Data File Guidelines
We can accept most any standard data file format. However, there are a few simple guidelines that we require to avoid costly programming charges and unnecessary delays in shipping your order.
File Format
The preferred file format is Excel. Download numbering instructions file.
Data Layout
Data should be organized in the database according to the order in which you would like your labels printed. The first record in a database will be printed first, therefore the last record in a database will be the first record off the label roll.
Each row in a database represents a unique record, or in this case, a unique label. For example, if you have four fields you would like printed on one label, you need to have your database structured so that all four fields are in the same row. Each unique field should occupy a unique column. The first row of the database should contain the field names as headers.
Here is an example:
Barcode Data
If your data file is for a bar code label and your human readable data is not an identical representation of the bar code data, you will need to have unique fields for the bar code and human readable data formatted the way it will be printed on the label. For example, if your human readable data is A-01-355, and your bar code data is A01355, you will need a field in your database for each format. One field would represent the human readable data, and another would represent the bar code data. If the bar code and human readable are the same, however, you will only need one field in your database.
Entries in your data file should preferably be formatted as TEXT. We cannot print any fields in your database that are the result of a spreadsheet formula or calculation (you must convert the resultant value to a static value).
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Proofs
Proofs are free and should be tested to ensure the barcode reads perfectly as planned from the correct distance needed. Your complimentary test proof will be sent to you within 24 hours via overnight carrier. We recommend that you approve your proof on-line. Instructions will be emailed to you advising you that your proof has been over-nighted to you and how to approve it automatically. You can approve or make changes to your proof on-line using the approval form.
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Code 39 (also called USS Code 39, Code 3/9, Code 3 of 9, USD-3, Alpha 39)
Available characters are uppercase letters (A through Z), digits (0 through 9) and the special characters ;-$ (space)./+ The * can be used as a stop and start digit at the beginning and end of the barcode only (i.e. *WR-00010*).
The barcode itself does not contain a check digit (in contrast to Code 128), but it can be considered self-checking, on the grounds that a single erroneously interpreted bar cannot generate another character. Code 39 has a low data density, which means it requires more space to encode data in Code 39 than in Code 128.
Code 128
A very high-density barcode symbology used extensively world wide in shipping and packaging industries. It is used for alphanumeric or numeric-only barcodes.
Code 128 barcodes can encode all 128 characters of ASCII.
Code 128 is capable of encoding two numbers into one character width, called double density. This featwure reduces the amount of space the barcode occupies. Each printed character can have one of three different meanings, depending on which of three different character sets are employed.
- 128A - 0-9, A-Z, ASCII control codes, special characters
- 128B - 0-9, A-Z, a-z, special characters
- 128C - 00-99 (double density encoding of numeric only data)
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