Bulk Barcode Generator for PNG/PDF Labels
Create a New Document
In this guide I will show you how to use Label LIVE as a bulk barcode generator using the built-in serial number feature. When finished, you can generate labels as PDFs or as bulk PNG images saved to a folder on your computer. You can use your own Excel spreadsheet, but this example will use the serial number feature. Consult our other guides for examples on how to import Excel spreadsheet data to create labels.
Download and open Label LIVE:
Open a new document in Label LIVE
Click on the "Data" tab
Click "Help"
Choose
{CALC:SERIAL}
You can move the text outside of the label outline to use as a guide.
Configure the Serial Number for Your Barcodes
You created a calculation variable named "SERIAL." This serial number will increment every time your print. If you print 10 copies, this number will increment 10 times, once per label. This will generate 10 unique labels.
Click on the Data tab. SERIAL is set to 1234. This is the starting number. You can change this to any number.
Click on "SERIAL" to change the increment value. If you'd like to decrement, change the value to -1.
If you need leading zeros, ensure the checkbox "Maintain leading zero padding" is checked. This allows sequential numbers as 0001, 0002, 0003, etc. If decrementing, Label LIVE can automatically add a zero prefix such as 1001, 1000, 0999, 0998, etc.
Need to generate barcodes with non-sequential or random data? Easy! Just import an Excel spreadsheet with your own data.
(Protip: There are other variable types to experiment with: Date parsing. Special formatting. Filesystem paths for Dynamic Images. Print job variables like 1 of X.)
Create Barcodes
Click on the "Design" tab
Click Barcode and choose a symbology (e.g. QRCode)
Change the size of the barcode
Click "Value" and choose "CALC:SERIAL" to link the barcode with the value of the SERIAL data variable
If you choose a different barcode type (e.g. Code 128, Code 39, UPC), make sure to adhere to your barcode's requirements such as minimum length, maximum length, and alpha or numeric limitations. QRCode is convenient because it does not have these kinds of limitations and is easily scannable by your phone's camera. Try it!
Barcode Generator Output Options
Change the way labels are generated. On the Print tab, select "Print Preview" and ensure the Preview Method is set to one of these:
Example 1: Label PDF
Label LIVE can generate a PDF where each page is a unique label. To make this easier to see, I added a small text element below the QRCode.
Example 2: Sheet PDF
Label LIVE can generate a 8.5x11" PDF where each page contains a grid of unique barcode labels.
Example 3: Batch PNG Image Files
This feature will save you a ton of time creating labels. Instead of generating PDFs, use Label LIVE to generate a folder full of PNG images. You can name the image files using the same SERIAL data variable. This allows you to locate a precise barcode file with ease.
Now you can ship these PNG files off to your factory or manufacturer. Super easy!
This output option works best when using Excel spreadsheet data
Barcode Generator Sample Files
If you have any questions about using Label LIVE as a barcode generator or anything else on this topic feel free to contact us. We can help you design the perfect time-saving solution.
Download Today
Label LIVE is a great tool for generating and printing barcodes. This example only uses a single barcode, but with Label LIVE, you can include text, images, shapes, and excel spreadsheet functionality. These features are just a few clicks away.
If you are looking for a thermal printer, mydpi label printer is a great option. Label LIVE is bundled with the mydpi label printer for the highest quality prints.
