how to create code 128 barcodes in excel using vba using

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How to Create Code 128 Barcodes in Excel Using VBA

In this post, we will learn how to generate Code 128 barcodes in Excel using VBA. Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology used extensively in applications such as shipping labels, inventory management, and asset tracking.

To create Code 128 barcodes in Excel, we will utilize a VBA function that generates barcode images based on the Code 128 specification. Let’s go through the steps required to implement this solution.

Step 1: Enable Developer Tab in Excel

To access the developer tools in Excel, we need to enable the Developer tab. Follow these steps to enable it:

  1. Open Excel and click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner.
  2. Select “Options” from the drop-down menu.
  3. In the Excel Options window, click on “Customize Ribbon” on the left-hand side.
  4. Check the box for “Developer” in the list of Main Tabs on the right-hand side.
  5. Click “OK” to save the changes and close the Excel Options window.

Step 2: Insert a New Module

After enabling the Developer tab, we can insert a new module to write our VBA code. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Developer” tab in the Excel ribbon.
  2. Click on the “Visual Basic” button in the Code group. This will open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.
  3. In the VBA editor, click on “Insert” in the top menu.
  4. Select “Module” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Write the VBA Function

Now, we can write the VBA function that will generate Code 128 barcodes in Excel. Below is an example VBA code that you can use:

“`vba
Function Code128Barcode(ByVal value As String) As Object
Dim barcode As Object
Dim code128 As String

' Create an empty image to store the barcode
Set barcode = Sheet1.Pictures.Paste(Left:=10, Top:=10)

' Generate the Code 128 barcode using the provided value
code128 = "*" & value & "*"

' Set the barcode properties
barcode.Name = "Code128Barcode"
barcode.ShapeRange.LockAspectRatio = msoFalse

' Set the barcode image source to the generated Code 128 barcode
barcode.ShapeRange.Fill.UserPicture code128

' Return the barcode image
Set Code128Barcode = barcode

End Function
“`

Step 4: Generate Code 128 Barcodes

Now that we have the VBA function, we can use it to generate Code 128 barcodes in our Excel workbook. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Excel workbook where you want to generate the barcodes.
  2. Enter a value in a cell where you want the barcode to be displayed.
  3. In a different cell, enter the following formula:

=Code128Barcode(A1)

Replace A1 with the cell reference where you entered the value for the barcode. This formula calls the Code128Barcode function we created in the VBA module and generates the barcode image.

  1. Press Enter to create the barcode.

Conclusion

In this post, we learned how to generate Code 128 barcodes in Excel using VBA. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily implement barcode functionality in your Excel workbooks. This can be particularly useful for automating data entry, tracking inventory, and improving efficiency in various business processes.