Print Bar code using Crystal Reports

Question

I have a crystal report that I have to add a Bar Code to. I have downloaded some free and demo TrueType fonts Code 39, Code 128 and UPC from various sources. When I print out the report I can see the bar code but it will not scan with my scanner(the scanner works as I have tested it on multiple other bar codes). Do I need to use something special with Crystal Reports to create a bar code that a scanner can read?

(I have tried printing it on a label printer designed for printing labels so I don't think it is an issue with the paper/resolution)

Answer 1

Barcodes have check digits embedded in them, and you need to reproduce that in addition to using the font. I believe there are third party libraries for Crystal that properly format barcodes so they are scannable.

Answer 2

Indeed most barcodes have checksums and/or leading & trailing characters.

The most simple one is Code 3 of 9. To use it you need to start and end the code with an *.

Examples:

• to print ABCD you need to use *ABCD*

Some characters require to be escaped as well:

• to print #123! you need to use */C123/A*

More info on Code 3 of 9.