Free Barcode App Mac

From being developed for the automotive industry to being posted on billboards as smart advertising, QR codes have gone mainstream. Considering the information stored QR codes exceeds barcodes by one whole dimension, QR codes are used to share links, passwords, and even confidential information like bitcoin public keys.

There are plenty of online tools available on the internet which offer free service and convert your information into a QR code without downloading any software. This may be efficient but leaves your sensitive information at a risk. Offline apps ensure that your data is not shared over the internet. Here are the best offline QR code generators for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Let’s begin.

There are no in-app purchases, however, so you will have to deal with ads if you intend to use this app. Free QR Scanner works with devices running Android 4.1 and higher. Download the latest version of Barcode Generator for Mac - Create linear & 2D barcodes. Read 2 user reviews of Barcode Generator on MacUpdate.

Offline QR Code Generator

1. Offline QR code Generator (Firefox)

A Firefox Add-on shouldn’t be on the list of offline QR code generators. But this one works offline and you can use it to create a quick QR code of plain text and URLs. There are however a few options which let you adjust settings of the output matrix. For example – you can change the background and QR code color, adjust the size of the matrix, and select the image type. You can choose between a PNG or an SVG file type. The QR code would be saved to your computer and you can do it by right clicking the code and selecting ‘ Save QR code’. The offline QR Code generator is free and open source and it also works on Firefox for Android.

Install Offline QR code Generator

2. Offline QR-Code Generator (Chrome)

This Chrome extension is similar to the Firefox Extension but they’re made by different developers. Offline QR-Code Generator lets you create a QR code within your browser. You can paste the text in the input field and it automatically generates the QR code which you can save to your computer. There are customization options but if you’re creating QR codes for texts, you won’t need them anyway. You can get this extension from the Chrome App Store.

Read: 7 Best Chrome Screenshot Extensions

Install Offline QR-Code Generator

3. QR -Code Studio (Windows)

QR-Code Studio is a quick way to generate QR codes on Windows. Along with the UTF-8 character set, it also supports Latin, Chinese and Japanese Encoding and you can select any one while generating QR codes. There are a couple of customization options like you can adjust the size of the square matrix, resolution, quiet zones, and color. It supports standard error correction which ensures your QR code can be interpreted with a partial matrix. You can export the files as an image or copy to the clipboard and then share it with other people.

QR-Code Studio is free to use software intended for non-commercial purpose and you can purchase the commercial version, Barcode Studio which offers even more features. It is available for Windows and MacOS.

Install QR-Code Studio

4. Portable QR-Code Generator

Next, we have a tiny Java-based QR code generator which lets you generate QR codes for more than just plain text. With this portable software, you can generate a QR code for text, URL, Email, vCard, Wifi credentials, and even Wifi credentials. You can set it to automatically detect the best mode for the QR code. Unlike the previous app, you get QR code details like the number of characters, total bytes, and encoded bytes. The output QR code is generated in the next window and you can copy it to the clipboard.

You don’t even need to install it on your system to run it, you can just carry it on a flash drive and use it as Plug and Play. Portable QR-Code Generator is free and available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

Install Portable QR-Code Generator

5. QREncoder (macOS)

This next app is exclusive to macOS and lets you convert a wide variety of data into QR codes. It has a dedicated option to convert text, calendar events, Geolocation, URL, iTunes URL, YouTube links, and Twitter URL. You can change the color of the output QR code but I would recommend using a high contrast color pair to get better results. It also has an option of generating a micro QR code for compact use. As you type the contents in the input box, you get an instant result of the output QR code. You can copy the QR code to clipboard or save it as an image on your system. QREncoder is free and you can get it from the Mac App Store.

Install QREncoder (Mac)

6. Barcode Scanner and Generator (Android)

The Play Store is filled with poorly designed apps which do work but are terrible to use. Barcode Scanner and Generator app is one of the few apps which provide a decent UI. Using it to create a QR code is fairly easy, you select a code type and then select what kind of information you are going to feed into the app. It generates a code which you can share or save to your phone. It lets you generate a QR code, Aztec code, PDF417, and all the standard barcodes. The app is free on the Play Store and has ads.

Read: 8 Best Attendance Apps for Teachers, Schools, and Meetings

Install Barcode Scanner and Generator (Android)

7. Qrafter (iOS)

Qrafter is a multi-purpose app which also acts as a QR code scanner. Even though iOS natively detects and decodes QR codes, this app can even decode barcodes with custom encoding. You can create QR codes for texts, URL, location, etc. When you generate a code, it shows a QR code, a data matrix, and a PDF417 barcode. It also supports barcode encoding and lets you create traditional barcodes as well. This app is ideal if you want to generate the QR code for sensitive data. Qrafter is free on the App Store and also offers a Pro pack for $2.99 which lets you generate bulk data of scans and mail it as a CSV file.

Also Read: 4 QR code apps to share Wifi Password from one phone to another

Install Qrafter (iOS)

Best Offline QR Code Generator

These were my picks for best offline QR code generators. I would recommend portable QR Code Generator for Windows as it doesn’t require you to install any files on your system. QREncoder works great on Mac and offers options for WiFi, location, contacts, etc. Qrafter is best for iOS. Chrome and Firefox also have offline QR code generators which work well but are basic and offer only plain texts. Tell us which app do you like the most in the comments section below.

Multipart article

Using Excel as a barcode formulator and to translate numbers and letters into barcodes can aid in your business’s inventory management and barcode management processes. Learn how to create barcodes in Excel with this step-by-step guide.

Included on this page, you’ll learn how to create a barcode in Excel step-by-step, how to generate random barcodes, types of barcodes and barcode fonts, and which versions of Excel support barcode creation.

How to Make a Barcode in Excel

First, you’ll need to download a barcode font. The most common font — and the one we’ll use in this tutorial — is code 39 (more on that in this section of the article). You can download a version of the font from a number of places, including Dafont, Free Barcode Font, ID Automation, or Square Gear. Once you download the font, follow Microsoft’s instructions on how to install a font for Office to get it working with your version of Excel.
Below are a couple of notes about installing fonts:

You may need to quit and restart Excel for the font to appear in your font list.
Not all fonts work perfectly for all OSs and versions of Excel. If one doesn’t operate well, delete it and try another.
Code39 has worked best during the research for this article

Creating a Barcode in Excel

Once you install the font, it’s easy to create barcodes in Excel. Simply follow the steps below.

Step One: Create two columns in a blank spreadsheet.

Title the columns Text and Barcode.

Place the alphanumeric data in the Text column (this is the basis for the barcodes). The barcodes will appear in the Barcode column.

Note: If you want to add a description of each item the barcode applies to, add additional columns to make a table-like layout.

Step Two: Format the cells in the Text column.

Select the Text column, then right-click on it. Click Format Cells, click Number, click Text. This will prevent larger numbers from displaying in scientific notation as well as preserving leading zeros.

Step Three: Enter the following formula: ='*'&A2&'*' in the first blank row of the Barcode column.

In this step, we’re assuming that the cell in the Text column is A2; if not, adjust the formula accordingly. If you there’s no text in the first column, the second column will display two asterisks.

Step Four: Fill the Barcode column down.

Step Five: Change the font in the Barcode column.

From the font menu, select the downloaded and installed barcode font. It’s a good idea to use the same font for the header row as you do for the rest of the spreadsheet, but that’s up to you.

Step Six: Enter alphanumeric data into the Text column.

The Code 39 font can encode 1-9, A-Z (the font considers uppercase and lowercase the same), the en dash (-), dollar sign ($), percent sign (%) period (.), slash (/), plus (+), and a space. The font also encodes the asterisk (*), which is used as an indicator for the beginning and end of the sequence (this is also why the formula in Step Three adds an asterisk before and after the text entered). The Barcode row will automatically populate with barcodes.

Benefits of Creating Barcodes in Excel

While creating barcodes in Excel will work well for many, doing so may not be scalable. However, the process is an easy and inexpensive way to do the following:

Print product numbers or UPC codes.
Produce a product catalog or product list.
Track stocked items.

All of these capabilities are extremely useful in inventory management.

How to Generate Random Barcodes in Excel

You can use the RANDBETWEEN Excel function for barcodes that require random numbers. Follow the steps below to automatically create random numbers for barcodes.

Note: If you changed the column to text format (see Step Two in the Creating a Barcode in Excel section), change it back to General.

Enter the RANDBETWEEN Excel function. In the first cell of the Text column, enter =RANDBETWEEN(X,Y), where X is the lowest value and Y the highest. For example, =RANDBETWEEN(100,500) will generate random numbers between 100 and 500.
Fill down the row to generate random barcode numbers. Each cell will have a random number in the specified range.

What Versions of Excel Can Make Barcodes?

The 2010, 2013, and 2016 versions of Microsoft Excels can make barcodes. Some older versions may also be able to make barcodes with a supported add-in. This includes those released in 2003 and 2007.

Types of Barcodes and Barcode Fonts

In addition to Code 39, there are a number of other barcodes available, including the following:

Code 128: This code is generally used for shipping and supply chain labels. It can encode the same set of characters as Code 39 (though uppercase and lowercase letters can appear differently). There is no length restriction.
UPC/EAN: This is the barcode most people are familiar with because it’s used for product barcodes. UPC stands for Universal Product Code; EAN for European Article Numbering. The barcode is also known as UPC-A and is restricted to 12 characters.
I2of5: This is a two row barcode that’s used on rolls of 35mm film, and to label some cartons. It’s also known as industrial 2 of 5 or interleaved 2 of 5, and encodes numeric characters.
UPC-E: This is a variation of a UPC barcode where certain characters (e.g., leading zeros) are omitted, in order to keep the code to six digits.
QR: This 2D barcode can be used to open a website or app when scanned with a mobile phone camera. These barcodes are usually used for a printed ticket, to provide a discount, or for mobile payment. The barcode can encode alphanumeric, binary, and kanji. QR stands for Quick Response.
Postnet: Formerly used by the U.S. Postal Service, this barcode encodes numeric characters.
Intelligent Mail: Currently used by the U.S. Postal Service, this barcode encodes up to 65 characters. Not only do the width of the bars and spaces carry information, but so do the height and vertical location. Intelligent Mail encodes numeric characters.

What’s the Deal with Code 39?

Also called the 3 of 9 Barcode, Code 3 of 9, and Barcode39, this option is popular for the following reasons:

It’s well-established.
It encodes both numbers and letters.
It’s readily available for free.

Each character display appears as five bars and four spaces; three of the nine bars in the barcode will always be wider.

Creating Barcodes in Word and Other Apps

You can also create barcodes in Word, PowerPoint, Wordpad, TextEdit, and pretty much any app that allows you to change the font. Once you download the font and install it on your computer, enter the text in your program of choice and change the font to the barcode font.

How to Use Excel Barcode Fonts

Once you've created barcodes, you need to deploy them. You can print or use a barcode in a catalog and then use a scanner to retrieve the data encoded in the barcode. Scanners can be custom built or off-the-shelf, and you can also use a smartphone that has a designated scanning app.

How Excel Barcodes Work with Android, iPhone, and Macs

You can create barcodes in Excel on a Mac, just like you would on a PC. Apple’s iOS doesn’t support custom fonts, so you can’t view, edit, or create barcodes on an iPhone. An app called AllFonts claims it can get past this restriction, but we have not tested it. Android devices accept custom fonts, so you can download a barcode font to your phone and use it in the Excel app to view, edit, and create barcodes using the same steps above.

How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2007

Download and install a barcode font. Create two rows (Text and Barcode) in a blank Excel spreadsheet. Use the barcode font in the Barcode row and enter the following formula: ='*'&A2&'*' in the first blank row of that column. Then, fill the formula in the remaining cells in the Barcode row. The numbers/letters you place in the Text row will appear as barcodes in the Barcode row. See step-by-step instructions for Excel 2007 here.

How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2010

How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2013

Free Barcode App Mac Free

How to Create a Barcode in Excel 2016

Free Excel Barcode Generators

There are a number of websites that will turn alphanumeric text into barcodes. If you don’t want to use Excel, or you only need a barcode once in a while, the following sites are good options:

Barcode.tec
Bartender Software
Cognex
POSGuys

How to Generate Bulk Barcodes in Excel

If you need a lot of barcodes, you can follow these steps to create them individually, but that might be arduous. Another option is to use a barcode generator add-in. You can also use the online bulk barcode generator offered by POSGuys, and then upload the barcodes to a spreadsheet.

How to Use a Barcode Scanner with Excel

You can use barcode scanners with Excel to scan existing barcodes and enter the data into Excel. For example, when a shipping/receiving department gets new parts, they can scan the barcodes on each part and then enter those codes into a Received Parts spreadsheet.

The second way is to use a scanner to scan the barcodes created in Excel via the steps outlined in this article. You can then enter them into a database or other system.

Using Third-Party Excel Barcode Add-Ins and Software

An add-in is a software package that allows you to extend Excel’s (as well as other Office applications) functionality. You can use Excel barcode add-ins to create individual barcodes, lists, or tables, and to set parameters. Below are some examples of add-ins that can help create barcodes:

TBar: This is an Excel add-in that can create a single barcode, as well as lists and tables. The add-in allows for direct insertion into cells, and dynamically links to other spreadsheet data. You can also customize the parameters of the barcodes, including height, width, and check digits.
Barcode Resource Encoder: This standalone software package interfaces with Excel and uses macros to create barcodes.
ConnectCode: This is a standalone software package to create barcodes.

Harness Excel Barcodes with Inventory Management in Smartsheet

Free Barcode App Mac Download

Barcodes are a vital tool for managing and tracking inventory, and Excel provides an easy way to create your own barcodes. In order to get the most out of your barcodes, however, you’ll need a tool that acts as an inventory management system, and allows you to gain instant visibility into the status of your products.

Smartsheet is an enterprise work execution platform that is fundamentally changing the way businesses and teams work. Over 80,000 brands and millions of information workers trust Smartsheet to help them accelerate business execution and address the volume and velocity of today's collaborative work.

The familiar Smartsheet interface that is designed for how people actually work leads to rapid and broad adoption across your organization. Use self-service reports and dashboards in Smartsheet to provide real-time visibility into resources, status, and performance, so you can rapidly align operations with strategy.

Discover why millions of professionals around the world use Smartsheet to move from idea to impact fast.

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