The creation of static and variable barcodes and QR codes is one of the fundamental applications in the production of machine-readable data carriers. In addition to traditional applications, variable codes are also used in certain regions as a design element for customized layouts.

The content to be encoded can either be generated in an external application and provided as a CSV file or created directly within the VDP Editor. In the VDP Editor, this is achieved by combining variable strings with sequential serial numbers, without the need for an external file.  

Typical use cases for barcodes and QR codes include:

• Product Identification – applying article numbers to packaging for fast capture in kiosk and point-of-sale systems.
• Lot Numbers – generating unique identifiers, for example for raffles or lotteries.
• Badge Numbers – creating combined numbering schemes with sequential numbering and additional text.
• Parcel Identification – providing information for automated capture and control of logistics processes.
• Business Cards – storing structured data such as contact information on cards or ID documents.
• Posters and Promotional Materials – encoding URLs for direct access to additional information.
• ID Cards and Badges – creating access credentials, for example for events, trade fairs, or fitness facilities.

For the sample description of creating and editing a QR code, a Code 128 barcode is generated based on values provided in a CSV file. The barcode is positioned on a colored background area within the Print Item, with the output rendered in the defined size and specified proportions.

All required attributes are taken into account, including the plain text (text display) and compliance with the necessary safety zones (quiet zones).

To implement this use case, the following steps are required:

1. Open the desired Article or corresponding Print Item in the VDP Editor.
2. Select the VDP Barcode Tool [1] or use the keyboard B.
3. Drag the barcode placeholder from the upper-left corner to the lower-right corner of the central white area. The Position (X/Y) [3] as well as the Width and Height [4] can be adjusted at any time in the settings panel Transform. The red outline of the rectangle [2] indicates the placeholder as an element on the top VDP layer.

Figure 1: The VDP Editor while drawing the rectangle using the Barcode Tool

4. After releasing the mouse button, a placeholder dummy for an invalid barcode is displayed within the placeholder frame [6].
5. In addition, a warning message [5] is displayed to inform users that an invalid barcode is being shown – either because the content to be generated is missing or because an unsupported character was used in the CSV file or direct input.

Figure 2: The VDP Editor displaying the placeholder image of an invalid barcode

6. To populate the placeholder with the required data, click the icon Upload CSV file [7] in the General Settings panel.
7. The Add CSV file dialog will then open. Select the desired CSV file either via drag-and-drop or by using the drop zone.

Figure 3: The dialog Add CSV file

8. Select the desired settings in the dialog and complete the process by clicking Save.
9. Then switch to the tab Content [8] to define the values for the barcode.
10. In the drop down menu Data Source [9], select the desired entry (e. g., Column Title). The following options will then be displayed:
    • Column Header [10] – select the Column Title from the CSV file that contains the desired values – in this example, NUMBER.  
    • Trim Entry [11] – optionally, the data entry can be adjusted. The following options are available:
      • From the beginning – a positive number removes the the specified number of characters from the beginning of the character string (e. g., 3 → 00_text string_01 becomes text string_01). A negative number reduces the character string to the specified number of characters from the end (e. g., 2 → 00_text string_01 becomes 01).
      • From Position – specifies how many characters of the character string – starting from the beginning – are used (e. g., 7 → 00_text string_01 becomes 00_text).
11. The selected data from the CSV file is assigned to the barcode. The stored content is displayed in the section Preview [12].

Figure 4: The Content tab with the defined values from the CSV file

To edit or adjust the barcode, switch to the tab Format [13]. This section contains settings for the barcode type, font, color, and background. In this step, the embedded text should be displayed, the barcode color should be configurable, and the background should be a static color. The following steps are required:

1. Switch to the tab Format [13] and open the settings section Barcode Settings [14].
2. Select the desired Barcode Type [15]. In this example, Code 128 is used.
3. Below the Type, you will find various sections that differ depending on the selected Type. Open the dropdown menu Text Options [16].
4. Enable the option Show Text [17] to display the encoded content of the barcode. Then define the Placement [18] of the text – either below or above the barcode. In this example, the text is placed below the barcode.
5. Finally, set the Distance [19] between the text and the barcode.

Figure 5: The tab Format with the settings panel Text Options expanded

6. Opem the section Font Settings [20] within the same tab. Here, the Font Family, Font Style and Font Size can be adjusted. Define the desired settings according to your requirments.

Figure 6: The settings panel Font Settings with the defined values

7. In the section Barcode Settings [14] (Figure 5), open the section Quiet Zone [21].
8. Define the desired Quiet Zone for Top, Bottom, Left and Right [22].

Figure 7: The tab Format with the configured Quiet Zone settings

Finally, the barcode color and background color can be defined. Proceed as follows:

1. Switch to the tab Format and open the section Color Settings [23] to define the barcode color.
2. Select the option Color Picker [24]. This allows a color to be defined statically.
3. Define the desired color either by entering CMYK color values [25], using the Color Picker, or by selecting a system-wide Spot Color [26]. In this example, the Spot Color Barcode is used.

Figure 8: The tab Format with the settings sections Color Settings and Background expanded

4. The background color can be defined in the section Background [27] and applies to the entire barcode placeholder. Open the corresponding settings panel.
5. Select the option Data Source [28] to enable a variable background.
6. Set the Data Source to the entry Column Title [29] and, in the dropdown menu Column Header [30], select the column that contains the color values for the background.
7. Finally, select the appropriate Color Space [31] in which the background colors are defined. The background is then colored according to the values provided in the CSV file.

In addition to the basic editing options described above, the VDP Editor provides a wide range of advanced functions that allow barcodes and QR codes to be precisely adapted to specific requirements. These include, among others, extended settings for rendering, data processing, formatting, and the integration of variable content.

These additional options enable flexible design while ensuring the technical accuracy and readability of the codes in the production process. The following section provides a description of all available barcode settings for the Code 128 barcode type in the VDP Editor.