How Can I Optimize the Barcode Quality?

How Can I Optimize the Barcode Quality?

The bar code module width parameter influences the reading quality of the bar code.

Example: 200 dpi printer

If the printer prints with 200 dpi, set the module width so that it corresponds exactly with an integer multiple of the width of one or more printer pixels. For example, use 1 pixel (which is equivalent to 0.127mm in this case) for 200 dpi.

According to most symbology specifications, a module width below 0.19 mm should be avoided. In such a case, at least 2 printer pixels should be set for bar codes to achieve a module width of 0.254 mm.

If the module width is too small, the bar code width is also too small. Use the following settings:

        3 x 0.127mms = 0.381mms
        4 x 0.127mms = 0.508mms

Conversion table for millimeters to inch:

        0.127 mms  =  0.005 inch (to small)
        0.19  mms  =  0.007 inch (minimum m.w.)
        0.254 mms  =  0.010 inch (2 printer pixel)
        0.381 mms  =  0.015 inch (3 printer pixel)
        0.508 mms  =  0.020 inch (4 printer pixel)

Set the module width based on the above values to avoid resolution errors. If errors still occur (because of minor rounding errors), try using 0.509 instead of 0.508.

You can also use Barcode Studio with the Quality Watch feature to detect printing tolerances and find out the optimal module width value.