GS1 DataBar Barcode Font

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on January 19, 2010

The GS1 DataBar is the latest and most advanced bar code technology, and the only one that's now approved to encode GTIN-14 numbers in all retail checkout systems. It can be used on small and uneven items that traditional bar codes are too big or cumbersome for, and it can also encode a lot of extra information such as coupons and expiration dates. Bar code specialist IDAutomation's GS1 DataBar Barcode Font package complies with international GS1 standards and works in almost all platforms, including Windows. It includes TrueType, OpenType, PCL, and PostScript fonts and supports all GS1 DataBar bar codes, including Expanded, Limited, Omnidirectional, and Stacked types. It has extensive reporting features and offers examples for a wide range of clients. There's also an online encoder available that you can use with the program to generate bar codes for printing or publishing. Naturally, it integrates with handheld bar code scanners like the company's own model.

It's easy to install and set up the program once you've unzipped it, and there's extensive assistance available at the developer's site. To use the program, you need a Font Encoder of at least level nine to convert the data being encoded into a unique string of text to create a properly readable bar code. This highly specialized program adds powerful and flexible capabilities to those who need it but has little or no use to those who don't.

The GS1 DataBar BarCode Font downloads as a compressed file but opens, installs, and uninstalls cleanly. It's free to try and $249 to buy.

RealPlayer

Watch your favorite videos on your favorite devices.

Download Now

Publisher's Description

From IDAutomation:

The GS1 DataBar Barcode Font by IDAutomation.com includes TrueType, OpenType, PostScript and PCL fonts that support all GS1 DataBar barcodes including Omnidirectional, Limited, Stacked and Expanded types. DataBar Expanded codes in this package can encode the GTIN and may also include additional information such as coupon offer codes, expiration dates, weight and serial numbers in a single symbol that is about the same size as a UPC-A or EAN-13 barcode. The download includes encoders in VB, Java, C++ and .NET for Windows, MAC, Linux and Unix. The Windows setup application in the download includes examples for Excel, Word, Access, and Crystal Reports. An online encoder is also available to generate individual barcodes for desktop publishing and is compatible with the MAC.

What's new in this version: Version 10.10 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.