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How to Create Barcode Labels in Word

Word is a fine place to lay out barcode labels when you need a logo or extra text next to the code. The reliable approach is to generate the barcodes as images first, then bring them into a Word label template - barcode fonts inside Word are a common source of codes that will not scan.

Step 1: generate the barcodes as images

  1. Open the generator for your format (Code 128 for SKUs, EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail).
  2. Paste your data, click Generate, then use Print sheet (choose your system's print-to-PDF option if you want a file to place into Word).
  3. Generate only the codes you need, sized for your label.

Step 2: set up a Word label template

In Word, go to Mailings > Labels (or create a table matching your label sheet - Avery 5160 is 3 columns x 10 rows). This gives you one cell per label. Word also ships with Avery templates under Mailings > Labels > Options if you pick your sheet number.

Step 3: place the barcode and print

Insert each barcode image into its label cell, add any text, and set the image to the size that leaves a white quiet zone around the code. Print at 100% scale on your label stock - turn off 'fit to page'. Test one sheet and scan every label before running the full batch.

Avoid Word barcode fonts

Barcode fonts installed into Word rarely add the required check digit or quiet zone, which is why codes made that way fail to scan. Generating real barcode images with this tool and inserting them into Word avoids those problems and gives you vector-quality output.

Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make barcodes directly in Word?
You can insert generated barcode images into a Word label template - the reliable method. Installing barcode fonts usually produces codes without check digits or quiet zones that fail to scan.
How do I print on Avery labels from Word?
Use Mailings > Labels, choose your Avery sheet number, fill each label, and print at 100% scale on the label stock.
Why does my Word barcode not scan?
Usually because it is a font-generated code missing the check digit or quiet zone, or it was shrunk by 'fit to page'. Use a generated barcode image at the correct size instead.
Can I use mail merge for many labels?
Yes - paste your data into a Word mail-merge data source and merge into the label template, placing each record's barcode image in its label.

Related barcode tools

Code 128 GeneratorEAN-13 GeneratorUPC-A GeneratorPrint Barcodes from ExcelAll Barcode Tools