We get all kinds of requests for printing custom barcode labels and a question arises quite often asking if we have a barcode printer that can print random numbered labels from a data file. While this is an interesting question, it is really answered on two levels.

First, we need to answer the question about the printer. To determine if the printer can print the label requested, we need to know more about the label itself. It really has nothing to do with the data that the customer is providing. It has all to do with the label size, type (thermal transfer vs. direct thermal), material, core size, and outer diameter of the roll.

Barcode printers come as bench top, desk top, and mobile configurations. Knowing which printer works for which label format is a key to understanding if the printer can print the labels needed.

Most bench top thermal transfer printers have the greatest flexibility in printing barcode labels. They can usually print fan-folded labels, 8 inch OD roll labels, and many other configurations through a slot on the back that will feed the labels in from any format including 1 inch core formats.

Desktop barcode printers have less flexibility due to the size of the shell that the label media fits into. Usually these printers only hold a 1 inch core with a 4 inch OD format and some of these printers will only print direct thermal labels and will not take a ribbon to make a more permanent image on the label material.

Now, when it comes to printing from a data file that a customer provides, the key question should be; do you have the software that can print from a data file? There are many software products on the market that can do this type of print job. The two big brands include Teklynx and Seagull Scientific.

Teklynx has a product suite with two main products leading the pack. Label Matrix and Label View. Both of these products are very capable to run random numbered barcodes from a data file. We do find Label Matrix to be the more intuitive of the two products.

Seagull Scientific has a product called Bartender that has a large installed base and is also very capable of running labels from a data file. This program is very similar to Label View in it’s design matrix for laying out a label and it is very much like Label Matrix in the way it works with data base files.

There are also many other ways of printing variable or random barcode labels that include using inkjet technology with a Video Jet inline printer or other in-line digital printing methods. For short run quantities, using a bench top thermal transfer printer and software are the best bet for a quick turnaround and maintaining a high quality label.

In the software mentioned above, the set up is very similar. Load the labels and ribbon into the printer and calibrate the printer. Open the software and go to the label layout to design your label. Enter the label size and then select the barcode symbol to click and drag the barcode onto the label. Open the barcode properties and select the source as the data file. Select the font and symbology for the barcode and away you go.

One critical thing with most of these barcode programs is that the column must be defined and selected within the data file to get the correct data onto the label. Once this is done and you begin printing, you must enter the correct number of labels to match the data in the column. If you get partially through the column of data and go to print again, the software usually starts at the top again and not where the last label printed. So be careful and good printing.