microsoft Word on PC or Mac
      How to
      Create and Edit the Table of Contents in Word
      How to
      Remove the 'Read Only' Status on MS Word Documents
      How to
      Add a Horizontal Line in Microsoft Word
      Easily Format Word Docs from Scratch or Using Templates
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.thefreedictionary.com/alphanumeric
      2. ↑ https://www.taltech.com/support/about-upc-universal-product-code-barcodes/
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/897290

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 166,819 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement