Part of Batch labels. Excel, CSV, and Google Sheets how-tos start on that page.

Excel barcode font not scanning

If a handheld won't lock onto an Excel barcode font, rebuild the same values as native CODE128 and print one test label. No signup.

← Back to Blog

Excel barcode font not scanning

Published: · 3 min read · Problem
Do this in the free app: app.mylabelmaker.com. No signup. Design the label, then print on a Zebra or download PNG / PDF / ZPL.

If your Excel barcode font is not scanning, the font is usually missing start/stop characters or it printed too small. Don't keep reprinting the same font. Rebuild those SKUs as native CODE128 on a 2x1 (or your stock) and test one label.

Good to know: Some barcode fonts need a license. We don't install or distribute fonts. Native bars in the app don't need one.

How to fix an Excel barcode font that isn't scanning

  1. Open https://app.mylabelmaker.com. No signup. Set the size of your stock.
  2. Add a native barcode, not an Excel font. Map the spreadsheet column, for example {{code}}. Keep the value as text. Don't print the font to PDF and crop it.
  3. Preview row 1 and a row near the end of the sheet.
  4. Print one test on a Zebra, or download PDF / ZPL. Scan it. Then print the stack.

UPC vs CODE128

UPC-A has to be a real 12-digit UPC you already own. A CODE128 of your internal SKU is fine in-house. It won't ring at a grocery checkout. We don't issue GS1 numbers.

Print or save

If you have a Zebra, print from the browser with Browser Print at the printer's DPI. Everyone else: download PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF, or ZPL. JSON keeps the editable master so you can come back to it.

Rebuild the codes that won't scan

Native CODE128. Same SKUs. Print one test, then the stack.

Open free label maker