IDAutomation Help Desk

Fonts do not embed in PDF documents

Question: Can I print from windows Mobile 2003 with your barcode fonts or compact framework DLL?

Could I use your software to print barcodes from a Windows Mobile 2003 device such as an IPAQ with your barcode fonts or compact framework DLL, such as this product:
http://www.idautomation.com/pocketpcdll/
?

Solution:
You can use our control ( http://www.idautomation.com/pocketpcdll/ ) to print and generate barcodes in an application that you create using the .NET Compact Framework. The control is not a stand alone application for printing barcodes on a Windows Mobile device. It is a component that you would add to your application. Unfortunately, the .NET Framework does not natively support printing so that functionality is not embedded in the control. You would have to use the Windows CE APIs to add printing to your application. The following links will give you assistance on printing using the Compact Framework and Windows Mobile 2003.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnnetcomp/html/netcfgetstarted.asp

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnnetcomp/html/net_vs_netcf.asp

http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/programming/netcf/cffaq/cf10.aspx

Question: What is your User License breakdown for Barcode Fonts?

What is your user license breakdown for barcode fonts?

Solution:
1 User License (covers up to one computer or user)
5 User License (2 - 5 Users)
25 User License (6 - 25 Users)
50 User License (26-50 Users)
100 User Licenses (51 - 100 Users)
Developer License (more than 100 users)

For more information about the Single User License:
http://www.idautomation.com/software-license.html

Question: SC5USB INTERMITTENT PROBLEM

My scanner intermittently stops scanning. The light remains on, I get the beep, but nothing shows up in the field. It also switches between caps / non caps on its own.

I have model # SC5USB.

Solution:
Sometimes this means that the scanner might need to be physically reset. Near the bottom handle of the scanner there should be a small pin hole. You will need to take a paper clip or something similar and push down in the hole while pulling the cable out to disconnect it. Then you will need to re-seat the cable by pushing the cable back in until you hear it click.

Question: Image Generator will not open

I have used the Image Generator this afternoon with no problems but now when I double click on the icon or go to the start menu, the program will not open. I have also shut down entire system to no avail. What do I need to do?

Solution:
Please view the knowledge base article regarding the Image Generator:
http://www.idautomation.com/kb/generator_not_open.html

Question: Create Barcodes in Excel and Word using Barcode Fonts

Do you have a video tutorial for Excel or Word using Barcode Fonts?

Solution:
For the video tutorial on how to create barcodes using the IDAutomation Add-In along with Barcode Fonts, please visit:

Excel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8V7tFXOU1c

Word: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etPLPSxJ5pg

For the written tutorial, please visit:
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/word-excel-addin/

Question: Label Software How To (Video Tutorials)

Do you have a video tutorial for the Label Software?

Solution:
Here is a Video How To List:

Barcode Properties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIEMqH2D7WU

Link External Data:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWd2NtA9IMQ

Create a Custom Label:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNFiVkLEvAg

Use Print Range Features:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DapR0xcu9Ew

Create an Embedded Dataset:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBhVDF9MjJU

Global Append Features - Prefix and Suffix:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fljo6TuBvk

Use Fields and Variables:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPraOcWHEe0

*Create Serial Numbers and Constants:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rQUUMjQcy0

Create GS1 Barcodes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfXghJRDkc8

Create SSCC18 Barcodes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HngZ_6_t0mY

Create SCC14 Barcodes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k3VmunWAyk

Install Data Connectivity Driver:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7OzARGYJgY

Question: Do your products support GS1

I purchased the label design package so that I could create labels containing the new GS1 barcode encoding for GTIN 12, GTIN 13 & GTIN 14 as well as GS1 128.

Do your products support GS1?

Solution:
Yes, IDAutomation products support GS1.

Please view our FAQ for GS1

Code 128 GS1:
http://www.idautomation.com/code128faq.html#Creating_GS1-128

Databar GS1:
http://www.idautomation.com/barcode/gs1-Databar-faq.html

Data Matrix GS1:
http://www.idautomation.com/datamatrixfaq.html#GS1_DataMatrix

GS1 and GTIN are supported in the Label Software as well as other products including barcode fonts, Image Generator, .NET Forms Controls, and Java Component.
http://www.idautomation.com/UPCeanfaq.html#GTIN_Compliance

Please view our video tutorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxJr6h9JxOM

Question: Font Size Decreases when Exporting to PDF from Crystal Reports

My barcodes are much smaller in a PDF document. What is causing this?

Solution:
This is not caused by IDAutomation fonts, but is a known issue with Crystal Reports where it reduces the font when exporting to a PDF file. The solutions listed here should be performed after installing any new updates and hot fixes for the Crystal Reports version being used.

http://www.idautomation.com/kb/exporting_to_pdf.html

Question: SQL Server CRI 2008 Installation Application Failure

I am trying to run SQL Server CRI 2008 Installation Application. I am receiving an error message that some of the .config files are missing from the target directories.

The file paths are correct.

Solution:
In order for the CRI to properly install, you must make sure that certain Reporting Services files are installed.

rsreportserver.config
rssrvpolicy.config
rsreportdesigner.config

These three config files must be edited. Do you know the location of these files?

Make sure that you check the PrivateAssemblies directory.

Reporting Services CRI:
http://www.idautomation.com/reporting_services/barcode_cri/UserManual.html

Question: Does Native (FileMaker/Crystal Reports/Access/Oracle/JavaScript) Barcode Generator produce UPC/EAN?

Does Native FileMaker Pro Barcode Generator Plug-In include EAN-13/EAN-8/UPCa/UPCe barcode standard?

Solution:
The Native Generator products including: FileMaker, Crystal Reports, Access, JavaScript and Oracle do not contain UPCa, UPCe, EAN8, and EAN13 as the technology does not allow for it.

It is possible to use the UPC/EAN Font Adv Package with font tools for the applications listed above: http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/UPC-ean/

font tools: http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/

Question: SC7USB-2D barcode scanner does not install on Windows

I just bought a SC7-USB-2D scanner. I connected it to my computer. Windows found the new USB device 'USBSCANER' but it could find the proper device driver for it. Is there anywhere I can download the driver? There is no driver included in the CD shipped with the scanner.

Solution:
You may want to print out page 21 of the PDF (page 17 of the manual)--USB HIB page. Scan the PC barcode. This should complete the driver installation.

SC7USB Scanner:
http://www.idautomation.com/scanners/SC7-USB-2D-Barcode-Scanner-Manual.pdf

Question: Barcode won't scan (Code 128, UPC, Interleaved 2 of 5, etc)

I purchased your barcode fonts and created a barcode but I cannot scan it.

Solution:
Barcode fonts, unlike fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, require special formatting so that the data, when the barcode font is applied, will be scannable. This is true of most barcode symbologies with the exception of Code 39 (only requires asterisks as Start/Stop characters). Formatting the data can involve adding start and stop characters or a Check Digit to the data; manipulating the data so that it is interleaved to create a smaller barcode; or converted to alternate characters that the barcode font can understand.

All barcode companies that provide barcode fonts, use some form of encoder/tool to encode data. There are many types of barcode tools that will format data for a barcode—some tools are more automated than others.

Here is an example of a font encoder/font tool: http://www.bcgen.com/font encoder/

One of our most popular automated tools is designed for Microsoft Excel and Word, the Word and Excel Barcode Add-In: http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/word-excel-addin/

All of our font tools are free to use with our licensed products.

Question: Barcode Font not embedding in PDF

I cannot get the barcode font to embed to a PDF, what is going wrong?

Solution:
IDAutomation Barcode fonts (Demo and Sale) can be embedded in PDFs. When the font/barcode does not display, it is an issue with the PDF utility not displaying the custom font. Some applications require the font to be registered in the application--usually an add Custom Font setting.

For more information about Fonts in PDFs, please visit:
http://www.idautomation.com/kb/pdf-conversion.html

If the KB article does not resolve the issue, please contact the application vendor for additional procedures.

Any issues that you may be experiencing while embedding the fonts must be directed to the vendor of the application that you are trying to embed the fonts into.

We are unable to support the embedding process, but assure you that the fonts are fully capable of being embedded

Question: IDAutomation USB Scanner Programming (SC5/SC7)

Do you have any programming instructions for the SC5USB and SC7USB 2D Scanners?

Solution: SC5USB Manual:
http://www.idautomation.com/scanners/SC5D_USB_Scanner_Manual.pdf

SC5USB Wireless Scanner Manual:
http://www.idautomation.com/scanners/SC5-USB-Wireless_Manual.pdf

SC7USB Manual:
http://www.idautomation.com/scanners/SC7-USB-2D-Barcode-Scanner-Manual.pdf

For the VIDEO Tutorial, please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rsCOAQ8gno

Quick Tips:

To Program Functions (This example explains how to program two prefix characters. This action will occur before the scanner scans the barcode.) This specific example uses Ctrl-F but the process is similar using other functions (Prefix or Suffix)

To program an Ctrl+F, turn to the String setting page (74, it may be different in your manual or the online manual). The Prefix/Preamble and Suffix/Postamble determine where you want the function to appear, before the data is entered or after the data is entered. In this example we want the Ctrl+F to appear before the data is entered so we will use Prefix for the Ctrl and Preamble for the F.

1. Scan the Program barcode on page 74

2. Scan the Prefix characters barcode on page 74
Use the ASCII Code Table and look for the coordinates of Ctrl and F. The Ctrl is a 1,E and the F is a 4,6

3. At the Alphanumeric Entry Programming Barcodes back flap scan a 1,E and Finish and return to the String setting page and scan Exit.

4. Scan the Program barcode on the String setting on page 74

5. Scan Preamble barcode on page 75

6. At the Alphanumeric Entry Programming Barcodes back flap scan a 4,6 and Finish and return to the String setting page and scan Exit.

Scanner won't scan less than a 4 character barcode?
This example explains how to set the scanner to read a minimum of 1 character barcodes.

1. Turn the page of the barcode symbology that you are scanning and Scan the Program barcode.

2. Scan the Min. code length barcode

3. Turn to the back flap of the manual, the Alphanumeric Entry Programming Barcodes, then scan a 0 and a 1.

4. Scan the Finish barcode and wait until the scanner sets. This should take about 4 seconds and then you will hear a loud beep.

Question: Create a barcode in Excel/Word

I am using your barcode fonts. How do I create a barcode in Excel and Word?

Solution:
It is possible to create barcodes in Excel and Word using the IDAutomation Barcode Fonts along with a free font tool, the Barcode Add-In:

For more information on how to create barcode using the Word Barcode Add-In or Excel Barcode Add-In, please visit:

http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/word-excel-addin/

Question: How to Create a Barcode in InDesign

I need to create barcodes in InDesign, can you help?

Solution:
IDAutomation Barcode fonts can be used to create barcodes in InDesign:

TO CREATE Code 39
To create a Code 39 Barcode using Code 39 Barcode fonts in InDesign, place asterisks around the data and then apply the barcode font.

For example, to turn the data HELLOWORLD into a barcode, create it as *HELLOWORLD*

TO CREATE OTHER BARCODE TYPES
To create other barcode types such as Code 128, UPC, Data Matrix, and others using a font, an encoding font tool is required to encode the data.

Unfortunately, we do not have an encoder built for InDesign. However, another application such as Excel can be used to encode the data as we have an encoder for Excel. The data can be merged into InDesign and then the barcode font can be applied.

To encode the data in Excel, please consider the Excel Barcode AddIn, a free font tool:

WINDOWS:
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/word-excel-addin/

MAC:
To encode data in Excel 2004, please consider the VBA font tool with the IDAutomation Fonts:
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/vba/

VBA font tool with IDAutomation Universal Fonts:
Provides a download of encoders in RTF files.

If you are using Excel for Mac 2008, then you may want to consider encoding the data using our AppleScript encoding tool. Microsoft has removed the VBA feature from Excel 2008. So, AppleScript is a great alternative.
http://www.idautomation.com/macintosh/applescript.html

To perform a Mail Merge:
Use the "Data Merge" palette. Go to the Windows menu>Automation >Data Merge.
For complete Mail Merge instructions, please review your InDesign features.

Question: How do I install a font on Unix

I have the IDAutomation Barcode fonts, but need help installing them on Unix.

Solution:
Windows and Macintosh systems have one central directory where all applications access their fonts. Unfortunately, in Linux and Unix, each application implements fonts differently: the X Window system has its way, word processors want it a different way, printing systems want it another way, and so on.

Several font installation examples are documented below with links provided by IDAutomation's clients. If they are not helpful, contact the operating system or application vendor for installation procedures.

http://www.idautomation.com/kb/unix-finst.html

IDAutomation’s TrueType and PostScript fonts are created to the standards set for TrueType and PostScript fonts, and can be treated as any other font for the purpose of getting the vendor’s assistance. IDAutomation can only support the font tools, the symbology and the fonts themselves as stated in the statement of support – IDAutomation is unable to assist with the installation of the fonts on Unix or Linux systems. Assistance for installing fonts on a Unix platform can be obtained from the consulting company mentioned in the tutorial about installing fonts in Unix for Oracle Reports or consider IDAutomation’s Java Barcode Packages, which work on any operating system with a Java Virtual Machine.

Question: Can't scan barcode

I purchased the barcode fonts, entered data in my application and changed the data to the barcode font. I printed the barcode but it won't scan. Help!

Solution:
About Barcode Fonts

First, a little background about how barcode fonts work. Applying the barcode font to the data (this fact would be true for any barcode font product you would purchase), will not produce a scanable barcode. The data must be formatted specifically (called 'encoding') to meet the requirements set forth by the standards organizations that produce the specifications for each barcode type (called a 'symbology'). This formatting includes the addition of start and stop characters to the data, the calculation and appendage of a Check Digit to the data, and proper formatting of the data itself. The start and stop characters are necessary so that barcode scanner does not try to scan from an arbitrary point in the barcode. The Check Digit allows the scanner to ensure that it has read the data correctly. And, the data needs to be formatted to ensure unique bar space patterns for each character and, in some cases, compress the data.
That being said, we do have a collection of source code and examples that will assist you in doing the encoding of the data. These examples, scripts and source code, for the most part, take in a parameter of the data you would like to barcode and return the data formatted to the specifications of the symbology.

Here is an example of a Font Encoding Tool:
http://www.bcgen.com/font encoder/

Free font tools:
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/

You may also want to view the blog post, Top 5 Reasons a Barcode Font will not Scan
http://idautomation.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-5-reasons-why-barcode-font-wont.html

Question: Banks are rejecting MICR checks

My checks that contain the MICR font are being rejected by the bank. What can I do to resolve the issue?

Solution:
IDAutomation MICR fonts and components are created to the required standards (ISO, ANSI and ABA) and specifications.

The IDAutomation MICR Font Package contains fonts with several different intensities and widths to make up for the most common reason bank checks are rejected--the printer. If the issue with the printer cannot be resolved, one of the additional fonts can be used.

A placement gauge is highly recommended. A placement gauge is used to verify placement, print intensity and spacing. It should be used as a guide if MICR read problems are encountered.
http://www.micrpro.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=136&Click=2

Through extensive research, we have found that the listed problems can cause a check to be rejected by the bank. It is critical that the solutions are investigated as one or more of these issues will be the cause of the check failure.
NOTE: 99% of check failure issues are printer/printer toner related.

1. Verify the correct horizontal and vertical placement of the MICR E13B font symbols and their fields.

2. Verify the quality of MICR toner.

3. Character spacing issues.

4. Irregular character, stroke width or other read errors.

5. Printer, paper, toner and drum quality.

6. When creating custom check forms with Peachtree Complete Accounting, the MICR font cannot be selected.

7. Print Driver Issues

For a detail description of the solutions, please visit:
http://www.idautomation.com/kb/MICR_troubleshooting.html

If the recommendations above do not solve the problem, use a process of elimination to find the issue. For example:

Try another printer model or brand to isolate the problem to the printer.
Try printing to the same printer from another PC that is a different architecture. For example, if you are using a 32 bit PC, try printing from a 64 bit PC. Differences may indicate a printer driver problem.

Created from ANSI and ISO specifications - IDAutomation's MICR E13B fonts were created according to ISO 1004:1995 and meet the ANSI X9.27-1995 specification for MICR E13B. Because they were created from the ISO specification, the fonts meet the E13-B specification for other countries as well; some examples include Australian APCA Pub 3.3 and Canadian Payments Association Standard 006 Specification for MICR-encoded Cheques. These fonts have been in use since 1998 in various check printing software programs and have been proven to pass the ABA banking standards in the USA for bank checks and paper based drafts

Question: How to use UPC/EAN Barcode Fonts?

I need to create UPCA font. However I am not exactly sure which one that is.

I am trying IDAutomationUPCEANM. Perhaps that's UPCA?

Solution:
The IDAutomationSUPCEAN (demo version) or IDAutomationUPCEAN (license version) can create UPCa, UPCe, EAN8, or EAN13 barcodes.

http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/UPC-ean/faq.html#Specifications

Barcode fonts, unlike fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, require special formatting so that the data, when the barcode font is applied, will be scannable. This is true of most barcode symbologies with the exception of Code 39 and a few others. Formatting the data can involve adding start and stop characters or a Check Digit to the data; manipulating the data so that it is interleaved to create a smaller barcode; or converted to alternate characters that the barcode font can understand.

There are many types of barcode tools that will format data for a barcode—some tools are more automated than others.

Here is an example of a font encoder/font tool:

http://www.bcgen.com/font encoder/

UPCa is created using the font IDAutomationUPCEAN and a font tool. We supply a list of free font tools at:
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/

Question: Top 5 Reasons a Barcode created with a Barcode Font will not scan

I am using your barcode fonts and they won't scan.

Solution: 1. Is the data being encoded?
Unlike traditional letter-fonts, barcode fonts require special formatting so that the data will be scannable once the barcode font is applied to it. This is true of most barcode types, with the exception of Code 39 and a few others. Formatting the data may involve adding Start/Stop characters, or a check-digit to the data which essentially let the scanner know where the barcode begins and ends. Other ways of formatting the data include manipulating it so that it is interleaved to create a smaller barcode, or converting the data-to-encode to a special-character text string that the barcode font can understand, and will turn into a correct barcode once the text string and font are combined. There are a wide variety of font encoder tools that will format barcode data, with some being more automatic than others.

For a list for free font tools, please visit:
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/

2. Is the scanner set to read the barcode type?
Make sure the scanner is enabled and can read the specific symbology. Refer to the scanner manual on enabling barcode symbologies/types.

3. Is the quality of the barcode hard copy adequate?
In some cases, barcodes that are displayed can lose quality once they are printed. It is important to be sure that the quality of the barcode remains high. IDAutomation barcode fonts focus on high-quality design to help minimize poor-quality barcodes. Even so, it may be a good idea to check print resolution as this may be a common cause.

4. Is the barcode font being printed to specified font size range?
Some barcode fonts are required to be printed at certain font sizes. For example, Code 128 printed on a 300DPI printer can be printed at sizes: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36...

5. Too many or too little characters.
If there are a small amount of characters that make up the barcode, make sure the scanner is able to scan the minimum amount of characters. Many scanners are set to read a minimum of 4 character barcodes. If the barcode has too much data, the barcode will be too large and will not scan. Decrease the font size and re-attempt the scan.

Question: What do I need to create Code 128 Barcodes on Mac

We have encoded 128 data in an Excel file that looks okay but won't work in our variable data project. How would you encode that on a Mac OS platform? Seems like the problem is related to Mac not interpreting special ASCII characters?

Solution:
About Encoding
Barcode fonts, unlike fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, require special formatting so that the data, when the barcode font is applied, will be scannable. This is true of most barcode symbologies with the exception of Code 39 and a few others. Formatting the data can involve adding start and stop characters or a Check Digit to the data; manipulating the data so that it is interleaved to create a smaller barcode; or converted to alternate characters that the barcode font can understand.

There are many types of barcode tools that will format data for a barcode—some tools are more automated than others.

Alternative 1: Using Universal Barcode Fonts to create Code 128
The standard Code 128 font requires data to be encoded/formated. The encoding is formatted as certain ASCII characters. A Macintosh uses another character set, preventing the encoded data required for Code 128 to be properly displayed. When this occurs, you may want to consider purchasing the Universal Font Package instead of the standard Code 128 font. The Universal font is a font, not a barcode symbology, that can create many barcode symbologies such as Code 128, Code 39, etc.

It must be used with a Universal encoder--the universal encoder, capable of formatting data for Code 128, Code 39-- uses letters as encoded data. This is much more common on operating systems and is a great alternative.

Here is an example of a Universal Font encoder:
http://www.bcgen.com/font encoder/universal.aspx

Please view the Universal Font Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VolVEYHv5k

Universal Font Package:
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/universal/

Alternative 2: Using the standard Code 128 Barcode Fonts
If you do have access to a Windows machine, you could format your data for the standard Code 128 Fonts in Excel, using the IDAutomation Barcode Add In: http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/tools/word-excel-addin/

Then you would save the Excel file as a CSV (Macintosh) and send the encoded file to Mac -- it will maintain the encoded data.

Question: Fonts do not embed in PDF documents

Fonts do not embed in PDF documents. Help!

Solution:
All of our fonts allow embedding and may be embedded into PDFs, Word documents and other files that support embedding, so those that do not have the fonts installed can still generate the barcode. Any issues that you may be experiencing while embedding the fonts must be directed to the vendor of the application that you are trying to embed the fonts into.

We are unable to support the embedding process, but assure you that the fonts are fully capable of being embedded