Missing support for underlined and strikethrough text has been added.
BugFix: Fixed a problem where the rulers did not scroll with the edit area since v6.71.
Version 6.9 – Apr 22, 2024
PDF files can now be created with CMYK colors. For this purpose, the elements in the label can be assigned CMYK colors in advance, if required with exact specification of the color components on a scale from 0 to 100.
The database drivers and Excel import libraries have been updated.
BugFix in Developer Edition: The new launcher introduced in version 6.8 did not wait for the result of the printing process and as a result did not deliver a status code.
"DataMatrix" and "Aztec" can now use other character sets in addition to the standard ISO 8859-1. With Aztec, this was already possible before, but without the code itself containing character set information (ECI), which is why such codes could only be read with a suitable scanner configuration.
The "GS1 QR Code" is now generated without an ECI block, as GS1 formatted data is limited to ASCII characters and other character sets are therefore not required.
For the codes "QR Code" and "Aztec", the message "invalid" is now correctly displayed if the information to be encoded contains characters that cannot be displayed with the chosen character set.
Version 6.8 – Feb 06, 2024
Support for the UPC-E barcode type.
Important for the Developer Edition: If you have manually defined a custom data folder using "bcf.vmoptions" before, this setting must now be made in the "bcf.ini" file. In the INI file, you will find a pre-commented parameter "AppDataDir" after installation.
BugFix: Changes to certain parameters for GS1 QR Code and GS1 DataMatrix, including a manually set size, were not permanently saved.
BugFix: After exiting the "Print on Demand" mode, the main window was not immediately fully restored.
Numerous minor optimizations.
Version 6.71 – Jul 27, 2023
"Data" Section: New feature "Insert Blank Line" accessible via right-click on the table or Ctrl+PLUS.
Added to the previous update: When switching between the three alternative label designs, object selection and undo/redo history are retained.
At a zoom factor of 330% and higher, snap points are also enlarged and made more visible when the grid is active.
BugFix: If a text object with the "Remove Blank Lines" option enabled had no text at all, the entire label could not be printed due to an internal error.
Minor improvements.
Version 6.7 – Jun 27, 2023
Within the same project, now up to 3 labels can be saved in parallel and designed independently. (See the corresponding selection between I/II/III in the "Label" section at the bottom left.)
A change in label format can now be undone like any other label operation if needed.
*.bcfp project files now occupy up to around 50% less disk space compared to before.
Shortcut key assignments have been adjusted to common standards. Some functions are now assigned multiple shortcuts. (e.g., ZoomIn = Ctrl+PLUS and Ctrl+PLUS on the numeric keypad.)
When entering the number for GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code, the content can now be split into multiple lines for better clarity (e.g., one line per AI).
Minor improvements.
Version 6.6 – Jan 2, 2023
New: Integrated PDF printing with high barcode storage accuracy due to increased decimal places of internal coordinates.
New: Explicit storage of custom label formats.
The "Single Print on Command" function has been improved in detail.
Support for Access 2019+ files when importing data.
Drivers for MS SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, and Oracle databases have been updated.
Minor improvements.
Version 6.5 – Nov 18, 2022
Restoration of ODBC data import with the additional option to select character sets.
Version 6.41 – Oct 7, 2022
Optimized startup time.
Enlarged import window (more of the table is visible).
Barcode type name is displayed in the draft when content is not representable.
Larger font during installation.
Rare hang-ups during Excel import have been resolved.
2 minor usability bugs fixed.
Version 6.4 – Sep 22, 2022
For text fields, a minimum font size can now be assigned. If the text does not fit completely within the field, the font size will be reduced to this minimum but not more than necessary.
The copy and paste function for datasets has been revised. Datasets that begin with quotation marks and/or contain special characters (ASCII < 32) are now correctly transferred to Excel, Calc, etc. Additionally, when copying and pasting WITHIN the program, checkboxes are now considered.
BugFix: When manually adding datasets to a sorted table, the last dataset in the table was always marked instead of the newly added one.
Various minor improvements.
Version 6.3 – Aug 16, 2022
Project Area "Data": The Ctrl+A keyboard shortcut now alternately selects and deselects (all) datasets in the table. New: With Ctrl+Arrow Up/Down, individual datasets or entire blocks can be moved. Furthermore, the previously missing "cut" function is now available via the context menu and Ctrl+X. Datasets can now also be conveniently selected for printing using the space bar.
Project Area "Label": In the "Properties" window, placeholders (data fields, function fields, special characters) are now highlighted in color. The window itself is now larger for text and 2D code objects, providing more space for text editing. A more readable font is also used.
Templates for QR code applications: vCard, URL, Email, Phone, SMS, GeoLocation.
Text input fields in various parts of the program now have dropdown lists from which previous entries can be selected.
TIFF graphic format is now supported when inserting graphics.
Various minor improvements.
Version 6.2 – Jun 22, 2022
Templates for TopStick brand labels have been added to the program.
Version 6.1 – Apr 19, 2022
Support for dynamic port numbers in MS SQL imports.
Version 6.0 – Jan 24, 2022
Drivers for importing from PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, Oracle, and MS SQL databases have been updated.
The ODBC interface has been removed because it is no longer supported by current Java versions.
Version 5.9 – Dec 2, 2021
Support for the ISMN barcode type.
Minor improvements.
Version 5.8 – May 31, 2021
Support for the GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code barcode types.
Version 5.7 – May 12, 2021
Support for direct data imports from Microsoft SQL databases.
File selection dialogs throughout the program have been replaced with more modern and user-friendly versions.
When importing from password-protected data sources, users can now choose whether the program should remember the entered password for the next time.
Minor optimizations at various points in the program.
Version 5.6 – Apr 26, 2021
The program is now also available in English (selectable during installation).
Minor improvements at various points in the program.
New program icon.
Version 5.5 – Mar 22, 2021
Support for data import from PostgreSQL databases.
MS Excel import: Date entries with region-specific formats are now transferred in the country-specific format (e.g., for DE: 16.03.2021 instead of the previous 3/16/21).
When importing from other databases, date and time entries are now generally converted to the country-specific format.
When importing from MS Access and other databases with "currency" as a supported data type, currency entries are now correctly formatted.
Project area "Data": Table columns with (consistent) numerical content are now automatically right-aligned for better readability (deactivatable via program settings).
Project area "Data": The automatically adjusted maximum width of table columns based on the content can now be manually set.
Minor improvements at various points in the program.
BugFix: MS Excel import failed when the document contained specific Excel formulas.
BugFix: MS Access import failed when a table contained data that could not be converted to text, such as binary data, images, etc.
Version 5.4 – Feb 26, 2021
All 2D barcode types can now represent the first 32 (control) characters of the ASCII table (ASCII 0 to 31).
The same applies to Code 128, including the FNC1 to FNC4 characters.
Code 128 A is now available as a separate barcode type.
Option to remove empty lines in text elements (useful, e.g., for addresses).
Objects locked by the user on the label are now marked with contour points of a different color than objects that can move freely.
BugFix: The program no longer started when a so-called screen reader software was installed.
Version 5.3 – Sep 22, 2020
Label templates for Dymo label printers are now also available for selection.
Newer label templates for Brother label printers have been added.
Version 5.2 – Mar 12, 2020
Support for OpenType fonts (*.otf files).
Version 5.1 – Jan 2, 2020
Support for dotted lines across most object types, either as a border (for graphics and text) or as a line style (for rectangles, ellipses, and lines).
The previously missing support for backgrounds in one-dimensional barcode types has now been retrofitted.
Pasting from the clipboard via the context menu now occurs at the respective mouse position.
Bugfix (v5.0): Import from Excel abruptly terminated if the Excel table contained column names in the first row AND at least one of the cells was empty, i.e., did not contain a column name.
A series of minor improvements at various points in the program.
Version 5.0 – Nov 27, 2019
When importing from Excel files, any column names present in the first row can now be considered.
The function for deleting datasets in the "Data" project area is now more convenient and operates "conventionally".
Code 39 barcodes are now printed without "asterisks" in the plain text line.
Developer Edition: Relative file paths are now also possible as parameters.
Version 4.9 – Nov 14, 2019
In GS1-128 (EAN-128), any check digits are now either validated or automatically calculated, depending on the selected setting. This applies to Application Identifiers 00, 01, and 02 (SSCC and GTIN).
SSCC-18 and GTIN-14 are now also directly supported as standalone barcode types.
Changes to the label can now be undone or redone (Undo/Redo).
For most barcode types (exceptions are GTIN(EAN)-13/8, UPC-A, ISBN-13), the number can now optionally be displayed above the barcode.
Developer Edition: The potentially annoying startup graphic (Splash Screen) has been removed.
24x24 pixel icons are now optionally available for the program menu.
Bugfix: The function introduced in the previous version for adding datasets from the clipboard did not work correctly when the datasets to be inserted contained empty columns.
Bugfix: The barcode types GTIN(EAN)-13/8, UPC-A, and ISBN-13 were not displayed as intended when the number was hidden. (The three extended guard bar pairs were not shortened.)
Bugfix: For the object type "Line," height and width were queried in the "Properties" dialog instead of X,Y coordinates.
Bugfix: Transient flickering when starting maximized removed. (The program window initially did not appear maximized before maximizing.)
Documentation for GS1-128 has been updated.
Version 4.8 – Oct 21, 2019
Support for the GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) barcode type.
New "insert" function in the "Data" project area, which allows data to be inserted from the clipboard. This makes it even easier to transfer data (via Copy & Paste) from Excel and other spreadsheets. However, the function can also be used for simply duplicating existing datasets.
Graphics can now be aligned at the edges and corners of a graphic object.
Additional placeholders (function fields) now include "Year," "Month," "Day," and "Calendar Week."
Objects on the label can now be secured (locked) against accidental movement or resizing.
The Uninstaller EXE is now also signed.
Several minor optimizations at various points in the program.
Version 4.7 – Oct 16, 2017
Direct import from Microsoft Excel.
Direct import from Microsoft Access.
Direct import from Oracle databases.
Direct import from MySQL databases.
Direct import from MariaDB databases.
When importing, all table columns are now preselected for import. One less click for the user.
Developer Edition: The "row" element can now be equipped with the "labels" attribute. This allows the number of labels to be printed for each dataset to be individually specified. (It is therefore no longer necessary to write the dataset multiple times in the XML.)
Maximum zoom factor increased from 400% to 600%. Additionally, the zoom step can now be manually set by the user in the program settings.
The installation package and the program *.EXE are now digitally signed, so no malware warnings should be displayed by antivirus programs anymore.
Version 4.6 – Sep 18, 2017
Support for a feature called Drag & Drop: Project files as well as graphic files can now be dragged into the program window using the mouse and then loaded directly.
For one-dimensional barcodes, the distance between the barcode symbol and the clear text line can now be specified.
Numbering of datasets in the table. Numbering can be permanently enabled or disabled as needed via the #-button in the upper right corner of the table.
Properties of multiple elements on the label can now be changed at once (the elements must be of the same type, for example, multiple text fields with the same font size that needs to be adjusted).
Prevented (accidental) movement of elements when selected using Ctrl + Left Mouse Button.
For the barcode types QR Code, PDF417, and Aztec, a character set can now be selected (UTF-8, US-ASCII, or ISO-8859-x; previously ISO-8859-1 charset was always used).
New function "Find dataset in table" in the "Print" project area.
Version 4.5 – Sep 1, 2017
Support for 2D codes, specifically: QR Code, DataMatrix, PDF417, and Aztec.
Support for Add-On 2 and Add-On 5 for the barcode types EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ISBN-13.
The new setting "Draw outline if the barcode number is invalid or missing" allows leaving the space for the barcode on the label unprinted under certain conditions.
For the object type "Line," X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 are now queried when manually entering coordinates instead of X, Y, Width, and Height.
The three boundary line pairs for EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ISBN-13 now match the length specified in the specification. (Previously, this length was based on the font height of the clear text line.)
Bugfix: The input field for module width obscured the 4th digit if a number with 4 decimal places was entered. (All 4 decimal places were correctly considered when printing.)
Bugfix: Objects with a width or height of 0 could not be selected by mouse with a marquee selection.
Version 4.4 – Aug 14, 2017
The program interface can now be adjusted to the screen resolution by enlarging or reducing all controls, icons, labels, etc. The program automatically adjusts the scaling on the first program start, but it can also be manually adjusted afterward to suit individual needs. Additionally, the size of icons (16 or 24 pixels) can be set separately.
Improved zoom and scroll behavior. The label view can now also be enlarged or reduced using Ctrl+Mouse Wheel. Scrolling now occurs in more reasonable steps.
The height and width of selected objects are displayed on the rulers, making the respective dimensions immediately visible when clicking on an object.
Line objects are no longer treated as two-dimensional objects but now have exactly 2 points for mouse grabbing instead of 8.
The height and width of objects (except for the "Line" type) are now automatically normalized and no longer accept negative values.
If changes have been made to the project and the project has not been saved yet, this is now indicated more prominently on the right side of the menu bar.
Bugfix: When the format selection function was called repeatedly, it could happen that instead of the previously selected format, a format with identical dimensions from another manufacturer was displayed. Not a critical but still irritating problem that has now been fixed.
Bugfix: SQL queries that had a line break immediately after "SELECT" were incorrectly not accepted by the program.
Various minor optimizations at various points in the program.
Version 4.3 – Feb 25, 2013
Multiple datasets can now be edited at once.
Version 4.2 – May 10, 2012
Newly created barcode objects now come with quiet zones by default. (Quiet zones are unprinted minimum distances that must be maintained around a barcode when it is printed to ensure it can be read correctly by barcode readers. In existing projects, the quiet zone can be easily added by checking the corresponding box in the properties of the respective barcode object.)
Label templates from Brother have been added.
14 circular label templates from Avery Zweckform that were previously missing have been added.
Version 4.1 – Apr 23, 2012
Project Area "Data": The table now offers more advanced sorting ("natural sort"), where numbers are sorted based on their natural order rather than alphabetically. Old: [1, 20, 3] -> New: [1, 3, 20]. Old: [R-10, R-15, R-5] -> New: [R-5, R-10, R-15]. Old: [1st Chapter, 10th Chapter, 2nd Chapter] -> New: [1st Chapter, 2nd Chapter, 10th Chapter], and so on.
Project Area "Data": Below the table, you will now find the total number of datasets, as well as the number of datasets selected for printing and the currently marked datasets.
Project Area "Data": The "Check Data for Barcode Suitability" function has been revised and refined. Among other things, non-displayable values can now be marked in the table with a button click.
Project Area "Data": The context menu that can be accessed by right-clicking on the table header has been expanded to include the option "Insert New Field Before Field X."
The label definitions for Avery Zweckform and Herma have been updated.
The program now fully supports labels with rounded corners and circular labels. The outlines are faithfully displayed when editing the label, and printing no longer extends beyond the respective curves if applicable.
The new PZN8 barcode is supported as an additional barcode type.
Several minor improvements.
Version 4.0 – Mar 8, 2011
For each dataset in the "Data" project area, you can now individually specify the desired number of labels to be printed.
Graphics can now be dynamically, i.e., data-dependent, integrated.
Additional print mode "Single Print on Command." (By entering or scanning a key value, individual datasets can be used for immediate printing.)
Full support for printing in landscape mode. (Previously, all elements on the design had to be rotated 90 degrees if necessary.)
A right-click on the table header in the "Data" project area reveals a renewed context menu, which also offers the additional option of adding new fields to the table.
The "Preview Selected Datasets" function now checks the "Preview with Dataset No.:" checkbox if it's missing.
The "Check Data for Barcode Suitability" function now considers the "Complete Barcode Number if Missing" option, as it can optionally be used for a barcode object on the label.
Various detailed improvements.
Version 3.0 – Jun 30, 2009
Key Improvement: The print quality of barcodes is now completely independent of the resolution of the printer used. A 200dpi printer now achieves exactly the same high-quality barcode as a printer with a resolution of 1600dpi!
The same applies to graphic export: When exporting a label to a graphic file, it is no longer necessary to select the maximum possible resolution to achieve the best quality.
Multiple printers can now be managed and configured in the program simultaneously. For each printer, resolution, alignment, and line width correction can be configured separately. This allows for convenient switching between printers.
The printing process has been optimized for the special use case where a label without data needs to be printed multiple times, with each print page containing only one label, as is the case with roll labels. From now on, only one print page is sensibly passed to the printer with the instruction to print it multiple times. Previously, an unnecessary number of identical labels was sent to the printer, which slowed down the printing process and consumed PC resources.
Additional label templates have been added.
Change in the Developer Edition: The optional attributes "adjustmentx," "adjustmenty," and "barwidthcorrection" of the "printservice" element are no longer supported in the XML print job file; the corresponding printer settings are now logically made via the GUI. The attributes may still appear in an XML print job file for the time being but will be ignored from now on.
Bugfix: On some PCs, the program unexpectedly terminated during printer selection. (Reason: A bug in Java™ 5.)
Version 2.4 – Nov 26, 2007
The order of columns in the "Data" project area's table can now be changed.
A progress dialog is displayed during printing.
The PNG format is now also supported when exporting the label to a graphic file.
The program remembers the window size of the file selection dialog.
In file selection dialogs, files are displayed along with the icon of the respective linked application or the original icon.
The list of supported character sets for import/export has been revised and expanded to include the "Windows-1252" character set, among others.
Bugfix: Under certain circumstances, the import dialog did not open during CSV import.
Version 2.3 – Feb 26, 2007
Importing data via SQL query.
The "Select All" function deselects all datasets if all datasets are already selected.
Version 2.2 – Feb 12, 2007
Checksum calculation for ISBN-13 barcodes.
The program documentation has been supplemented with the missing description for ISBN-13.
New and more efficient installation routine, significantly more compact installation package.
Bugfix: Objects can no longer be moved with the right mouse button when editing label templates.
Version 2.11 – Jan 11, 2007
Avery Zweckform label definitions have been updated to the latest version.
Implemented ISBN-13 barcode.
Version 2.1 – Aug 28, 2006
For barcode types Codabar and Code 11, the ratio value is now adjustable.
For the PZN barcode, the program can calculate the checksum upon request.
The function for saving a label to a graphic file has been revised. Instead of pixel size, you can now specify resolution in dpi (dots per inch).
Placeholder tags for inserting the current date and time can be used in text fields.
Support for "UTF-16" character encoding when importing and exporting data.
Developer Edition: An exit code is set upon termination, which can be evaluated by the calling program.
Developer Edition: Optional command-line parameter to suppress error messages.
Version 2.0 – Jul 4, 2006
Improved keyboard usability.
The program is now also available in a "Developer Edition," allowing you to print barcode labels from your own application.
Version 1.4 – Jun 2, 2006
When printing, line width correction can now be applied.
Text and images can now be directly pasted from the clipboard into a label.
New function for quick individual dataset preview.
Version 1.31 – Apr 20, 2006
Optional completion of the barcode number for Code 128 C.
Version 1.3 – Apr 6, 2006
Additional barcode types are supported: Code 11, Code 93, and Code 93 Extended (Full ASCII).
Code 128 can now be used with only one character set (B or C) in addition to the "Normal Form."
Barcode types are always displayed in alphabetical order.
The program can be set to automatically switch to the last opened project area upon startup.
"Select All Objects" function.
The current mouse position is now visible on the rulers around the editor area.
Bugfix: Printing was not possible with some label printers.
Version 1.2 – Mar 13, 2006
A ratio can now be selected for Code 39 and 2 of 5 Interleaved.
The optional checksum can now be printed in the human-readable text line upon request.
New icons.
Version 1.1 – Feb 14, 2006
New: Code 39 and 2 of 5 Interleaved barcodes can now optionally include a checksum.
New: Two additional barcode types are supported: Code 128 and Codabar.
New: Rectangle objects can have rounded corners with adjustable radius.
New: Labels can be equipped with borders and backgrounds.