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How to encode Data Matrix Barcodes using VBA in Excel?

The tutorial explains how to encode data in Excel using the Data Matrix Font Encoder VBA.

The Data Matrix Font Encoder VBA is included in:

Data Matrix Font and Encoder Package

Universal 2D Font Package

NOTE:
IDAutomation offers a 2D Font for Excel; however, it does have some limitations. It is compatible with Data Matrix, QR Code, PDF417, and Aztec. Microsoft Excel may also be used as a data source for the font, as explained below.

image

Operating System: Windows

Application: Excel

09-26-13     10.4 year(s) ago    

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Ben

Best Answer

NOTE: A new product is now available since this issue was resolved that offers a better way to generate barcodes in Excel on Windows and Mac, the IDAutomation Native Generator for Excel.


Tutorial Updated 10/28/2021

1. Download and install a font package that includes Data Matrix. The package installs the necessary encoders. To generate barcodes directly in Excel, download and install the IDAutomation 2D XLS Font



2. Open Excel and set up the spreadsheet. In the example, data in column A2 will include the data to convert to the barcode. A formula will be written in B2 to produce the encoded data.

image



3. Minimize Excel and locate the VBA file named IDAutomation_VBA_DataMatrix_FE2021.bas or (IDAutomation_Datamatrix_Macro.bas--Demo verison). The VBA is located in the Integration folder of the product download.
image


4. Maximize Excel and select the Developer Tab.
Microsoft Support - Enable Developer Tab

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5. Select Visual Basic to enter the Editor.
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6. To import the VBA file, select File -- Import File then search for and select the .bas file.

image



7. NOTE: If using the demo file (IDAutomation_Datamatrix_Macro.bas), you must complete this step. Otherwise, skip to step 8. Select Tools -- References and search for the Data Matrix encoder. Choose OK.
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8. Select File and choose Close and Return to Microsoft Excel.
image



9. In cell B2, enter the formula:
Licensed Version use: =IDAutomation_DMatrix_FontEncoder()
Demo Version, use: =EncDM()

and reference cell A2 to encode the data.
image

The encoded data displays several uppercase alpha characters.

===================================================
To generate GS1 Data Matrix

=SUBSTITUTE(EncDM(A2,1,0,0), CHAR(13),"")
=SUBSTITUTE(IDAutomation_DMatrix_FontEncoder(A2,1,0,0), CHAR(13),"")

Setting the second parameter to 1 enabled ApplyTilde which allows you to insert ~1 before any Application Identifier (AI). Here is an example of A2 for GS1-Data Matrix:

(01)3456789012345 must be entered as ~1013456789012345

image

or using the Substitute function:
image

===================================================


10. Save the file.


HOW TO DISPLAY SCANNABLE 2D BARCODES IN EXCEL


GENERATE BARCODE IN EXCEL

(1) Apply the IDAutomation2D XLS font.

(2) Right-click the column and choose Format Cells.
image

(3) Select the Alignment tab and then check Wrap text.
image



HOW TO MAIL MERGE
To generate the barcode the encoded file must be used in a mail merge/data merge. Video Example of 2D mail merge. The only difference between the video and this tutorial is that the video uses the Barcode Add-In encoder and Data Matrix. Begin the video at 2:35.
Video Example

CARRIAGE RETURN ERROR
After merging the data into Word, a group of characters, such as _x000D_ or barcode
image, may appear at the end of the merged data. To resolve the issue, return to Excel and implement the SUBSTITUTE function.

Example:

=SUBSTITUTE(EncDM(A2), CHAR(13),"")

Posted 10.4 year(s) ago

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