Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Barcode Software Professional.

Ratings

Barcodes

We considered what type of barcode fonts the program includes. We also estimated the quantity of fonts provided, though some companies list only the main type, whereas others list all variations of a type, so the total number of fonts is an estimate.

Connectivity/ Communication

This rating criterion relates how barcodes can be exported or printed as well as how data can be imported or linked into the program. The best barcode software can print to any kind of printer, supports native printer languages and Unicode, can work with databases and more.

Label Designer

The label designer is the tool that creates labels. We considered the barcode label designers basic tools such as font choices, image options and alignment tools. We also evaluated its more complex abilities such as date stamping, check digit creation, serialization and templates.

Label Design Ease of Use

We think all modern software should be easy to use. Users should be able to create a simple barcode label without having to consult the help pages.

Help/ Support

Since many programs are similar, good customer support is paramount. We evaluated all levels of customer support from product training to the free support terms. The best barcode software manufacturers provide free support through a variety of methods including email, telephone and chat support. Some also go beyond basic support and offer paid services like onsite training, priority care and web training.

Barcodes

Linear

Linear barcodes are the most simplistic of all barcodes. Linear barcodes include UPC, POSTNET, Code 2 of 5s and Code 128s.

Standard 2D

2D barcodes are two dimensional codes such as Aztec, Datamatrix, MaxiCode and PDF417.

GS1 Databar (RSS)

Formally known as RSS or Composite Symbology, this type of barcode is capable of encoding 20 trillion values and include stacked, omni-directional, limited and truncated types. These barcodes are still often called RSS-14s. The composite types include EANs and UPC (A & E).

RFID

RFID or Radio Frequency Identification utilizes dedicated short range communication (DSRC) technology to relate information. RFID barcodes or tags can relate a large volume of information and are used in a variety of industries from retail to animal implants. EPC Gen2 or EPCglobal UHF Class 1 Generation 2 is quickly dominating since it is designed to be a global standard and the most up-to-date RFID barcode programs can generate EPC Gen2 tags.

# of Barcodes

This is roughly the total number of barcode fonts included with the software.

Connectivity/ Communication

Prints to Thermal Printers

The software can send print commands to thermal printers.

Prints to Standard Printers

The barcode software can send print instructions to standard, window-based printers.

Supports Native Printer Languages

The software can relate information in native printer languages, which is much faster than traditional, window type commands.

Database Support

The software can link to, pull from or work within a database.

Unicode

The software can work with Unicode. Unicode support international character sets.

Can Import from ASCII, CSV and Excel

The barcode program can import data from ASCII, CSV or Excel files.

API Programming Interface

The barcode program can import data from ASCII, CSV or Excel files.

Interface Languages

This is the number of languages the interface has been translated into; providers that only offer English interfaces received a score of one.

Design Tools

Rectangles or squares can be added to labels.

Text Box

Labels can include text boxes.

Rich Text Support

The barcode label software supports rich or uniquely formatted text.

Font Choices

The label designer offers a variety of text font choices.

Rectangle/ Square

Rectangles or squares can be added to labels.

Ellipse/ Circle

Ellipses or circles can be incorporated into barcode labels.

Lines

Lines can be added to barcode labels.

Grouping Options

Objects such as images, barcodes and text can be grouped into one object.

Rotate

Object orientation can be changed by either increments of 90 degrees or by other increments.

Images/ Objects

Images or objects such as photographs, logos and symbols can be integrated into the label.

Align Objects Tool

Objects can be selected and aligned.

Text Adjusts to Text Box Size

With this ability, text size automatically adjusts to the text box size, so the designer does not have to guess the desired font size.

Data/ Compliance Tools

Date and time can be automatically added to labels.

Date/Time Fields

The program can formulate check digits for barcodes.

Check Digit Support

Label histories or versions can be saved. Some programs also track who makes the changes and when the changes are made.

Revision History

Labels can be password protected to limit changes or access.

Label Locking/ Password Protection

Software can serialize barcodes for communicating to other devices.

Serialization

The program includes parameters for common printing labels such as Avery or Zebra.

Predefined Stock Label Formats

The program includes parameters for common printing labels such as Avery or Zebra.

Compliance Label Templates

Software includes templates for common labels use such as those needed for UPS or Wal-Mart use.

Compliance Symbol Library

Barcode software includes a library of compliance symbols such as hazard symbols.

Print Preview/ Test Print

Labels can be viewed in its proper proportions before printing or a test print can be performed to ensure quality and proper layout.

Help/ Support

Free Support Duration

This is the period of time after purchase that the provider offers free technical support, though free support usually does not include telephone support or one-on-one training.

Telephone Support

Provider offers technical support by telephone, this type of support is rarely offered free of charge.

Email Support

The technical support team can be contacted by email or a support ticket can be submitted online.

Chat/ IM Support

Barcode software provider offers customer and/or technical support through an instant chat or instant messaging program.

24/7 Support

Provider offers around the clock technical support.

Tutorials/ How To's

Software provider publishes tutorials or how-to's online or inside the program to help users learn how to use specific elements of the software.

Web Training

Barcode software provider or distributor offers web training; usually this is a fee-based service.

Onsite Training

Provider offers onsite training at either their facility or the purchaser's location for a fee.

Embedded Help

The barcode program includes a help file accessible from within the user interface.

FAQs/ Knowledgebase

Frequently Asked Questions or a searchable knowledgebase is published online to assist users.

User Forums

The barcode software provider supports a user forum accessible from their site for users to share ideas and for technical support.

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