FileMaker Barcode Integration FAQ & Tutorial

IDAutomation's FileMaker barcode products may be easily integrated into new or existing FileMaker databases, applications, reports and forms as dynamic calculated fields, without the use of scripts. In addition, the overall size of the database does not need to increase because calculated fields do not need to be stored. This tutorial covers available barcode fonts, plug-ins and extensions for FileMaker versions 4 and up, including the universal binary Intel Macintosh version.

INDEX:

1. Tutorial integrating barcode fonts with FileMaker
2. Implementing functions and combining multiple fields
3. Creating GS1-128 (EAN128 & UCC128) barcodes
4. Download the FileMaker barcode plug-in extension (includes database example)
5. Method names and descriptions of the plug-in extension
6. Support
7. Other barcode software products
8. FileMaker Barcode Integration Index
9. If a scanner is needed to verify barcodes,
   IDAutomation offers several affordable, complete, and easy-to-use barcode scanner kits.

IDAutomation's barcode fonts may be easily integrated into FileMaker as dynamic calculated fields and without the use of scripts. The products used in this tutorial are compatible with FileMaker versions 4 and up.

1. Determine which barcode font to use:
   • If it is only necessary to encode numbers, IDAutomation recommends using the Codabar barcode fonts.
   • If numbers and/or uppercase characters are needed, IDAutomation recommends using Code 39 barcode fonts.
   • If it is necessary to encode numbers, punctuation, uppercase and/or lowercase characters in the USA, IDAutomation recommends using Code 128 barcode fonts.
   • When using Code 128 or Interleaved 2 of 5 outside of the USA, the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font should be used to avoid language and locale incompatibilities.
   • When creating complex barcodes for UCC/EAN 128 or if it is necessary to encode functions such as the return or tab, the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font should be used with the IDAu_Uni_C128 function of the plug-in extension.
   • The IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font also has the ability to create multiple barcode types from a single font.
   • If a particular symbology must be implemented, the corresponding barcode font must be used.
   • A database example with a barcoded form and report is provided in the download for support of Code 39 and may be easily modified to support other barcode types by changing the calculated field.
   • If barcode fonts are not the implementation of choice, consider the Native FileMaker Barcode Generator which creates barcodes without requiring the installation of any additional fonts.
2. Install the selected barcode font. If FileMaker is running, it is necessary to shut down and restart the FileMaker application before the new fonts will be recognized. Verify the font is installed by selecting it in a standard word processor or text editor. If it does not show up, try restarting the computer. If the font still does not show up after restarting, please refer to IDAutomation's font troubleshooting procedures.
3. Install the FileMaker bar code plug-in if necessary. A plug-in is not needed when using Code 39 or Codabar fonts. If other barcode font types are being used, download and install IDAutomation's plug-in for FileMaker. The plug-in API for FileMaker versions 4-6 is different than the new plug-in API which supports FileMaker versions 7 and up. In addition, the Intel Macintosh and functions for the Universal Barcode Font, UPC-E and OneCode barcodes are only supported in the new API for versions 7 and up.
   • Windows systems with FileMaker versions 7 and up,
     open the IDAutomationFMplug-in.zip file and copy IDAutomation.fmx file from the "version 7-up" folder to the Extensions sub folder of the FileMaker folder. For example: "C:\Program Files\Filemaker\FileMaker Pro 8.5\Extensions".
   • Windows systems with FileMaker versions 4-6,
     open the IDAutomationFMplug-in.zip file and copy IDAutomation.fmx file from the "version 4-6" folder to the System sub folder of the FileMaker folder. For example: "C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker 5.5\System".
   • Macintosh OS X systems with FileMaker 7 and up,
     decompress the IDAutomationFMplug-in.zip file with Stuffit Expander; decompress the IDAutomation.zip file from the "version 7-up" folder to get to get the IDAutomation plug-in. Move or copy the plug-in file to the 'Extensions' folder inside the FileMaker folder.
   • Macintosh Classic and OS X systems with FileMaker versions 4-6,
     decompress the IDAutomationFMplug-in.zip file with Stuffit Expander; decompress IDAutomation.bin file from the "version 4-6" folder to get IDAutomation.sit; decompress IDAutomationBarcode.sit to get the IDAutomation plug-ins. Move or copy the plug-in file to the 'Extensions' folder inside the FileMaker folder.
   • If FileMaker is running, shut down and restart the application. Choose Edit - Preferences - Plug-in (in versions 4-6, choose Edit - Preferences - Application). Choose the Plug-Ins tab to ensure the IDAutomation plug-in is enabled.
     

4. Choose File - Define Database (in versions 4-6, choose File - Define Fields). For the field name enter "Barcode" (or another descriptive name); for the field type choose Calculation, and choose Create.
           

"It is simple and easy to integrate IDAutomation's fonts into FileMaker Pro and as a Developer, I can't spend hours with a simple Barcode - which in fact - technically spoken - is quite complex. Therefore, it makes sense to first use the Demo font and then simply buy the product.” - Alexis Gehrt, Database Designs, Laax-Murschetg, Switzerland

5. Choose the Create button to create the calculation and choose TEXT as the calculation result. The calculation entered depends on the font that is used:
   • When using Code 39 or Codabar fonts: In the "specify calculation" field, enter "*" & Field & "*"  for Code 39 or "A" & Field & "B" for Codabar so that the start/stop characters are appended to the beginning and ending of the field that is to be encoded.
     
   • When using other barcode types that require the FileMaker plug-in, choose External Functions from the View of functions and select the function beginning with IDAu that formats the data for the type of barcode font chosen. Select or double click the function so that a formula appears in the formula box.
   • Replace the parameter word with the field to be encoded in the barcode.
   • Select TEXT as the Calculation Result and choose OK. If database size is a concern, choose Storage Options and choose not to store the result in the database.
   • Choose Done. The new field has now been created. When this field is combined with the intended barcode font, it will create a correct bar code.
      
     Functions in FileMaker versions 4-6 are slightly different. For example, the above formula in versions 4-6 would be:
     External("IDAu-Code128", Employee ID)
6. With the database form or report open, choose View - Layout Mode. Choose Insert - Field and select the field named "Barcode" from the list of fields and choose OK. After the barcode field appears on the form, the edges may need to be sized so the barcode can fit on it. NOTE: If this field is not large enough, the barcode will only display a rectangle instead of a barcode or a corrupted barcode may be created that will not scan.
   
7. IDAutomation's Code 39, Codabar, UPC, EAN, MSI and Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode fonts all have a "Human Readable" version equivalent that may be used to display the text interpretation of what is encoded. If these fonts are not being used and it is desired to have the text interpretation appear, Choose Insert - Field and add an additional field of what is encoded in the bar-code.
   
8. With the field(s) now in the report, choose View - Browse Mode to make sure the data is being pulled from the fields dynamically and properly formatted to the barcode font. Make sure the data changes after moving to the next record. Strange characters may appear instead of the data from the fields when using the plug-in which is normal for the intended font. When using the Universal Barcode Font, a large amount of letters will appear which is normal.
   
9. With the "Barcode" field selected, choose Format - Fonts and select the appropriate bar code font. Choose "align center" to move the barcode to the middle of the field (recommended).
10. Select the font size of 12 points unless another size is desired.
    

"We just purchased the product. I am using your fonts with FileMaker and doing a software inventory for the Government. It works great and I have found it very easy to set up. Thanks again" - David Sinclair, APV4 Contractor (FPI)

11. Choose View - Browse to verify a barcode exists in the form or report. After the form or report is printed, the bar code may be scanned. IDAutomation highly recommends scanning the barcodes produced to verify they are accurate. If a scanner is needed, IDAutomation offers several affordable, complete, and easy-to-use scanner kits.
    
12. If the application created is to be distributed, the appropriate plug-in and barcode font must also be distributed with the database.

The IDAutomation FileMaker barcode plug-in was compiled by Thomas Jenkins www.backofficeware.com.

Combining multiple fields into a single bar code is easily achieved with Code 39, Code 128, PDF417 and DataMatrix barcode types. When multiple fields are combined in this way, a delimiter such as a tab or return function is usually encoded between the fields as in this example.

• Code 128: To insert tabs or returns between fields into Code 128 barcodes, the auto function should not be used, but one of the pre-defined methods for character sets A, B or C. For example, the following formula encodes two fields with a tab function between them and a return function at the end:
  IDAu-Code128b(Employee ID& "Æi" & Business Name & "Æm")
  More information about encoding tabs and returns is provided at the Code128 FAQ and Tutorial site.
• Code 39: With Code 39, a function may be easily be added between two fields in a single barcode (in extended39) for example: "*"& DataField1 & "$I" & DataField2 & "*" places a tab between two fields.
• PDF417 and DataMatrix: Please refer to the PDF417 FAQ or the DataMatrix FAQ.

If UCC/EAN-128 barcodes need to be created, the Code 128 auto function must be used together with the Ê character before each application identifier (AI). For example, the UCC number of (8100) 712345 (21) 12WH5678 should be entered as: Ê8100712345Ê2112WH5678. IDAutomation recommends using the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font with the IDAu_Uni_C128 function in the following situations:

• When the IDAutomationC128 font is used outside of the USA, to avoid language and locale incompatibilities.
• When creating complex barcodes for UCC/EAN 128 or when encoding FNC1 or FNC2 functions.
• When it is necessary to encode functions such as the return or tab.

More information about encoding AI's may be obtained from the Code-128 FAQ. The human-readable text for UCC/EAN-128 barcodes may be included by creating another field and selecting the plug-in function of IDAu-Code128HR or IDAu_Uni_C128HR.

LICENSE NOTICE: This FileMaker bar code plug-in component may be incorporated only if there is a valid license from IDAutomation.com, Inc. for the associated barcode font. Redistribution of IDAutomation's fonts and components requires a Developer License or the Optional Integration License.

The functions listed below are available in IDAutomation's plug-in and are only valid when used with the font listed in the "font to use" column. All the functions listed below are preceded with IDAu. Functions beginning with IDAu_Uni are only to be used with the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font Advantage™. Some of the functions below have more then one parameter. Use the '|' (pipe) as the dividing character for additional parameters. If the additional parameters are omitted, defaults will be used.

Description of the Parts of the Methods:

• DataToEncode - this is a string value that represents the data being encoded.
• N_Dimension - determines the width of the wide bars which is a multiple of the X dimension. Valid values are 2, 2.5 and 3. The default is 2. The X dimension is determined by the font point size.
• IncludeCheckDigit - if this value is "1", a check digit will be automatically calculated and included in the barcode, if appropriate for the symbology type chosen.
• ApplyTilde - In Code 128 auto and UCC128, if the ApplyTilde option is set to "1", the tilde will be processed and allow the following encoding options:
  • ASCII characters: the format ~ddd may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. For example, if the user enters the following text in the Data field: 66~02977 it will actually encode 66GS77 where GS is a delimiter ASCII 29 character. Other commonly used ASCII codes are ~009 for a tab and ~013 which is a return function. To obtain locations of other functions, please refer to IDAutomation's ASCII chart.
  • Encode GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128): to encode alpha-numeric UCC/EAN128, the character must be set to "AUTO" for automatic. Then, ASCII 202 or character Ê is entered as the FNC1 before each AI and the required start C is included automatically. For example, the UCC number of (8100)712345(21)12WH5678 should be entered as: ~2028100712345~2022112WH5678. In most cases, the AI's will be properly represented in the human readable text. If the parenthesis is not around the correct number for the AI, enter the following extended ASCII character as the FNC1 for the correct number of digits in the user's AI:
    ~212 = 2 digits            ~215 = 5 digits
    ~213 = 3 digits            ~216 = 6 digits
    ~214 = 4 digits            ~217 = 7 digits
    For example, to encode (1277)000056, enter ~2141277000056.
    For more information about this, please refer to the UCC/EAN 128 section of IDAutomation's Code 128 FAQ
  • Create a Mod 10 Check digit: to Create a Mod 10 check digit for xx number of characters add the following to the DataToEncode: ~mnn (where nn is a 2 digit number representing the number of characters preceding the tilde in which to base the Mod 10 calculation). The additional MOD 10 check digit is commonly used in UCC or EAN barcode types. For example:
    IDAu_Uni_C128 ("~2020000012345555555555~m19" )
  • FNC2: When necessary, the FNC2 character may be inserted into the DataToEncode string by using ASCII 197. For example: ~1978012349091. IDAutomation's SC5USB Scanner may be programmed to hold the barcode starting with the FNC2 in memory and only transmit the data after scanning a barcode containing the FNC1.

Common Problems and Solutions:

• Ensure the barcode can fit in the field. If the barcode does not scan with a scanner after it is printed, it may be that the barcode is too wide for the field, causing truncation of the symbol.
• If numbers appear instead of text on Step 8 for a bar-code field, ensure the TEXT option is selected in the Calculation Result drop down box as in Step 5 above.
• Additional problems and solutions are provided at IDAutomation's barcode font troubleshooting site and by searching resolved public help desk issues. Priority phone, email and help desk support are provided up to 30 days after purchase. Additional priority phone, email and help desk support may be obtained if the Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription is active.

IDAutomation has many other products to offer for barcoding purposes including:

• ActiveX Barcode Controls - easy to use add-ins for Microsoft Access, Excel, VB and C++.
• .NET Barcode Forms Controls - create and print barcodes from Microsoft Visual Studio.NET applications and generates images that can be saved to a file.
• ASP Barcode Server for IIS - add barcodes to any web application with this component for Microsoft IIS.
• ASP. NET Barcode Server Controls - for creating bar codes in VB .NET or C# .NET web applications.
• Barcode Label Design Software - allows easy printing of barcodes with database support.
• Hosted Barcode Services - allow dynamic creation of barcodes without installing any software.
• Barcode Image Generators - easily create barcode images for almost any Windows application.
• Java Servlets, JavaBeans, Class Libraries & Applets - create barcodes on any operating system with a JVM.
• Barcode FileMaker Integration Index

Reviews and Listings for IDAutomation's plug-in:

• Download.com (this site may also be used as an alternate download link)
• Database Interest Group for FileMaker
• Download 32
• SoftPile

Legal Notice: If a company sells a barcode font with that company's copyright notice on it and it works with this FileMaker Plug-in, it may be an illegal counterfeit. See IDAutomation's document about how to identify and report illegal and counterfeit barcode fonts for more information.

© Copyright 2001-2009 IDAutomation.com, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Legal Notices.

The IDAutomation FileMaker plug-in was compiled by Thomas Jenkins of backofficeware.com.