How To Print Barcode Labels From Excel

Printing barcode labels from Excel can be a valuable skill for businesses and individuals looking to organize inventory efficiently. Excel allows users to convert data into barcodes, which can be formatted and printed onto labels. This process involves setting up a spreadsheet, converting text to a barcode font, and adjusting label dimensions.

However, the setup can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for those unfamiliar with Excel's advanced features. We'll delve into the specific steps required to print barcode labels from Excel and highlight how using Sourcetable can simplify this task.

How to Print Barcode Labels from Excel

Creating Barcodes in Excel

Create barcodes in Excel for various purposes such as product numbers, inventory management, or UPC codes. Use the common Code 39 barcode font or leverage third-party add-ins like TBar or standalone software like ConnectCode and Barcode Resource Encoder to enhance barcode generation capabilities. Mac users can also create barcodes in Excel.

Mail Merge with Word for Barcode Labels

Use Excel and Word together to print barcode labels without special fonts or software. Perform a mail merge in Word using your Excel barcode data. This method supports 1D barcodes like CODE128 and 2D barcodes like QR codes. Avery US Letter, 5161 Easy Peel Address Labels are recommended for this process.

Printing Barcode Labels

With the mail merge complete, print multiple barcode labels at once. Ensure your printer profile is correctly set up in Word to accommodate the label layout, such as the Avery 5161 format, for accurate printing.

Generating Random Barcodes

Excel's RANDBETWEEN function allows for the generation of random barcodes, useful for testing and various applications where unique sample barcodes are needed.

Extending Excel's Capabilities

For advanced barcode creation, consider Excel add-ins like TBar or standalone software such as ConnectCode or Barcode Resource Encoder to extend the native capabilities of Excel in barcode generation.

Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Critical Comparison

Excel is an established spreadsheet tool widely used for data analysis and visualization. Sourcetable, on the other hand, emerges as a modern alternative, integrating data from various sources into a single spreadsheet interface.

Sourcetable distinguishes itself with an AI copilot feature, streamlining formula creation and template design. This contrasts with Excel, which relies on user proficiency for complex tasks.

The AI copilot in Sourcetable enhances user productivity by allowing for natural language interaction, a significant advancement over Excel's traditional formula-based approach.

While Excel offers versatility and a familiar interface, Sourcetable's AI-driven assistance positions it as an innovative solution for data management and analysis.