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This is a guide to show you how to create a simple barcode that can used with a variety of software and hardware barcode readers…

This method uses a freely available barcode font to create a Code 39 barcode.

Step 1

Download the font from here

Step 2

Unpack the zip file

Step 3

Install the font. This is usually done by double clicking on the free3of9.ttf file.

Step 4

Start your word processor software where you wish to create the barcode and type some text to make into a barcode following these rules…

Rule 1

Start and finish all barcodes with a asterisk * character. So to create the text ABCD you need to write *ABCD*

Rule 2

Limit what you type to the following characters A-Z (upper case only), 0-9 and if you need anything else use one of – . * $ / + %

Rule 3

Try to avoid spaces inside the barcode

Rule 4

Make sure there are spaces or new lines before and after the barcode

Rule 5

Try to create barcodes that are between 4 and 12 characters in length (not including the asterisks).

Step 5

Mark the text from asterisk to asterisk and select the “Free 3 of 9” font.

IMPORTANT HINT: Take care to not include the space after the last asterisk since this will create an invalid barcode. MS Word will most likely extend your marked area to include the space but you can adjust it by holding down the SHIFT key and pressing Left Arrow.

Step 6

Select a large size for your font – 72 point is usually OK.

Step 7

Print it out and check the following:

Check 1

Count the number of black bars. They should be a multiple of 5 with visible white space between them. If not then increase the point size and try again.

Check 2

Does your barcode start and end with the following pattern of black bars:

narrow, narrow, wide, wide, narrow

If it doesn’t then most likely you’ve managed to include the space after the barcode. In this case it will end with the following pattern of black bars:

narrow, wide, narrow, wide, narrow

Final rule

Make sure to always leave some white space around your barcode so a barcode reader can find it.

That’s it – you should now have a usable barcode!