Symbology
Confirm whether the requirement calls for Code 128, UPC, GS1-128, Data Matrix, QR Code, or another linear or 2D symbology. Industry or customer rules may decide this for you.
BarTender barcode guide
How to create and print barcode labels with BarTender.
Build a barcode label that fits the media, carries the right data, prints cleanly, and scans where it matters. This practical workflow covers the decisions to make before, during, and after label design.
Start with the requirement
A barcode is part of a system, not just artwork.
The code must carry the right value, comply with the applicable rules, survive the printing process, and scan in the environment where the label is used. Those constraints should guide the BarTender template.
Data
Write down the exact encoded value, required application identifiers or check digits, variable fields, serialization rules, and human-readable information.
Physical output
Account for label dimensions, quiet zones, printer resolution, stock, ribbon, contrast, surface, scanning distance, and environmental exposure.
Important: a barcode that looks correct is not automatically compliant or scannable. Use the governing specification and verify the printed label with appropriate equipment and downstream partners.
Six-step workflow
Create the document, connect the data, and test the output.
BarTender provides the design tools; a disciplined sequence helps produce a label that works beyond the designer screen.
- 01
Define the requirement
Identify the barcode specification, encoded value, human-readable text, label size, printer, stock, ribbon, scanner, and downstream acceptance rules.
- 02
Create the document
Start a new BarTender document and use the setup process to select the intended printer, media shape, page size, orientation, rows, columns, and gaps.
- 03
Add the barcode object
Choose the required symbology in BarTender Designer, place the object on the template, and keep adequate space around it.
- 04
Connect the right data
Use fixed text, print-time entry, serialization, a spreadsheet, database fields, or another approved source. Confirm field names, formatting, and blank-value behavior.
- 05
Format the label
Add supporting text, images, and other objects. Set barcode dimensions, readable text, alignment, and object positions to match the specification and physical media.
- 06
Preview, print, and verify
Preview representative records, print on the production device and materials, scan the physical output, and confirm the decoded value and downstream acceptance before release.
Choose the data source
Static, entered, serialized, or connected.
The visual object on the template can stay in the same place while the encoded value changes from label to label.
Simple and operator-driven
Use fixed data for values that never change, or a controlled print-time form for information an operator must enter or scan.
- Keep prompts clear and constrain the format
- Mark required values and validate length or type
- Show a preview when the risk of a bad label is high
- Limit operator choices to approved documents and printers
Data-driven and repeatable
Connect the document to a spreadsheet, database, or business workflow when the information already exists elsewhere.
- Map each object to the intended field
- Test blank, long, unexpected, and duplicate values
- Control how records and quantities are selected
- Plan permissions and reliable access to the source
If labels should print from an ERP, file arrival, database event, or API call, continue with our BarTender integrations and automated printing guide.
Test the physical label
Verify what leaves the printer.
Screen previews can catch content mistakes, but only the production printer, media, and scanner expose the full chain.
Check the value
Scan the code and compare the decoded data character by character, including leading zeros, separators, check digits, and application identifiers.
Check print quality
Look for low contrast, spreading, voids, ribbon wrinkle, damaged bars or cells, incorrect darkness, and quiet-zone interference.
Check real records
Preview and print short, long, blank, special-character, and boundary cases—not only the clean sample used during design.
Check the workflow
Confirm document choice, record selection, printer routing, quantities, reprints, error handling, and the operator’s recovery process.
When software is only one part
Match the template, printer, and materials.
A strong label workflow depends on compatible components. Whitehouse can help look across BarTender software, template design, printers, stock, ribbons, application needs, and support.
Need the right edition?
Compare Professional and Automation based on data, forms, integrations, and workflow requirements.
Need a clean rollout?
Use setup, training, and support to align documents, printers, data, and operator steps.
Need more capacity?
Review additional printer licensing before a new device becomes part of production.
Frequently asked questions
Answers before you move forward.
The correct answer often depends on the barcode specification, physical label, printer, scanner, data source, and downstream process. Bring those details when you ask for help.
What barcode type should I use in BarTender?
Use the symbology required by your customer, industry, carrier, retailer, or internal process. The encoded data, available space, scanner environment, and governing specification all matter. Do not choose a barcode only because it looks familiar.
How do I add a barcode to a BarTender label?
In BarTender Designer, add a barcode object, choose the required symbology, place it on the template, and connect it to the correct data source. Then size and configure it according to the applicable specification before testing a printed sample.
Can BarTender create barcodes from Excel or a database?
Yes. BarTender can connect label objects to external data so each selected record can produce variable output. Verify field mapping, blank values, formatting, record selection, and access to the data source from the computer or service that prints.
Why does a barcode scan on screen but not after printing?
The printed code may be too small, distorted, low contrast, poorly positioned, damaged, or affected by printer resolution, heat, speed, ribbon, stock, or scaling. Test the actual label on the intended printer and verify it with the scanners used downstream.
Do I need special barcode label software if I only print simple labels?
Purpose-built labeling software helps control symbology settings, dimensions, human-readable text, serialization, data connections, printer behavior, templates, and repeatability. The right BarTender edition depends on whether the job is static, data-driven, shared, or automated.
Can Whitehouse create or improve our BarTender label templates?
Yes. Share the label size, printer model, stock or ribbon, required barcode specification, sample data, existing files, and downstream scanning requirements. Whitehouse can help scope template work, software, printing supplies, training, and testing.
Barcode labeling help
Bring us the label requirement.
Share the size, barcode specification, data, printer, materials, volume, and workflow. We can help determine whether you need software, template work, supplies, training, or a broader implementation.
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