Bar Codes

[outdoorsportz]

Hello,

I know that Filemaker will read barcodes with a wedge scanner. How can I print the codes without using other software?

[slstrother]

You will need a bar code font.

[outdoorsportz]

I have never heard of that. Where can I get it, and how do I impliment it?

[slstrother]

I did a search on Yahoo and here are the SEARCH RESULTS

You install the font on your system, add the font to Filemaker, then format the field you want to be a bar code with this font. There are several types of bar code fonts, you will need to select the one that is appropriate for your situation.

[LiveOak]

One dimensional barcodes such as Code 39, Code 128, Postnet, etc. are just fonts you purchase and install on your computer. Take a look at www.azalea.com.

Two dimensional barcodes such as Maxicode and PDF417 are used to store much more information. UPS uses Maxicode on parcels (the weird bullseye pattern) to encode the complete destination address. These are more complex and must be printed using FileMaker plug-ins.

OBTW, we do have a barcode forum.

-bd

[outdoorsportz]

So I have downloaded a font, how do I install it for use in FM? I don't see any way to do that.

Thanks,

[slstrother]

Assuming you have installed the font for use on your system. In Filemaker, go to layout mode. Then the menu Format>Fonts>Configure/More Fonts, then select the font you want on the left and hit the move button.

[outdoorsportz]

Alright, I have installed the font into my system. So now I have a field that I want to make into a Bar code (UPC-A). Will this handle alpha-numeric codes? If not, is there a type of bar code that does?

[slstrother]

Code 39 and Code 128 are alphanumeric. You should do some research to find the correct bar code for your situation.

You can start here http://www.adams1.com/pub/russadam/spec.html