Softmatic Barcode for Mac

Softmatic Barcode for Mac creates all common retail barcode symbolgies like EAN, UPC and ISBN. Softmatic Barcode exports to many vector and raster formats. Use the codes in all popular graphics design and DTP applications like Illustrator, Indesign, QuarkXPress, Corel Draw, Xara etc.

This app is very easy to use and will prevent you from creating invalid codes. Nevertheless, we recommended that you invest a few minutes to make yourself familiar with the software.

Should you encounter problems or have further questions regarding the creation and use of bar codes, please contact us.

Current version:

V4

System requirements:

Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") or higher

Supported code types:

EAN 8, EAN 13, EAN 13 w/ Add On, ISBN 10 / 13 w/ Add On, UPC-A, UPC-E

Note: EAN 13 is referred to by many other names, e.g. JAN, EAN 99, EAN Velocity, etc.. All those codes are ordinary EAN 13.

Installation

If you purchased or downloaded through our website:

Unzip the archive you downloaded and double-click the DMG file within. When the DMG is mounted, drag the icon to your applications folder. The software starts in trial mode. After entering your license key the app will be fully functional. Make sure to actually type the key in, don't paste it. After entering the last sequence the key will be verified online. Please make sure that the Mac is connected to the Internet.

If you purchased through the App Store:

A dedicated installation or unlocking of the software is not required. After downloading the app from the App Store, simply launch it by clicking the icon (pictured left).

Default settings

With the first launch of the software, the following settings are used:

Code type: EAN 13
Data to encode: 401234567890
Code size: SC6
Export format: EPS
Bounding box: Yes
Bar width reduction: 0
Truncation: 0

The program window at the first launch:



All settings you make in the software are maintained between sessions. Each time you launch the app it will start exactly where you left it the last time.

Usage

Creating barcodes typically works in four steps:

1. Choose barcode type
2. Enter data to encode
3. Choose export format and options
4. Save barcode to file

Choose barcode type

Choose the desired barcode type from the list of available codes:
  • Code EAN 8
  • Code EAN 13
  • Code ISBN 10
  • Code ISBN 13
  • Code UPC-A
  • Code UPC-E
If you choose a code type that is incompatible with the given data, an error message is displayed.

Example: An invalid sequence of digits for EAN 13:

Enter the data to encode

After choosing the barcode type, enter the data to be encoded:
  • Code EAN 8

    7 or 8 digits
     
  • Code EAN 13

    12 or 13 digits
     
  • Code ISBN 10

    A complete ISBN 10 number, e.g. 1-123-12345-X
     
  • Code ISBN 13

    A complete ISBN 13 number, e.g. 978-1-123-12345-6
     
  • Code UPC-A

    11 or 12 digits
     
  • Code UPC-E

    7 or 8 digits, beginning with either "0" or "1"
     
To update the preview, hit <Enter> after you entered your data.

Note: To prevent typing errors, the software will always recalculate the respective check digit for the selected code. For example, when using EAN 13, it doesn't matter if you enter 12 or 13 digits. If it's 12, the software will calculate and append the check digit, if it's 13 the software will calculate the check digit and overwrite the 13th digit.

The EAN 13, ISBN 10 und ISBN 13 can carry a satellite, or "add on", barcode. This add on can encode two or five digits.

ISBN codes can carry an additional line of text right above the add on. Usually pricing information is put here.

Note: If you export bar codes as EPS or SVG, this text line can be edited or modified in applications like Illustrator oder Indesign.

Choose export format

Choose the desired export format from the list of available formats:
  • EPS (Vector)
  • SVG (Vector)
  • TIFF (Raster)
  • PNG (Raster)
  • JPEG (Raster)
Selecting a raster format will also allow you to specify an output resolution. With EAN family codes the minimum recommended resolution is 300 dpi. In most cases 1,200 dpi will be more than sufficient.

If at all possible, prefer vector over raster formats as EPS and SVG are resolution independent and will always result in the best possible output quality. If the target software doesn't support either format, use TIFF. TIFFs are created in the CMYK color space which is preferred by most print shops. Use the PNG and JPEG options only as a last resort.

Export options

  • Truncate: EAN / UPC codes can be truncated to save space. Permitted height reduction is up to 80%. Make sure that the final height of the code is not below 15 mm (5/8").
     
  • Reduce Width: To compensate for dot gain during printing. Ask your print shop for recommendations.

    Reasonable values:
     
    • Offset printing: 1-2%
    • Laser printing: 1-2%
    • Thermo-, thermotransfer printing: 0%
    • Inkjet printing: Plain paper - 5%, Inkjet paper - 1-2%
    • Pad printing: up to 10%

     
  • Bounding Box marker: Indicates an area around the code that is off limits for other artwork. Recommended, if you send the exported barcode to a third party (designer, print shop etc.).
     
Softmatic Barcode will only create black barcode on white background (with EPS / SVG: transparent background). We generally advise against colored barcodes or black barcodes on a colored background.

Save barcode

Click Save barcode..., to write the barcode to a file. For your convenience, the software will preset the encoded data as the file name.