Quick Generation Examples

This guide provides quick, ready-to-use examples for barcode generation with Aspose.BarCode for Java. All examples use consistent APIs and include proper error handling.

Basic Setup

Import the required package:

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

Simple Barcode Generation

Code 128 Barcode

public class Code128Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_128, "ABC-12345");

            // Basic settings
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.3f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(10.0f);

            gen.save("code128.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("Code 128 barcode generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

QR Code Generation

public class QRExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.QR, "https://www.aspose.com");

            // QR-specific settings
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.5f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getQR().setQrEncodeMode(QREncodeMode.AUTO);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getQR().setQrErrorLevel(QRErrorLevel.LEVEL_M);

            gen.save("qrcode.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("QR Code generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

One-Minute Examples

1. Generate EAN-13 Barcode

public class EAN13Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            // Create EAN-13 barcode (requires 13 digits with valid checksum)
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.EAN_13, "5901234123457");

            // Standard EAN-13 settings
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.33f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(25.0f);

            gen.save("ean13.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("EAN-13 barcode generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

2. Generate PDF417 with Custom Settings

public class PDF417Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(
                    EncodeTypes.PDF_417,
                    "Aspose.BarCode makes barcode generation easy!"
            );

            // PDF417-specific parameters
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.6f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPdf417().setColumns(3);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPdf417().setRows(6);

            // Code text below barcode
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().setLocation(CodeLocation.BELOW);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().getFont().setFamilyName("Arial");
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().getFont().getSize().setPoint(9);

            gen.save("pdf417.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("PDF417 barcode generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

3. Generate DataMatrix with Custom Encoding

public class DataMatrixExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(
                EncodeTypes.DATA_MATRIX, 
                "DMX-INV-000042"
            );
            
            // DataMatrix settings
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.4f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getDataMatrix()
                .setDataMatrixEncodeMode(DataMatrixEncodeMode.AUTO);
            
            // Optional: enable anti-aliasing for better quality
            gen.getParameters().setUseAntiAlias(true);
            
            gen.save("datamatrix.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("DataMatrix barcode generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Common Barcode Types

Linear Barcodes

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class LinearBarcodesExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            generateLinearBarcodes();
            System.out.println("All linear barcodes generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
    
    public static void generateLinearBarcodes() throws Exception {
        // UPC-A (12 digits)
        BarcodeGenerator upcGen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.UPCA, "036000291452");
        upcGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.33f);
        upcGen.save("upca.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
        
        // EAN-13 (13 digits)
        BarcodeGenerator eanGen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.EAN_13, "5901234123457");
        eanGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.33f);
        eanGen.save("ean13.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
        
        // Code 39
        BarcodeGenerator code39Gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_39, "ASPOSE-123");
        code39Gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.4f);
        code39Gen.save("code39.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
        
        // Code 128
        BarcodeGenerator code128Gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_128, "ABC-12345");
        code128Gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.3f);
        code128Gen.save("code128.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
    }
}

2D Barcodes

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class TwoDBarcodesExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            generate2DBarcodes();
            System.out.println("All 2D barcodes generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
    
    public static void generate2DBarcodes() throws Exception {
        // QR Code
        BarcodeGenerator qrGen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.QR, "QR Code Data");
        qrGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.5f);
        qrGen.save("qr_code.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
        
        // Aztec
        BarcodeGenerator aztecGen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.AZTEC, "Aztec Data");
        aztecGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.5f);
        aztecGen.save("aztec.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
        
        // DataMatrix
        BarcodeGenerator dmGen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.DATA_MATRIX, "DataMatrix");
        dmGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.4f);
        dmGen.save("datamatrix.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
        
        // PDF417
        BarcodeGenerator pdf417Gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.PDF_417, "PDF417 Data");
        pdf417Gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.6f);
        pdf417Gen.save("pdf417.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
    }
}

Customization Examples

Custom Colors and Styling

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;
import java.awt.Color;

public class CustomizationExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_128, "CUSTOM-STYLE");
            
            // Custom colors
            gen.getParameters().setBackColor(Color.WHITE);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().setBarColor(Color.BLUE);
            
            // Dimensions
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.4f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(15.0f);
            
            // Code text styling
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().setLocation(CodeLocation.BELOW);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().setColor(Color.RED);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().getFont().setFamilyName("Arial");
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().getFont().getSize().setPoint(12);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().getFont().setStyle(FontStyle.BOLD);
            
            // Add padding
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getLeft().setMillimeters(3.0f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getRight().setMillimeters(3.0f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getTop().setMillimeters(2.0f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getBottom().setMillimeters(2.0f);
            
            gen.save("custom_style.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("Custom styled barcode generated!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Multiple Output Formats

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class OutputFormatsExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_128, "MULTI-FORMAT");
            
            // Configure once
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.3f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(12.0f);
            gen.getParameters().setResolution(300.0f);
            
            // Save in different formats
            gen.save("barcode.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);   // Recommended
            gen.save("barcode.svg", BarCodeImageFormat.SVG);   // Vector (scalable)
            gen.save("barcode.bmp", BarCodeImageFormat.BMP);   // Uncompressed
            gen.save("barcode.gif", BarCodeImageFormat.GIF);   // Simple graphics
            gen.save("barcode.tiff", BarCodeImageFormat.TIFF); // Professional printing
            
            System.out.println("Barcodes saved in multiple formats!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Note: Avoid JPEG format for barcodes as compression artifacts can make them unscannable.

Performance: Batch Generation

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class BatchGenerationExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            String[] codes = {"PROD001", "PROD002", "PROD003", "PROD004", "PROD005"};
            
            // Create generator once and reuse for better performance
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_128, codes[0]);
            
            // Set common parameters once
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.3f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(10.0f);
            gen.getParameters().setResolution(300.0f);
            
            // Generate batch
            for (int i = 0; i < codes.length; i++) {
                gen.setCodeText(codes[i]);  // Only change the code text
                gen.save("batch_" + codes[i] + ".png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            }
            
            System.out.println("Batch generation completed: " + codes.length + " barcodes");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Performance Tip: Reusing a BarcodeGenerator instance is significantly faster than creating a new one for each barcode.

GS1 Barcodes

GS1-128 with Application Identifiers

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class GS1Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            // Use parentheses format - FNC1 is handled automatically
            String gs1Data = "(01)09501101530008" +  // GTIN
                             "(17)251231" +           // Expiration date
                             "(10)BATCH-42";          // Batch number
            
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.GS_1_CODE_128, gs1Data);
            
            // Standard GS1-128 settings
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.33f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(15.0f);
            gen.getParameters().setResolution(300.0f);
            
            gen.save("gs1_128.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("GS1-128 barcode generated successfully!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

GS1 DataMatrix and QR

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class GS1_2D_Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            String gs1Data = "(01)12345678901231(21)SERIAL123";
            
            // GS1 DataMatrix
            BarcodeGenerator dmGen = new BarcodeGenerator(
                EncodeTypes.GS_1_DATA_MATRIX, 
                gs1Data
            );
            dmGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.4f);
            dmGen.save("gs1_datamatrix.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            
            // GS1 QR Code
            BarcodeGenerator qrGen = new BarcodeGenerator(
                EncodeTypes.GS_1_QR, 
                gs1Data
            );
            qrGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.5f);
            qrGen.save("gs1_qr.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            
            System.out.println("GS1 2D barcodes generated!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Postal Barcodes

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class PostalBarcodesExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            // USPS Postnet (ZIP or ZIP+4)
            BarcodeGenerator postnetGen = new BarcodeGenerator(
                EncodeTypes.POSTNET, 
                "205001234"  // 9 digits for ZIP+4
            );
            postnetGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.5f);
            postnetGen.save("postnet.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            
            // USPS Planet
            BarcodeGenerator planetGen = new BarcodeGenerator(
                EncodeTypes.PLANET, 
                "205001234"
            );
            planetGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.5f);
            planetGen.save("planet.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            
            // USPS Intelligent Mail (OneCode)
            // Format: 20 digits (tracking) + 11 digits (routing) = 31 digits
            String intelligentMail = "01234567094987654321" + "01234567891";
            BarcodeGenerator imbGen = new BarcodeGenerator(
                EncodeTypes.ONE_CODE, 
                intelligentMail
            );
            imbGen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.5f);
            imbGen.save("intelligent_mail.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            
            System.out.println("Postal barcodes generated!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Advanced Features

Rotation

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class RotationExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_128, "ROTATED");
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.3f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(10.0f);
            
            // Generate at different angles
            float[] angles = {0, 90, 180, 270};
            for (float angle : angles) {
                gen.getParameters().setRotationAngle(angle);
                gen.save("rotated_" + (int)angle + ".png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            }
            
            System.out.println("Rotated barcodes generated!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Resolution and Size Control

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class ResolutionExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.CODE_128, "HIGH-RES");
            
            // Set barcode dimensions
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.3f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(12.0f);
            
            // Set high resolution for printing
            gen.getParameters().setResolution(300.0f);
            
            // Control image size
            gen.getParameters().getImageWidth().setPixels(500);
            gen.getParameters().getImageHeight().setPixels(200);
            gen.getParameters().setAutoSizeMode(AutoSizeMode.NEAREST);
            
            gen.save("high_resolution.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);
            System.out.println("High resolution barcode generated!");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Complete Example: Product Label

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;
import java.awt.Color;

public class ProductLabelExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            // Product information
            String ean13Code = "5901234123457";
            String productName = "Premium Coffee Beans";

            // Create EAN-13 barcode
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.EAN_13, ean13Code);

            // Professional label dimensions
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getXDimension().setMillimeters(0.33f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getBarHeight().setMillimeters(25.0f);

            // Print resolution
            gen.getParameters().setResolution(300.0f);

            // Code text styling
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().setLocation(CodeLocation.BELOW);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().setAlignment(TextAlignment.CENTER);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().getFont().setFamilyName("Arial");
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getCodeTextParameters().getFont().getSize().setPoint(10);

            // Quiet zones
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getLeft().setMillimeters(3.3f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getRight().setMillimeters(3.3f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getTop().setMillimeters(2.0f);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().getPadding().getBottom().setMillimeters(2.0f);

            // Product name caption
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().setVisible(true);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().setText(productName);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().setAlignment(TextAlignment.CENTER);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().getFont().setFamilyName("Arial");
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().getFont().getSize().setPoint(12);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().getFont().setStyle(FontStyle.BOLD);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().getPadding().getLeft().setMillimeters(5);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().getPadding().getRight().setMillimeters(5);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().getPadding().getTop().setMillimeters(5);
            gen.getParameters().getCaptionAbove().getPadding().getBottom().setMillimeters(5);

            // Clean appearance
            gen.getParameters().setBackColor(Color.WHITE);
            gen.getParameters().getBarcode().setBarColor(Color.BLACK);

            // Auto-size
            gen.getParameters().setAutoSizeMode(AutoSizeMode.NEAREST);

            // Save
            gen.save("product_label.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);

            System.out.println("Product label generated successfully!");
            System.out.println("Product: " + productName);
            System.out.println("EAN-13: " + ean13Code);

        } catch (Exception e) {
            System.err.println("Error generating product label: " + e.getMessage());
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}

Best Practices Summary

1. Dimensions

X-Dimension: 0.30-0.50 mm for printing, 2-4 pixels for screen
Height: Minimum 15% of barcode width or ≥ 12.7 mm
Always use consistent units (millimeters for print, pixels for screen)

2. Quiet Zones

Minimum 10× X-Dimension on left and right
Essential for reliable scanning

3. Resolution

300 DPI for standard printing
600 DPI for high-quality printing
96-150 DPI for screen display

4. Testing

Always test with actual scanner hardware before production deployment.

5. Performance

Reuse BarcodeGenerator instances for batch operations
Set parameters once, update only the code text

6. Formats

PNG: Best for most applications
SVG: Vector graphics, scalable
TIFF: Professional printing
Avoid JPEG: Compression artifacts affect scannability

Error Handling

import com.aspose.barcode.generation.*;

public class ErrorHandlingExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            // Attempt to generate barcode with potentially invalid data
            BarcodeGenerator gen = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.EAN_13, "invalid");
            gen.save("test.png", BarCodeImageFormat.PNG);

        } catch (BarCodeException ex) {
            // Handle barcode-specific errors
            System.err.println("Barcode Error: " + ex.getMessage());
            System.err.println("Check data format and encode type compatibility");

        } catch (Exception ex) {
            // Handle general errors
            System.err.println("General Error: " + ex.getMessage());
            ex.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}

Quick Recognition Examples