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Two-dimensional codes

In this tutorial you will learn about the two-dimensional code elements available in the program. You can use formats such as QR Code, Data Matrix or PDF417.

Open the label template editor

You can use an existing template or create a new one for this tutorial. If you don’t know how to do it or you would like to learn basic information about the sizes and positioning of elements on the label, check out this this tutorial first.

Types of 2D codes

You can choose from one of the listed below types of two-dimensional codes. You can see them grouped in one toolbox item on the left side of the editor. By clicking on the fourth icon from the top (2D icon), you will see a list of available codes. The available types are

  • QR Code
  • Data Matrix
  • PDF417

Common parameters

  • Name – any name you choose, it helps you identify an element
  • Description – optional field, designed to allow you to describe the item in more detail
  • Position (x, y) – exact coordinates of element’s location (for more information, please refer to section of positioning in this tutorial)
  • Value expression – value that should be printed by this element (for more information, please refer to this tutorial)

QR Code

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of two-dimensional matrix barcode, invented in 1994, by Japanese company Denso Wave for labelling automobile parts. A barcode is a machine-readable optical image that contains information specific to the labelled item. In practice, QR codes contain data for a locator, an identifier, and a website visitor tracking. (source: Wikipedia)

Parameters specific for this code type:

  • Size / magnification factor – helps to adjust the overal size of the code element
  • Error correction level – you can choose the number of additional tags that help read the data correctly by the reading devices

Place a QR Code element in the template

Click the 2D icon to open the list of available code types and choose QR Code. Try to modify the parameters and see the changes in the preview.

Data Matrix

A Data Matrix is a two-dimensional code consisting of black and white “cells” or dots arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern, also known as a matrix. The information to be encoded can be text or numeric data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to 1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data depends on the number of cells in the matrix. Error correction codes are often used to increase reliability: even if one or more cells are damaged so it is unreadable, the message can still be read. (source: Wikipedia)

Parameters specific for this code type:

  • Individual symbol element size – a slider that allows you to control the size of a single symbol in your code

Place a Data Matrix element in the template

Click the 2D icon to open the list of available code types and choose Data Matrix. Try to modify the parameters and see the changes in the preview.

PDF417

PDF417 is a stacked linear barcode format used in a variety of applications such as transport, identification cards, and inventory management. “PDF” stands for Portable Data File. The “417” signifies that each pattern in the code consists of 4 bars and spaces in a pattern that is 17 units (modules) long. The PDF417 symbology was invented by Dr. Ynjiun P. Wang at Symbol Technologies in 1991. It is defined in ISO 15438. (source: Wikipedia)

Parameters specific for this code type:

  • Individual rows height – the height of each individual row
  • Security level – choose the number of additional tags that help read the data correctly by the reading devices
  • Ratio rows – you can control the rows and columns ratio
  • Ratio columns – you can control the rows and columns ratio
  • Size / module width – change overall size of the code controlling the module width
  • Truncated – use the code in truncated version

Place a PDF417 element in the template

Click the 2D icon to open the list of available code types and choose PDF417. Try to modify the parameters and see the changes in the preview.

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