Generating Custom Barcode Labels in Aspose.Words for Java

Introduction to Generating Custom Barcode Labels in Aspose.Words for Java

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the process of generating custom barcode labels using Aspose.Words for Java. Aspose.Words for Java is a powerful API that allows developers to manipulate Word documents programmatically. One of its remarkable features is the ability to work with barcode labels, making it a valuable tool for businesses and organizations that require customized barcode solutions.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the details of generating custom barcode labels, let’s ensure we have the prerequisites in place:

Java Development Environment: Make sure you have Java and an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) installed on your system.
Aspose.Words for Java: Download and install Aspose.Words for Java from here.
Basic Knowledge of Java: Familiarity with Java programming will be helpful as we’ll be writing Java code to create custom barcode labels.

Creating Custom Barcode Labels

Now, let’s start creating custom barcode labels using Aspose.Words for Java. We’ll break down the process into steps and provide Java code snippets for each step.

Setting the Barcode Height

To begin, we need to set the height of our barcode in twips (1/1440 inches). We’ll then convert this value to millimeters (mm). Here’s the code to accomplish this:

	// Input value is in 1/1440 inches (twips)
	int heightInTwips = tryParseInt(heightInTwipsString);
	if (heightInTwips == Integer.MIN_VALUE)
		throw new Exception("Error! Incorrect height - " + heightInTwipsString + ".");
	// Convert to mm
	return (float) (heightInTwips * 25.4 / 1440.0);

Converting Barcode Image Color

Next, we’ll convert the barcode image color from Word to Aspose.BarCode. The input color should be in the format “0xRRGGBB” (hexadecimal). Here’s the code for the conversion:

/// <summary>
/// Converts barcode image color from Word to Aspose.BarCode.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="inputColor"></param>
/// <returns></returns>
private static Color convertColor(String inputColor) throws Exception {
	// Input should be from "0x000000" to "0xFFFFFF"
	int color = tryParseHex(inputColor.replace("0x", ""));
	if (color == Integer.MIN_VALUE)
		throw new Exception("Error! Incorrect color - " + inputColor + ".");
	return new Color((color >> 16), ((color & 0xFF00) >> 8), (color & 0xFF));
}

Converting Barcode Scaling Factor

Now, we’ll convert the barcode scaling factor from a percentage to a float value. This scaling factor determines the size of the barcode. Here’s the code for the conversion:

/// <summary>
/// Converts bar code scaling factor from percent to float.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="scalingFactor"></param>
/// <returns></returns>
private static float convertScalingFactor(String scalingFactor) throws Exception {
	boolean isParsed = false;
	int percent = tryParseInt(scalingFactor);
	if (percent != Integer.MIN_VALUE && percent >= 10 && percent <= 10000)
		isParsed = true;
	if (!isParsed)
		throw new Exception("Error! Incorrect scaling factor - " + scalingFactor + ".");
	return percent / 100.0f;
}

Implementing the GetBarCodeImage() Method

In this step, we’ll implement the getBarcodeImage method, which generates the barcode image based on the provided parameters. We’ll handle different barcode types, set colors, adjust dimensions, and more. Here’s the code for this method:

/// <summary>
/// Implementation of the GetBarCodeImage() method for IBarCodeGenerator interface.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="parameters"></param>
/// <returns></returns>
public BufferedImage getBarcodeImage(BarcodeParameters parameters) throws Exception {
	// Check if barcode type and value are provided
	if (parameters.getBarcodeType() == null || parameters.getBarcodeValue() == null)
		return null;
	
	// Create a BarcodeGenerator based on the barcode type
	BarcodeGenerator generator = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.QR);
	String type = parameters.getBarcodeType().toUpperCase();
	switch (type)
	{
		case "QR":
			generator = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.QR);
			break;
		// Handle other barcode types here
	}
	
	// Set the barcode text
	generator.setCodeText(parameters.getBarcodeValue());
	
	// Set barcode colors
	if (parameters.getForegroundColor() != null)
		generator.getParameters().getBarcode().setBarColor(convertColor(parameters.getForegroundColor()));
	if (parameters.getBackgroundColor() != null)
		generator.getParameters().setBackColor(convertColor(parameters.getBackgroundColor()));
	
	// Set symbol height and dimensions
	if (parameters.getSymbolHeight() != null)
	{
		generator.getParameters().getImageHeight().setPixels(convertSymbolHeight(parameters.getSymbolHeight()));
		generator.getParameters().setAutoSizeMode(AutoSizeMode.NONE);
	}
	
	// Customize code text location
	generator.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().setLocation(CodeLocation.NONE);
	if (parameters.getDisplayText())
		generator.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().setLocation(CodeLocation.BELOW);
	
	// Additional adjustments for QR codes
	final float SCALE = 2.4f; // Empiric scaling factor for converting Word barcode to Aspose.BarCode
	float xdim = 1.0f;
	if (generator.getBarcodeType().equals(EncodeTypes.QR))
	{
		generator.getParameters().setAutoSizeMode(AutoSizeMode.NEAREST);
		generator.getParameters().getImageWidth().setInches(generator.getParameters().getImageWidth().getInches() * SCALE);
		generator.getParameters().getImageHeight().setInches(generator.getParameters().getImageWidth().getInches());
		xdim = generator.getParameters().getImageHeight().getInches() / 25;
		generator.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setInches(xdim);
		generator.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setInches(xdim);
	}
	
	// Apply scaling factor
	if (parameters.getScalingFactor() != null)
	{
		float scalingFactor = convertScalingFactor(parameters.getScalingFactor());
		generator.getParameters().getImageHeight().setInches(generator.getParameters().getImageHeight().getInches() * scalingFactor);
		if (generator.getBarcodeType().equals(EncodeTypes.QR))
		{
			generator.getParameters().getImageWidth().setInches(generator.getParameters().getImageHeight().getInches());
			generator.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setInches(xdim * scalingFactor);
			generator.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setInches(xdim * scalingFactor);
		}
		generator.getParameters().setAutoSizeMode(AutoSizeMode.NONE);
	}
	
	// Generate and return the barcode image
	return generator.generateBarCodeImage();
}

Implementing the GetOldBarcodeImage() Method

In this step, we’ll implement the getOldBarcodeImage method, which generates barcode images for old-fashioned barcodes. Here, we’ll handle a specific barcode type, such as POSTNET. Here’s the code for this method:

/// <summary>
/// Implementation of the GetOldBarcodeImage() method for IBarCodeGenerator interface.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="parameters"></param>
/// <returns></returns>
public BufferedImage getOldBarcodeImage(BarcodeParameters parameters)
{
	if (parameters.getPostalAddress() == null)
		return null;
	BarcodeGenerator generator = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.POSTNET);
	{
		generator.setCodeText(parameters.getPostalAddress());
	}
	// Hardcode type for old-fashioned Barcode
	return generator.generateBarCodeImage();
}

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the process of generating custom barcode labels using Aspose.Words for Java. We covered essential steps, from setting the barcode height to implementing methods for barcode generation. Aspose.Words for Java empowers developers to create dynamic and customized barcode labels, making it a valuable tool for various industries.

FAQ’s

How can I adjust the size of the generated barcode?

You can adjust the size of the generated barcode by setting the barcode’s symbol height and scaling factor in the provided code snippets. These parameters allow you to control the dimensions of the barcode as per your requirements.

Can I change the colors of the barcode?

Yes, you can change the colors of the barcode by specifying the foreground and background colors in the code. This customization allows you to match the barcode’s appearance with your document’s design.

Which barcode types are supported by Aspose.Words for Java?

Aspose.Words for Java supports various barcode types, including QR codes, CODE128, CODE39, EAN8, EAN13, UPCA, UPCE, ITF14, and more. You can choose the barcode type that suits your application’s needs.

How do I integrate the generated barcode into my Word document?

To integrate the generated barcode into your Word document, you can use Aspose.Words for Java’s document manipulation capabilities. You can insert the barcode image into your document at the desired location.

Is there any sample code available for further customization?

Yes, you can find sample code snippets and additional documentation on Aspose.Words for Java’s reference site: Aspose.Words for Java API Reference.

Using Barcode Generation in Aspose.Words for Java