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Is the MERGEBARCODE Field Code Available in Word for Mac?
Question details
Determine if the MERGEBARCODE field code is supported in Microsoft Word for Mac and find ways to generate barcodes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to generate barcodes using mail merge or native field codes in Word documents on a macOS system.
- Observed behavior
- The MERGEBARCODE and DISPLAYBARCODE field codes fail to render barcodes and appear as unsupported features in Word for Mac.
Verify your operating system and Microsoft Word version, as barcode field code support is strictly platform-dependent.
Use Microsoft Word for Windows
Because barcode field codes are exclusively supported on the Windows platform, accessing a Windows environment is the most reliable way to use this feature.
The MERGEBARCODE and DISPLAYBARCODE field codes are fully supported in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 on Windows only. They are intentionally omitted from Word for Mac.
Switch to a computer running Windows, or set up a Windows virtual machine on your Mac using software like Parallels Desktop or VMware.
Log into your Microsoft 365 account in the Windows environment and install the Windows version of Microsoft Word.
Open your document, press Ctrl + F9 to create empty field brackets, and type your MERGEBARCODE syntax to successfully generate the barcode.
Insert Barcodes as Images or Special Fonts
If you must remain on macOS without installing Windows, you can bypass the field code limitation by using alternative barcode insertion methods.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac
While specific features like the MERGEBARCODE field code are restricted by Microsoft Office's platform limitations, WPS Office provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative for macOS users. Enjoy powerful word processing capabilities without heavy resource consumption.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version of the software.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx files to continue editing your documents seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which versions of Word support the MERGEBARCODE field code?
The MERGEBARCODE and DISPLAYBARCODE field codes are supported exclusively in Windows versions of Word, including Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013.
Can I use DISPLAYBARCODE in Word for Mac?
No. Similar to MERGEBARCODE, the DISPLAYBARCODE field code is a Windows-exclusive feature and is not supported in Microsoft Word for Mac.
Are there barcode fonts available that work on a Mac?
Yes, you can download standard barcode fonts like Code 39 or Code 128 from font repositories, install them using the macOS Font Book app, and then apply them to text within your Mac word processor.
