Step‑by‑Step: Generating Code 128 Barcodes Using BarCodeWiz FontsBarCodeWiz Code 128 barcode fonts are a popular, easy-to-use solution for producing high-quality Code 128 barcodes across Windows applications (Word, Excel, Access, etc.). This guide walks through everything from choosing the right font package to creating, validating, and exporting Code 128 barcodes for labels, packaging, and inventory systems.
What is Code 128 and why use BarCodeWiz fonts?
Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology capable of encoding the full ASCII character set. It’s widely used in shipping, packaging, inventory tracking, and retail because of its compactness and ability to encode both numeric and alphanumeric data reliably.
BarCodeWiz provides TrueType/OpenType barcode fonts and utilities designed specifically for Code 128. Their fonts convert text into scannable barcodes when the correct start/stop characters and checksums are applied — tasks the BarCodeWiz tools automate for you.
Key benefits
- High density: stores more information in less space than many other linear symbologies.
- Full ASCII support: includes control characters and both numbers and letters.
- Compatibility: works with standard printers and Windows applications.
- Ease of use: BarCodeWiz utilities and font packages automate checksum and character mapping.
What you’ll need
- A Windows PC.
- BarCodeWiz Code 128 font package (purchase/download from BarCodeWiz).
- A text editor or target application (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, or a label design program).
- (Optional) BarCodeWiz Encoder or Add-in for Excel/Word — simplifies encoding and formatting.
- A printer capable of your desired label quality (laser, inkjet, or thermal).
- A barcode verifier or scanner for quality checking (recommended for production).
Installing BarCodeWiz Code 128 fonts
- Download the font package from the BarCodeWiz website and unzip the downloaded file.
- Locate the TrueType (.ttf) or OpenType (.otf) font files for Code 128 in the unzipped folder.
- Right-click each font file and choose “Install” (or double-click and hit “Install”) to add it to Windows Fonts.
- Restart any open applications (Word, Excel, etc.) so they can detect the newly installed fonts.
Encoding basics for Code 128
Code 128 requires:
- A start character (Start A, Start B, or Start C) to indicate which character set is used.
- A checksum character calculated from the data and the start code.
- A stop character to terminate the barcode.
Manually calculating these is error-prone. BarCodeWiz provides encoders that convert your text into the correct sequence so the barcode font renders a scannable pattern.
Method 1 — Using the BarCodeWiz Encoder/Font with plain applications
If you don’t want to use add-ins, the encoder utility or an online encoding tool included in the package will convert your input to the font-ready string.
- Open the BarCodeWiz Encoder utility or run the supplied encoder program.
- Enter the text you want to encode (for example: A12345).
- Choose the desired Code 128 subset:
- Set C for numeric-only pairs (most compact for long numeric strings).
- Set B for mixed-case alphanumeric.
- Hit Encode/Generate — the tool will output a string that includes the necessary start/stop/checksum characters.
- Copy the encoded string.
- Paste the encoded string into your document or label design program.
- Select the pasted text and change its font to the BarCodeWiz Code 128 font (e.g., “BCW Code 128”).
- Adjust font size to control barcode dimensions; ensure quiet zones (margins) exist on either side.
- Print a test barcode and scan to verify.
Method 2 — Using BarCodeWiz Add-ins for Excel and Word
BarCodeWiz offers add-ins that simplify barcode creation by handling encoding behind the scenes.
Excel (Add-in) — quick steps:
- Install the BarCodeWiz Excel add-in (run the installer included in the package).
- Open Excel and locate the BarCodeWiz ribbon or menu.
- Enter data into cells you want to convert (e.g., column A).
- Use the add-in to select the range and choose Code 128 as the barcode type. The add-in will generate encoded strings and optionally apply the barcode font or produce image output.
- Adjust row height and column width to fit barcode size.
- Print or export.
Word (Add-in) — quick steps:
- Install the BarCodeWiz Word add-in.
- In Word, type the data you want converted.
- Use the add-in to convert selected text into a barcode object or formatted text using the Code 128 font.
- Resize and position as needed.
Advantages of add-ins:
- No manual encoding or checksum calculation.
- Batch processing from Excel is fast for lists of items.
- Easier resizing and layout within Word documents or labels.
Method 3 — Generating barcodes as images (recommended for some workflows)
Generating barcode images (PNG, BMP, SVG) avoids font dependency on other systems and preserves exact sizing.
- Use BarCodeWiz’s generator tool or command-line utility included with the package.
- Enter the data string, select Code 128, and choose output format (PNG, BMP, or SVG).
- Set DPI/resolution and image dimensions; for Code 128, maintain accurate module width to ensure scanability.
- Export and insert images into your label templates or documents.
- For high-volume labeling, integrate image generation into your workflow or ERP system.
Sizing, X‑dimension, and print quality
- The X‑dimension (module width) is the width of the narrowest bar. For typical handheld scanners, an X‑dimension around 0.010–0.015 inches (10–15 mil) works well for general-purpose labels. Smaller X‑dimensions increase density but require higher print resolution.
- Maintain at least 10X the quiet zone of the X‑dimension on both sides of the barcode.
- Use high-quality printers and appropriate label stock. Thermal transfer printers often produce the most durable results for industrial labels.
- Test-print and scan at final label size before mass printing.
Verifying barcode quality
- Use a handheld barcode verifier or scanner to test readability. Verify correct data, proper start/stop, and checksum acceptance.
- For production-critical applications, use a verifier that provides grade scores (A–F) for ISO/IEC 15416 compliance.
Common issues and fixes
- Barcode won’t scan: Ensure you encoded using the BarCodeWiz encoder or add-in (manual text without encoding won’t scan). Check quiet zones, print contrast, and X‑dimension.
- Wrong data scanned: You may have used the wrong Code 128 subset (A/B/C). Re-encode with the correct subset or let the encoder choose optimal subset C for numeric pairs.
- Bars look distorted: Printer resolution may be too low for chosen X‑dimension; increase DPI or X‑dimension.
- Font not visible in application: Restart the application after installing fonts; ensure the correct BarCodeWiz font is selected.
Automation and integration tips
- For bulk label printing, generate barcode images via the command-line tool and merge into label templates programmatically.
- Use the Excel add-in for batch processing item lists, then export to PDF for consistent printing on other machines.
- If integrating with databases (Access, SQL Server), use the BarCodeWiz Access tools or generate images dynamically from application code (e.g., C#, Python) using the encoder logic or command-line utilities.
Example workflows
- Small office: Install font + Word add-in, create and print address labels with embedded Code 128 barcodes.
- Warehouse: Use Excel add-in to generate barcodes for SKUs, export as images, import to label software, print on thermal printer.
- Software integration: Use BarCodeWiz command-line image generator inside a script that pulls product IDs from a database and outputs PNGs for each SKU.
Final checklist before production
- Confirm correct encoding (start, checksum, stop).
- Validate barcode size (X‑dimension) and quiet zones.
- Test-print on the actual label stock and printer.
- Verify with scanner/verifier and check human-readable text if needed.
- Confirm durability and contrast for the label environment.
BarCodeWiz Code 128 fonts and tools streamline barcode creation across many workflows. With correct encoding, sizing, and verification, you’ll produce reliable, scannable barcodes suitable for retail, shipping, inventory, and manufacturing.
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