5 Best Barcode Generator Software & Ways to Print Barcodes

You may generate several sorts of barcodes using barcode generator software. The barcode website can be used to create and print barcode labels for products. 

This guide will go over the best barcode generators as well as 5 different methods for printing barcodes.

This post also contains a ton of useful information, so have a look!

A guide on barcode generator

What Is Barcode?

First of all, it is vital to go through the barcode’s definition and reasons why it is so commonly used these days.

Definition

An item's identification data is shown visually in a barcode. It is made up of bars, which are parallel black lines. 

Optical scanners can read the width of each bar and the distance between them. 

If you've set up a barcode system, you can quickly add items' information by scanning them.

Barcodes

They are now present on a variety of goods, including checked luggage, hospital bands, rental cars, and clothing purchased from retail stores or supermarkets. 

They each represent a thing or a person and encode significant information.

But what advantages come from using them? For the answer, keep reading…

Benefits

Since they have been employed in commerce and other fields for more than 50 years, bar codes have a solid track record of improving business operations all around the world. 

Bar codes have shown to be a remarkably effective tool for managing costs, lowering errors, and enhancing supply chain visibility if the solution is implemented thoughtfully and deliberately.

• Error reduction

Compared to barcodes, manually entered data has a much higher likelihood of errors. 

A barcode scan is quick and accurate, and it takes a smaller amount of time than manual data entry. 

Based on the type of barcodes and printing solution employed, the error rate may reach 1 error in 36 trillion characters.

Using barcodes help reduce errors

• Time savings

Barcode data entry is quicker than manual data entry and is also more precise.

Contrary to normal human data entry, which could take several minutes for a specific customer order, bar code data transfer can be completed in a matter of seconds. 

These time savings add quickly to a business that manages hundreds or thousands of transactions.

• Efficiency

Barcodes make it possible to convey and record information more quickly and accurately, which helps track ongoing projects or the precise movement of assets. 

Since you can trace an item's location, bar codes can accelerate operations and enhance tracking of these things, saving your organization time when responding to questions and changes.

As a result, it improves efficiency.

What Are Some Types of Barcodes?

The most common varieties of barcodes are listed below with explanations to assist you in deciding which to use:

How to Create A Barcode?

In this post, we will introduce 2 different ways to generate a barcode. One is easy and another is difficult.

But don’t worry, we’ll discuss both in detail so that even beginners can do it.

Let’s see!

Method 1: Make a Barcode in Excel

You must first download a barcode font in order to create a barcode with Excel. Code 39 is the most popular font, and we'll be using it in this tutorial. 

A font version is available for download from several websites, such as Free Barcode Font, Dafont, ID Automation, or Square Gear. 

So after downloading it, you’ll have to install it to make it compatible with your version of Excel.

Then, follow these instructions to create a barcode.

• Step 1: In a blank spreadsheet, add two columns

Text and Barcode should be the column headings.

Put the alphanumeric data in the Text column and the Barcode column will display the barcodes.

Create 2 columns

Note: To create a layout that resembles a table, add more columns if you want to provide a description of each object to which the barcode relates.

• Step 2: Format the cells in the Text column

Right-click on the Text column after selecting it. Choose Format Cells, Number, and Text. 

This will preserve leading zeros and stop greater numbers from appearing in scientific notation.

Format the cells

• Step 3: Enter the following formula in the Barcode column's first empty row: ="*"&A2&"*"

We're presuming in this stage that cell A2 is in the Text column; if it's not, modify the formula as necessary. 

If the first column is blank, there will be two asterisks in the second column.

Enter the formula

• Step 4: Fill the Barcode column down

• Step 5: Modify the Barcode column’s font

Choose the downloaded and installed barcode font from the font menu.

Although it's recommended, you are not required to use the same font for the header row that you do for the remainder of the spreadsheet.

Change the font

• Step 6: Enter data in alphanumeric data in the Text column

The Code 39 font may encode the numbers 0 to 9, the letters A to Z, the asterisk (*), the percentage sign (%), the dollar sign ($), the plus (+), the slash (/), the period (. ), and the space. 

Enter the data

Method 2: Use a free online barcode generator

In contrast to the previous way, it is simple to use a barcode generator program to create various forms of barcode and automatically calculate the check digit.

• Step 1: Create your product codes

The numerical and symbolic sequences you designate to your products are referred to as product codes.

The type of business you run and the requirements you have for inventory tracking will determine the ideal stock coding or numbering system.

• Step 2: Enter your code into a barcode generator system

The next step is entering your product codes into a system that converts them into scannable barcodes after you have established your unique product codes.

Enter your code

If you are wondering which one to choose, we will suggest the 5 best ones in the next part!

You simply enter your codes into a system that converts them into scannable barcodes on the majority of online websites.

Top 5 Barcode Generator Software 2022

Here we’ll provide with you a list of the most popular barcode generators that aid in the speedy and effective creation of barcodes.

So make sure to read them carefully!

Morovia

A well-liked program called Morovia barcode generator is well-known for its capacity to change a barcode's dimensions. 

The barcodes don't download automatically, so you have to drag and drop them out of your browser or right-click on the photos to save them.

Despite that, if you wish to change the size of your barcode, it is still a useful tool. 

You can decide whether to include text or not, but we advise incorporating text to make it simpler to distinguish between different barcodes without scanning. 

Morovia barcode generator

Its outstanding qualities include:

• Community Assistance

• Including and excluding text

• various barcode formats (code 128, UPC-A, EAN-13, etc.)

• Free to use

Handifox

You can produce and manage inventory more effectively if you use the free HandiFox barcode generator. 

Simply scan the barcodes on your goods, and HandiFox will instantly create distinctive barcodes for each one. 

You can also create labels with these barcodes for simple identification. 

Even the inventory at your distribution center can be managed with HandiFox. Inventory tracking is a breeze with this tool! 

Handifox barcode generator

Below is some of Handifox’s good points:

• Inventory counting

• Barcoding

• Multi-location tracking

• Sales and customer order

Great Barcode Generator

A good number of features are included in this free barcode generator to make creating barcodes as simple as possible.

You can select from a wide variety of barcode templates, and it works with many barcode printers and labels.

As a flexible barcode solution for items like inventory labels, it's a fantastic choice.

Additionally, the customization and compatibility options provide you with all you need for barcode graphics.

Great Barcode Generator

Consider its benefits:

• Export in many image formats

• Toolbar

• Create customized barcodes easily

• Compatible with text apps and Excel;

• Print barcodes

EZOfficeInventory

The fact that companies like CNN, Honda, Amazon, and others trust EZOfficeInventory has demonstrated its usefulness.

With EZOfficeIventory, you can centralize the labeling process, totally automate it, and reduce administrative costs. Additionally, it works with QR codes.

According to the level of barcode generation required by your business, it will provide a variety of different subscription packages.

EZOfficeInventory

Indeed, it's a fantastic barcode maker and barcode reader all around with the following features:

• Easy to use

• Flexible to add products

• Seamless integration with 3-rd party platforms

Labeljoy

For practically any circumstance, the Labeljoy barcode generator generates 25 various sorts of barcodes. 

You may design personalized barcodes with this tool's easy-to-use UI in only a few clicks. 

For updating the alphanumeric and numeric values in the barcode, it has an incremental counter. 

Additionally, you may incorporate your data into barcode production by connecting the program to external data sources like Excel or Outlook. 

Labeljoy barcode generator

Have a look at its benefits:

• Export to PNG, JPG, TIF, and PDF

• Dynamic barcode fields update

• QR Code generator

• Roll printer support

What Are the Best Ways to Print Barcode?

You just need to choose the method that best suits your requirements from among the various ways to print barcode labels. 

To make it easier for you to compare, below are the top 5 methods for printing barcode labels.

5 ways to print a barcode

Laser Printers

Small-scale barcode printing is possible with laser printers.

Quality laser printers can produce extremely accurate results, and you likely already have one in your business. 

They are commonly accessible, right?

Your cost may be low if you decide to continue using your dependable workplace printer. Hence, this may appeal to smaller businesses.

Laser printers, on the other hand, are pricey and ineffective for producing barcodes over time or in greater quantities.

Continuous Inkjet Printers

If you require more specialized barcode printing requirements, continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers can be used because they provide a variety of ink possibilities.

You can pick from options for pigment, food-safe, UV, and dye inks, for instance. 

A continuous inkjet printer

Because of this, CIJ printing is an effective choice for food brands or packaging that will be exposed to sunlight. 

In case your print surfaces are a little odd, CIJ is a versatile process that may be used to print on a variety of media, including plastics, paper, and a variety of other materials.

Pre-Printed Labels

You can buy labels with barcodes already printed on them unless you want to bring label printing manufacturing in-house.

This is advantageous if you run a small business since pre-printed labels are reasonably priced.

Furthermore, it's a wonderful alternative for adding more design value to your barcode as many pre-printed labeling providers also let you customize the appearance of your label.

Pre-printed labels, though, typically only function when you require them for modest numbers of barcodes that include little non-variable data.

Thermal Transfer

The most long-lasting printing technique is thermal transfer, which is perfect if you need a robust barcode. 

A heated ribbon is used in the thermal transfer technology to print on a specially prepared medium. 

A thermal transfer printer

Images created in this way may endure exposure to various elements, including light, moisture, heat, chemicals, and more. 

The barcode also provides a clean, premium finish that cannot be removed or smudged.

Direct Thermal

Because it doesn't require a ribbon, direct thermal printing is less complicated than thermal transfer printing while maintaining effectiveness.

This method depends on printing on specially treated material, which reacts as it passes beneath the heated print head. 

Direct thermal printing eliminates the need for ink, toner, or ribbons, resulting in cheaper operating costs and higher value.

Direct thermal printing isn't as resilient as a thermal transfer but has a longer lifespan than CIJ or laser printing.

Factors Affecting Barcode Scannability

No matter which type of barcode you generate or which way you use to print it, you may not scan it sometimes.

In fact, barcode scannability is affected by many factors, which will be mentioned below!

• Color

It depends on what print and background colors you use because the bars need to stand out from the spaces as much as possible.

The scanner won't be able to detect the bars if they are printed in a color that is too light. 

Similarly, the computer might not be able to tell the difference between the bars and the spaces if the background is too dark.

Pay attention to the barcode’s color

• Print sharpness

Barcodes must be printed properly since reading errors may result from an incorrect bar or gap thickness. 

The erroneous information may be retrieved due to a small typo as well.

• Barcode size 

Print resolution is impacted by size. 

Although scalable, barcodes must be adjusted such that the height-to-width ratio does not vary. This can make scanning less accurate.

• Presence of smudges

Smudges will impair barcode readability and attractiveness. 

Since they don't require expensive and smear-prone consumables, direct thermal printers are the ideal tools for producing barcodes.

• Dimensions

One-dimensional barcodes are those that simply have a horizontal or vertical component. It is two-dimensional if it possesses both.

1D vs 2D barcodes

Scanners that use laser light can read one-dimensional barcodes. 

For two-dimensional variations, more sophisticated sensors are required, like those found in camera phones.

• Positioning and visibility on packages

To avoid distortion and reading issues, don't fold your barcodes over the corners or edges.

To secure packages, don't forget to wrap labels in plastic film. If you simply wish to use clear, translucent plastic, your package labels will be more protected.

• Orientation

For instance, older scanners may only read horizontal barcodes from left to right. 

Scanners may now read barcodes in multiple directions because the start and end parts of barcodes are made to be distinct from one another.

Things to consider before printing barcodes

To get the highest printing quality, it’s worth paying attention to these 4 things:

• Get the best facestock material for your barcode

The facestock will serve as the surface on which you will print your barcode. If the proper supplies and tools are used, barcodes can be printed on any solid surface.

The best facestock materials for small enterprises are paper, fabric, and plastic.

Choose a suitable facestock material

• Pick a suitable barcode printer

Your choice of printer is influenced by the cost and intended use of the barcode. You can consider the 5 types that we recommend above: laser printer, thermal transfer printer, etc.

• Optimize your PC and printer settings

Even if your design, facestock, and printer are the greatest, you could still experience some printing issues.

Think about improving your tools in the following ways:

• Test the quality before printing all barcodes

Finally, ensure that you test your barcode before distributing it. 

Print a test paper or label that you can scan to determine whether it successfully retrieves the necessary data. 

Once it happens, you can display that barcode in your store.