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Fix Code 39 Barcodes Not Converting Correctly from PDF to Word
Question details
The user is unable to accurately convert Code 39 barcodes from a PDF document into a Word file, resulting in unreadable or distorted barcodes.
- Product
- PDF to Word Converter
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Converting a PDF containing Code 39 barcodes into an editable Word document for further use or printing.
- Observed behavior
- Code 39 barcodes become distorted, pixelated, or convert as regular text strings instead of scannable barcode images during the PDF to Word conversion process.
Ensure you have the original, highest-resolution version of the PDF available and verify that the barcodes scan properly on your screen before attempting the conversion.
Use a High-Resolution Source PDF File
High conversion accuracy depends heavily on the quality and resolution of the original PDF document. Avoid low-quality scans.
PDF to Word converters interpret page elements based on visual clarity. If a barcode is pixelated or generated from a low-quality scanned image, the converter will fail to render it properly in Word.
Whenever possible, request or export the PDF directly from the source software (like Adobe Illustrator, Excel, or a label generator) rather than scanning a printed document.
If you must scan a physical document, configure your scanner settings to capture the image at a minimum of 300 DPI to ensure crisp lines.
Upload the newly generated, high-resolution PDF into your PDF to Word conversion tool and process the document.
Recreate Barcodes Manually Using Fonts
If the barcode is converted into plain text instead of an image, you can fix it by reapplying a dedicated Code 39 barcode font in Word.
Extract Barcodes as Images and Reinsert
Bypass the text conversion engine by extracting the barcodes directly as images from the PDF and pasting them into the Word document.
Ensure Accurate PDF to Word Conversions with WPS Office
To minimize formatting losses and retain the original quality of embedded images like Code 39 barcodes, use the advanced PDF to Word tool in WPS Office. It effectively handles complex layouts and image extraction.
- 1. Launch the PDF Tool: Open WPS Office and navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the main dashboard.
- 2. Select PDF to Word: Click on 'PDF to Word' from the top menu toolbar.
- 3. Add Your Document: Drag and drop your PDF containing the barcodes into the conversion window.
- 4. Convert: Select '.docx' as the output format and click 'Start' to convert your file while preserving image quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my barcodes change into regular text or gibberish after converting PDF to Word?
This happens because the specific barcode font (like Code 39) used in the PDF is either not embedded in the file or not installed on your computer. When Word cannot find the font, it substitutes it with a standard text font like Arial or Times New Roman, displaying the underlying data instead of the barcode lines.
Will enabling OCR (Optical Character Recognition) help convert barcodes correctly?
No, standard OCR is designed to recognize and extract readable alphanumeric text characters, not barcode lines. Applying OCR to a barcode image can actually distort it or turn it into incorrect characters. It is better to process the barcode purely as an image.
How can I check if my converted Code 39 barcode is readable in Word?
The most reliable way to check readability is to print the Word document at its final size and scan it with a physical barcode scanner. Alternatively, you can use a barcode scanner app on your smartphone to scan the barcode directly from your computer screen.
