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The Universal Barcode Font Advantage™ is a single font that generates multiple barcode types. It is also designed to be compatible with multiple operating systems and language settings, including Double Byte versions of Windows.
Index:
Installation Instructions |
After installing the universal font, the appropriate Font Encoder (or font tool) should be implemented.
Run the INSTALL.EXE setup utility. This utility will install the most commonly used fonts and encoders.
Run the IDAutomation Universal Font for MAC.mpkg setup utility. The TrueType fonts will be installed in the Library/Fonts folder. The complete package, including the additional fonts and examples, will be found in an IDAutomation folder under Applications.
To obtain information about installing PCL fonts, refer to the PCLinfo.html document provided in the PCL folder of the package.
Font Tools and Encoders |
The Universal Barcode Font Advantage requires the use of a Font Encoder (or font tool) to convert the data being encoded into a unique string of text, so that when it is combined with IDAutomation's universal bar code font, it will create a correct barcode. If the following products cannot be utilized, several other options are available.
Universal Font Encoders (Font Tools) |
Download Link | Feature Level | Compatibility* |
.NET Assembly DLL (Strong Named, 100% Managed) |
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6 |
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4D source code for Code 128 Auto | Included with Purchase | 1 |
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AppleScript for Code 128 B | Included with Purchase | 1 |
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ASP.NET Assembly with VB source example |
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6 |
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C++ header file / ANSI C Compatible | Included with Purchase | 6 |
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Crystal Reports Barcode Font Formulas (Code 128 & 39 only) |
Included with Purchase | na |
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Crystal Reports UFL |
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7 |
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COM DLL for Windows |
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6 |
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DLL for Windows - Native (recommended version) |
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7 |
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FileMaker Plug-in extension |
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7 |
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Java Font Encoder |
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6 |
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Microsoft Office Macros & VBA for Excel & Access | Included with Purchase | 7 |
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Microsoft Office for MAC VBA for Excel 2004 | Included with Purchase | 6 |
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On-line Barcode Font Encoder | This product is used online | 6 |
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OpenOffice & StarOffice VB macros | Included with Purchase | na |
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Oracle PLL |
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6 |
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Visual Basic .vb module for .NET | Included with Purchase | 6 |
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Visual Basic 6 .bas module | Included with Purchase | 7 |
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* The Linux symbol includes support for Unix. Compatibility with Windows includes Windows 95 and greater, including Vista. The Visual Basic module provided in the demo makes calls to the Native Windows DLL. A complete, native VBA module is provided in the purchased version.
The source code listed is provided with all purchases. Additionally, source code to any single font encoder is available with the purchase of an Unlimited Developer License and a signed Source Code Agreement.
API of the Native Windows DLL |
Advanced programmers that have an understanding of how Windows DLLs work should only use the API of the Native Windows DLL. For all other purposes, it is suggested to use other Font Tools. The Native Windows DLL does not return a string value. The return value must be passed as a variable by reference. That being said, there are a few differences between the Native Windows DLL and the functions listed. The differences are as follows:
For example, in the General Declarations, in a separate module of a VB application
or Excel spreadsheet VBA editor, the function needs to be defined:
Private Declare Function IDAutomation_Universal_C128 _The DLL function needs input parameters that are filled by the DLL with the formatted data. For example:
Lib "IDAutomationNativeFontEncoder.dll" _
((ByVal D2E As String, Byref tilde As long, _
ByVal out As String, _
ByRef iSize As long)) As Long
Public Function IDAutomation_Uni_C128(DataToEncode As String, Optional applyTilde As Boolean = False) As String
Dim myOut As String 'Variable to be populated by DLL function with formatted data
Dim iSize As long 'The size of the formatted data. Also, populated by the DLL
Dim lRetVal As Long 'Return value of the function. Will be zero if successful
Dim long_AT As Long 'Variable to be passed to DLL determining if tilde processing should be done. Must be a long data type for DLL to accept
Dim Data As String 'Data to encode
Data = "Testing"
myOut = String(250, " ") 'The output variable needs to be sized to hold the data. The DLL can not dynamically size a variable
iSize = 0
If applyTilde = True Then
L_AT = True 'Can be implicitly converted to a long
Else
L_AT = False
End If
'Call the function, passing in the data to encode, a Boolean deciding if tilde processing should be used,
'The output variable, and the variable that will be populated with the size
lRetVal = IDAutomation_Universal_C128(Data, L_AT , myOut, iSize)
'Write out the output string, taking only the number of characters necessary from the defined string
Debug.Write = Mid(myOut, 1, iSize)
End Function
An Excel example is provided and is located in the Examples folder of the ZIP file.
Implementation Tutorials |
Implementation of the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font Advantage ™ is accomplished with IDAutomation's Font Tools. Implementation tutorials are provided in each of these packages, with the only difference being that the functions in the font tools are preceded with IDAutomation_Uni_.
Distributing Files with an Application |
After purchasing a Developer License, the font files and font tools may be distributed with an application royalty-free according to the License Agreement.
Windows DLL | ||
Purpose of File | File to Distribute | Notes |
Font File | IDAutomation Uni ???.ttf | The TrueType font. Other font files in the package may be distributed as necessary. |
Font Tool DLL | IDAutomationNativeFontEncoder.dll | This is the encoder DLL that formats data to font. It can be found in the Windows/System32 directory after installation. Because it was created with C++, it is small and has no dependencies. |
Crystal Reports UFL | ||
Purpose of File | File to Distribute | Notes |
Font File | IDAutomation Uni ???.ttf | The TrueType font. Other font files in the package may be distributed as necessary. |
Crystal UFL | CRUFLidautomation.dll | This Crystal User Function Library formats data to the font. It can be found in the Windows/System32 directory after installation or placed in the Windows/Crystal directory. Because it was created with C++, it is fast, small and has no dependencies. |
Distribution using Source Code | ||
Purpose of File | File to Distribute | Notes |
Font File | IDAutomation Uni ???.ttf | The TrueType font. Other font files in the package may be distributed as necessary. With a signed Source Code Agreement, the source code can be integrated directly into an application, eliminating the need to distribute any DLLs. |
NOTE: Redistribution of IDAutomation fonts and components requires a Developer License.
The X dimension (the width of the narrowest bar in the symbol) is listed below for various point sizes. IDAutomation's Universal Barcode Fonts have been specially designed to be able to produce dependable barcodes when printed at large and small point sizes. For example, the IDAutomation USB Barcode Scanner dependably reads this font when printed as small as 6 points.
Point Size |
Approximate X dimension (1 mil = .001") |
|
48 | .102 cm | 40 mil |
36 | .076 cm | 30 mil |
32 | .069 cm | 27 mil |
30 | .064 cm | 25 mil |
28 | .058 cm | 23 mil |
24 | .051 cm | 20 mil |
20 | .043 cm | 17 mil |
18 | .038 cm | 15 mil |
16 | .033 cm | 13 mil |
12 | .025 cm | 10 mil |
8 | .018 cm | 7 mil |
6 | .013 cm | 5 mil |
* To print at a different X dimension, find the point
size that has the X dimension closest to what is needed and use this
formula to find the point size: |
When using a printer with less than 600 DPI, print at the following point sizes to create accurate barcodes:
203 DPI Printer (thermal printer) | 300 DPI Printer |
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 | 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 |
Several versions are provided to support different width and height requirements. The last characters in the font name determines the height of the barcode with the shortest being "XXS" and the tallest being "XXL". Because each single font may be printed at various point sizes, several combinations of heights and widths may be produced.
Font name of purchased version | Font name of eval version* | Font height @12 points* | Notes |
IDAutomation Uni XXS | IDAutomation SUni XXS | .10" or .254 CM | |
IDAutomation Uni XS | IDAutomation SUni XS | .20" or .508 CM | Includes USPS Postnet & Intelligent Mail at normal intensity |
IDAutomation Uni S | IDAutomation SUni S | .35" or .889 CM | Includes USPS Postnet & Intelligent Mail narrow by 10% |
IDAutomation Uni M | IDAutomation SUni M | .50" or 1.27 CM | Includes USPS Postnet & Intelligent Mail narrow by 20% |
IDAutomation Uni L | IDAutomation SUni L | .60" or 1.46 CM | |
IDAutomation Uni XL | IDAutomation SUni XL | .75" or 1.90 CM | |
IDAutomation Uni XXL | IDAutomation SUni XXL | 1" or 2.54 CM | |
* Measurements are approximate and were measured when printed
at 12 points, which should work for most scanners. At 12 points, the X dimension
is 10 mils.
To print at a different height, find the font that has the height closest
to what is needed and use this formula to find the point size:
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The following functions defined below all return data formatted to IDAutomation's Universal Barcode Font and are available in many of the Font Tools. All the functions listed below are preceded with IDAutomation_Uni_. The data type returned is a string and the input type for DataToEncode is a string.
Function | Notes |
C128(DataToEncode, ApplyTilde) | This "Code 128
Auto" function will automatically encode data from ASCII 1 to ASCII
127. It will automatically switch to character set C to encode numbers as
necessary. To encode alpha-numeric GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128), ASCII 202
character Ê (or the appropriate
tilde option such as ~202) is entered as the FNC1 before each AI. When
any barcode begins with the FNC1, it automatically starts in Set C as required. For example, the UCC number of (8100)712345(21)12WH5678 should be entered as a formula of: IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("~2028100712345~2022112WH5678", TRUE) or IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("Ê" & {Table1.DataField1} & "Ê" & {Table1.DataField2}, TRUE) More information about AI's and GS1-128 / UCC/EAN-128. If ApplyTilde is set to True, the tilde will be processed. ApplyTilde is False by default. |
C128HR(DataToEncode, ApplyTilde) | If creating Code 128 barcodes that
need the text formatted, use this function. It is generally only used to
format the text for UCC/EAN barcodes according to IDAutomation's
Code128
Barcode FAQ. For example: IDAutomation_C128HR ("Ê" & "8100712345" & "Ê" & "2112345678", TRUE ) If ApplyTilde is set to True, the tilde will be processed. ApplyTilde is True by default in this function. |
C128A(DataToEncode) | Formats output to set A of Code-128. Use caution with this option because any lowercase character creates a function. Use the letter "i" for a tab and "m" for a return. For most purposes, it is better to use the C128() function. |
C128B(DataToEncode) | Formats output to Code-128, character set B. For most purposes, it is better to use the C128() function. |
C128C(DataToEncode) | This function "interleaves" even numbers into pairs for high density. An even number of digits is required. For most purposes, it is better to use the C128() function. |
C39(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) | Generates Code 3 of 9 with the universal font. A MOD 43 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true. For example: IDAutomation_Uni_C39 ("123456789", 3, TRUE ) |
Codabar(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, StartChar, StopChar) | Creates Codabar (aka NW7) with the universal font. StartChar and StopChar are also required as the start and stop characters. Valid start and stop characters are A, B, C and D. |
I2of5(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) | This function "interleaves" numbers into pairs for high density in the Interleaved 2 of 5 format and formats the return string to the universal font. An even number of digits is required. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true. If a MOD10 is calculated, an odd number of digits is required. |
MSI(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) | Formats output for bar-coding in the MSI/Plessey symbology. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true. |
OneCode(DataToEncode) or IntelligentMail(DataToEncode) |
This function works with the XS, S or M size of the Universal Font. DataToEncode is a single string according to the OneCode section of the USPS FAQ. XS is the normal version, S has the bars narrow by 10% and the M font has the bars narrow by 20%. |
Planet(DataToEncode, IncludeCheckDigit) | This function works with the XS, S or M size of the Universal Font. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true. |
Postnet(DataToEncode, IncludeCheckDigit) | DataToEncode is a single string of Zip, Zip + 4 or Zip + 4 + Delivery Point. This function only works with the XS, S or M size of the Universal Font. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true. |
UCC128(DataToEncode) | This symbology option automatically
encodes the FNC1 character in set C as required for UCC-128 barcodes. All
functions of ApplyTilde are enabled in this function
for calculating the required MOD 10 check digit and cannot be disabled,
for example: IDAutomation_Uni_UCC128 ("00000123455555555558" & "~m19" ) For more information, visit the UCC/EAN FAQ. |
MODU10(DataToEncode) | A single MOD 10 check digit is returned. This is useful in calculating check digits for UCC/EAN 128 barcodes where a MOD check digit is needed. More information about UCC/EAN-128 is located here. |
GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) Barcode Examples: | |
USPS EAN128 | USPS special services labels such as
delivery confirmation are used with the IDAutomation Uni L font at 16 points.
The following formula will create USPS_EAN128 in Code 128: IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("~202" & "912312214123442441134" & "~m19", TRUE ) Where the number of 912312214123442441134 may be replaced with a data field, for example: IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("~202" & {Table1.DataField1} & "~m19", TRUE ) This number encoded is made up of the following: 2 digit service code + 9 digit customer ID + 8 digit sequential package ID + MOD 10 check digit. For more information, refer to the USPS portion of the Code 128 FAQ and the UCC/EAN portion of the Code128 Barcode FAQ. |
SCC14 | The following formula will create SCC14
in Code 128: IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("~202" & "013001234567890" & "~m13", TRUE ) For more information, refer to the UCC/EAN portion of IDAutomation's Code128 Barcode FAQ. |
SSCC18 | The following formula will create SCC18
in Code 128: IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("~202" & "0000801234999999999" & "~m17", TRUE ) For more information, refer to the UCC/EAN portion of IDAutomation's Code128 Barcode FAQ. |
Description of the parts of the functions:
Troubleshooting Procedures |
The following may be performed on a Windows PC to verify that the font is working properly.
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.
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