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How to Create QR Codes and Barcodes in Excel
Question details
The user needs to generate QR codes and barcodes within Excel to manage inventory and display them next to corresponding product records.
- Product
- Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating visual product identifiers for inventory management spreadsheets.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to successfully display generated QR codes and product barcodes alongside their product records without relying on unsupported methods.
Ensure you have the necessary system permissions to install new fonts or add-ins on your computer, as Excel requires these external tools to render barcodes and QR codes.
Generate Standard Barcodes Using a Barcode Font
The most reliable way to create standard barcodes across different operating systems without compatibility issues is to use a dedicated barcode font.
Avoid relying on ActiveX controls for barcode generation. ActiveX controls are considered legacy features that are completely unavailable on Mac operating systems and are deprecated or disabled by default in modern Windows Office environments.
Search online for a trusted font provider and download a standard barcode font, such as Code 39 or Code 128, which are widely used for inventory.
Extract the downloaded font file. On Windows, right-click the file and select 'Install'. On Mac, double-click the file and click 'Install Font' in Font Book.
Open your Excel spreadsheet, select the cells where you will type the product codes, right-click, choose 'Format Cells', and set the format to 'Text'.
Type your product code into the cell, select the cell, and navigate to the 'Home' tab. Click the font dropdown menu and select your newly installed barcode font to transform the text into a readable barcode.
Create QR Codes Using an Excel Add-in
For generating 2D QR codes directly inside your spreadsheet, using a supported Office Add-in is the most effective method.
Easily Manage Barcodes and Inventory with WPS Office
WPS Spreadsheet provides a lightweight and user-friendly environment for managing inventory data. You can easily apply barcode fonts to your product records and insert QR code images smoothly, ensuring seamless data management without relying on outdated legacy controls.
- 1. Open Your Inventory Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing inventory file or create a new one.
- 2. Apply Custom Barcode Fonts: Select the column containing your product codes. Go to the 'Home' tab, click the font dropdown, and apply your installed barcode font (e.g., Code 39).
- 3. Insert Product QR Codes: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab and click 'Picture' to import and align any pre-generated QR code images directly into the cells next to your product details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I use ActiveX controls for barcodes in Excel?
ActiveX controls are legacy technology that cause frequent compatibility issues. They are not supported on Mac devices and are actively being deprecated or disabled for security reasons in modern versions of Windows Office.
Can I generate a barcode using just an Excel formula without fonts?
No, Excel does not have a native formula that visually outputs a standard barcode. You must combine text-manipulation formulas with an installed barcode font, or use a dedicated add-in to generate the image.
Will barcode fonts work if I share the Excel file with someone else?
The barcode will only display correctly if the recipient also has the exact same barcode font installed on their computer. If they do not, the cell will simply display the plain text. To share the visual barcodes safely, save the Excel sheet as a PDF.
