Access 2007
Barcodes in Access database forms

Access 2007

Barcodes in Access database forms
Access 2007

1

Here we show you how to add a barcode into a Access database and bind it to a data field. First launch Access and create a new database or open an already existing database in what you want to add a barcode. A simple database could look like this:

Barcode, Access 2007

2

Next create a new form and add the ActiveBarcode control to the form. Select the "Developer tab". Click on the button "Insert ActiveX control" from the range of "Controls".

Barcode, Access 2007

3

The following dialog will appear:

Barcode, Access 2007

4

Select "ActiveBarcode" here and click OK. Now the barcode object will be placed in your form. This will be a standard barcode of EAN-128 type. This is the default type. Now you can modify this barcode. You can change the type, text, colors etc. For this click inside the barcode with the right mouse button. A pop up menu will open. Select "ActiveBarcode-Object" and then "Properties...". The property dialog of ActiveBarcode will open. Here you can modify the barcode as you like. For example you can change the type to any barcode type supported by ActiveBarcode: QR Code, GS1/EAN-128, Data Matrix, GTIN/EAN-13, Code 39, Code 93, GS1-Data Matrix, Code 128, PDF417, DUN-14, EAN-8, EAN-14, EAN-18, ISBN, ITF-14, NVE, PZN8, SCC-14, SSCC-18, ...

Next we bind the controls text property (the barcodes content) to the data field "Productnumber" of the database.

Select the "Developer tab". Click on the button "Property sheet" from the range of "Tools".

Barcode, Access 2007

5

Have a look for the entry "Control Source" and change it to "Productnumber". This is the data binding:

Barcode, Access 2007

6

Now close the design mode of the form and watch the result by simple opening the form:

Barcode, Access 2007

7

The barcode control is bound to the data base field and shows the product number of the current data set as EAN-128 barcode.

Embedding and binding an ActiveBarcode control into reports is very similar.

One last hint: A report is designed in a lower resolution that it is using while printing. So it is required that you create the barcode control with a much bigger font size than you would normally use. Otherwise the text line under the barcode may be very very small in your print.