Locating the bar code within an overall image can be difficult. Many products have hard-coded the search location of the bar code. This technique is acceptable for predefined batch header sheets and preprinted bar codes, but lacks flexibility. Even if the bar code is always in the same place, a page may be upside down with a stack. Using a laser printer is an easy way to generate bar codes.
Many software packages allow bar code printing from PCs.
Beware of dot matrix printers for bar code labels, unless you have space for a very large bar doe such as those found on batch control sheets. Some bar code technologies are more tolerant in areas such as reading labels placed at the edges of documents. In general, select the simplest and largest bar code an application will allow. A quiet zone or blank area of .25 inches or more before and after the bars is needed to improve accuracy. Print the translation above or below the bar code in 12-point font or above to ensure readability for key entry.