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SymArt Pro

SymArt Pro USER’S MANUAL

Introduction

Welcome to the SymArt Pro™ system, the most complete bar code production system for the Apple^® Macintosh^® environment. The SymArt Pro system is a full-featured, interactive program designed to integrate desktop publishing (DTP) packages and PostScript^® bar code generation for pre-press and label applications. You can use it to create PostScript descriptions of bar codes, import them into a number of DTP packages, and print them on a high resolution imagesetter. This eliminates the need to manually strip in the bar code film masters into a design and may also eliminate the need to use highly specialized service vendors to supply the bar code film masters.

In addition, SymArt Pro is flexible enough to allow you to generate the bar code and let a service vendor create the film masters or generate the bar code output, thereby eliminating the need to either purchase or maintain an expensive imagesetter.

Some of the SymArt Pro features include:

• Bar code validation
• System output calibration
• Supports Encapsulated PostScript (EPS), Adobe Illustrator^®, and Macromedia Freehand^® file formats
• Step and repeat film master or label production
• Compatible with DTP programs
• Creates bar codes directly from database files

Overview

Typically, each time you use SymArt Pro to generate bar codes, the following steps are used:

1 Calibration

Before you can begin generating bar codes, you must calibrate the SymArt Pro system to your output device. This process determines the amount of print gain or loss that occurs in the bar widths of a bar code when printing, and then automatically calculates the bar width adjustment (BWA) value to offset any gain or loss. This ensures that the bar codes you produce are of the highest quality. Only after you have calibrated your output device and determined the BWA value can you begin generating bar codes.

2 Bar Code Generation

SymArt Pro provides a well-thought-out, highly intuitive interactive application to create bar codes from a number of standard symbols. Each standard symbol has its own dialog box for specifying the elements that determine the physical appearance and the logical representation. Once created, the bar code displays in a preview window, so you can alter the symbol before saving or printing it.

The SymArt Pro system generates bar codes in the following standard symbologies:

• U.P.C.
• EAN
• Interleaved 2 of 5
• Code 39
• CODABAR
• Code 128
• Pharmacode
• MSI
• Code 93

3 Bar Code Layout

After the encodation information has been specified and the physical appearance determined, you can apply layout attributes and preferences to the bar code. Some of the typographic polishing features include:

• Making precise adjustments to the placement of the bar code text and human readable characters
• Placing a bearer bar around the bar code
• Applying different fonts, font sizes, and typeface styles
• Adding custom colors for color separation

4 Saving a Format

You can save a set of bar code attributes, output adjustments, and encodation information to a format file. This preset format can be used to produce bar code symbols with similar attributes without going through all the bar code layout procedures.

5 Saving Bar Codes

You can save bar codes as EPS, Adobe Illustrator, and Aldus Freehand file formats. You can also output a set of bar codes to a queue file, which can be printed, used to generate EPS, Adobe Illustrator, and Aldus Freehand format bar code files, or used by a Service Bureau to output the bar code files on a high resolution imagesetter for you.

SymArt Pro is the Answer

By taking advantage of this versatile, fully-integrated software system and the intuitive interface of the Macintosh, you can use the SymArt Pro system to design and produce top-quality bar codes in less time and for less money than more traditional techniques. This ideal tool allows you to handle all facets of bar code production—from design to pre-press production—while providing a work environment that makes you more productive and free to be creative. And, you may even find it fun.

About the SymArt Pro User’s Guide

The SymArt Pro User’s Guide is designed to be a work companion and quick reference when you need to find out how to accomplish a specific task. Since the guide is organized by task, it is not necessary to read it sequentially. The four sections of this guide describe how to:

• Calibrate the system to your output device
• Create up to nine bar code symbologies
• Apply layout attributes and preferences
• Create bar code formats
• Create the page layout formats
• Save and print multiple bar codes

Read as much of the procedures and reference information as you need. Consult the table of contents and index to locate the procedures, menus, dialog boxes, and terms you will use most often.

To learn more about the menus, dialog boxes, and windows found in this guide and the graphical objects they contain, consult the appropriate chapters in the Macintosh User’s Guide you received with your Macintosh.

System Requirements

To use the SymArt Pro system software, the minimum hardware and system requirements are:

• Any Apple Macintosh computer capable of running desktop publishing (DTP) software or graphics programs capable of importing and printing Encapsulated PostScript format (EPSF) files, such as Adobe Illustrator or Macromedia Freehand
• System 6.0.4 or higher
• 2.5 megabytes of free RAM
• PostScript output device (e.g., laser printer or an imagesetter)

Installing SymArt Pro

Make a backup copy of the SymArt Pro master disk before you begin installing the program software.

Install the SymArt Pro software by copying the SymArt Pro folder (ƒ) directly onto the hard disk of your Macintosh. This is done using the standard dragging method explained in the Macintosh User’s Guide.

The following files are provided on the SymArt Pro diskette:

• SymArt Pro 4.x
• One EPSF file containing a sample U.P.C. bar code
• Read Me file containing information about the latest release

Getting Started

Getting Started with the SymArt Pro system contains procedures for starting up the system, using the light pen, and calibrating the SymArt Pro system to compensate for print gain or loss on your output device. This chapter also describes how to use the SymArt scanner to identify bar code symbologies. To complete these tasks, use the following two options on the Options menu.

Starting SymArt Pro

1. Turn on your Macintosh and locate the SymArt Pro icon. Locate the icon on either the hard drive or the working diskette.

Note: The SymArt scanner must be connected to the modem port and turned on before starting the SymArt Pro system software.

2. Double click on the SymArt Pro icon.

Using the Light Pen

The SymArt scanner or light pen is a hand-held scanning device that is used to read and decode bar codes. The light pen consists of a metal, pen-shaped housing assembly and a jeweled sapphire tip, light emitting aperture. An illustration of the SymArt scanner is shown below.

When scanning a bar code, hold and orient the light pen at a 30 degree angle from vertical. To ensure a high first read rate (FRR), it is suggested that you use a steady, smooth, sweeping motion while holding the light pen at a 30 degree angle to the bar code, as shown below.

Start the scanning process by placing the light pen in the left or right quiet zone of the bar code. The quiet zones are seen as white space on either side of the bar code. Then move the light pen across the face of the bar code in a smooth, sweeping motion passing through the trailing quiet zone. The light pen must touch the surface of the bar code.

Vertical (90°)

The speed at which you move the light pen across the face of the bar code can vary from scan to scan. Speeds can vary from 3 to 50 inches per second. Whatever speed you choose to scan, just remember to be consistent and be patient. If the scan is not successful, try again. The SymArt scanner is designed to ensure a first read rate (FRR) of 85 percent or better.

The bar codes supported in the SymArt Pro system, with the exception of Pharmacode, are bidirectional. This means you can begin scanning a bar code from either the left or right side of the bar code. The Pharmacode symbol is scanned from right to left.

How the Light Pen Works

As you pass the light pen across the face of the bar code, the light emitting aperture, or glass eye, detects the reflective difference between the bars and spaces and converts these differences to a digital signal, which is decoded by the light pen and passed to your Macintosh computer.

The light pen analyzes the received data according to the characteristics of the bar code design. If the criteria are met for the type of bar code, your scanner acknowledges the scan with a high-pitched double beep. If the criteria are not met, your scanner responds with a low, flat double tone. Reasons for a failed scan include the following:

• Jerky motion when passing the light pen across the face of the bar code
• Part of the bar code was missed
• Light pen was not started in the quiet zone or did not end in the trailing quiet zone
• Poor print quality in the bar code
• Criteria for bar width tolerances were not met
• Light pen malfunction

The audio response message allows you to easily learn how to use the light pen in about 10 minutes.

Calibration

This section describes the process of calibrating the SymArt Pro system for your imagesetter for pre-press applications, or your laser printer for label applications. Bar Code Systems recommends that you calibrate the SymArt Pro system for your output device each day you plan to generate bar code symbols.

Since most printing devices uniformly increase the size of the bar widths while uniformly decreasing the size of the intervening spaces, you must calibrate your output device to compensate for these print gains or losses. Calibration is the process of evaluating the print quality and making adjustments to compensate for these gains or losses. The SymArt Pro system makes the calibration process easy by:

• Providing a sample bar code to scan
• Audio response messages that indicate a successful or failed scan
• Automatically calculating the bar width adjustment (BWA) value

It is impossible to recommend a standard BWA value due to the number of influencing factors, such as:

• Printing technique, press, impression, and materials
• Ink viscosity
• Substrate
• Press operations

The calibration value is the calculated deviation of the average bar widths as compared to the average intervening space widths. A negative calibration value indicates the bars are smaller than the spaces, and a positive calibration value indicates the bars are larger than the spaces. Bar code quality increases as the calibration value approaches .0000 inches.

Calibrating Your Output Device

To ensure readability and reliability of the bar code output, you should calibrate the SymArt Pro system to your output device using the sample bar code that is provided with the program software. Use the following procedure to calibrate the SymArt Pro system to your output device:

1. Import the encapsulated postscript format (EPSF) file named calibrate (located in the SymArt Pro folder) into a desktop publishing (DTP) program like Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, QuarkXPress^®, PageMaker^®, FrameMaker^®, or one of several graphics programs for the Macintosh.

2. After you have loaded the sample bar code file into one of the above mentioned programs, place three copies of this bar code on one page, as shown below. Print the page containing the three sample bar codes.

3. After you have printed the sample bar codes, start the SymArt Pro system and select Scan from the Options menu. The Scan dialog box appears.

4. Select the aperture size by clicking on the 6 mil option button. The 6 mil aperture size is compatible with narrow bar width dimensions of .0075 to .017 of an inch, whereas the 10 mil aperture size is compatible with narrow bar width dimensions of .017 to .030 of an inch.

Note: The SymArt scanner is a 6 mil aperture light pen.

5. Select the wavelength by clicking on the 633nm option button. Since the scanner uses a visible red light emitting diode, the 633nm wavelength is used. This allows you to scan and generate bar codes with carbon-based inks, dye-based black inks, and different color inks.

6. Select the image by clicking on either the Positive or Negative option button.

7. Click the Calibrate check box. A help dialog appears displaying instructions on calibrating the SymArt Pro system to your output device. Click Cancel after you read these instructions.

8. Scan the first of three sample bar codes. If a high-pitched double beep does not sound, rescan the sample bar code until the audio response message for a valid scan is obtained.

9. Click either the Verify (5 scan) or Verify (10 scan) option button in the Mode box, as shown on the following page. A five scan verification is sufficient to calibrate the bar widths; however, a ten scan verification is more accurate. The Macintosh alert sound announces when the system is ready for you to perform the next scan. See the Macintosh User’s Guide for information on setting the alert sound.

10. Continue scanning. The Scans Remaining field on the Scan dialog box keeps count of the number of scans left to do. When the last scan of the first sample bar code is verified, the SymArt Pro system automatically calculates the calibration value along with other calibration data. The calibration data appears in the bottom section of the Scan dialog box. The following shows the results of a 10-scan verification of the first of three sample bar codes.

11. Click Print to print a report of the calibration results. The Verification Report includes the information shown above, as well as the scanner configuration information.

12. Repeat steps 6 through 12 for the remaining sample bar codes. The calibration value is automatically generated and set upon completion of the last scan. To manually adjust the calibration value, see the following procedure.

13. Click Cancel to exit.

Adjusting the Calibration Value

This procedure describes how to adjust the calibration value for the type of film master (positive or negative) that you plan to create, generate, and use to print bar codes. Adjusting the calibration for the type of film you plan to use is very important to ensure the required calibration value will be used in creating your bar code. You must also select the required film type from the appropriate bar code dialog box. For more information on film types, see Film Setting on page 3-7. Use the following procedure to register the calibration value for the required film type:

1. Select Calibration from the Options menu. The Calibration dialog box appears. A positive or negative film master has black and white areas, where the white area is represented on the film master as clear. The positive film master generates the bar code in the same relationship as the final printed symbol. The background is white and the human-readable characters and bars are black and normally oriented. The negative film master generates a bar code in the reverse photographic image of the normal orientation.

2. Adjust the calibration value in either the Positive or Negative text boxes. For example, a positive BWA value causes the bars to grow, where as a negative BWA value causes the bars to shrink.

3. Click Save. You are now ready to create, generate, and print bar code symbols. Remember, you must also select the film type from the appropriate bar code dialog box to ensure the calibration value will be used.

Identifying a Bar Code

The following procedure allows you to quickly identify bar codes that your customers may occasionally send to you and create a bar code of the same symbology:

1. Select Scan from the Options menu. The Scan dialog box appears.

2. Type in the length of the bar code (in inches) in the Code Length field.

Note: The accuracy of the bar code length directly affects the dimension of the narrow bar, magnification, and the calculation of the BWA value. For bar codes containing supplement codes, only measure the primary symbol.

3. If you type in a length slightly longer or shorter than the actual bar code length, the SymArt Pro system automatically adjusts the magnification factor.

Note: Magnification is rounded to the nearest 5 percent for code lengths entered for U.P.C. and EAN symbologies.

4. If you are scanning a Pharmacode bar code, click the Pharmacode check box, and be sure to scan from right to left.

5. Scan the bar code. If a high-pitched double beep does not sound, rescan the sample bar code until the audio response message for a valid scan is obtained.

6. Click the Identify option button. The Macintosh alert sound announces when the SymArt Pro system has received and displayed the bar code symbology type, magnification (rounded to the nearest 5% for U.P.C. and EAN only), ratio (Code 39, I 2 of 5, and CODABAR only), and narrow bar (N bar) settings, as shown below.

7. To generate a duplicate of the identified bar code symbol, click Create. The appropriate symbology dialog box opens and a graphical representation of the bar code is displayed.

Generating Bar Codes

The Bar Code menu provides options for generating industry-standard bar codes. This chapter provides general instructions for generating bar codes and saving and opening bar code formats, followed by descriptions of the bar code generation dialog boxes for each bar code symbology supported by the SymArt Pro system software.

Generating a Bar Code

1. Access the appropriate option from the Bar Code menu. Each Bar Code menu option opens a dialog box.

2. Enter or change bar code specifications, as appropriate. Set the bar code dimensions using the controls on the dialog box.Type the required text characters in the Text fields. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used. Change other attributes using the bar code format options available on the Options menu

3. Click Create to generate a bar code. The bar code displays in the Bar Code Design window. To expand this window, click in the bottom, right corner and drag to desired sized. You may continue changing attributes before saving or printing the bar code. Click Create after each set of changes. This regenerates and displays the bar code in the Bar Code Design window.

Note: Be sure to click Create before saving or printing the bar code to ensure that all changes are included.

4. Save the bar code settings to a format file—this step is optional. Click Format if you want to save these specifications to a format file. You can open the format to generate additional bar codes with the same specifications in the future. A Macintosh Save File dialog box appears. Open the desired destination folder, enter a format name, and click Save.

5. Print or save the bar code. After generating a bar code, you can print the bar code, save the bar code to a print queue, or save the bar code as an EPS, Adobe Illustrator, or Macromedia Freehand file format. These options are described in Chapter 5, Printing Bar Codes.

Opening a Bar Code Format

After saving a bar code format in step 4 of the previous procedure, you can open this format in the future for generating bar codes with the same specifications.

1. Select Open Format from the File menu. A Macintosh Open File dialog box displays. Locate the format file and click Open. The appropriate bar code generation dialog box displays with the specifications that were saved in the selected format file.

SymArt Pro Bar Code Output Features

Several of the bar code attributes produced by these bar code features are shown on the following pages, for your reference.

Bearer A bearer is a frame with rounded or square corners surrounding the bar code. A partial bearer is also available for selected bar codes.

Corner Marks Corner marks are reference points printed at each corner of the bar code to assist you in layout and pre-press work. Most bar codes have this feature.

Film Setting The Film pop-up menu allows you to specify the type of film master for the bar code. The pop-up menu can be set from the bar code dialog boxes. To ensure the appropriate and necessary calibration value will be used to create a bar code, it is imperative that you chose a film type.

Film Type Description

ND negative down background black bars white or clear text and image normal (right reading)
NU negative up background black bars white or clear text and image reversed (wrong reading)
PD positive down background white or clear bars black text and image normal (right reading)
PU positive up background white or clear bars black text and image reversed (wrong reading)

Text Up to ten text strings can be included on the bar code output. Text can be output in any PostScript Type 1 font available on your Macintosh, and can be rotated 90° and 180° clockwise and counter-clockwise.

U.P.C. Bar Codes

The U.P.C. bar code is made up of a number system character, manufacturer identification number, product identification number, and a check digit. The primary use of U.P.C. bar codes is at the point of sale in retail and grocery stores.

Characteristics of U.P.C. Bar Codes U.P.C. bar codes are bidirectional, numeric only, and 12 digits in length.

Nominal Size Size of bar code when magnification is 100%—1.24 inches wide from bar to bar, without a supplement and 1.02 inches high, including human readable characters below the bars.

Number System Character Single digit that identifies the product category represented by the bar code. The product category is denoted by the following number system characters:

Note: The number system characters 1, 8, and 9 are reserved for uses unidentified at the time of this printing.

Manufacturer Number Unique 5-digit number assigned to the manufacturer by the Uniform Code Council (UCC).

Product Number Unique 5-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to each product.

Check Digit Mod 10 check digit is calculated from the previous digits. The check digit ensures the accuracy of the encoded information.

0 general consumer products (Version A and E)
2 random weight consumer products (Version A)
3 drug, health, and beauty products (Version A)
4 in-store marking of non-food items (Version A)
5 coupon (Version A)
6 general consumer products (Version A)
7 general consumer products (Version A)

• Select U.P.C. from the Bar Codes menu and then the desired number system character from the U.P.C. submenu.

The first seven options on the U.P.C. submenu represent the selected number system character for the bar code. Each option displays a similar dialog box, as shown on the following page. The first digit in the Encodation field is already provided. This digit is based on the selected U.P.C. submenu option.

The Version E options allow you to generate zero-suppressed U.P.C. bar codes. The dialog box for the Version E options is the same as the U.P.C. A dialog box. The Version E 12 digit option automatically converts U.P.C.-A to zero-suppressed U.P.C.-E. You still must enter the full 12 digits. It is important to note that only the number system character 0 is allowed.

Magnification Enter the size of bar code in relation to nominal size (100%). You may enter any value between 60% and 400%. Width and height are both automatically adjusted.

Note: Changes in magnification do not affect the size of text strings.

Bar Adjust Enter the amount, typically in inches, to reduce the width of the bars to compensate for print loss or gain on your output device. This adjustment is also known as bar width reduction (BWR). The intervening white spaces are increased in proportion to the reduction of the bars.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom of the human readable characters to the top of the bars. Adjusting this value does not affect the magnification of the bar code.

Bearer Enter the width in inches for the frame that appears around the generated bar code. A bearer is used to reduce output distortion in flexographic printing.

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The number system character already appears in this field, based on the U.P.C. submenu option selected. Enter the next 10 digits. SymArt Pro automatically calculates the check digit.

Supplement Enter an additional 2 or 5 digits in this field to generate an add-on code that is appended to the right of the bar code.

Text Enter up to five text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used.

Corner Marks Check this box to include corner marks on bar code output.

Film Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Note: To ensure the appropriate and necessary calibration value will be used to create a bar code, it is imperative that you chose a film type. The film types are used only for bar codes sent to an output device—film types are not included when saved as EPS, Adobe Illustrator, or Macromedia Freehand format.

EAN Bar Codes

EAN bar codes are similar to U.P.C. bar codes, in that they include 5-digit manufacturer and product numbers. EAN codes also identify the country of origin for the product. EAN bar codes are primarily used outside the United States, although a version of the EAN called ISBN is used in North America for books.

Characteristics of EAN Bar Codes EAN bar codes are bidirectional, numeric only, and 13 digits in length.

Nominal Size Size of bar code when magnification is 100%—1.24 inches wide from bar to bar, without a supplement and 1.02 inches high, including human readable characters below the bars.

Flag Character Single digit that identifies the parity pattern of the first six characters of the bar code.

Country of Origin Code Two digits, including the Flag Character, that indicate the country of origin of the goods marked. USA is represented by 00.

Manufacturer Identification Number Unique 5-digit number assigned to the manufacturer of the goods by the Article Numbering Association.

Product Identification Number Unique 5-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to each of its products.

Check Digit Mod 10 check digit is calculated from the previous digits. The check digit ensures the accuracy of the encoded information.

Generating EAN Bar Codes

• Select EAN from the Bar Codes menu, and then select the desired flag character from the EAN submenu.

Magnification Enter the size of bar code in relation to nominal size (100%). You may enter any value between 60% and 400%. Width and height are both automatically adjusted.

Note: Changes in magnification do not affect the size of text strings.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Bearer Enter the width in inches for the frame that appears around the generated bar code. A bearer is used to reduce output distortion in flexographic printing.

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The flag character already appears in this field, based on the EAN submenu option selected. SymArt Pro automatically calculates the check digit.

Supplement Enter an additional 2 or 5 digits in this field to generate an add-on code that is appended to the right of the bar code.

Text Enter up to five text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used.

Corner Marks Check this box to include corner marks on bar code output.

Film Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Interleaved 2 of 5 Bar Codes

Interleaved 2 of 5 is variable length bar code. The most common usage in North America is the Shipping Container Symbol (SCS), which incorporates U.P.C. codes to identify the contents of cartons and boxes. Other uses of Interleaved 2 of 5 bar codes include warehouse inventory handling, photo-finishing envelope identification, airline ticketing, and baggage handling.

Characteristics of Interleaved 2 of 5 Bar Codes Interleaved 2 of 5 bar codes utilize only two bar widths—wide bars and narrow bars. Interleaved 2 of 5 bar codes are variable length, numeric only, bidirectional and require an even number of characters. The following descriptions apply to the Shipping Container Symbol bar code.

Nominal Size 1.25 inches high (excluding human readable characters below the bars). The width depends on the number of digits and the density of the bar code.

Packaging Indicator Single digit that denotes the level of packaging.

Number System Character Two-digit code that incorporates the number system character from the U.P.C. and a preceding zero.

Manufacturer Identification Number Unique 5-digit number assigned to the manufacturer of the goods.

Product Identification Number Unique 5-digit code assigned by the manufacturer to each of its products.

Check Digit Mod 10 check digit is calculated from the previous digits. The check digit ensures the accuracy of the encoded information.

Generating Interleaved 2 of 5 Bar Codes

• Select Interleaved 2 of 5 from the Bar Codes menu, and then the desired bar code format from the Interleaved 2 of 5 submenu.

Note: The Interleaved 2 of 5 submenu option names represent how the human readable characters are displayed. For example, select the SCS 1 2 5 5 1 option to display the human readable characters.

Magnification Enter the size of bar code in relation to nominal size (100%). You may enter any value between 60% and 200%. Width and height are both automatically adjusted.

Note: Changes in magnification do not affect the size of text strings.

Narrow Bar Enter the width in inches for the narrow bar.

Ratio Enter the ratio between the narrow bar width and wide bar width. For example, if you set the Narrow Bar value to .01” and the Ratio to 3.0, the width of the wide bar will be .03”.

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom to the top of the bars. Adjusting this value does not affect the magnification of the bar code.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Bearer Enter the width in inches for the frame that appears around the generated bar code. A bearer is used to reduce output distortion in flexographic printing. You can configure a partial bearer for Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols.

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The required length of the encodation varies, depending on which Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code option you are using. If the Check Char check box is activated, enter an odd number of digits and the check digit is automatically generated. If it is not activated, you must enter an even number of digits.

Add On Enter an additional 2, 3, or 5 digits in this field to generate an add-on code that is appended to the right of the bar code.

Text Enter up to five text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used.

Check Char Check this box to indicate that a check digit should be generated and appended to the encodation number.

H Marks Check this box to include H marks at bottom right and left corners of bar code output. H marks are used as a visual checking system. Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Code 39 Bar Codes

The Code 39 (a.k.a. Code 3 of 9) bar code is a widely recommended alphanumeric, variable length symbology that is used by the federal government’s General Services Administration and Department of Defense contractors, as well as significant segments of the automotive and health care industries.

Characteristics of Code 39 Bar Codes Code 39 bar codes are variable length, bidirectional, and may include the following characters: Asterisks (*) are used to signal the beginning and end of the encoded characters. They are referred to as start and stop characters. Code 39 bar code characters are output as groups of 9 elements (bars and spaces). This type of bar code is so named because 3 of 9 elements are wide—the other 6 are narrow, as shown below.

Generating Code 39 Bar Codes

• Select Code 39 from the Bar Codes menu. The Code 39 dialog box displays, as shown below. Enter required values and click Create.

CPI Enter the number of characters encoded per inch. Changes in the CPI value do not affect the size of human readable characters.

Narrow Bar Enter the width in inches for the narrow bar.

Ratio Enter the ratio between the narrow bar width and wide bar width. For example, if you set the Narrow Bar value to .01” and the Ratio to 3.0, the width of the wide bar will be .03”.

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom to the top of the bars. The recommended height for Code 39 bar codes is 0.5 inches or greater.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The length of the encodation number is variable.

Note: Do not enter the start/stop asterisks. They are automatically included at the beginning and end of the bar code.

Text Enter up to five text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used.

Check Char Check this box to indicate that a check digit should be generated and appended to the encodation number.

Start/Stop Check this box to indicate whether the stop and star characters should be included with the human readable characters on the bar code output. These characters are automatically encoded in the bar code symbol.

Film Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Corner Marks Corner marks are reference points printed at each corner of the bar code to assist you in layout and pre-press work.

CODABAR Bar Codes (Rationalized)

CODABAR symbols were originally developed for retail price labeling and are still used by many department stores. Since the adoption of U.P.C. symbology by the grocery industry, CODABAR has been redirected toward other uses, including express package labeling (e.g., Federal Express), libraries, and blood labeling in the medical industry (e.g., Red Cross).

Characteristics of CODABAR Bar Codes CODABAR bar codes are bidirectional, variable length, and may include the following characters: The alphabetic characters a, b, c, and d are used as the start/stop characters in the encodation.

Generating CODABAR Bar Codes

• Select CODABAR from the Bar Codes menu. The CODABAR dialog box displays, as shown below. Enter required values and click Create.

CPI Enter the number of characters encoded per inch. Changes in the CPI value do not affect the size of human readable characters.

Narrow Bar Enter the width in inches for the narrow bar.

Ratio Enter the ratio between the narrow bar width and wide bar width. For example, if you set the Narrow Bar value to .01” and the Ratio to 3.0, the width of the wide bar will be .03”.

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom to the top of the bars. The minimum height for Codabar bar codes is 0.2 inches or 15% of the length of a symbol, whichever is greater.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The length of the encodation number is variable. Enter start/stop characters (a, b, c, d) at the beginning and end of the encodation value. Enter up to five text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used.

Start/Stop Check this box to indicate whether the start/stop characters should be shown at the beginning and end of the human readable text. The start/stop characters are always encoded in the bar code, even if they are not shown as part of the human readable text.

Film Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Corner Marks Corner marks are reference points printed at each corner of the bar code to assist you in layout and pre-press work.

Code 128 Bar Codes

Code 128 bar codes are high-density alphanumeric symbols used to encode product identification data.

Characteristics of Code 128 Bar Codes Code 128 bar codes are variable length, bidirectional, and can encode all 128 characters in the standard ASCII character set. SymArt Pro bar code generation software offers the A, B, and C Code 128 character subsets. The UCC/EAN 128 specification is supported.

Characteristics of Serial SCS and Non Serial SCS A Serial SCS bar code, as shown below, is fixed length containing 20 digits with the 20th character being a modulo 10 check digit, which is automatically calculated. The encodation starts with Code C (i.e., a Code 128 subset C start pattern), followed by a function (Fnc) 1 character code, and a two digit application identifier. Together these characters uniquely identify the bar code as a UCC/EAN-128. The data portion contains the following 18 characters of encoded information:

• One digit to denote the packaging type (Refer to the following page for a definition of the packaging types)
• Seven digits to describe the UCC assigned number system character (which is preceded by a zero) and the five digit manufacturer identification number
• Nine digits to indicate the shipping container serial number that identifies the manufacturer’s carton, case, or pallet

The Non Serial SCS, as shown below, encodation also starts with Code C, followed by a Fnc 1 character code, and a two digit application identifier. This bar code is fixed length containing 22 digits with the 16th digit being an embedded modulo 10 check digit, which is automatically generated.

Packaging Types The packaging type is denoted by the following packaging identifiers.

Characteristics of UCC 128 Extended Coupon Formats Following is a description of the coupon formats.

Coupon Format 1

This fixed length bar code contains 6 numeric digits. Following is a description of the bar code:

• Four digit application identifier (i.e., 8100)
• One digit number system character (see page 3-10)
• Five digit (numeric) offer code

Coupon Format 2

This fixed length bar code contains 10 numeric digits. Following is a description of the bar code:

• Four digit application identifier (i.e., 8100)
• One digit number system character (see page 3-10)
• Five digit (numeric) offer code
• Four digit expiration date formatted as MMYY

0 Serial number shipping case or carton identification
1 Serial pallet (i.e., larger than a case/carton)
2 Serial container (i.e., larger than a pallet)
3 Unidentified packaging type
4 Internal defined shipping container code
5 Mutually defined between trading partners
6-9 Reserved for future use

Coupon Format 3

This fixed length bar code contains 14 numeric digits. Following is a description of the bar code:

• Four digit application identifier (i.e., 8100)
• One digit number system character (see page 3-10)
• Five digit (numeric) offer code
• Function 1 character code
• Two digit application identifier (i.e., 21)
• Eight digit household identification number

Coupon Format 4

This fixed length bar code contains 18 numeric digits. Following is a description of the bar code:

• Four digit application identifier (i.e., 8100)
• One digit number system character (see page 3-10)
• Five digit (numeric) offer code
• Four digit expiration date formatted as MMYY
• Function 1 character code
• Two digit application identifier (e.g., 21)
• Eight digit household identification number

Coupon Format 5

This fixed length bar code contains 2 numeric digits. Following is a description of the bar code:

• Four digit application identifier (i.e., 8102)
• The number 0
• One digit number system character (see page 3-10)

Generating Code 128 Bar Codes

• Select Code 128 from the Bar Codes menu, and then the desired bar code type from the Code 128 submenu. The Code 128 dialog box displays. Enter required values and click Create.

CPI Enter the number of characters encoded per inch. Changes in the CPI value do not affect the size of human readable characters.

Narrow Bar Enter the width in inches for the narrow bar.

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom to the top of the bars. The minimum height for Code 128 bar codes is 0.2 inches or 15% of the length of a symbol, whichever is greater.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Enter the width in inches for the frame that appears around the generated bar code. A bearer is used to reduce output distortion in flexographic printing. You can configure a partial bearer for Code 128 symbols.

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The encodation number may be any length. You can include special characters in the encodation value. Enter up to five text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used.

Check 43 Check this box to indicate whether a modulus 43 check digit should be calculated and appended to the encodation value.

Film Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Corner Marks Corner marks are reference points printed at each corner of the bar code to assist you in layout and pre-press work.

Special Characters Select from this box of option buttons to include invisible characters in the encodation string.

Note: Grayed out options are not available. Special characters define various operations to a bar code scanner.

Note: Special characters are used for self-checking and are displayed for your information below the bar code.

Option Button Definition

F3 Interpret the following characters as initialization or reinitialization instructions.
F2 Message append. Transmit the following characters as prefix to the next set of characters.
C The following characters are from the Code 128 C character subset.
F4 Character reader defined.
B The following characters are from the Code 128 B character subset.
F1 Character reader defined.

Pharmacode Bar Codes

Pharmacode symbols are used in the pharmaceutical industry for packaging line security.

Characteristics of Pharmacode Bar Codes Pharmacode bar codes are between 1 and 6 digits in length, numeric only, and can only be scanned from right to left. Unlike other SymArt Pro bar codes, Pharmacode bar code output does not include text strings.

Generating Pharmacode Bar Codes

• Select Pharmacode from the Bar Codes menu. The Pharmacode dialog box displays.

Narrow Bar Enter the width in inches for the narrow bar.

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom to the top of the bars.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The length of the encodation number is variable, between 1 and 6 digits.

Desc (Description) Enter up to three text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu.

Corner Marks Corner marks are reference points printed at each corner of the bar code to assist you in layout and pre-press work. Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

• Color 1 (applies the same color to all the bars)
• Color 2 (applies the same color to all the bars except the last bar, which has a different color)
• Color 3 (applies the same color to all the bars except the last two bars, which have a different color)
• Color 4 (applies the same color to all the bars except the last three bars, which have a different color)

Code MSI Bar Codes

Code MSI is a pulse width modulated (PWM) bar code. The code was developed by the Plessey Company Limited. This bar code is used primarily for shelf marking.

Characteristics of MSI Bar Codes Each bit of information of a MSI bar code is represented by a bar and space pair, which is typical of PWM codes (e.g., Telxon or Anker Codes). The zero bit consists of a narrow bar followed by a wide space. The one bit consists of a wide bar and a narrow space, as shown below. Each decimal digit is represented by a binary code decimal (BCD) number consisting of four bits, as shown here:

Digits BCD Characters BCD

0 0000 A 0101
1 1000 B 1101
2 0100 C 0011
3 1100 D 1011
4 0010 E 0111
5 1010 F 1111
6 0110
7 1110
8 0001
9 1001

The MSI bar code is bidirectional and encodes two to thirty characters, which can include ten digits and six additional characters. Code MSI is not a self-checking symbology. It employs a modulus 10 check digit. For start and stop characters, code MSI encodes a single bit pair of 1 as the start character and a single bit pair of 0 as the stop character.

Generating Code MSI Bar Codes • Select MSI from the Bar Codes menu. The MSI Code dialog box displays.

Narrow Bar Enter the width in inches for the narrow bar.

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom to the top of the bars.

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The encodation number varies in length and consists of ten digits between 0 and 9 and six characters A through F.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Desc (Description) Enter up to three text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu.

Check Char Check this box to indicate that a check digit should be generated and appended to the encodation number.

Film Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Corner Marks Corner marks are reference points printed at each corner of the bar code to assist you in layout and pre-press work.

Code 93 Bar Codes

The Code 93 bar code encodes exactly the same characters as Code 39, which are both used by the federal government’s General Services Administration and Department of Defense contractors, as well as significant segments of the automotive and health care industries.

Characteristics of Code 93 Bar Codes Code 93 bar codes are variable length, bidirectional, and include the following 43 characters: Nine modules of three bars and three spaces are used to represent each character, except the start and stop characters, which are an open square. The bars of each character are either 1, 2, or 3 modules wide, where the start and stop characters are four modules wide and the space is either 1 to 4 modules wide. A termination bar of one module wide is added after the stop character to close the final space in Code 93. To increase bar code security, it is recommended that two check characters be used.

Generating Code 93 Bar Codes

• Select Code 93 from the Bar Codes menu. The Code 93 dialog box displays, as shown on the following page. Enter required values and click Create.

CPI Enter the number of characters encoded per inch. Changes in the CPI value do not affect the size of human readable characters.

Narrow Bar Enter the width in inches for the narrow bar.

Ratio Enter the ratio between the narrow bar width and wide bar width. For example, if you set the Narrow Bar value to .01” and the Ratio to 3.0, the width of the wide bar will be .03”.

Height Enter the height in inches for the bar code. The height is measured from the bottom to the top of the bars. The minimum height for Code 93 bar codes is 0.2 inches or 15% of the length of a symbol, whichever is greater.

Note: Bar width reduction must be entered as a negative number (for example, -.002).

Encodation Enter the bar code number. The length of the encodation number is variable up to 43 characters.

Text Enter up to five text strings in these fields. The location and attributes of these text strings can be configured from the Options menu. An additional 6 to 10 text fields can be used.

Check Char Check this box to indicate that a check digit should be generated and appended to the encodation number.

Start/Stop Check this box to indicate whether an open square is used to denote the reading and scanning instructions.

Film Use this pop-up menu to select the image attributes of the bar code output. Settings are ND (negative down), NU (negative up), PD (positive down), and PU (positive up).

Corner Marks Corner marks are reference points printed at each corner of the bar code to assist you in layout and pre-press work.

Bar Code Layout

The Options menu allows you to customize the bar codes that you create. In this chapter, you will learn how to:

• Specify custom bar code color combinations
• Specify how the bar code prints on a colored background
• Apply style attributes to the human readable, text, and ISBN elements
• Set bar code preferences
• Configure placement and type of bar code bearer bars
• Specify the bar width growth recorded by the H gauge
• Display the Current Format window

Colors

With SymArt Pro, you can create and apply a custom color to a bar code symbol. Only one color can be specified for each bar code symbol. The custom color is saved with the bar code as an EPSF file. The EPSF file is compatible with plate separation software. We recommend that you save your bar codes in Adobe Illustrator format and use Illustrator to apply color to your bar codes.

Background Color

The SymArt scanner, as well as most scanners, is very sensitive to impurities in the background color. Occasionally, a very small percentage (less than 5%) of blue or black may be used in the background color, but this is not recommended. Red and yellow are seen as white by the SymArt scanner, and therefore, may be used for the background color. Deselecting the White Knockout option causes the background to be transparent. The size of the white knockout is automatically determined by the size of the bar code symbol.

Note: To color separate a bar code symbol, select the Overprint option when using QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, or Macromedia Freehand.

Overprint Option

SymArt Pro allows you to create a custom color that is based on the CMYK equivalencies. Only custom colors are acceptable for producing bar codes. Overprint implies that the bar code symbol will print on top of the background color. The Overprint option is located on the Custom Colors dialog box, as shown on the following page. This option allows you to not knockout the bar code symbol color out of the background color’s separation plate.

For example, if the foreground color is black and the background color is PANTONE^® 238, checking the Overprint option prints the bar code symbol (black) on the PANTONE 238 background without knocking out the bar code symbol out of the background color. Conversely, when the Overprint option is not checked, the bar code symbol knocks out the part of the background color that represents the exact dimensions of the bar code symbol.

One Symbol Color Option

Selecting this option (a check mark appears to the left of the option) allows you to assign only one custom color to both the bar code and its text strings. Deselecting this option (the check mark is removed from the left of the option) allows you to assign, if desired, a custom color to the bar code and a different custom color to each of the text elements.

Use the following procedures to create and apply a custom color to a bar code, its text, and background:

• Select the Bar Color option from the Options menu. The Custom Bar Colors dialog box appears.

Note: If you are creating a bar code to be used in a color separation, the Overprint option must be checked.

Creating a Custom Color

Note: To exit and not apply the new custom color, click Cancel.

1. Type the name of the color in the Name field. The name field is case-sensitive.

2. Type the percent of each CMYK color in the appropriate color field.

Note: For more information about PANTONE colors, consult a PANTONE color chart.

3. Click Save. The new color displays in the color window and is added to the list box.

Note: To exit without saving the new custom color, click Cancel.

4. To apply the new custom color to the bar code, click Okay.

Selecting a Color

1. Select the color from the list box. The chosen color displays in the color window. The cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CYMK) percentages also display in their respective text boxes.

2. Click Okay to apply the selected color to the bar code or click Cancel to exit without applying the selected color.

Updating a Color

1. Select the color from the list box. The chosen color displays in the color window. The cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CYMK) percentages also display in their respective text boxes.

2. Make the necessary changes to the CYMK percentages.

3. Click Update. The new color displays in the color window and the list box is updated to reflect the changes.

4. Click Okay to apply the selected color to the bar code or click Cancel to exit without applying the selected color.

Deleting a Color

1. Select the color from the list box. The chosen color displays in the color window. The cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CYMK) percentages also display in their respective text boxes.

2. Click Delete. The selected color is removed from the list box.

3. Click Okay to apply the selected color to the bar code or click Cancel to exit without applying the selected color.

Selecting White Knockout

The White Knockout option allows you to control whether the background of the bar code symbol is a solid color or clear (transparent) when the bar code graphic is placed over a colored or shaded background in a graphics or desktop publishing program. Selecting the White Knockout option (a check mark appears to the left of the option) makes the background of the bar code symbol solid white, as shown in the right-hand example below.

Deselecting the White Knockout option (the check mark disappears from the left of the option) makes the background of the bar code transparent, as shown in the left-hand example below.

1. Select the White Knockout option from the Options menu. A check mark ([.radical]) appears to the left of the White Knockout option. The bar code knocks (blocks) out all of the background color when printed. To deselect the White Knockout option, select the White Knockout option again. The check mark ([.radical]) is removed. The bar code will be printed over the background color without blocking out the background color.

Note: If you are doing color separations of bar codes using QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, or Macromedia Freehand, select the White Knockout option.

Stylizing the Human Readable Characters

The Human Readable option allows you to set the following style attributes for the human readable characters:

• Font type and size
• Typeface style
• Location relative to bar code symbol
• Background white knockout (only valid for Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128, MSI, and Code 93)
• Specify a custom color
• Rotation of text characters

1. Select Human Readable from the Options menu. The Human Readable Settings dialog box appears.

2. Make the appropriate changes to the style attributes defined below:

Style Use this pop-up menu to choose a typeface style. The bar code style defaults to plain.

Font Use this pop-up menu to choose a font. The bar code font defaults to Helvetica.

Size Use this field to specify a font size. The bar code font size defaults to 9.

Show Text Check this box if you want the human readables to appear on the printed bar code.

Autosize Check this box to allow the text to be automatically resized as you increase or decrease the bar code size. This attribute is not valid for U.P.C. and EAN symbols.

White Background Check this box if you want the text to appear with a white background when the human readable text is positioned inside the bars. This option is valid for Code 39, 2 of 5, and Code 128.

V Distance Use this field to specify the vertical distance between the human readable characters and the bar code.

H Distance Use this field to specify the horizontal distance to move the human readable characters in relation to the bar code.

Horz (Horizontal) Scale Enter a percent to increase or decrease the human readable text. This option allows you to use a larger font than the area allows.

Position Select one of these option buttons to specify the vertical position of the human readable characters in relation to the bar code.

Justification Select one of these option buttons to specify the horizontal position of the human readable characters in relation to the bar code.

Rotation Select one of these option buttons to specify the orientation of the human readable characters in relation to the bar code.

Note: The Rotate 180° option rotates the human readable text along the X axis.

Color... Select this push button to display the Custom Colors dialog box. You can now create and assign a custom color to the human readable characters.

Note: If the One Symbol Color option is selected (a check appears to the left of the option), the Color... push button is deactivated.

3. Click Okay when you are finished using this dialog box, or click Cancel to exit without saving the human readable attributes.

Note: The bar code style attributes are temporarily saved for the current bar code unless you save these attributes in a bar code format file.

Stylizing the Bar Code Text

The Text 1, Text 2, Text 3, Text 4, Text 5, and ISBN options allow you to set style attributes for the bar code and ISBN text:

• Font type and size
• Typeface style
• Location
• Rotation

1. Select one of the text options or the ISBN option from the Options menu. A text formatting dialog box appears.

2. Make the appropriate changes to the style attributes defined below:

Style Use this pop-up to choose a typeface style. The bar code style defaults to plain.

Font Use this pop-up menu to choose a font. The bar code font defaults to Helvetica.

Size Use this field to specify a font size. The bar code font size defaults to 9.

Show Text Check this box if you want the text to appear with the printed bar code.

V Distance Use this field to specify the vertical distance between the text and the bar code.

H Distance Use this field to specify the horizontal distance between the text and the bar code.

Horz (Horizontal) Scale Enter a percent to increase or decrease the human readable text. This option allows you to use a larger font than the area allows.

Position Select one of these option buttons to specify the vertical position of the text in relation to the bar code.

Justification Select one of these option buttons to specify the horizontal position of the text in relation to the bar code.

Rotation Select one of these option buttons to specify the orientation (clockwise, counter clockwise, or no rotation) of the text in relation to the bar code.

Note: The Rotate 180° option rotates the human readable text along the X axis.

3. Click Okay when you are finished using this dialog box, or click Cancel to exit without saving the text attributes.

Note: The bar code style attributes are temporarily saved for the current bar code unless you save these attributes in a bar code format file.

Stylizing Additional Bar Code Text

The text items 6 through 10 provide the placement of up to five additional text strings on a bar code. Text can be output in any PostScript Type 1 font available on your Macintosh, and can be rotated 90° and 180° clockwise and counter-clockwise.

1. Select the Text 6-10 option from the Options menu. The Text Items 6 - 10 dialog box appears.

2. Enter up to five text strings in the Text 6 through Text 10 fields.

3. Click on the Attr (attribute) button for each text strings used to format and arrange the text. A text formatting dialog box appears for the corresponding text strings, as shown on the following page.

Setting Preferences

The Preferences option allows you to alter the appearance of a bar code. Use the following procedure to set one or more of the preference settings:

1. Select Preferences from the Options menu. The Preferences dialog box appears.

2. Click on one or more of the preference settings, as described below:

Long Guard Bars (U.P.C., EAN) Check this box to extend the bars in the stop and start characters for U.P.C. and EAN bar codes. The guard bars are used to provide reference points for the SymArt scanner. This setting is only valid for the U.P.C. and EAN bar code symbologies.

Long Center Guard Bars (U.P.C., EAN) Check this box to extend the bars of the guard bars in the center of the bar code. The guard bars are used to provide reference points for the SymArt scanner. This setting is only valid for the U.P.C. and EAN bar code symbologies.

Switch Human To Text 1 (U.P.C., EAN) Check this box to place the human readable characters in the Text 1 field. This setting is only valid for the U.P.C. and EAN bar code symbologies.

Metric Check this box to change the unit of measurement from inches to centimeters and microns.

Manufacturing On