Barcode Generator “Barcode Vectorizer”: Change Log

Version 3.5 – Jan 24, 2024

New: Option to format the human-readable text line for barcodes. Applicable in both single and batch modes for all barcode types, except for EAN-13/8, ISBN, ISMN, and UPC-A.

New: Function to generate serial numbers within batch mode.
Transfer of barcode graphics to Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW is now possible via the clipboard.
The color selection function has been reworked and improved in terms of internal logic and color palette.
If a resolution is defined under "Options" to which the barcode should be adjusted, the adjustment is now visible in the program before generating the graphic. (This can be useful, for example, when manually setting the font size.)

EAN, ISBN, ISMN, UPC-A optimized: Barcodes use available space more efficiently.
Optional test line for the aforementioned barcode types.
Zoom function.
Batch mode: Optional filename prefix.

Generated PDFs now conform to the PDF/X-1a:2001 standard for CMYK or PDF/X-3:2002 for RGB color model exports.
Coordinates within PDF files are now saved with 6 decimal places instead of the previous 2. Additionally, lines and digits of barcodes on the vector layer now always form a contiguous path (as was previously the case with other vector formats).
New function to copy as PDF/EPS/SVG to the clipboard. (Right-clicking on the barcode brings up a corresponding context menu for this purpose. The reliability of pasting depends on the target application. In general, the "click and drag" and "export" functions are preferred over clipboard transport.)
During "click and drag," the generated file now has a more meaningful filename instead of the previously cryptic one. Additionally, the chosen vector format is displayed as a colored icon during the process.
Several minor improvements.

EPS graphics can now be generated optionally without an embedded TIFF preview.
In templates (SC0 to SC9) for EAN barcodes and derivatives, the spacing between barcode symbol and number has been slightly reduced in favor of longer bars.
For Code 128 and derivatives, special characters (FNC1, etc.) are now highlighted in color when entering the number and are also shorter; instead of being enclosed by [* and *], they are now enclosed by { and }.
BugFix: When loading design files with multiple drafts, the tab with the first draft could appear without an [x] click area for removing the tab.
Several minor improvements.

For barcodes created by the user by dragging and dropping with the mouse, color space (CMYK/RGB) and resolution (optional) can now be set in the "Settings." (Analogous to generation via the export function.)

PDF is now supported as an additional export format. Similar to the EPS format, you can choose between RGB and CMYK as the color model.
Developer Edition: The resolution of the TIFF preview for EPS files can now be set via parameters. A value of "0" can also be used to create "pure" EPS graphics without a TIFF preview.

All file selection dialogs in the program have been replaced with more modern, user-friendly versions.

New program feature: In addition to generating barcodes from individual numbers, it is now possible to generate them (in batches) from multiple numbers at once.
Leaner EPS and SVG files.

Code 128 can now represent the first 32 control characters of the ASCII table (ASCII 0 to 31) as well as function characters FNC1 to FNC4.
Code 128 A is available as a separate barcode type.
Various minor improvements in various parts of the program.
BugFix: The program no longer started when so-called screen reader software was installed.

Edge smoothing of the human-readable text line for pixel-oriented formats (PNG, JPEG, BMP).
Developer Edition: Support for add-ons in command-line mode, which was previously missing, has now been added.

The program is now available with an English interface (selectable during installation).
Individual barcode designs can now optionally be given a name, replacing the potentially uninformative number in the tab title.
By clicking, the program can now be pinned in a minimized form in the corner of the screen, making it even easier for users to directly grab and drag barcode graphics into other applications.
Partially significant reduction in resulting file sizes for all raster formats by using 1 bit per pixel rastering and RGB color palettes instead of RGB colors (for BMP and PNG) or 8-bit grayscale (for JPEG, if the barcode graphic exclusively uses grayscale colors, e.g., black and white).
The size of EPS files has also been reduced (by defining abbreviations for frequently used PostScript commands).
The color selection dialog has been revised and is now more user-friendly. Additionally, the program now remembers the relevant color model (RGB/CMYK) depending on the case and opens the correct tab the next time the color selection dialog is called.
When saving the graphic, meaningful filenames are now suggested following the pattern [Barcode Type] - [Barcode Number]. (Previously, the filename had to be assigned manually.)

Barcode graphics can now be dragged directly into another (processing) program with the mouse - either in EPS or SVG format.
For EPS graphics, exact CMYK colors can now be defined if needed. (Previously, the CMYK color was always calculated from the RGB color.)
EPS graphics are now generated with an embedded preview graphic (TIFF with LZW compression). (Useful for processing graphics programs that can print EPS graphics correctly but cannot display them during the editing phase.)
Barcodes in SVG format were detected without the required quiet zones by the vector program "Inkscape" (and possibly others) when the SVG graphic was created with a transparent background. This behavior is now technically circumvented by the new version.
PNG graphics now correctly have a transparent background when a barcode graphic with a transparent background is generated.

The Barcode Generator is now available in a completely redesigned version. Among other things, GS1-128 type barcodes can now be generated. Additionally, the software is now also available in a Developer Edition, which can be integrated into your own application to generate barcodes from the command line.

The new PZN8 barcode is now supported as another barcode type.
When exporting to an SVG file, the barcode and background now always form a group.

EPS graphics can now be generated in the CMYK color space.
Checksum calculation for ISBN-13 barcodes.
New and more efficient installation routine, significantly smaller installation package.

Support for the new ISBN-13 barcode.
For barcode types in the UPC family (EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ISBN-13), draft templates with standard sizes (SC0-SC9) are now available according to the specification. Additionally, these types can now be generated with a two or five-digit supplement (Add-On 2 / Add-On 5).
The font size of the clear text line can be automatically adjusted if desired.