How to Create Barcode in Excel

Welcome to today’s blog post. If you are seeking to understand how to create a barcode in Microsoft Excel, you have come to the right place. Barcodes are an essential aspect of business operations, and their usefulness is undeniable. Excelling in the creation of barcodes is crucial in professions such as inventory management and retail. The good news is, Microsoft Excel provides the functionality to generate dynamic barcodes with relative ease. In this blog post, we will guide you through a step-by-step process of creating barcodes in Microsoft Excel.

Getting Started

The first step to creating barcodes in Excel is to obtain a barcode font. A barcode font is a special typeface that is readable by both human beings and machines. There are different types of barcode fonts, and the most commonly used ones are Code 39, Code 128, and UPC. You can download a suitable font from a verified website such as DaFont and install it on your computer.

Step 1: Enter Data

Once the font is installed, launch Microsoft Excel and open a new workbook. Input the data you would like to convert to a barcode in the first column of the worksheet. For this guide, we will use the data “123456789.”

Step 2: Format Cells

Highlight the cell, or cells, that contain the data you wish to convert to a barcode and select “Format Cells” from the context menu that pops up. In the “Format Cells” dialog box, select the “Font” tab, and choose your barcode font from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Generate Barcode

Once the font is selected, the text will be converted to a barcode automatically. Use the barcode scanner to test if the code displays correctly. If it doesn’t, consider trying a different barcode font or reach out to the font developer for assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating barcodes in Microsoft Excel is an easy and straightforward process. Once you have downloaded and installed a barcode font, all you need to do is format the cells, enter the data, and convert it to a barcode. Remember to test the code to ensure it displays correctly. With this guide, you should be able to generate professional looking barcodes in no time.

Barcode Scanner Apps

It’s important to note that before you can scan barcodes on the products you created using Excel, you need to have a barcode scanner. With a barcode scanner, you can get product information, track inventory levels, and manage your orders efficiently. There are many barcode scanner apps available to download on your smartphone, making it a more accessible and portable option than standalone scanners. Some of the most highly recommended apps include Barcode Scanner on Google Play, and Scanner for Me: Scan Documents on the Apple App Store.

Using Online Barcode Generators

If you need to generate a large number of barcodes quickly, online barcode generators can be a useful alternative. With online generators, you can generate bulk barcodes with unique numbers by entering your data and selecting the barcode format you desire. Some popular online barcode generators include Tec-IT, Barcodes Inc, and Barcode Generator.

Automating Barcode Generation with VBA

If you have a large inventory or need to generate barcodes frequently, you can automate the process by using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel. VBA is a programming language that can extend the functionality of Microsoft Excel and automate repetitive tasks. By creating a VBA script in Excel, you can generate barcodes in bulk and save your time. However, this requires a good understanding of VBA programming. If you’re interested in automating the barcode generation process, look for guides on VBA script creation or consider hiring a Microsoft Excel expert to assist you in creating a custom solution to meet your unique needs.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, creating barcodes in Excel is a simple and effective way to manage product information and inventory. With the right font and software, creating barcodes in Excel can be accomplished in a few simple steps. If you need to generate multiple barcodes or create barcodes regularly, consider using online barcode generators or automate the process with VBA coding. By following the steps outlined in this guide or seeking additional assistance, you can start creating and scanning barcodes with ease.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers related to creating barcodes in Microsoft Excel:

Can I generate barcodes without a barcode font?

No, barcode fonts are essential to make readable barcodes in Excel. Without a barcode font installed, Excel won’t generate barcodes. Make sure to download and install a suitable font for the barcode of your choice.

What is the best barcode font to use in Excel?

The most commonly used barcode fonts in Excel are Code 39, Code 128, and UPC. Choose the font that suits your needs, depending on the type of barcode you want to create and the data you want to encode.

Can I use Microsoft Word instead of Excel to create barcodes?

Yes, you can use Microsoft Word to create barcodes. However, the process may vary slightly, and not all barcode fonts may be supported. It’s recommended to create barcodes in Microsoft Excel, as it provides more customizable options and is more commonly used for this purpose.

How do I scan barcodes generated in Excel?

To scan barcodes generated in Excel, you need a barcode scanner. You can use a dedicated scanner or a smartphone barcode scanner app to scan the code. Make sure the scanner is compatible with the barcode format you chose, and there’s a clear line of sight and adequate lighting to scan the code.

How do I protect the barcode data from being changed or deleted?

To protect the barcode data in Excel, you can protect the worksheet from any unauthorized changes by setting a password to lock the sheet. To do this, select the worksheet or range of cells you want to protect, and click on “Protect Sheet” from the “Review” tab. Set a password, and only allow users to modify cells that are not protected.