Bar Codes Plus

1. Introduction

Bar Codes Plus is a comprehensive software solution developed by Elfring Fonts Inc. designed to enable users to print various types of barcodes directly from within any Windows application. This software provides a convenient and complete method for generating and printing barcodes for diverse applications such as product packaging, stock cards, shipping labels, or creating sheets of labels using integrated templates and word processors.

The package includes a wide array of barcode font sets, including OCR-A and OCR-B fonts, along with a utility and Visual Basic macros to automate checksum calculations and barcode formatting.

2. System Requirements

To ensure optimal performance and compatibility, Bar Codes Plus requires the following operating systems:

• Windows 8 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Windows Server 2008 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Windows Server 2010 (32-bit or 64-bit)

3. Setup and Installation

To install Bar Codes Plus, follow the instructions provided with your software package. Typically, this involves running the installer executable and following the on-screen prompts. Ensure that you have administrative privileges on your Windows system during installation.

Once installed, the software integrates with your Windows environment, allowing you to access its features from various applications.

Image: The Bar Codes Plus software package, typically distributed as a physical media or digital download, contains the necessary files for installation on compatible Windows operating systems.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Generating Barcodes

Bar Codes Plus allows you to generate various barcode types, including 2/5 interleaved, 3/9, 93, 128, Bookland, Codabar, EAN-8, EAN-13, ITF-14, GTIN, PostNet, UPC-A, and UPC-E. The software provides a user interface to input data and select barcode parameters.

• Launch the Bar Codes Plus utility.
• Select the desired barcode type (e.g., 2/5, 3/9, 128, EAN, UPC).
• Enter the alphanumeric data you wish to convert into a barcode in the designated input field.
• Adjust settings such as size of font, type of font (standard or human readable), and point size as needed.
• The utility will display a sample barcode based on your input and settings.

Image: Screenshot of the Bar Codes Plus main interface, showing options for selecting barcode type, entering data, and previewing the generated barcode. Buttons for 'Make', 'Copy', 'Print Label', and 'Print Sample' are visible.

4.2. Printing Labels

The software allows you to print sheets of barcode labels using predefined templates or custom sizes. This is useful for creating multiple labels efficiently.

• From the main utility, click the 'Print Label' button.
• A 'Label Printing' dialog will appear, presenting various label sizes (e.g., 1.75 x 0.50, 4.00 x 3.33) and corresponding labels per sheet.
• Select the desired label size that matches your label stock. You can also choose a 'Custom' size if needed.
• Optionally, check the box to 'Explain how to paste a bar code on a label' for guidance.
• Click 'Print Labels' to send the generated barcodes to your printer on the selected label format.

Image: Screenshot of the 'Label Printing' dialog within Bar Codes Plus, displaying various standard label sizes, the number of labels per sheet, and options for custom sizes. The 'Print Labels' button initiates the printing process.

4.3. Using Visual Basic Macros

For generating large quantities of different barcodes, Bar Codes Plus includes Visual Basic (VB) macros that integrate directly with Microsoft Office applications. These macros streamline the process of creating barcodes from existing data.

• Microsoft Excel: Add the provided VB macros to Excel to create new formulas that generate barcodes directly from cell data. This is ideal for converting entire columns or rows of data into barcodes.
• Microsoft Access: Utilize the macros within Access to automate barcode generation for database records, facilitating the creation of barcodes for inventory or product management.
• Microsoft Word: Integrate macros into Word documents to dynamically insert barcodes based on document content or linked data sources.

Refer to the software's documentation for detailed instructions on installing and utilizing these Visual Basic macros within your specific Microsoft Office application.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the continued smooth operation of Bar Codes Plus, consider the following maintenance practices:

• Software Updates: Periodically check the Elfring Fonts Inc. website or the software's built-in update feature (if available) for the latest versions and patches. Updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
• System Compatibility: Ensure your operating system remains compatible with the software. If you upgrade your Windows version, verify that Bar Codes Plus is supported or seek an updated version.
• Data Backup: While Bar Codes Plus primarily generates visual representations, any data used to create barcodes should be backed up regularly, especially if integrated with other applications like Excel or Access.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using Bar Codes Plus, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Installation Issues: If the software fails to install, ensure you have administrative rights on your computer and temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that might interfere with the installation process.
• Barcode Not Printing Correctly: Verify that the correct barcode font is selected in your application. Check printer settings and ensure the printer drivers are up to date. Ensure the data entered is valid for the chosen barcode type.
• Macros Not Working: For Visual Basic macros, ensure that macros are enabled in your Microsoft Office application's security settings. Refer to your Office application's help documentation for enabling macros.
• Software Crashing/Freezing: Try restarting the application and your computer. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements and that no conflicting software is running.
• General Issues: Consult the software's built-in help documentation or the Elfring Fonts Inc. support resources for more specific troubleshooting guides.

7. Specifications

8. Support

For technical assistance, product inquiries, or further support regarding Bar Codes Plus, please contact Elfring Fonts Inc. directly. Refer to the contact information provided with your software purchase or visit the official Elfring Fonts Inc. website for their support resources, FAQs, and contact details.

Providing your product details, such as the ASIN (B0034CU7IG) or UPC (794571000100), when contacting support can help expedite the resolution process.