Fix Microsoft Access Barcode Font Installed but Not Displaying
Question details
The user has installed a barcode font on their computer, but the text inside Microsoft Access forms does not render as a barcode.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to generate and display barcodes in a Microsoft Access form or report using a custom installed font.
- Observed behavior
- The barcode font is successfully installed and appears in the font list, but the data in the Access form control still displays as standard text instead of rendering as a barcode.
Ensure that the barcode font is properly installed in your Windows Fonts folder and that you have fully restarted Microsoft Access so the application can recognize the newly added font.
Apply the Barcode Font to the Form Control
You need to manually assign the installed barcode font to the specific text box or control in Access Design View.
Simply installing a font on your computer does not automatically convert your database text. You must explicitly tell the Microsoft Access form control to use that specific font for rendering the data.
Right-click your form or report in the navigation pane and select 'Design View'.
Click on the specific text box or control that contains the data you want to display as a barcode.
Open the Property Sheet (press F4), navigate to the 'Format' tab, locate the 'Font Name' property, and select your installed barcode font from the dropdown list.
Validate Font Installation and Data Encoding
Ensure the underlying data matches the required barcode formatting rules, such as adding start and stop characters.
Looking for a Lightweight Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While WPS Office does not include a database management tool like Access, it serves as a powerful, free alternative for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It offers excellent format compatibility and a familiar interface for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the lightweight installation process.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without format loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my barcode scan incorrectly even though the font displays in Access?
Barcode scanners require specific start and stop characters or checksums. If your Access database applies the font without formatting the raw data (e.g., failing to add asterisks at the beginning and end for Code 39), the scanner will not recognize the barcode.
How do I install a new barcode font for Microsoft Access to use?
Download the font file (usually .ttf or .otf), right-click it in Windows File Explorer, and select 'Install' or 'Install for all users'. You must completely close and restart Microsoft Access for the new font to appear in the Property Sheet dropdown list.
Can I use barcode fonts in Access reports as well as forms?
Yes, the process is identical. Open your Access report in Design View, select the text box bound to your barcode data, and change its Font property to the installed barcode font in the Property Sheet.
