Zint Barcode Generator and Zint Barcode Studio User Manual
Author: Version 2.16.0

# 1. Introduction

The Zint project aims to provide a complete cross-platform open source barcode generating solution. The package currently consists of a Qt-based GUI, a CLI command line executable and a library with an API to allow developers access to the capabilities of Zint. It is hoped that Zint provides a solution which is flexible enough for professional users while at the same time takes care of as much of the processing as possible to allow easy translation from input data to barcode image.

The library which forms the main component of the Zint project is currently able to encode data in over 50 barcode symbologies (types of barcode), for each of which it is possible to translate that data from either UTF-8 (Unicode) or a raw 8-bit data stream. The image can be rendered as a

- Windows Bitmap (BMP),
- Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF),
- Encapsulated PostScript (EPS),
- Graphics Interchange Format (GIF),
- ZSoft Paintbrush (PCX) image,
- Portable Network Graphic (PNG) image,
- Tagged Image File Format (TIF), or a
- Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG).

Many options are available for setting the characteristics of the output image including the size and colour of the image, the amount of error correction used in the symbol and the orientation of the image.

## 1.1 Glossary

Some of the words and phrases used in this document are specific to barcoding, and so a brief explanation is given to help understanding:

symbol

  A symbol is an image which encodes data according to one of the standards. This encompasses barcodes (linear symbols) as well as any of the other methods of representing data used in this program.

symbology

  A method of encoding data to create a certain type of symbol.

linear

  A linear or one-dimensional symbol is one which consists of bars and spaces, and is what most people associate with the term ‘barcode’. Examples include Code 128.

stacked

  A stacked symbol consists of multiple linear symbols placed one above another and which together hold the message, usually alongside some error correction data. Examples include PDF417.

matrix

  A matrix symbol is one based on a (usually square) grid of elements called modules. Examples include Data Matrix, but MaxiCode and DotCode are also considered matrix symbologies.

composite

  A composite symbology is one which is made up of elements which are both linear and stacked. Those currently supported are made up of a linear ‘primary’ message above which is printed a stacked component based on the PDF417 symbology. These symbols also have a separator which separates the linear and the stacked components. The stacked component is most often referred to as the 2D (two-dimensional) component.

X-dimension

  The X-dimension of a symbol is the size (usually the width) of the smallest element. For a linear symbology this is the width of the smallest bar. For matrix symbologies it is the width of the smallest module (usually a square). Barcode widths and heights are expressed in X-dimensions. Most linear symbologies can have their height varied whereas most matrix symbologies have a fixed width-to-height ratio where the height is determined by the width.

GS1 data

  This is a structured way of representing information which consists of ‘chunks’ of data, each of which starts with an Application Identifier (AI). The AI identifies what type of information is being encoded. Many types are defined, the most prominent being GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).

Reader Initialisation (Programming)

  Some symbologies allow a special character to be included which can be detected by the scanning equipment as signifying that the data is used to program or change settings in that equipment. This data is usually not passed on to the software which handles normal input data. This feature should only be used if you are familiar with the programming codes relevant to your scanner.

ECI

  The Extended Channel Interpretations (ECI) mechanism allows for multi-language data to be encoded in symbols which would usually support only Latin-1 (ISO/IEC 8859-1 plus ASCII) characters. This can be useful, for example, if you need to encode Cyrillic characters, but should be used with caution as not all scanners support this method.

Two other concepts that are important are raster and vector.

raster

  A low level bitmap representation of an image. BMP, GIF, PCX, PNG and TIF are raster file formats.

vector

  A high level command- or data-based representation of an image. EMF, EPS and SVG are vector file formats. They require renderers to turn them into bitmaps.

# 2. Installing Zint

## 2.1 Linux

The easiest way to configure compilation is to take advantage of the CMake utilities. You will need to install CMake, and `libpng-dev` first. For instance on `apt` systems:

    sudo apt install git cmake build-essential libpng-dev

If you want to take advantage of Zint Barcode Studio you will also need to have Qt and its component `"Desktop gcc 64-bit"` installed, as well as `mesa`. Other steps are required to avail of the GS1 Syntax Engine.1 For details see `"README.linux"` in the project root directory.

Once you have fulfilled these requirements unzip the source code tarball or clone the latest source

    git clone https://git.code.sf.net/p/zint/code zint

and follow these steps in the top directory:

    mkdir build
    cd build
    cmake ..
    make
    sudo make install

The CLI command line program can be accessed by typing

    zint [options]

The GUI can be accessed by typing

    zint-qt

To test that the installation has been successful a shell script is included in the `"frontend"` sub-directory. To run the test type

    ./test.sh

This should create numerous files in the sub-directory `"frontend/test_sh_out"` showing the many modes of operation which are available from Zint.

## 2.2 BSD

The latest Zint CLI, `libzint` library and GUI can be installed from the `zint` package on FreeBSD:

    su
    pkg install zint
    exit

and on OpenBSD (where the GUI is in a separate `zint-gui` package):

    su
    pkg_add zint zint-gui
    exit

To build from source (including for NetBSD) see `"README.bsd"` in the project root directory.

## 2.3 Microsoft Windows

For Microsoft Windows, Zint is distributed as a binary executable. Simply download the ZIP file, then right-click on the ZIP file and `"Extract All"`. A new folder will be created within which are two binary files:

- `qtZint.exe` - Zint Barcode Studio
- `zint.exe` - Command Line Interface

For fresh releases you will get a warning message from Microsoft Defender SmartScreen that this is an ‘unrecognised app’. This happens because Zint is a free and open-source software project with no advertising and hence no income, meaning we are not able to afford the $664 per year to have the application digitally signed by Microsoft.

The distributed binaries are built with Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 and both require the Visual C runtime DLL “VCRUNTIME140.dll”. `qtZint.exe` also requires the Visual C++ runtime DLL “MSVCP140.dll”.

To build Zint on Windows from source, see `"win32/README"`.

## 2.4 Apple macOS

The latest Zint CLI and `libzint` can be installed using Homebrew.2 To install Homebrew input the following line into the macOS terminal

    /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL \
        https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Once Homebrew is installed use the following command to install the CLI and library

    brew install zint

To build from source (and install the GUI) see `"README.macos"` in the project root directory.

## 2.5 Zint Tcl Backend

The Tcl backend in the `"backend_tcl"` sub-directory may be built using the provided TEA (Tcl Extension Architecture) build on Linux, Windows, macOS and Android. See Annex C. Tcl Backend Binding for further details.

# 3. Using Zint Barcode Studio

Zint Barcode Studio is the graphical user interface for Zint. If you are starting from a command line interface you can start the GUI by typing

    zint-qt

or on Windows

    qtZint.exe

See the note in section 2.3 Microsoft Windows about Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.

Below is a brief guide to Zint Barcode Studio.

## 3.1 Main Window and Data Tab

Figure 1: Zint Barcode Studio on startup - main window with Data tab

This is the main window of Zint Barcode Studio. The top of the window shows a preview of the barcode that the current settings would create. These settings can be changed using the controls below. The text box in the `"Data to Encode"` groupbox on this first Data tab allows you to enter the data to be encoded. When you are happy with your settings you can use the `"Save..."` button to save the resulting image to a file.

The `"Symbology"` drop-down box gives access to all of the symbologies supported by Zint shown in alphabetical order. The text box to its right can filter the drop-down to only show matching symbologies. For instance typing `"mail"` will only show barcodes in the drop-down whose names contain the word `"mail"`. Each word entered will match. So typing `"mail post"` will show barcodes whose names contain `"mail"` or `"post"` (or both).

The ellipsis button `"..."` to the right of the data text box invokes the Data Dialog - see 3.7 Data Dialog for details. The delete button next to it will clear the data text box and the ECI (Extended Channel Interpretations) drop-down if set.

To set the barcode as a Programming Initialisation symbol click the `"Reader Init"` checkbox. The `"1234.."` button to its right invokes the Sequence Dialog - see 3.8 Sequence Dialog. The zap button will clear all data and reset all settings for the barcode to defaults.

The `"BMP"` and `"SVG"` buttons at the bottom will copy the image to the clipboard in BMP format and SVG format respectively. Further copy-to-clipboard formats are available by clicking the `"Menu"` button, along with `"CLI Equivalent..."`, `"Save As..."`, `"Factory Reset..."`, `"Help (online)"`, `"About..."` and `"Quit"` options. Most of the options are also available in a context menu by right-clicking the preview.

Figure 2: Main menu (left) and context menu (right)

## 3.2 GS1 Composite Groupbox

Figure 3: Encoding GS1 Composite data

In the middle of the Data tab is an area for creating composite symbologies which appears when the currently selected symbology supports the GS1 Composite symbology standard. GS1 data can then be entered with square brackets used to separate Application Identifier (AI) information from data as shown here. Round brackets (parentheses) can be used instead if the `"GS1 ()"` checkbox is set. For details, see 6.3 GS1 Composite Symbols (ISO 24723).

## 3.3 Additional ECI/Data Segments Groupbox

Figure 4: Encoding multiple segments

For symbologies that support ECIs (Extended Channel Interpretations) the middle of the Data tab is an area for entering additional data segments with their own ECIs. Up to 4 segments (including the main `"Data to Encode"` as segment 0) may be specified. See 4.16 Multiple Segments for details.

## 3.4 Symbology-specific Groupbox

Figure 5: Code 2 of 5 Interleaved Groupbox

Many symbologies have extra options to change the content, format and appearance of the symbol generated. For those with few additional options (and no support for GS1 data or ECIs), the middle of the Data tab is an area for setting those options.

Here is shown the check digit options for an Interleaved Code 2 of 5 symbol (see 6.1.2.4 Interleaved Code 2 of 5 (ISO 16390)).

Symbologies with more than a few options (or support for GS1 data or ECIs) have a second Symbology-specific tab, shown next.

## 3.5 Symbology-specific Tab

Figure 6: Aztec Code Tab

A second tab appears for those symbologies with more than a few extra options.

Here is shown the options available for an Aztec Code symbol.

You can adjust its size or error correction level (see 6.6.8 Aztec Code (ISO 24778)), select how its data is to be treated (see 4.11 Input Modes), and set it as part of a Structured Append sequence of symbols (see 4.17 Structured Append).

## 3.6 Appearance Tab

Figure 7: Appearance Tab

The Appearance tab can be used to adjust the dimensions and other properties of the symbol.

The `"Height"` value affects the height of symbologies which do not have a fixed width-to-height ratio, i.e. those other than matrix symbologies. For such symbologies the `"Automatic Height"` checkbox will be enabled - uncheck this to manually adjust the height. The `"Compliant Height"` checkbox applies to symbologies that define a standard height - see 4.4 Adjusting Height.

Boundary bars can be added with the `"Border Type"` drop-down and their size adjusted with `"Border Width"`, and whitespace can be adjusted both horizontally (first spinbox) and vertically (second spinbox), and also through the `"Quiet Zones"` checkbox if standard quiet zones are defined for the symbology.

The size of the saved image can be specified with `"Printing Scale"`, and also by clicking the icon to invoke the Set Printing Scale Dialog - see 4.9 Adjusting Image Size (X-dimension) for further details.

Figure 8: Adjusting the Print Size

The foreground and background colours can be set either using the text boxes which accept `"RRGGBBAA"` hexadecimal values and `"C,M,Y,K"` decimal percentage values, or by clicking the foreground eye and background eye buttons which invoke a colour picker.

Figure 9: The colour picker tool

(Note that to change the colours visually, the luminance slider, the long narrow column on the right, must be adjusted.) The color picker only deals in RGB(A), and will overwrite any CMYK values with RGB(A) values once `"OK"` is selected.

Referring back to Figure 7: Appearance Tab, the colours can be reset to black-on-white using the `"Reset"` button, and exchanged one for the other using the swap button next to it.

## 3.7 Data Dialog

Figure 10: Entering longer text input

Clicking on the ellipsis `"..."` button next to the `"Data to Encode"` text box in the Data tab opens a larger window which can be used to enter longer strings of text. You can also use this window to load data from a file.

The dialog is also available for additional ECI/Data segments (Figure 4: Encoding multiple segments) by clicking the ellipsis button to the right of their data text boxes.

Note that if your data contains line feeds (`LF`) then the data will be split into separate lines in the dialog box. On saving the data back to the main text box any separate lines in the data will be escaped as `'\n'` and the `"Parse Escapes"` checkbox will be set. This only affects line feeds, not carriage returns (`CR`) or `CR+LF` pairs, and behaves the same on both Windows and Unix. (For details on escape sequences, see 4.1 Inputting Data.)

## 3.8 Sequence Dialog

Figure 11: Creating a sequence of barcode symbols

Clicking on the sequence button (labelled `"1234.."`) in the Data tab opens the Sequence Dialog. This allows you to create multiple barcode images by entering a sequence of data inputs in the right hand panel. Sequences can also be automatically generated by entering parameters on the left hand side or by importing the data from a file. Zint will generate a separate barcode image for each line of text in the right hand panel. The format field determines the format of the automatically generated sequence where characters have the meanings as given below:

Table 1: Sequence Format Characters
Character | Effect
--- | ---
`$` | Insert leading zeroes
`#` | Insert leading spaces
`*` | Insert leading asterisks
Any other character | Interpreted literally

Once you’re happy with the Sequence Data, click the `"Export..."` button to bring up the Export Dialog, discussed next.

## 3.9 Export Dialog

Figure 12: Setting filenames for an exported sequence of barcode symbols

The Export Dialog invoked by pressing the `"Export..."` button in the Sequence Dialog sets the parameters for exporting the sequence of barcode images. Here you can set the output directory, the format of the output filenames and what their image type will be. Note that the symbology, colour and other formatting information are taken from the main window.

## 3.10 CLI Equivalent Dialog

Figure 13: Replicating via the command line

The CLI Equivalent Dialog can be invoked from the main menu or the context menu (Figure 2: Main menu (left) and context menu (right)) and displays the CLI command that will reproduce the barcode as currently configured in the GUI. Press the `"Copy"` button to copy the command to the clipboard, which can then be pasted into the command line.

# 4. Using the Command Line

This section describes how to encode data using the command line frontend (CLI) program. The examples given are for the Unix platform, but the same options are available for Windows - just remember to include the executable file extension if `".EXE"` is not in your `PATHEXT` environment variable, i.e.:

    zint.exe -d "This Text"

For compatibility with Windows the examples use double quotes to delimit data, though on Unix single quotes are generally preferable as they stop the shell from processing any characters such as backslash or dollar. A single quote itself is dealt with by terminating the single-quoted text, backslashing the single quote, and then continuing:

    zint -d 'Text containing a single quote '\'' in the middle'

Some examples use backslash (`\`) to continue commands onto the next line. For Windows, use caret (`^`) instead.

Certain options that take values have short names as well as long ones, namely `-b` (`--barcode`), `-d` (`--data`), `-i` (`--input`), `-o` (`--output`) and `-w` (`--whitesp`). For these a space should be used to separate the short name from its value, to avoid ambiguity. For long names a space or an equals sign may be used. For instance:

    zint -d "This Text"
    zint --data="This Text"
    zint --data "This Text"

The examples use a space separator for short option names, and an equals sign for long option names.

## 4.1 Inputting Data

The data to encode can be entered at the command line using the `-d` or `--data` option, for example

    zint -d "This Text"

This will encode the text `"This Text"`. Zint will use the default symbology, Code 128, and output to the default file `"out.png"` in the current directory. Alternatively, if `libpng` was not present when Zint was built, the default output file will be `"out.gif"`.

The data input to the Zint CLI is assumed to be encoded in UTF-8 (Unicode) format (Zint will correctly handle UTF-8 data on Windows). If you are encoding characters beyond the 7-bit ASCII set using a scheme other than UTF-8 then you will need to set the appropriate input options as shown in 4.11 Input Modes below.

Non-printing characters can be entered on the command line using backslash (`\`) as an escape character in combination with the `--esc` switch. Permissible sequences are shown in the table below.

Table 2: Escape Sequences
Escape Sequence | ASCII Equivalent | Name | Interpretation
--- | --- | --- | ---
`\0` | 0x00 | `NUL` | Null character
`\E` | 0x04 | `EOT` | End of Transmission
`\a` | 0x07 | `BEL` | Bell
`\b` | 0x08 | `BS` | Backspace
`\t` | 0x09 | `HT` | Horizontal Tab
`\n` | 0x0A | `LF` | Line Feed
`\v` | 0x0B | `VT` | Vertical Tab
`\f` | 0x0C | `FF` | Form Feed
`\r` | 0x0D | `CR` | Carriage Return
`\e` | 0x1B | `ESC` | Escape
`\G` | 0x1D | `GS` | Group Separator
`\R` | 0x1E | `RS` | Record Separator
`\(` | 0x28 | `(` | Opening parenthesis (only with `--gs1parens`)
`\)` | 0x29 | `)` | Closing parenthesis (only with `--gs1parens`)
`\\` | 0x5C | `\` | Backslash
`\dNNN` | NNN |  | Any 8-bit character where NNN is decimal (000-255)
`\oNNN` | 0oNNN |  | Any 8-bit character where NNN is octal (000-377)
`\xNN` | 0xNN |  | Any 8-bit character where NN is hexadecimal (00-FF)
`\uNNNN` |  |  | Any 16-bit Unicode BMP3 character where NNNN is hexadecimal (0000-FFFF)
`\UNNNNNN` |  |  | Any 21-bit Unicode character where NNNNNN is hexadecimal (000000-10FFFF)

(Special escape sequences are available for Code 128 only to manually switch Code Sets and insert special `FNC1` characters - see 6.1.10.1 Standard Code 128 (ISO 15417) for details.)

Input data can be read directly from file using the `-i` or `--input` switch as shown below. The input file is assumed to be UTF-8 formatted unless an alternative mode is selected. This option replaces the use of the `-d` switch.

    zint -i somefile.txt

To read from stdin specify a single hyphen `"-"` as the input file.

Note that except when batch processing (see 4.12 Batch Processing below), the file (or stdin) should not end with a newline (`LF` on Unix, `CR+LF` on Windows) unless you want the newline to be encoded in the symbol.

## 4.2 Directing Output

Output can be directed to a file other than the default using the `-o` or `--output` switch. For example:

    zint -o here.png -d "This Text"

This draws a Code 128 barcode in the file `"here.png"`. If an Encapsulated PostScript file is needed simply append the filename with `".eps"`, and so on for the other supported file types:

    zint -o there.eps -d "This Text"

The currently supported output file formats are:

Table 3: Output File Formats
Extension | File format
--- | ---
bmp | Windows Bitmap
emf | Enhanced Metafile Format
eps | Encapsulated PostScript
gif | Graphics Interchange Format
pcx | ZSoft Paintbrush image
png | Portable Network Graphic
svg | Scalable Vector Graphic
tif | Tagged Image File Format
txt | Text file (see 4.19 Other Options)

The filename can contain directories and sub-directories also, which will be created if they don’t already exist:

    zint -o "dir/subdir/filename.eps" -d "This Text"

Note that on Windows, filenames are assumed to be UTF-8 encoded.

## 4.3 Selecting Barcode Type

Selecting which type of barcode you wish to produce (i.e. which symbology to use) can be done at the command line using the `-b` or `--barcode` switch followed by the appropriate integer value or name in the following table. For example to create a Data Matrix symbol you could use:

    zint -b 71 -o datamatrix.png -d "Data to encode"

or

    zint -b DATAMATRIX -o datamatrix.png -d "Data to encode"

Names are treated case-insensitively by the CLI, and the `BARCODE_` prefix and any underscores are optional.

Table 4: Barcode Types (Symbologies)
Numeric Value | Name4 | Barcode Name
--- | --- | ---
1 | `BARCODE_CODE11` | Code 11
2 | `BARCODE_C25STANDARD *` | Standard Code 2 of 5
3 | `BARCODE_C25INTER` | Interleaved 2 of 5
4 | `BARCODE_C25IATA` | Code 2 of 5 IATA
6 | `BARCODE_C25LOGIC` | Code 2 of 5 Data Logic
7 | `BARCODE_C25IND` | Code 2 of 5 Industrial
8 | `BARCODE_CODE39` | Code 3 of 9 (Code 39)
9 | `BARCODE_EXCODE39` | Extended Code 3 of 9 (Code 39+)
10 | `BARCODE_EAN8 †` | EAN-8 (European Article Number) GTIN-8
11 | `BARCODE_EAN_2ADDON †` | EAN/UPC 2-digit add-on (standalone)
12 | `BARCODE_EAN_5ADDON †` | EAN/UPC 5-digit add-on (standalone)
15 | `BARCODE_EAN13 †` | EAN-13 (European Article Number) GTIN-13
16 | `BARCODE_GS1_128 *` | GS1-128 (UCC.EAN-128)
18 | `BARCODE_CODABAR` | Codabar
20 | `BARCODE_CODE128` | Code 128 (automatic Code Set switching)
21 | `BARCODE_DPLEIT` | Deutsche Post Leitcode
22 | `BARCODE_DPIDENT` | Deutsche Post Identcode
23 | `BARCODE_CODE16K` | Code 16K
24 | `BARCODE_CODE49` | Code 49
25 | `BARCODE_CODE93` | Code 93
28 | `BARCODE_FLAT` | Flattermarken
29 | `BARCODE_DBAR_OMN *` | GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional (including GS1 DataBar Truncated)
30 | `BARCODE_DBAR_LTD *` | GS1 DataBar Limited
31 | `BARCODE_DBAR_EXP *` | GS1 DataBar Expanded
32 | `BARCODE_TELEPEN` | Telepen Alpha
34 | `BARCODE_UPCA` | UPC-A
35 | `BARCODE_UPCA_CHK` | UPC-A with check digit
37 | `BARCODE_UPCE` | UPC-E
38 | `BARCODE_UPCE_CHK` | UPC-E with check digit
40 | `BARCODE_POSTNET` | POSTNET
47 | `BARCODE_MSI_PLESSEY` | MSI Plessey
49 | `BARCODE_FIM` | FIM
50 | `BARCODE_LOGMARS` | LOGMARS
51 | `BARCODE_PHARMA` | Pharmacode One-Track
52 | `BARCODE_PZN` | PZN
53 | `BARCODE_PHARMA_TWO` | Pharmacode Two-Track
54 | `BARCODE_CEPNET` | Brazilian CEPNet
55 | `BARCODE_PDF417` | PDF417
56 | `BARCODE_PDF417COMP *` | Compact PDF417 (Truncated PDF417)
57 | `BARCODE_MAXICODE` | MaxiCode
58 | `BARCODE_QRCODE` | QR Code
60 | `BARCODE_CODE128AB` | Code 128 (Suppress Code Set C)
63 | `BARCODE_AUSPOST` | Australia Post Standard Customer
66 | `BARCODE_AUSREPLY` | Australia Post Reply Paid
67 | `BARCODE_AUSROUTE` | Australia Post Routing
68 | `BARCODE_AUSDIRECT` | Australia Post Redirection
69 | `BARCODE_ISBNX` | ISBN (EAN-13 with verification stage)
70 | `BARCODE_RM4SCC` | Royal Mail 4-State Customer Code (RM4SCC)
71 | `BARCODE_DATAMATRIX` | Data Matrix (ECC 200)
72 | `BARCODE_EAN14` | EAN-14
73 | `BARCODE_VIN` | Vehicle Identification Number
74 | `BARCODE_CODABLOCKF` | Codablock-F
75 | `BARCODE_NVE18` | NVE-18 (SSCC-18)
76 | `BARCODE_JAPANPOST` | Japanese Postal Code
77 | `BARCODE_KOREAPOST` | Korea Post
79 | `BARCODE_DBAR_STK *` | GS1 DataBar Stacked
80 | `BARCODE_DBAR_OMNSTK *` | GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional
81 | `BARCODE_DBAR_EXPSTK *` | GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked
82 | `BARCODE_PLANET` | PLANET
84 | `BARCODE_MICROPDF417` | MicroPDF417
85 | `BARCODE_USPS_IMAIL *` | USPS Intelligent Mail (OneCode)
86 | `BARCODE_PLESSEY` | UK Plessey
87 | `BARCODE_TELEPEN_NUM` | Telepen Numeric
89 | `BARCODE_ITF14` | ITF-14
90 | `BARCODE_KIX` | Dutch Post KIX Code
92 | `BARCODE_AZTEC` | Aztec Code
93 | `BARCODE_DAFT` | DAFT Code
96 | `BARCODE_DPD` | DPD Code
97 | `BARCODE_MICROQR` | Micro QR Code
98 | `BARCODE_HIBC_128` | HIBC Code 128
99 | `BARCODE_HIBC_39` | HIBC Code 39
102 | `BARCODE_HIBC_DM` | HIBC Data Matrix
104 | `BARCODE_HIBC_QR` | HIBC QR Code
106 | `BARCODE_HIBC_PDF` | HIBC PDF417
108 | `BARCODE_HIBC_MICPDF` | HIBC MicroPDF417
110 | `BARCODE_HIBC_BLOCKF` | HIBC Codablock-F
112 | `BARCODE_HIBC_AZTEC` | HIBC Aztec Code
115 | `BARCODE_DOTCODE` | DotCode
116 | `BARCODE_HANXIN` | Han Xin (Chinese Sensible) Code
119 | `BARCODE_MAILMARK_2D` | Royal Mail 2D Mailmark (CMDM) (Data Matrix)
121 | `BARCODE_MAILMARK_4S` | Royal Mail 4-State Mailmark
128 | `BARCODE_AZRUNE` | Aztec Runes
129 | `BARCODE_CODE32` | Code 32
131 | `BARCODE_GS1_128_CC *` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1-128 linear component
132 | `BARCODE_DBAR_OMN_CC *` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional linear component
133 | `BARCODE_DBAR_LTD_CC *` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Limited linear component
134 | `BARCODE_DBAR_EXP_CC *` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Expanded linear component
135 | `BARCODE_UPCA_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with UPC-A linear component
136 | `BARCODE_UPCE_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with UPC-E linear component
137 | `BARCODE_DBAR_STK_CC *` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Stacked component
138 | `BARCODE_DBAR_OMNSTK_CC *` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional component
139 | `BARCODE_DBAR_EXPSTK_CC *` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked component
140 | `BARCODE_CHANNEL` | Channel Code
141 | `BARCODE_CODEONE` | Code One
142 | `BARCODE_GRIDMATRIX` | Grid Matrix
143 | `BARCODE_UPNQR` | UPNQR (Univerzalnega Plačilnega Naloga QR Code)
144 | `BARCODE_ULTRA` | Ultracode
145 | `BARCODE_RMQR` | Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR)
146 | `BARCODE_BC412` | IBM BC412 (SEMI T1-95)
147 | `BARCODE_DXFILMEDGE` | DX Film Edge Barcode
148 | `BARCODE_EAN8_CC †` | GS1 Composite symbol with EAN-8 linear component
149 | `BARCODE_EAN13_CC †` | GS1 Composite symbol with EAN-13 linear component

## 4.4 Adjusting Height

The height of a symbol (except those with a fixed width-to-height ratio) can be adjusted using the `--height` switch. For example:

    zint --height=100 -d "This Text"

This specifies a symbol height of 100 times the X-dimension of the symbol.

The default height of most linear barcodes is 50.0X, but this can be changed for barcodes whose specifications give a standard height by using the switch `--compliantheight`. For instance

    zint -b LOGMARS -d "This Text" --compliantheight

will produce a barcode of height 45.455X instead of the normal default of 50.0X. The flag also causes Zint to return a warning if a non-compliant height is given:

    zint -b LOGMARS -d "This Text" --compliantheight --height=6.2
    Warning 247: Height not compliant with standards

Another switch is `--heightperrow`, which can be useful for symbologies that have a variable number of linear rows, namely Codablock-F, Code 16K, Code 49, GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked, MicroPDF417 and PDF417, as it changes the treatment of the height value from overall height to per-row height, allowing you to specify a consistent height for each linear row without having to know how many there are. For instance

    zint -b PDF417 -d "This Text" --height=4 --heightperrow

Figure 14: `zint -b PDF417 -d "This Text" --height=4 --heightperrow`

will produce a barcode of height 32X, with each of the 8 rows 4X high.

## 4.5 Adjusting Whitespace

The amount of horizontal whitespace to the left and right of the generated barcode can be altered using the `-w` or `--whitesp` switch, in integral multiples of the X-dimension. For example:

    zint -w 10 -d "This Text"

This specifies a whitespace width of 10 times the X-dimension of the symbol both to the left and to the right of the barcode.

The amount of vertical whitespace above and below the barcode can be altered using the `--vwhitesp` switch, in integral multiples of the X-dimension. For example for 3 times the X-dimension:

    zint --vwhitesp=3 -d "This Text"

Note that the whitespace at the bottom appears below the text, if any.

Horizontal and vertical whitespace can of course be used together:

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --whitesp=1 --vwhitesp=1 -d "This Text"

A `--quietzones` option is also available which adds quiet zones compliant with the symbology’s specification. This is in addition to any whitespace specified with the `--whitesp` or `--vwhitesp` switches.

Note that Codablock-F, Code 16K, Code 49, ITF-14, EAN-13, EAN-8, EAN/UPC add-ons, ISBN, UPC-A and UPC-E have compliant quiet zones added by default. This can be disabled with the option `--noquietzones`.

## 4.6 Adding Boundary Bars and Boxes

Zint allows the symbol to be bound with ‘boundary bars’ (also known as ‘bearer bars’) using the option `--bind`. These bars help to prevent misreading of the symbol by corrupting a scan if the scanning beam strays off the top or bottom of the symbol. Zint can also put a border right around the symbol and its horizontal whitespace with the `--box` option.

The width of the boundary bars or box borders, in integral multiples of the X-dimension, must be specified using the `--border` switch. For example:

    zint --box --border=10 -w 10 -d "This Text"

Figure 15: `zint --border=10 --box -d "This Text" -w 10`

gives a box with a width 10 times the X-dimension of the symbol. Note that when specifying a box, horizontal whitespace is usually required in order to create a quiet zone between the barcode and the sides of the box. To add a boundary bar to the top only use `--bindtop`.

For linear symbols, horizontal boundary bars appear tight against the barcode, inside any vertical whitespace (or text). For matrix symbols, however, where they are decorative rather than functional, boundary bars appear outside any whitespace.

Figure 16: `zint -b QRCODE --border=1 --box -d "This Text" --quietzones`

Codablock-F, Code 16K and Code 49 always have boundary bars, and default to particular horizontal whitespace values. Special considerations apply to ITF-14 and DPD - see 6.1.2.6 ITF-14 and 6.1.10.7 DPD Code for those symbologies.

## 4.7 Using Colour

The default colours of a symbol are a black symbol on a white background. Zint allows you to change this. The `-r` or `--reverse` switch allows the default colours to be inverted so that a white symbol is shown on a black background (known as “reflectance reversal” or “reversed reflectance”). For example the command

    zint -r -d "This Text"

gives an inverted Code 128 symbol. This is not practical for most symbologies but white-on-black is allowed by the Aztec Code, Data Matrix, DotCode, Han Xin Code, Grid Matrix and QR Code symbology specifications.

For more specific needs the foreground (ink) and background (paper) colours can be specified using the `--fg` and `--bg` options followed by a number in `"RRGGBB"` hexadecimal notation (the same system used in HTML) or in `"C,M,Y,K"` decimal percentages format (the latter normally used with the `--cmyk` option - see below). For example the command

    zint --fg=00FF00 -d "This Text"

alters the symbol to a bright green.

Figure 17: `zint -d "This Text" --fg=00FF00`

Zint also supports RGBA colour information for those output file formats which support alpha channels (currently only GIF, PCX, PNG, SVG and TIF, with GIF supporting either a background or foreground alpha but not both) in a `"RRGGBBAA"` format. For example:

    zint --fg=00ff0055 -d "This Text"

Figure 18: `zint -d "This Text" --fg=00FF0055`

will produce a semi-transparent green foreground with a standard (white) background. Note that transparency is treated differently by raster and vector (SVG) output formats, as for vector output the background will “shine through” a transparent foreground. For instance

    zint --bg=ff0000 --fg=ffffff00 ...

will give different results for PNG and SVG. Experimentation is advised!

In addition the `--nobackground` option will remove the background from all output formats except BMP.5

The `--cmyk` option is specific to output in Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) and TIF, and selects the CMYK colour space. Custom colours should then usually be given in the comma-separated `"C,M,Y,K"` format, where `C`, `M`, `Y` and `K` are expressed as decimal percentage values from 0 to 100. RGB values may still be used, in which case they will be converted formulaically to CMYK approximations.

## 4.8 Rotating the Symbol

The symbol can be rotated through four orientations using the `--rotate` option followed by the angle of rotation, valid values being 0 (the default), 90, 180 and 270.

Figure 19: `zint -d "This Text" --rotate=90`

## 4.9 Adjusting Image Size (X-dimension)

The size of the image can be altered using the `--scale` option, which sets the X-dimension. The default scale is 1.0.

The scale is multiplied by 2 (with the exception of MaxiCode) before being applied to the X-dimension. For MaxiCode, it is multiplied by 10 for raster output, by 40 for EMF vector output, and by 2 otherwise (non-EMF vector output).

For non-MaxiCode raster output, the default scale of 1 results in an X-dimension of 2 pixels. For example for non-MaxiCode PNG images a scale of 5 will increase the X-dimension to 10 pixels. For MaxiCode, see 4.9.3 MaxiCode Raster Scaling below.

Scales for non-MaxiCode raster output should be given in increments of 0.5, i.e. 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, etc., to avoid the X-dimension varying across the symbol due to interpolation. 0.5 increments are also faster to render.

The minimum scale for non-MaxiCode raster output in non-dotty mode is 0.5, giving a minimum X-dimension of 1 pixel. For MaxiCode, it is 0.2. The minimum scale for raster output in dotty mode is 1 (see 4.15 Working with Dots). For raster output, text will not be printed for scales less than 1.

The minimum scale for vector output is 0.1, giving a minimum X-dimension of 0.2 (or for MaxiCode EMF output, 4). The maximum scale for both raster and vector is 200.

To summarize the more intricate details:

Table 5: Scaling Multipliers and Minima
MaxiCode? | Output | Multiplier | Min. Scale (non-dotty) | Min. Scale (dotty)
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
No | Raster | 2 | 0.5 | 1
No | Vector | 2 | 0.1 | 0.1
Yes | Raster | 10 | 0.2 | N/A
Yes | Vector (non-EMF) | 2 | 0.1 | N/A
Yes | EMF | 40 | 0.1 | N/A

### 4.9.1 Scaling by X-dimension and Resolution

An alternative way to specify the scale, which takes the above details into account, is to specify measurable units using the `--scalexdimdp` option, which has the format

    --scalexdimdp=X[,R]

where `X` is the X-dimension (in mm by default) and `R` is the resolution (in dpmm, dots per mm, by default). `R` is optional, and defaults to 12 dpmm, and `X` may be zero, in which case it uses a symbology-specific default. The units may be given in inches for `X` by appending `"in"`, and in dpi (dots per inch) for `R` by appending `"dpi"`. For example

    zint -d "1234" --scalexdimdp=0.013in,300dpi

Explicit metric units may also be given by appending `"mm"` and `"dpmm"` as appropriate, and may be mixed with U.S. units:

    zint -d "1234" --scalexdimdp=0.33mm,300dpi

### 4.9.2 Scaling Example

The GS1 General Specifications Section 5.2.6.6 ‘Symbol dimensions at nominal size’ gives an example of an EAN-13 barcode using the X-dimension of 0.33mm. To print that example as a PNG at 12 dpmm, the approximate equivalent of 300 dpi (`dpi = dpmm * 25.4`), specify a scale of 2, since `0.33 * 12 = 3.96` pixels, or 4 pixels rounding to the nearest pixel:

    zint -b EAN13 -d "501234567890" --compliantheight --scale=2

This will result in output of 37.29mm x 25.56mm (WxH) at 12 dpmm. The same result can be achieved using the `--scalexdimdp` option with

    zint -b EAN13 -d "501234567890" --compliantheight --scalexdimdp=0

as 0.33mm is the default X-dimension for EAN, and 12 dpmm the default resolution.

### 4.9.3 MaxiCode Raster Scaling

For MaxiCode symbols, which use hexagons, the scale for raster output is multiplied by 10 before being applied. The 0.5 increment recommended for normal raster output does not apply.

The minimum scale is 0.2, so the minimum X-dimension is 2 pixels. However scales below 0.5 are not recommended and may produce symbols that are not within the following size ranges.

MaxiCode symbols have fixed size ranges of 24.82mm to 27.93mm in width, and 23.71mm to 26.69mm in height, excluding quiet zones. The default X-dimension is 0.88mm. For example, to output at the default X-dimension at 600 dpi specify:

    zint -b MAXICODE -d "MaxiCode (19 chars)" --scalexdimdp=0,600dpi

## 4.10 Human Readable Text (HRT) Options

For linear barcodes the text present6 in the output image can be removed by using the `--notext` option. Note also that for raster output text will not be printed for scales less than 1 (see 4.9 Adjusting Image Size (X-dimension)).

Text can be set to bold using the `--bold` option, or a smaller font can be substituted using the `--small` option. The `--bold` and `--small` options can be used together if required, but only for vector output.

Figure 20: `zint --bold -d "This Text" --small`

The gap between the barcode and the text can be adjusted using the `--textgap` option, where the gap is given in X-dimensions, and may be negative (minimum -5.0X, maximum 10.0X). The default gap is 1X. Note that a very small gap may cause accented texts to overlap with the barcode:

Figure 21: `zint -d "Áccent" --textgap=0.1`

For SVG output, the font preferred by Zint (monospaced “OCR-B” for EAN/UPC, “Arimo” - a proportional sans-serif font metrically compatible with “Arial” - for all others) can be embedded in the file for portability using the `--embedfont` option:

Figure 22: `zint -d "Áccent" --embedfont`

## 4.11 Input Modes

### 4.11.1 Unicode, Data, and GS1 Modes

By default all CLI input data is assumed to be encoded in UTF-8 format. Many barcode symbologies encode data using the Latin-1 (ISO/IEC 8859-1 plus ASCII) character set, so input is converted from UTF-8 to Latin-1 before being put in the symbol. In addition QR Code and its variants and Han Xin Code can by default encode Japanese (Kanji) or Chinese (Hanzi) characters which are also converted from UTF-8.

There are two exceptions to the Latin-1 default: Grid Matrix, whose default character set is GB 2312 (Chinese); and UPNQR, whose default character set is Latin-2 (ISO/IEC 8859-2 plus ASCII).

Table 6: Default Character Sets
Symbology | Default character sets | Alternate if input not Latin-1
--- | --- | ---
Aztec Code | Latin-1 | None
Codablock-F | Latin-1 | None
Code 128 | Latin-1 | None
Code 16K | Latin-1 | None
Code One | Latin-1 | None
Data Matrix | Latin-1 | None
DotCode | Latin-1 | None
Grid Matrix | GB 2312 (includes ASCII) | N/A
Han Xin | Latin-1 | GB 18030 (includes ASCII)
MaxiCode | Latin-1 | None
MicroPDF417 | Latin-1 | None
Micro QR Code | Latin-1 | Shift JIS (includes ASCII7)
PDF417 | Latin-1 | None
QR Code | Latin-1 | Shift JIS (see above)
rMQR | Latin-1 | Shift JIS (see above)
Ultracode | Latin-1 | None
UPNQR | Latin-2 | N/A
All others | ASCII | N/A

If Zint encounters characters which can not be encoded using the default character encoding then it will take advantage of the ECI (Extended Channel Interpretations) mechanism to encode the data if the symbology supports it - see 4.11.2 Input Modes and ECI below.

GS1 data can be encoded in a number of symbologies. Application Identifiers (AIs) should be enclosed in `[square brackets]` followed by the data to be encoded (see 6.1.10.3 GS1-128). For matrix symbologies, GS1 Digital Link URIs can also be given. To encode GS1 data use the `--gs1` option. Alternatively, use the `--gs1strict` option, which strictly verifies the GS1 data.

GS1 mode is assumed (and doesn’t need to be set) for GS1-128, EAN-14, GS1 DataBar and GS1 Composite symbologies but is also available for Aztec Code, Code 16K, Code 49, Code One, Data Matrix, DotCode, QR Code and Ultracode.

Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) data may also be encoded in the symbologies Aztec Code, Codablock-F, Code 128, Code 39, Data Matrix, MicroPDF417, PDF417 and QR Code. Within this mode, the leading `'+'` and the check character are automatically added by Zint, conforming to HIBC Labeler Identification Code (HIBC LIC). For HIBC Provider Applications Standard (HIBC PAS), preface the data with a slash `'/'`.

The `--binary` option encodes the input data as given. Automatic code page translation to an ECI page is disabled, and no validation of the data’s encoding takes place. This may be used for raw binary or binary encrypted data. This switch plays together with the built-in ECI logic and examples may be found below.

The `--fullmultibyte` option uses the multibyte modes of QR Code, Micro QR Code, Rectangular Micro QR Code, Han Xin Code and Grid Matrix for non-ASCII data, maximizing density. This is achieved by using compression designed for Kanji/Hanzi characters; however some decoders take blocks which are encoded this way and interpret them as Kanji/Hanzi characters, thus causing data corruption. Symbols encoded with this option should be checked against decoders before they are used. The popular open-source ZXing decoder is known to exhibit this behaviour.

### 4.11.2 Input Modes and ECI

If your data contains characters that are not in the default character set, you may encode it using an ECI-aware symbology and an ECI value from Table 8: ECI Codes below. The ECI information is added to your code symbol as prefix data. The symbologies that support ECI are:

Table 7: ECI-Aware Symbologies
Aztec Code | Data Matrix | Grid Matrix | MaxiCode | PDF417 | rMQR
Code One | DotCode | Han Xin Code | MicroPDF417 | QR Code | Ultracode

Be aware that not all barcode readers support ECI mode, so this can sometimes lead to unreadable barcodes. If you are using characters beyond those supported by the default character set then you should check that the resulting barcode can be understood by your target barcode reader.

The ECI value may be specified with the `--eci` switch, followed by the value in the column `"ECI Code"` in the table below. The input data should be UTF-8 formatted. Zint automatically translates the data into the target encoding.

Table 8: ECI Codes
ECI Code | Character Encoding Scheme (ISO/IEC 8859 schemes include ASCII)
--- | ---
3 | ISO/IEC 8859-1 - Latin alphabet No. 1
4 | ISO/IEC 8859-2 - Latin alphabet No. 2
5 | ISO/IEC 8859-3 - Latin alphabet No. 3
6 | ISO/IEC 8859-4 - Latin alphabet No. 4
7 | ISO/IEC 8859-5 - Latin/Cyrillic alphabet
8 | ISO/IEC 8859-6 - Latin/Arabic alphabet
9 | ISO/IEC 8859-7 - Latin/Greek alphabet
10 | ISO/IEC 8859-8 - Latin/Hebrew alphabet
11 | ISO/IEC 8859-9 - Latin alphabet No. 5 (Turkish)
12 | ISO/IEC 8859-10 - Latin alphabet No. 6 (Nordic)
13 | ISO/IEC 8859-11 - Latin/Thai alphabet
15 | ISO/IEC 8859-13 - Latin alphabet No. 7 (Baltic)
16 | ISO/IEC 8859-14 - Latin alphabet No. 8 (Celtic)
17 | ISO/IEC 8859-15 - Latin alphabet No. 9
18 | ISO/IEC 8859-16 - Latin alphabet No. 10
20 | Shift JIS (JIS X 0208 and JIS X 0201)
21 | Windows 1250 - Latin 2 (Central Europe)
22 | Windows 1251 - Cyrillic
23 | Windows 1252 - Latin 1
24 | Windows 1256 - Arabic
25 | UTF-16BE (High order byte first)
26 | UTF-8
27 | ASCII (ISO/IEC 646 IRV)
28 | Big5 (Taiwan) Chinese Character Set
29 | GB 2312 (PRC) Chinese Character Set
30 | Korean Character Set EUC-KR (KS X 1001:2002)
31 | GBK Chinese Character Set
32 | GB 18030 Chinese Character Set
33 | UTF-16LE (Low order byte first)
34 | UTF-32BE (High order bytes first)
35 | UTF-32LE (Low order bytes first)
170 | ISO/IEC 646 Invariant8
899 | 8-bit binary data9

An ECI value of 0 does not encode any ECI information in the code symbol (unless the data contains non-default character set characters). In this case, the default character set applies (see Table 6: Default Character Sets above).

If no ECI is specified or a value of 0 is given, and the data does contain characters other than in the default character set, then Zint will automatically insert the appropriate single-byte ECI if possible (ECIs 3 to 24, excluding ECI 20), or failing that ECI 26 (UTF-8). A warning will be generated. This mechanism is not applied if the `--binary` option is given.

Multiple ECIs can be specified using the `--segN` options - see 4.16 Multiple Segments.

Note: the `--eci=3` specification should only be used for special purposes. Using this parameter, the ECI information is explicitly added to the symbol. Nevertheless, for ECI Code 3, this is not usually required, as this is the default encoding for most barcodes, which is also active without any ECI information.

#### 4.11.2.1 Input Modes and ECI Example 1

The Euro sign U+20AC can be encoded in ISO/IEC 8859-15. The Euro sign has the ISO/IEC 8859-15 codepoint hex `"A4"`. It is encoded in UTF-8 as the hex sequence: `"E2 82 AC"`. Those 3 bytes are contained in the file `"utf8euro.txt"`. This command will generate the corresponding code:

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=17 -i utf8euro.txt

This is equivalent to the commands (using the `--esc` switch):

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=17 --esc -d "\xE2\x82\xAC"

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=17 --esc -d "\u20AC"

and to the command:

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=17 -d "€"

Figure 23: `zint -b DATAMATRIX --eci=17 -d "€"`

#### 4.11.2.2 Input Modes and ECI Example 2

The Chinese character with the Unicode codepoint U+5E38 can be encoded in Big5 encoding. The Big5 representation of this character is the two hex bytes: `"B1 60"` (contained in the file `"big5char.txt"`). The generation command for Data Matrix is:

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=28 --binary -i big5char.txt

This is equivalent to the command (using the `--esc` switch):

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=28 --binary --esc -d "\xB1\x60"

and to the commands (no `--binary` switch so conversion occurs):

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=28 --esc -d "\xE5\xB8\xB8"

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=28 --esc -d "\u5E38"

    zint -b DATAMATRIX --scale=10 --eci=28 -d "常"

Figure 24: `zint -b DATAMATRIX --eci=28 -d "\u5E38" --esc`

#### 4.11.2.3 Input Modes and ECI Example 3

Some decoders (in particular mobile app ones) for QR Code assume UTF-8 encoding by default and do not support ECI. In this case supply UTF-8 data and use the `--binary` switch so that the data will be encoded as UTF-8 without conversion:

    zint -b QRCODE --binary -d "UTF-8 data"

Figure 25: `zint -b QRCODE --binary -d "\xE2\x82\xAC\xE5\xB8\xB8" --esc`

## 4.12 Batch Processing

Data can be batch processed by reading from a text file and producing a separate barcode image for each line of text in that file. To do this use the `--batch` switch together with `-i` to select the input file from which to read data. For example

    zint -b EAN13 --batch -i ean13nos.txt

where `"ean13nos.txt"` contains a list of EAN-13 numbers (GTINs), each on its own line. Zint will automatically detect the end of a line of text (in either Unix or Windows formatted text files) and produce a symbol each time it finds this.

Input files should end with a line feed character - if this is not present then Zint will not encode the last line of text, and will warn you that there is a problem.

By default Zint will output numbered filenames starting with `00001.png`, `00002.png` etc. To change this behaviour specify the `-o` option using special characters in the output filename as shown in the table below:

Table 9: Batch Filename Formatting
Input Character | Interpretation
--- | ---
`~` | Insert a number or 0
`#` | Insert a number or space
`@` | Insert a number or `*` (or `+` on Windows)
Any other | Insert literally

For instance

    zint -b EAN13 --batch -i ean13nos.txt -o "file~~~.svg"

The following table shows some examples to clarify this method:

Table 10: Batch Filename Examples
Input | Filenames Generated
--- | ---
`-o "file~~~.svg"` | `"file001.svg"`, `"file002.svg"`, `"file003.svg"`
`-o "@@@@bar.png"` | `"***1.png"`, `"***2.png"`, `"***3.png"` (except Windows)
`-o "@@@@bar.png"` | `"+++1.png"`, `"+++2.png"`, `"+++3.png"` (on Windows)
`-o "my~~bar~.eps"` | `"my00bar1.eps"`, `"my00bar2.eps"`, `"my00bar3.eps"`
`-o "t###est.png"` | `"t 1est.png"`, `"t 2est.png"`, `"t 3est.png"`

The special characters can span directories also, which is useful when creating a large number of barcodes:

Table 11: Batch Directory Examples
Input | Filenames Generated
--- | ---
`-o "dir~/file~~~.svg"` | `"dir0/file001.svg"`, `"dir0/file002.svg"`, …
| `"dir0/file999.svg"`, `"dir1/file000.svg"`, …

For an alternative method of naming output files see the `--mirror` option in 4.14 Automatic Filenames below.

## 4.13 Direct Output to stdout

The finished image files can be output directly to stdout for use as part of a pipe by using the `--direct` option. By default `--direct` will output data as a PNG image (or GIF image if `libpng` is not present), but this can be altered by supplementing the `--direct` option with a `--filetype` option followed by the suffix of the file type required. For example:

    zint -b MICROPDF417 --direct --filetype=pcx -d "Data to encode"

This command will output the symbol as a PCX file to stdout. For the supported output file formats see Table 3: Output File Formats.

CAUTION: Outputting binary files to the command shell without catching that data in a pipe can have unpredictable results. Use with care!

## 4.14 Automatic Filenames

The `--mirror` option instructs Zint to use the data to be encoded as an indicator of the filename to be used. This is particularly useful if you are processing batch data. For example the input data `"1234567"` will result in a file named `"1234567.png"`.

There are restrictions, however, on what characters can be stored in a filename, so the filename may vary from the data if the data includes non-printable characters, for example, and may be shortened if the data input is long.

To set the output file format use the `--filetype` option as detailed above in 4.13 Direct Output to stdout. To output to a specific directory use the `-o` option giving the name of the directory (any filename will be ignored, unless `--filetype` is not specified, in which case the filename’s extension will be used).

## 4.15 Working with Dots

Matrix codes can be rendered as a series of dots or circles rather than the normal squares by using the `--dotty` option. This option is only available for matrix symbologies, and is automatically selected for DotCode. The size of the dots can be adjusted using the `--dotsize` option followed by the diameter of the dot, where that diameter is in X-dimensions. The minimum dot size is 0.01, the maximum is 20. The default size is 0.8.

The default and minimum scale for raster output in dotty mode is 1.

Figure 26: `zint -b CODEONE -d "123456789012345678" --dotty --vers=9`

## 4.16 Multiple Segments

If you need to specify different ECIs for different sections of the input data, the `--seg1` to `--seg9` options can be used. Each option is of the form `--segN=ECI,data` where `ECI` is the ECI code (see Table 8: ECI Codes) and `data` is the data to which this applies. This is in addition to the ECI and data specified using the `--eci` and `-d` options which must still be present and which in effect constitute segment 0. For instance

    zint -b AZTEC_CODE --eci=9 -d "Κείμενο" --seg1=7,"Текст" --seg2=20,"文章"

specifies 3 segments: segment 0 with ECI 9 (Greek), segment 1 with ECI 7 (Cyrillic), and segment 2 with ECI 20 (Shift JIS). Segments must be consecutive.

Naturally the symbology must be ECI-aware (see Table 7: ECI-Aware Symbologies).

Figure 27: `zint -b AZTEC --eci=9 -d "Κείμενο" --seg1=7,"Текст" --seg2=20,"文章"`

ECIs of zero may be given, in which case Zint will automatically determine an ECI if necessary, as described in section 4.11.2 Input Modes and ECI.

Multiple segments are not currently supported for use with GS1 data.

## 4.17 Structured Append

Structured Append is a method of splitting data among several symbols so that they form a sequence that can be scanned and re-assembled in the correct order on reading, and is available for Aztec Code, Code One, Data Matrix, DotCode, Grid Matrix, MaxiCode, MicroPDF417, PDF417, QR Code and Ultracode.

The `--structapp` option marks a symbol as part of a Structured Append sequence, and has the format

    --structapp=I,C[,ID]

Figure 28: `zint -b DATAMATRIX -d "2nd of 3" --structapp="2,3,5006"`

where `I` is the index (position) of the symbol in the Structured Append sequence, `C` is the count or total number of symbols in the sequence, and `ID` is an optional identifier (not available for Code One, DotCode or MaxiCode) that is the same for all symbols belonging to the same sequence. The index is 1-based and goes from 1 to count. Count must be 2 or more. See the individual symbologies for further details.

## 4.18 Help Options

There are three help options which give information about how to use the command line. The `-h` or `--help` option will display a list of all of the valid options available, and also gives the exact version of the software (the version by itself can be displayed with `-v` or `--version`).

The `-t` or `--types` option gives the table of symbologies listing the symbol ID numbers and names.

The `-e` or `--ecinos` option gives a list of the ECI codes.

## 4.19 Other Options

Zint can output a representation of the symbol data as a set of hexadecimal values if asked to output to a text file (`"*.txt"`) or if given the option `--filetype=txt` or the option `--dump`. This can be used for test and diagnostic purposes.

Additional options are available which are specific to certain symbologies. These may, for example, control the amount of error correction data or the size of the symbol. These options are discussed in section 6. Types of Symbology of this guide.

# 5. Using the API

Zint has been written using the C language and has an API for use with C/C++ language programs. A Qt interface (see Annex B. Qt Backend QZint) is available in the `"backend_qt"` sub-directory, and a Tcl interface is available in the `"backend_tcl"` sub-directory (see Annex C. Tcl Backend Binding).

The `libzint` API has been designed to be very similar to that used by the GNU Barcode package. This allows easy migration from GNU Barcode to Zint. Zint, however, uses none of the same function names or option names as GNU Barcode. This allows you to use both packages in your application without conflict if you wish.

## 5.1 Creating and Deleting Symbols

The symbols manipulated by Zint are held in a `zint_symbol` structure defined in `"zint.h"`. These symbol structures are created with the `ZBarcode_Create()` function and deleted using the `ZBarcode_Delete()` function. For example the following code creates and then deletes a symbol:

    #include <zint.h>
    #include <stdio.h>
    int main()
    {
        struct zint_symbol *symbol;
        symbol = ZBarcode_Create();
        if (symbol != NULL) {
            printf("Symbol successfully created!\n");
            ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
        }
        return 0;
    }

When compiling this code it will need to be linked with the `libzint` library using the `-lzint` option:

    gcc -o simple simple.c -lzint

## 5.2 Encoding and Saving to File

To encode data in a barcode use the `ZBarcode_Encode()` function. To write the symbol to a file use the `ZBarcode_Print()` function. For example the following code takes a string from the command line and outputs a Code 128 symbol to a PNG file named `"out.png"` (or a GIF file `"out.gif"` if `libpng` is not present) in the current working directory:

    #include <zint.h>
    int main(int argc, char **argv)
    {
        struct zint_symbol *symbol;
        symbol = ZBarcode_Create();
        ZBarcode_Encode(symbol, argv[1], 0);
        ZBarcode_Print(symbol, 0);
        ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
        return 0;
    }

This can also be done in one stage using the `ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print()` function as shown in the next example:

    #include <zint.h>
    int main(int argc, char **argv)
    {
        struct zint_symbol *symbol;
        symbol = ZBarcode_Create();
        ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, argv[1], 0, 0);
        ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
        return 0;
    }

Note that when using the API, the input data is assumed to be 8-bit binary unless the `input_mode` member of the `zint_symbol` structure is set - see 5.11 Setting the Input Mode for details.

## 5.3 Encoding and Printing Functions in Depth

The functions for encoding and printing barcodes are defined as:

    int ZBarcode_Encode(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const unsigned char *source, int length);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_File(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const char *filename);

    int ZBarcode_Print(struct zint_symbol *symbol, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const unsigned char *source, int length, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_File_and_Print(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const char *filename, int rotate_angle);

In these definitions `length` can be used to set the length of the input string. This allows the encoding of `NUL` (ASCII 0) characters in those symbologies which allow this. A value of 0 (or less than 0) will disable this usage and Zint will encode data up to the first `NUL` character in the input string, which must be present.

The `rotate_angle` value can be used to rotate the image when outputting. Valid values are 0, 90, 180 and 270.

The `ZBarcode_Encode_File()` and `ZBarcode_Encode_File_and_Print()` functions can be used to encode data read directly from a text file where the filename is given in the `NUL`-terminated `filename` string. The special filename `"-"` (single hyphen) can be used to read from stdin. Note that on Windows, filenames are assumed to be UTF-8 encoded.

If printing more than one barcode, the `zint_symbol` structure may be re-used by calling the `ZBarcode_Clear()` function after each barcode to free any output buffers allocated. The `zint_symbol` input members must be reset. To fully restore `zint_symbol` to its default state, call `ZBarcode_Reset()` instead.

## 5.4 Buffering Symbols in Memory (raster)

In addition to saving barcode images to file Zint allows you to access a representation of the resulting bitmap image in memory. The following functions allow you to do this:

    int ZBarcode_Buffer(struct zint_symbol *symbol, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_and_Buffer(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const unsigned char *source, int length, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_File_and_Buffer(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const char *filename, int rotate_angle);

The arguments here are the same as above, and rotation and colour options can be used with the buffer functions in the same way as when saving to a file. The difference is that instead of saving the image to a file it is placed in a byte (`unsigned char`) array pointed to by the `bitmap` member, with `bitmap_width` set to the number of columns and `bitmap_height` set to the number of rows.

The RGB channels are split into 3 consecutive red, green, blue bytes per pixel, and there are `bitmap_width` pixels per row and `bitmap_height` rows, so the total size of the `bitmap` array is `3 * bitmap_width * bitmap_height`.

If the background and/or foreground are RGBA then the byte array `alphamap` will also be set, with a single alpha value for each pixel. Its total size will be `bitmap_width * bitmap_height`.

The pixel data can be extracted from the array (or arrays) by the method shown in the example below, where `render_rgb()` and `render_rgba()` are assumed to be functions for drawing an RGB and RGBA pixel on the screen implemented by the client application:

    int row, col, i = 0, j = 0;

    for (row = 0; row < symbol->bitmap_height; row++) {
         for (col = 0; col < symbol->bitmap_width; col++) {
              int red = (int) symbol->bitmap[i];
              int green = (int) symbol->bitmap[i + 1];
              int blue = (int) symbol->bitmap[i + 2];
              if (symbol->alphamap) {
                  int alpha = (int) symbol->alphamap[j];
                  render_rgba(row, col, red, green, blue, alpha);
                  j++;
              } else {
                  render_rgb(row, col, red, green, blue);
              }
              i += 3;
         }
    }

Where speed is important, the buffer can be returned instead in a more compact intermediate form using the output option `OUT_BUFFER_INTERMEDIATE`. Here each byte is an ASCII value: `'1'` for foreground colour and `'0'` for background colour, except for Ultracode, which also uses colour codes: `'W'` for white, `'C'` for cyan, `'B'` for blue, `'M'` for magenta, `'R'` for red, `'Y'` for yellow, `'G'` for green, and `'K'` for black. Alpha values are not reported (`alphamap` will always be `NULL`). The loop for accessing the data is then:

    int row, col, i = 0;

    for (row = 0; row < symbol->bitmap_height; row++) {
         for (col = 0; col < symbol->bitmap_width; col++) {
              render_pixel(row, col, symbol->bitmap[i]);
              i++;
         }
    }

## 5.5 Buffering Symbols in Memory (vector)

Symbols can also be saved to memory in a vector representation as well as a bitmap one. The following functions, exactly analogous to the ones above, allow you to do this:

    int ZBarcode_Buffer_Vector(struct zint_symbol *symbol, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_and_Buffer_Vector(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const unsigned char *source, int length, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_File_and_Buffer_Vector(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const char *filename, int rotate_angle);

Here the `vector` member is set to point to a `zint_vector` header structure which contains pointers to lists of structures representing the various elements of the barcode: rectangles, hexagons, strings and circles. To draw the barcode, each of the element types is iterated in turn, and using the information stored is drawn by a rendering system. For instance, to draw a barcode using a rendering system with `prepare_canvas()`, `draw_rect()`, `draw_hexagon()`, `draw_string()`, and `draw_circle()` routines available:

    struct zint_vector_rect *rect;
    struct zint_vector_hexagon *hex;
    struct zint_vector_string *string;
    struct zint_vector_circle *circle;

    prepare_canvas(symbol->vector->width, symbol->vector->height,
                   symbol->scale, symbol->fgcolour, symbol->bgcolour,
                   rotate_angle);

    for (rect = symbol->vector->rectangles; rect; rect = rect->next) {
        draw_rect(rect->x, rect->y, rect->width, rect->height,
                  rect->colour);
    }
    for (hex = symbol->vector->hexagons; hex; hex = hex->next) {
        draw_hexagon(hex->x, hex->y, hex->diameter, hex->rotation);
    }
    for (string = symbol->vector->strings; string; string = string->next) {
        draw_string(string->x, string->y, string->fsize,
                    string->rotation, string->halign,
                    string->text, string->length);
    }
    for (circle = symbol->vector->circles; circle; circle = circle->next) {
        draw_circle(circle->x, circle->y, circle->diameter, circle->width);
    }

## 5.6 Buffering Symbols in Memory (memfile)

Symbols can also be stored as “in-memory” file buffers by giving the `BARCODE_MEMORY_FILE` option to the `output_options` member, which saves the print output to member `memfile` instead of to the output file `outfile`. The length of the buffer is given in `memfile_size`. For instance:

    #include <zint.h>
    #include <stdio.h>
    #include <string.h>
    int main(int argc, char **argv)
    {
        struct zint_symbol *symbol;
        symbol = ZBarcode_Create();
        symbol->output_options |= BARCODE_MEMORY_FILE;
        /* Only the extension is used, to determine output format */
        strcpy(symbol->outfile, "mem.svg");
        ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, argv[1], 0, 0);
        /* `symbol->memfile` now contains the SVG output */
        fwrite(symbol->memfile, 1, symbol->memfile_size, stdout);
        ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
        return 0;
    }

will print the SVG output to `stdout` (the file `"mem.svg"` is not created). This is particularly useful for the textual formats EPS and SVG,10 allowing the output to be manipulated and processed by the client.

## 5.7 Setting Options

So far our application is not very useful unless we plan to only make Code 128 symbols and we don’t mind that they only save to `"out.png"` (or to memory, as above). As with the CLI program, of course, these options can be altered. The way this is done is by altering the contents of the `zint_symbol` structure between the creation and encoding stages. The `zint_symbol` structure consists of the following members:

Table 12: API Structure `zint_symbol`
Member Name | Type | Meaning | Default Value
--- | --- | --- | ---
`symbology` | integer | Symbol to use - see 5.9 Specifying a Symbology. | `BARCODE_CODE128`
`height` | float | Symbol height in X-dimensions, excluding fixed width-to-height symbols.11 | Symbol dependent
`scale` | float | Scale factor for adjusting size of image (sets X-dimension). | 1.0
`whitespace_width` | integer | Horizontal whitespace width in X-dimensions. | 0
`whitespace_height` | integer | Vertical whitespace height in X-dimensions. | 0
`border_width` | integer | Border width in X-dimensions. | 0
`output_options` | integer | Set various output parameters - see 5.10 Adjusting Output Options. | 0 (none)
`fgcolour` | character string | Foreground (ink) colour as RGB/RGBA hexadecimal string or `"C,M,Y,K"` decimal percentages string, with a terminating `NUL`. | `"000000"`
`bgcolour` | character string | Background (paper) colour as RGB/RGBA hexadecimal string or `"C,M,Y,K"` decimal percentages string, with a terminating `NUL`. | `"ffffff"`
`fgcolor` | pointer | Points to fgcolour allowing alternate spelling. |
`bgcolor` | pointer | Points to bgcolour allowing alternate spelling. |
`outfile` | character string | Contains the name of the file to output a resulting barcode symbol to. Must end in `.png`, `.gif`, `.bmp`, `.emf`, `.eps`, `.pcx`, `.svg`, `.tif` or `.txt` followed by a terminating `NUL`.12 | `"out.png"`
`primary` | character string | Primary message data for more complex symbols, with a terminating `NUL`. | `""` (empty)
`option_1` | integer | Symbol specific options. | -1
`option_2` | integer | Symbol specific options. | 0
`option_3` | integer | Symbol specific options. | 0
`show_hrt` | integer | Set to 0 to hide Human Readable Text (HRT). | 1
`input_mode` | integer | Set encoding of input data - see 5.11 Setting the Input Mode. | `DATA_MODE`
`eci` | integer | Extended Channel Interpretation code. | 0 (none)
`dpmm` | float | Resolution of output in dots per mm (BMP, EMF, PCX, PNG and TIF only). | 0 (none)
`dot_size` | float | Diameter of dots used in dotty mode (in X-dimensions). | 0.8
`text_gap` | float | Gap between barcode and text (HRT) in X-dimensions. | 1.0
`guard_descent` | float | Height of guard bar descent (EAN/UPC only) in X-dimensions. | 5.0
`structapp` | Structured Append structure | Mark a symbol as part of a sequence of symbols. | count 0 (disabled)
`debug` | integer | Debugging flags. | 0
`warn_level` | integer | Affects error/warning value returned by Zint API - see 5.8 Handling Errors. | `WARN_DEFAULT`
`text` | unsigned character string | Human Readable Text, which usually consists of input data plus one more check digit. Uses UTF-8 formatting, with a terminating `NUL`. | `""` (empty) (output only)
`text_length` | integer | Length of `text` in bytes. | 0 (output only)
`rows` | integer | Number of rows used by the symbol. | (output only)
`width` | integer | Width of the generated symbol. | (output only)
`errtxt` | character string | Error message in the event that an error occurred, with a terminating `NUL` - see 5.8 Handling Errors. | (output only)
`bitmap` | pointer to unsigned character array | Pointer to stored bitmap image - see 5.4 Buffering Symbols in Memory (raster). | (output only)
`bitmap_width` | integer | Width of stored bitmap image (in pixels) - see `bitmap` member. | (output only)
`bitmap_height` | integer | Height of stored bitmap image (in pixels) - see `bitmap` member. | (output only)
`alphamap` | pointer to unsigned character array | Pointer to array representing alpha channel of stored bitmap image (or `NULL` if no alpha channel used) - see `bitmap` member. | (output only)
`vector` | pointer to vector structure | Pointer to vector header containing pointers to vector elements - see 5.5 Buffering Symbols in Memory (vector). | (output only)
`memfile` | pointer to unsigned character array | Pointer to in-memory file buffer if `BARCODE_MEMORY_FILE` set in `output_options` - see 5.6 Buffering Symbols in Memory (memfile). | (output only)
`memfile_size` | integer | Length of in-memory file buffer. | (output only)
`content_segs` | pointer to array of segments | Pointer to array of content segments if `BARCODE_CONTENT_SEGS` set in `output_options` - see 5.16 Feedback. | (output only)
`content_seg_count` | integer | Number of content segments. | (output only)
`encoded_data` | array of unsigned character arrays | Representation of the encoded data. | (output only)
`row_height` | array of floats | Heights of each row. | (output only)

To alter these values use the syntax shown in the example below. This code has the same result as the previous example except the output is now taller and plotted in green.

    #include <zint.h>
    #include <string.h>
    int main(int argc, char **argv)
    {
        struct zint_symbol *symbol;
        symbol = ZBarcode_Create();
        strcpy(symbol->fgcolour, "00ff00");
        symbol->height = 400.0f;
        ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, argv[1], 0, 0);
        ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
        return 0;
    }

Note that background removal for all outputs except BMP can be achieved by setting the background alpha to `"00"` where the values for R, G and B will be ignored:

        strcpy(symbol->bgcolour, "55555500");

This is what the CLI option `--nobackground` does - see 4.7 Using Colour.

## 5.8 Handling Errors

If errors occur during encoding a non-zero integer value is passed back to the calling application. In addition the `errtxt` member is set to a message detailing the nature of the error. The errors generated by Zint are:

Table 13: API Warning and Error Return Values
Return Value | Meaning
--- | ---
`ZINT_WARN_HRT_TRUNCATED` | The Human Readable Text returned in `text` was truncated (maximum 255 bytes).
`ZINT_WARN_INVALID_OPTION` | One of the values in `zint_struct` was set incorrectly but Zint has made a guess at what it should have been and generated a barcode accordingly.
`ZINT_WARN_USES_ECI` | Zint has automatically inserted an ECI character. The symbol may not be readable with some readers.
`ZINT_WARN_NONCOMPLIANT` | The symbol was created but is not compliant with certain standards set in its specification (e.g. height, GS1 AI data lengths).
`ZINT_ERROR` | Marks the divide between warnings and errors. For return values greater than or equal to this no symbol (or only an incomplete symbol) is generated.
`ZINT_ERROR_TOO_LONG` | The input data is too long or too short for the selected symbology. No symbol has been generated.
`ZINT_ERROR_INVALID_DATA` | The data to be encoded includes characters which are not permitted by the selected symbology (e.g. alphabetic characters in an EAN symbol). No symbol has been generated.
`ZINT_ERROR_INVALID_CHECK` | Data with an incorrect check digit has been entered. No symbol has been generated.
`ZINT_ERROR_INVALID_OPTION` | One of the values in `zint_struct` was set incorrectly and Zint was unable (or unwilling) to guess what it should have been. No symbol has been generated.
`ZINT_ERROR_ENCODING_PROBLEM` | A problem has occurred during encoding of the data. This should never happen. Please contact the developer if you encounter this error.
`ZINT_ERROR_FILE_ACCESS` | Zint was unable to open the requested output file. This is usually a file permissions problem.
`ZINT_ERROR_MEMORY` | Zint ran out of memory. This should only be a problem with legacy systems.
`ZINT_ERROR_FILE_WRITE` | Zint failed to write all contents to the requested output file. This should only occur if the output device becomes full.
`ZINT_ERROR_USES_ECI` | Returned if `warn_level` set to `WARN_FAIL_ALL` and `ZINT_WARN_USES_ECI` occurs.
`ZINT_ERROR_NONCOMPLIANT` | Returned if `warn_level` set to `WARN_FAIL_ALL` and `ZINT_WARN_NONCOMPLIANT` occurs.
`ZINT_ERROR_HRT_TRUNCATED` | Returned if `warn_level` set to `WARN_FAIL_ALL` and `ZINT_WARN_HRT_TRUNCATED` occurs.

To catch errors use an integer variable as shown in the code below:

    #include <zint.h>
    #include <stdio.h>
    #include <string.h>
    int main(int argc, char **argv)
    {
        struct zint_symbol *symbol;
        int error;
        symbol = ZBarcode_Create();
        /* Set invalid foreground colour */
        strcpy(symbol->fgcolour, "nonsense");
        error = ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, argv[1], 0, 0);
        if (error != 0) {
            /* Some warning or error occurred */
            printf("%s\n", symbol->errtxt);
            if (error >= ZINT_ERROR) {
                /* Stop now */
                ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
                return 1;
            }
        }
        /* Otherwise carry on with the rest of the application */
        ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
        return 0;
    }

This code will exit with the appropriate message:

    Error 881: Malformed foreground RGB colour 'nonsense' (hexadecimal only)

To treat all warnings as errors, set `symbol->warn_level` to `WARN_FAIL_ALL`.

## 5.9 Specifying a Symbology

Symbologies can be specified by number or by name as listed in Table 4: Barcode Types (Symbologies). For example

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_LOGMARS;

## 5.10 Adjusting Output Options

The `output_options` member can be used to adjust various aspects of the output file. To select more than one option from the table below simply `OR` them together when adjusting this value:

    symbol->output_options |= BARCODE_BIND | READER_INIT;

Table 14: API `output_options` Values
Value | Effect
--- | ---
0 | No options selected.
`BARCODE_BIND_TOP` | Boundary bar above the symbol only.13
`BARCODE_BIND` | Boundary bars above and below the symbol and between rows if stacking multiple symbols.14
`BARCODE_BOX` | Add a box surrounding the symbol and whitespace.
`BARCODE_STDOUT` | Output the file to stdout.
`READER_INIT` | Create as a Reader Initialisation (Programming) symbol.
`SMALL_TEXT` | Use a smaller font for the Human Readable Text.
`BOLD_TEXT` | Embolden the Human Readable Text.
`CMYK_COLOUR` | Select the CMYK colour space option for Encapsulated PostScript and TIF files.
`BARCODE_DOTTY_MODE` | Plot a matrix symbol using dots rather than squares.
`GS1_GS_SEPARATOR` | Use `GS` (Group Separator) instead of `FNC1` as GS1 separator (Data Matrix only).
`OUT_BUFFER_INTERMEDIATE` | Return the bitmap buffer as ASCII values instead of separate colour channels - see 5.4 Buffering Symbols in Memory (raster).
`BARCODE_QUIET_ZONES` | Add compliant quiet zones (additional to any specified whitespace).15
`BARCODE_NO_QUIET_ZONES` | Disable quiet zones, notably those with defaults.
`COMPLIANT_HEIGHT` | Warn if height specified not compliant, or use standard height (if any) as default.
`EANUPC_GUARD_WHITESPACE` | Add quiet zone indicators (`"<"` and/or `">"`) to HRT whitespace (EAN/UPC).
`EMBED_VECTOR_FONT` | Embed font in vector output - currently available for SVG output only.
`BARCODE_MEMORY_FILE` | Write output to in-memory buffer `symbol->memfile` instead of to `outfile` file.
`BARCODE_CONTENT_SEGS` | Write data encoded to content segment buffers `symbol->contentsegs` (see 5.16 Feedback).

## 5.11 Setting the Input Mode

The way in which the input data is encoded can be set using the `input_mode` member:

Table 15: API `input_mode` Values
Value | Effect
--- | ---
`DATA_MODE` | Uses full 8-bit range interpreted as binary data.
`UNICODE_MODE` | Uses UTF-8 input.
`GS1_MODE` | Encodes GS1 data using `FNC1` characters.
| The above are exclusive, the following optional and OR-ed.
`ESCAPE_MODE` | Process input data for escape sequences.
`GS1PARENS_MODE` | Parentheses (round brackets) used in GS1 data instead of square brackets to delimit Application Identifiers (opening parentheses in the data must be escaped).
`GS1NOCHECK_MODE` | Do not check GS1 data for validity, i.e. suppress checks for valid AIs and data lengths. Invalid characters (e.g. control characters, extended ASCII characters) are still checked for.
`HEIGHTPERROW_MODE` | Interpret the `height` member as per-row rather than as overall height.
`FAST_MODE` | Use faster if less optimal encodation or other shortcuts if available (affects `DATAMATRIX`, `MICROPDF417`, `PDF417`, `QRCODE` and `UPNQR` only).
`EXTRA_ESCAPE_MODE` | Process special symbology-specific escape sequences (`CODE128` only).
`GS1SYNTAXENGINE_MODE` | Use the GS1 Syntax Engine (if available) to strictly validate GS1 input.

The default mode is `DATA_MODE` (CLI option `--binary`). (Note that this differs from the default for the CLI and GUI, which is `UNICODE_MODE`.)

`DATA_MODE`, `UNICODE_MODE` and `GS1_MODE` are mutually exclusive, whereas `ESCAPE_MODE`, `GS1PARENS_MODE`, `GS1NOCHECK_MODE`, `HEIGHTPERROW_MODE`, `FAST_MODE`, `EXTRA_ESCAPE_MODE` and `GS1SYNTAXENGINE_MODE` are optional. So, for example, you can set

    symbol->input_mode = UNICODE_MODE | ESCAPE_MODE;

or

    symbol->input_mode = GS1_MODE | GS1PARENS_MODE | GS1NOCHECK_MODE;

whereas

    symbol->input_mode = DATA_MODE | GS1_MODE;

is not valid.

Permissible escape sequences (`ESCAPE_MODE`) are listed in Table 2: Escape Sequences, and the special Code 128-only `EXTRA_ESCAPE_MODE` escape sequences are given in 6.1.10.1 Standard Code 128 (ISO 15417). An example of `GS1PARENS_MODE` usage is given in section 6.1.10.3 GS1-128.

`GS1NOCHECK_MODE` (CLI `--gs1nocheck`) is for use with legacy systems that have data that does not conform to the current GS1 standard. Printable ASCII input is still checked for, as is the validity of GS1 data specified without AIs (e.g. linear data for GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional/Limited/etc.). Also checked is GS1 DataBar Expanded and GS1 Composite input that is not in the GS1 encodable character set 82 (see GS1 General Specifications Figure 7.11.1 ‘GS1 AI encodable character set 82’), otherwise encodation would fail.

In contrast `GS1SYNTAXENGINE_MODE` (CLI `--gs1strict`) enables the use the GS1 Syntax Engine to strictly validate GS1 data, including GS1 Digital Link URIs (by default ZINT does not validate Digital Links at all). It requires that the `gs1encoders` library was present when Zint was built, otherwise the default built-in validation will be used.

For `HEIGHTPERROW_MODE`, see `--heightperrow` in section 4.4 Adjusting Height. The `height` member should be set to the desired per-row value on input (it will be set to the overall height on output).

`FAST_MODE` causes a less optimal encodation scheme to be used for Data Matrix, MicroPDF417 and PDF417. For QR Code and UPNQR, it limits Zint’s automatic mask selection - see 6.6.3 QR Code (ISO 18004) for details.

## 5.12 Multiple Segments

For input data requiring multiple ECIs, the following functions may be used:

    int ZBarcode_Encode_Segs(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const struct zint_seg segs[], const int seg_count);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_Segs_and_Print(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const struct zint_seg segs[], const int seg_count, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_Segs_and_Buffer(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const struct zint_seg segs[], const int seg_count, int rotate_angle);

    int ZBarcode_Encode_Segs_and_Buffer_Vector(struct zint_symbol *symbol,
          const struct zint_seg segs[], const int seg_count, int rotate_angle);

These are direct analogues of the previously mentioned `ZBarcode_Encode()`, `ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print()`, `ZBarcode_Encode_and_Buffer()` and `ZBarcode_Encode_and_Buffer_Vector()` respectively, where instead of a pair consisting of `"source, length"`, a pair consisting of `"segs, seg_count"` is given, with `segs` being an array of `struct zint_seg` segments and `seg_count` being the number of elements it contains. The `zint_seg` structure is of the form:

    struct zint_seg {
        unsigned char *source; /* Data to encode */
        int length;            /* Length of `source`. If 0 or negative, `source`
                                  must be NUL-terminated */
        int eci;               /* Extended Channel Interpretation */
    };

The symbology must support ECIs (see Table 7: ECI-Aware Symbologies). For example:

    #include <zint.h>
    int main(int argc, char **argv)
    {
        struct zint_seg segs[] = {
            { "Κείμενο", 0, 9 },
            { "Текст", 0, 7 },
            { "文章", 0, 20 }
        };
        struct zint_symbol *symbol;
        symbol = ZBarcode_Create();
        symbol->symbology = BARCODE_AZTEC;
        symbol->input_mode = UNICODE_MODE;
        ZBarcode_Encode_Segs(symbol, segs, 3);
        ZBarcode_Print(symbol, 0);
        ZBarcode_Delete(symbol);
        return 0;
    }

A maximum of 256 segments may be specified. Use of multiple segments with GS1 data is not currently supported.

## 5.13 Scaling Helpers

To help with scaling the output, the following three function are available:

    float ZBarcode_Default_Xdim(int symbol_id);

    float ZBarcode_Scale_From_XdimDp(int symbol_id, float x_dim_mm, float dpmm,
            const char *filetype);

    float ZBarcode_XdimDP_From_Scale(int symbol_id, float scale,
            float x_dim_mm_or_dpmm, const char *filetype);

The first `ZBarcode_Default_Xdim()` returns the default X-dimension suggested by Zint for symbology `symbol_id`.

The second `ZBarcode_Scale_From_XdimDp()` returns the scale to use to output to a file of type `filetype` with X-dimension `x_dim_mm` at `dpmm` dots per mm. The given X-dimension must be non-zero and less than or equal to 10mm, however `dpmm` may be zero and defaults to 12 dpmm, and `filetype` may be NULL or empty in which case a GIF filetype is assumed. For raster output (BMP/GIF/PCX/PNG/TIF) the scale is rounded to half-integer increments.

For example:

    /* Royal Mail 4-State Customer Code */
    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_RM4SCC;
    symbol->dpmm = 600.0f / 25.4f; /* 600 dpi */
    symbol->scale = ZBarcode_Scale_From_XdimDp(
                            symbol->symbology,
                            ZBarcode_Default_Xdim(symbol->symbology),
                            symbol->dpmm, "PNG"); /* Returns 7.5 */

The third function `ZBarcode_XdimDP_From_Scale()` is the “reverse” of `ZBarcode_Scale_From_XdimDp()`, returning the X-dimension (in mm) or the dot density (in dpmm) given a scale `scale`. Both `scale` and `x_dim_mm_or_dpmm` must be non-zero. The returned value is bound to the maximum value of dpmm (1000), so must be further bound to 10 on return if the X-dimension is sought.

Note that the X-dimension to use is application dependent, and varies not only due to the symbology, resolution and filetype but also due to the type of scanner used, the intended scanning distance, and what media (“substrates”) the barcode appears on.

## 5.14 Verifying Symbology Availability

An additional function available in the API is:

    int ZBarcode_ValidID(int symbol_id);

which allows you to check whether a given symbology is available, returning a non-zero value if so. For example:

    if (ZBarcode_ValidID(BARCODE_PDF417) != 0) {
        printf("PDF417 available\n");
    } else {
        printf("PDF417 not available\n");
    }

Another function that may be useful is:

    int ZBarcode_BarcodeName(int symbol_id, char name[32]);

which copies the name of a symbology into the supplied `name` buffer, which should be 32 characters in length. The name is `NUL`-terminated, and zero is returned on success. For instance:

    char name[32];
    if (ZBarcode_BarcodeName(BARCODE_PDF417, name) == 0) {
        printf("%s\n", name);
    }

will print `BARCODE_PDF417`.

## 5.15 Checking Symbology Capabilities

It can be useful for frontend programs to know the capabilities of a symbology. This can be determined using another additional function:

    unsigned int ZBarcode_Cap(int symbol_id, unsigned int cap_flag);

by `OR`-ing the flags below in the `cap_flag` argument and checking the return to see which are set.

Table 16: API Capability Flags
Value | Meaning
--- | ---
`ZINT_CAP_HRT` | Can the symbology print Human Readable Text?
`ZINT_CAP_STACKABLE` | Is the symbology stackable? Note that stacked symbologies are not stackable.
`ZINT_CAP_EANUPC`16 | Is the symbology EAN/UPC?
`ZINT_CAP_COMPOSITE` | Does the symbology support composite data? (see 6.3 GS1 Composite Symbols (ISO 24723) below)
`ZINT_CAP_ECI` | Does the symbology support Extended Channel Interpretations?
`ZINT_CAP_GS1` | Does the symbology support GS1 data?
`ZINT_CAP_DOTTY` | Can the symbology be outputted as dots?
`ZINT_CAP_QUIET_ZONES` | Does the symbology have default quiet zones? Note that default quiet zones may be zero.
`ZINT_CAP_FIXED_RATIO` | Does the symbology have a fixed width-to-height (aspect) ratio?
`ZINT_CAP_READER_INIT` | Does the symbology support Reader Initialisation?
`ZINT_CAP_FULL_MULTIBYTE` | Is the `ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE` option applicable?
`ZINT_CAP_MASK` | Is mask selection applicable?
`ZINT_CAP_STRUCTAPP` | Does the symbology support Structured Append?
`ZINT_CAP_COMPLIANT_HEIGHT` | Does the symbology have a compliant height defined?
`ZINT_CAP_BINDABLE` | Does the symbology have row separators that can be set? Includes stacked symbologies and stackable linear symbologies.

For example:

    unsigned int cap;
    cap = ZBarcode_Cap(BARCODE_PDF417, ZINT_CAP_HRT | ZINT_CAP_ECI);
    if (cap & ZINT_CAP_HRT) {
        printf("PDF417 supports HRT\n");
    } else {
        printf("PDF417 does not support HRT\n");
    }
    if (cap & ZINT_CAP_ECI) {
        printf("PDF417 supports ECI\n");
    } else {
        printf("PDF417 does not support ECI\n");
    }

## 5.16 Feedback

On successful encodation (after using `ZBarcode_Encode()` etc.) the `option_1`, `option_2` and `option_3` members will be set to the values used by Zint to create the barcode. This is useful for feedback if the values were left as defaults or were overridden by Zint.

In particular for symbologies that have masks,17 `option_3` will contain the mask used as `(N + 1) << 8`, N being the mask. Also Aztec Code will return the actual ECC percentage used in `option_1` as `P << 8`, where P is the integer percentage, the low byte containing the values given in Table 39: Aztec Code Error Correction Modes (with the addition of `0` meaning less than 5% + 3 codewords and `-1` meaning minimum 3 codewords). Micro PDF417 also will return the ECC percentage in `option_1` as `P << 8`.

Detailed feedback on the data encoded may be requested by specifying the `BARCODE_CONTENT_SEGS` option in the `output_options` member, which will populate the `content_segs` member with an array of `zint_seg` structures (see 5.12 Multiple Segments for the format), one for each segment specified, the size of the array being set in `content_seg_count` - which will always be at least one.

The `source`, `length` and `eci` members of `zint_seg` will be set accordingly - the unconverted data in `source`, the data length in `length`, and the character set the data was converted to in `eci`. Any check characters encoded will be included,18 and for GS1 data any `FNC1` separators will be represented as `GS` (ASCII 29) characters. UPC-A and UPC-E data will be expanded to EAN-13, as will EAN-8 but only if it has an add-on (otherwise it will remain at 8 digits), and any add-ons will follow the 13 digits directly (no separator). GS1 Composite data if any will be separated from the primary data (including any EAN/UPC add-ons) by a pipe (`|`) character.

The `source` member is not NUL-terminated, and is not converted: if `input_mode` is `DATA_MODE`, it remains in binary; otherwise it will be in UTF-8. The UTF-8 source may be converted to the character set of the corresponding `eci` member using the two helper functions discussed next.

## 5.17 UTF-8 to ECI convenience functions

As a convenience the conversion done by Zint from UTF-8 to ECIs is exposed in two helper functions (compatible with the `libzueci`19 functions `zueci_utf8_to_eci()` and `zueci_dest_len_eci()`):

    int ZBarcode_UTF8_To_ECI(int eci, const unsigned char *source, int length,
          unsigned char dest[], int *p_dest_length);

    int ZBarcode_Dest_Len_ECI(int eci, const unsigned char *source, int length,
          int *p_dest_length);

Call `ZBarcode_Dest_Len_ECI()` to get the size of buffer sufficient to accommodate the conversion, then call `ZBarcode_UTF8_To_ECI()` with an appropriately sized buffer to do the conversion. The final destination length, returned in `p_dest_length`, may be smaller than the estimate given by `ZBarcode_Dest_Len_ECI()`. If `length` is zero or less, `source` must be NUL-terminated. The destination buffer is not NUL-terminated. The obsolete ECIs 0, 1 and 2 are supported.

## 5.18 Zint Version

Whether the Zint library was built without PNG support may be determined with:

    int ZBarcode_NoPng(void);

which returns 1 if PNG support is not available, else zero.

Similarly, but with opposite sense, whether the Zint library was built with GS1 Syntax Engine support may be determined with:

    int ZBarcode_HaveGS1SyntaxEngine(void);

which returns 1 if GS1 Syntax Engine support is available, else zero.

Lastly, the version of the Zint library linked to is returned by:

    int ZBarcode_Version(void);

The version parts are separated by hundreds. For instance, version `"2.9.1"` is returned as `"20901"`.

# 6. Types of Symbology

## 6.1 One-Dimensional Symbols

One-dimensional or linear symbols are what most people associate with the term barcode. They consist of a number of bars and a number of spaces of differing widths.

### 6.1.1 Code 11

Developed by Intermec in 1977 for Bell Labs as a high-density barcode to track small telephone components, Code 11 can encode data consisting of the digits 0-9 and the dash character (`-`) up to a maximum of 140 characters.

Figure 29: `zint -b CODE11 -d "9212320967"`

Two modulo-11 check digits are added by default. To add just one check digit, set `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`). To add no check digits, set `--vers=2` (API `option_2 = 2`).

### 6.1.2 Code 2 of 5

Code 2 of 5 is a family of one-dimensional self-checking symbols, 8 of which are supported by Zint. Note that the names given to these standards alter from one source to another so you should take care to ensure that you have the right barcode type before using them.

#### 6.1.2.1 Standard Code 2 of 5

Also known as Code 2 of 5 Matrix, and used in industrial applications and photo development, Standard Code 2 of 5 will encode numeric input (digits 0-9) up to a maximum of 112 digits.

Figure 30: `zint -b C25STANDARD -d "9212320967"`

No check digit is added by default. To add a check digit, set `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`). To add a check digit but not show it in the Human Readable Text, set `--vers=2` (API `option_2 = 2`).

#### 6.1.2.2 IATA Code 2 of 5

Used by the International Air Transport Agency (IATA) for baggage handling, this barcode will encode numeric input (digits 0-9) up to a maximum of 80 digits.

Figure 31: `zint -b C25IATA -d "9212320967"`

No check digit is added by default, but can be set the same as for 6.1.2.1 Standard Code 2 of 5.

#### 6.1.2.3 Industrial Code 2 of 5

Industrial Code 2 of 5 can encode numeric input (digits 0-9) up to a maximum of 79 digits.

Figure 32: `zint -b C25IND -d "9212320967"`

No check digit is added by default, but can be set the same as for 6.1.2.1 Standard Code 2 of 5.

#### 6.1.2.4 Interleaved Code 2 of 5 (ISO 16390)

A high-density barcode that encodes pairs of numbers, and so can only encode an even number of digits (0-9). If an odd number of digits is entered a leading zero is added by Zint. A maximum of 62 pairs (124 digits) can be encoded.

Figure 33: `zint -b C25INTER --compliantheight -d "9212320967"`

No check digit is added by default, but can be set the same as for 6.1.2.1 Standard Code 2 of 5.

#### 6.1.2.5 Code 2 of 5 Data Logic

Data Logic does not include a check digit by default and can encode numeric input (digits 0-9) up to a maximum of 113 digits.

Figure 34: `zint -b C25LOGIC -d "9212320967"`

No check digit is added by default, but can be set the same as for 6.1.2.1 Standard Code 2 of 5.

#### 6.1.2.6 ITF-14

ITF-14, also known as UPC Shipping Container Symbol or Case Code, is based on Interleaved Code 2 of 5 and is designed to encode a GTIN-14. It takes a 13-digit input, which will be prefixed with leading zeroes if less than 13 digits entered, or a 14-digit input if the standard GS1 check digit is given, in which case the check digit will be verified. A standard GS1 check digit is added by Zint unless already given.

Figure 35: `zint -b ITF14 --compliantheight -d "9212320967145"`

If no border option is specified Zint defaults to adding a bounding box with a border width of 5. This behaviour can be overridden by using the `--bind` option (API `output_options |= BARCODE_BIND`). Similarly the border width can be overridden using `--border` (API `border_width`). If a symbol with no border is required this can be achieved by explicitly setting the border type to box (or bind or bindtop) and leaving the border width 0.

Figure 36: `zint -b ITF14 --box --compliantheight -d "9212320967145"`

#### 6.1.2.7 Deutsche Post Leitcode

Leitcode is based on Interleaved Code 2 of 5 and is used by Deutsche Post for routing purposes. Leitcode requires a 13-digit numerical input to which Zint adds a check digit.

Figure 37: `zint -b DPLEIT -d "9212320967145"`

#### 6.1.2.8 Deutsche Post Identcode

Identcode is based on Interleaved Code 2 of 5 and is used by Deutsche Post for identification purposes. Identcode requires an 11-digit numerical input to which Zint adds a check digit.

Figure 38: `zint -b DPIDENT -d "91232096712"`

### 6.1.3 UPC (Universal Product Code) (ISO 15420)

#### 6.1.3.1 UPC Version A

UPC-A is used in the United States for retail applications, and encodes a GTIN-12, a 12-digit Global Trade Item Number that includes a standard GS1 check digit.

Figure 39: `zint -b UPCA --compliantheight -d "72527270270"`

Input up to 11 digits may be given, to which a check digit will be added by Zint. A 12-digit input including the check digit may also be supplied, in which case Zint will verify the check digit, or you may use symbology `BARCODE_UPCA_CHK` (35), which verifies that the last digit is a check digit. Input less than 11 digits will be zero-filled.

In addition 2-digit and 5-digit add-on symbols can be added, their data separated from the main data by a `'+'` character or a space. For example, to draw a UPC-A symbol with the data “72527270270” and 5-digit add-on data “12345” use the command:

    zint -b UPCA -d "72527270270+12345"

or using the API:

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_UPCA;
    /* Using '+' */
    error = ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, "72527270270+12345", 0, 0);
    /* Or a space */
    error = ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, "72527270270 12345", 0, 0);

Figure 40: `zint -b UPCA --compliantheight -d "72527270270+12345"`

A quiet zone indicator can be added to the HRT by setting `--guardwhitespace` (API `output_options |= EANUPC_GUARD_WHITESPACE`). For UPC, this is only relevant when there is an add-on:

    zint -b UPCA -d "72527270270+12345" --guardwhitespace

or using the API:

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_UPCA;
    symbol->output_options |= EANUPC_GUARD_WHITESPACE;
    error = ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, "72527270270+12345", 0, 0);

Figure 41: `zint -b UPCA --compliantheight -d "72527270270+12345" --guardwhitespace`

You can adjust the gap between the main symbol and an add-on in integral multiples of the X-dimension by setting `--addongap` (API `option_2`) to a value between 9 (default) and 12. The height in X-dimensions that the guard bars descend below the main bars can be adjusted by setting `--guarddescent` (API `guard_descent`) to a value between 0.0 and 20.0 (default 5.0).

#### 6.1.3.2 UPC Version E

UPC-E is a zero-compressed version of UPC-A developed for smaller packages, which takes up to 7 digits as input. A standard GS1 check digit will be added by Zint. If 7 digits are given then the first must be ‘0’ or ‘1’ (the latter is known as number system 1 and is non-standard). Input less than 7 digits will be zero-filled.

Figure 42: `zint -b UPCE --compliantheight -d "123456"`

An 8-digit input including the check digit may also be supplied, in which case Zint will verify the check digit, or the symbology `BARCODE_UPCE_CHK` (38) may be used, which will verify that the last digit is a check digit before encoding.

As with UPC-A, 2-digit and 5-digit add-on symbols can be added using a `'+'` character or a space as a separator, and a quiet zone indicator can be added when there is an add-on by setting `--guardwhitespace` (API `output_options |= EANUPC_GUARD_WHITESPACE`):

    zint -b UPCE -d "123456+12" --guardwhitespace

Figure 43: `zint -b UPCE --compliantheight -d "123456+12" --guardwhitespace`

You can adjust the gap between the main symbol and an add-on in integral multiples of the X-dimension by setting `--addongap` (API `option_2`) to a value between 7 (default) and 12. The height in X-dimensions that the guard bars descend below the main bars can be adjusted by setting `--guarddescent` (API `guard_descent`) to a value between 0.0 and 20.0 (default 5.0).

### 6.1.4 EAN (European Article Number) (ISO 15420)

The EAN system, which stands for European Article Number but it is also known as International Article Number, is a backward-compatible extension of UPC, used in retail across Europe and internationally. It defines the symbologies EAN-13, EAN-8 and ISBN (a subset of EAN-13).

#### 6.1.4.1 EAN-13

EAN-13 encodes a GTIN-13, a 13-digit Global Trade Item Number that includes a standard GS1 check digit.

Figure 44: `zint -b EAN13 --compliantheight -d "451234567890"`

Input up to 12 digits may be given, to which a check digit will be added by Zint, or a 13-digit input can be supplied in which case Zint will validate the check digit. Input less than 12 digits will be zero-filled.

A 2-digit or 5-digit add-on can be added by using a ‘+’ or space character as with UPC symbols. For example:

    zint -b EAN13 -d "451234567890+21"

will encode an EAN-13 symbol with a 2-digit add-on. As before these results can be achieved using the API:

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_EAN13;
    error = ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, "451234567890+21", 0, 0);

Figure 45: `zint -b EAN13 --compliantheight -d "451234567890+21"`

Options to add quiet zone indicators and to adjust the add-on gap and the guard bar descent height are the same as for 6.1.3.2 UPC Version E. For instance:

    zint -b EAN13 -d "4512345678906" --guarddescent=2.5 --guardwhitespace

Figure 46: `zint -b EAN13 --compliantheight -d "4512345678906"` –guarddescent=2.5 –guardwhitespace

#### 6.1.4.2 EAN-8

EAN-8 is a shortened version of EAN-13, encoding a GTIN-8 (a GTIN-13 with 5 leading zeroes implied), for use with small packages.

Figure 47: `zint -b EAN8 --compliantheight -d "7432365"`

Input up to 7 digits may be supplied, to which Zint will add a standard GS1 check digit. An 8-digit input including the check digit may also be given, in which case Zint will verify the check digit. Input less than 7 digits will be zero-filled.

Options to add quiet zone indicators and to adjust the guard bar descent height are the same as for 6.1.3.2 UPC Version E. For instance:

    zint -b EAN8 -d "7432365" --guardwhitespace

or using the API:

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_EAN8;
    symbol->output_options |= EANUPC_GUARD_WHITESPACE;
    error = ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, "7432365", 0, 0);

Figure 48: `zint -b EAN8 --compliantheight -d "7432365"` –guardwhitespace

2-digit and 5-digit add-ons may also be added, and the gap adjusted, as with EAN-13, but this usage is non-standard and Zint will issue a warning on use.

#### 6.1.4.3 ISBN (including SBN and ISBN-13)

EAN-13 symbols (also known as Bookland EAN-13) can also be produced from 9-digit SBN, 10-digit ISBN or 13-digit ISBN-13 data. The relevant check digit needs to be present in the input data and will be verified before the symbol is generated.

Figure 49: `zint -b ISBNX --compliantheight -d "9789295055124"`

As with EAN-13, a quiet zone indicator can be added using `--guardwhitespace`:

Figure 50: `zint -b ISBNX --compliantheight -d "9789295055124" --guardwhitespace`

2-digit and 5-digit add-on symbols can be added using a `+` or space character, and there are options to adjust the add-on gap and the guard bar descent height - see 6.1.3.2 UPC Version E.

#### 6.1.4.4 EAN/UPC Add-Ons (standalone)

As a convenience, 2-digit and 5-digit add-ons may be generated as standalone symbols using the symbologies `BARCODE_EAN_2ADDON` (11) and `BARCODE_EAN_5ADDON` (12).

Figure 51: `zint -b EAN_2ADDON --compliantheight -d "12"`

As with the main EAN/UPC symbols a quiet zone indicator can be added using `---guardwhitespace`. For instance

    zint -b EAN_5ADDON -d "54321" --guardwhitespace

will generate a standalone 5-digit add-on with quiet zone guards, or using the API:

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_EAN_5ADDON;
    symbol->output_options |= EANUPC_GUARD_WHITESPACE;
    error = ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, "54321", 0, 0);

Figure 52: `zint -b EAN_5ADDON --compliantheight -d "54321"` –guardwhitespace

### 6.1.5 Plessey

#### 6.1.5.1 UK Plessey

Also known as Plessey Code, this symbology was developed by the Plessey Company Ltd. in the UK. The symbol can encode data consisting of digits (0-9) or letters A-F (i.e. hexadecimal digits) up to a maximum of 67 characters.

Figure 53: `zint -b PLESSEY -d "C64"`

The symbol includes two hidden CRC check digits, which may be shown in the Human Readable Text by setting `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`).

#### 6.1.5.2 MSI Plessey

Based on UK Plessey and developed by MSI Data Corporation, MSI Plessey can encode numeric (digits 0-9) input of up to 92 digits.

Figure 54: `zint -b MSI_PLESSEY -d "6502" --vers=2`

MSI Plessey has a range of check digit options that are selectable by setting `--vers` (API `option_2`), shown in the table below:

Table 17: MSI Plessey Check Digit Options
Value | Check Digits
--- | ---
0 | None
1 | Modulo-10 (Luhn)
2 | Modulo-10 & Modulo-10
3 | Modulo-11 (IBM)
4 | Modulo-11 (IBM) & Modulo-10
5 | Modulo-11 (NCR)
6 | Modulo-11 (NCR) & Modulo-10

To not show the check digit or digits in the Human Readable Text, add 10 to the `--vers` value. For example `--vers=12` (API `option_2 = 12`) will add two hidden modulo-10 check digits.

### 6.1.6 Telepen

#### 6.1.6.1 Telepen Alpha

Telepen Alpha was developed by SB Electronic Systems Limited and can encode ASCII text input, up to a maximum of 69 characters. Telepen includes a hidden modulo-127 check digit, added by Zint.

Figure 55: `zint -b TELEPEN --compliantheight -d "Z80"`

#### 6.1.6.2 Telepen Numeric

Telepen Numeric allows compression of numeric data into a Telepen symbol. Data can consist of pairs of numbers or pairs consisting of a numerical digit followed an X character. For example: 466333 and 466X33 are valid codes whereas 46X333 is not (the digit pair `"X3"` is not valid). Up to 136 digits can be encoded. Telepen Numeric includes a hidden modulo-127 check digit which is added by Zint.

Figure 56: `zint -b TELEPEN_NUM --compliantheight -d "466X33"`

### 6.1.7 Code 39

#### 6.1.7.1 Standard Code 39 (ISO 16388)

Standard Code 39 was introduced in 1975 by Intermec. Input data can be up to 86 characters in length and can include the characters 0-9, A-Z, dash (`-`), full stop (`.`), space, asterisk (`*`), dollar (`$`), slash (`/`), plus (`+`) and percent (`%`).

Figure 57: `zint -b CODE39 --compliantheight -d "1A" --vers=1`

The standard does not require a check digit but a modulo-43 check digit can be added if desired by setting `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`). To add a check digit but not show it in the Human Readable Text, set `--vers=2` (API `option_2 = 2`).

#### 6.1.7.2 Extended Code 39

Also known as Code 39e and Code39+, this symbology expands on Standard Code 39 to provide support for the full 7-bit ASCII character set.

Figure 58: `zint -b EXCODE39 --compliantheight -d "123.45#@fd"`

The check digit options are the same as for 6.1.7.1 Standard Code 39 (ISO 16388).

#### 6.1.7.3 Code 93

A variation of Extended Code 39, Code 93 also supports full ASCII text, accepting up to 123 characters. Two check characters are added by Zint. By default these check characters are not shown in the Human Readable Text, but may be shown by setting `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`).

Figure 59: `zint -b CODE93 --compliantheight -d "C93"`

#### 6.1.7.4 PZN (Pharmazentralnummer)

PZN is a Code 39 based symbology used by the pharmaceutical industry in Germany. PZN encodes a 7-digit number to which Zint will add a modulo-11 check digit (PZN8). Input less than 7 digits will be zero-filled. An 8-digit input can be supplied in which case Zint will validate the check digit.

Figure 60: `zint -b PZN --compliantheight -d "2758089"`

To encode a PZN7 (obsolete since 2013) instead set `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`) and supply up to 7 digits. As with PZN8, a modulo-11 check digit will be added or if 7 digits supplied the check digit validated.

#### 6.1.7.5 LOGMARS

LOGMARS (Logistics Applications of Automated Marking and Reading Symbols) is a variation of the Code 39 symbology used by the U.S. Department of Defense. LOGMARS encodes the same character set as 6.1.7.1 Standard Code 39 (ISO 16388), and the check digit options are also the same. Input is restricted to a maximum of 30 characters.

Figure 61: `zint -b LOGMARS --compliantheight -d "12345/ABCDE" --vers=1`

#### 6.1.7.6 Code 32

A variation of Code 39 used by the Italian Ministry of Health (“Ministero della Sanità”) for encoding identifiers on pharmaceutical products. This symbology requires a numeric input up to 8 digits in length. A check digit is added by Zint.

Figure 62: `zint -b CODE32 --compliantheight -d "14352312"`

#### 6.1.7.7 HIBC Code 39

This variant adds a leading `'+'` character and a trailing modulo-49 check digit to a standard Code 39 symbol as required by the Health Industry Barcode standards.

Figure 63: `zint -b HIBC_39 --compliantheight -d "14352312"`

#### 6.1.7.8 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A variation of Code 39 that for vehicle identification numbers used in North America (first character `'1'` to `'5'`) has a check character verification stage. A 17 character input (0-9, and A-Z excluding `'I'`, `'O'` and `'Q'`) is required.

Figure 64: `zint -b VIN -d "2FTPX28L0XCA15511" --vers=1`

An invisible Import character prefix `'I'` can be added by setting `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`).

### 6.1.8 Codabar (EN 798)

Also known as Rationalized Codabar, Code 27, 2 of 7 Code, NW-7 (Japan), USD-4 and Monarch, this symbology was developed in 1972 from earlier versions by Pitney Bowes-Alpex for retail price marking. The American Blood Commission adopted Codabar in 1979 as the standard barcode for blood products.

Figure 65: `zint -b CODABAR --compliantheight -d "A37859B"`

Codabar can encode up to 103 characters starting and ending with the letters A-D and containing between these letters the numbers 0-9, dash (`-`), dollar (`$`), colon (`:`), slash (`/`), full stop (`.`) or plus (`+`).

No check character is generated by default, but a hidden modulo-16 one can be added by setting `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`). To have the check character appear in the Human Readable Text, set `--vers=2` (API `option_2 = 2`).

### 6.1.9 Pharmacode One-Track

Developed by Laetus, Pharmacode One-Track is used for the identification of pharmaceuticals. The symbology is able to encode whole numbers between 3 and 131070.

Figure 66: `zint -b PHARMA --compliantheight -d "130170"`

### 6.1.10 Code 128

#### 6.1.10.1 Standard Code 128 (ISO 15417)

One of the most ubiquitous one-dimensional barcode symbologies, Code 128 was developed in 1981 by Computer Identics. This symbology supports full ASCII text and uses a three-Code Set system to compress the data into a smaller symbol. Zint automatically switches between Code Sets A, B and C (but see below) and adds a hidden modulo-103 check digit.

Figure 67: `zint -b CODE128 --bind -d "130170X178"`

Code 128 is the default barcode symbology used by Zint. In addition Zint supports the encoding of ISO/IEC 8859-1 (non-English) characters in Code 128 symbols. The ISO/IEC 8859-1 character set is shown in Annex A.2 Latin Alphabet No. 1 (ISO/IEC 8859-1).

Manual switching of Code Sets is possible using the `--extraesc` option (API `input_mode |= EXTRA_ESCAPE_MODE`), which apart from processing normal escape sequences also processes the Code 128-specific escapes `\^A`, `\^B`, `\^C` and `\^@` (the latter turns off manual Code Set selection). For instance the following will force switching to Code Set B for the data `"5678"` (normally Code Set C would be used throughout):

    zint -b CODE128 -d "1234\^B5678" --extraesc

The manually selected Code Set will apply until the next Code Set escape sequence or until a `\^@`, with the exception that data that cannot be represented in that Code Set will be switched as appropriate. If the data contains an extra escape sequence, it can be escaped by doubling the caret (`^`). For instance

    zint -b CODE128 -d "\^AABC\^^BDEF" --extraesc

will encode the data `"ABC\^BDEF"` in Code Set A.

There is also the extra escape `\^1`, which will encode a special Function Code 1 character (`FNC1`) anywhere you choose in the data, for instance

    zint -b CODE128 -d "A\^1BC\^1DEF" --extraesc

Zint can encode a maximum of 102 symbol characters, which allows for e.g. 202 all-numeric or 101 all-uppercase characters. Sizes above 120 digits (60 alphanumerics) are not recommended.

#### 6.1.10.2 Code 128 Suppress Code Set C (Code Sets A and B only)

It is sometimes advantageous to stop Code 128 from using Code Set C which compresses numerical data. The `BARCODE_CODE128AB`20 variant (symbology 60) suppresses Code Set C in favour of Code Sets A and B.

Figure 68: `zint -b CODE128AB -d "130170X178"`

Note that the special extra escapes mentioned above are not available for this variant (nor for any other).

#### 6.1.10.3 GS1-128

A variation of Code 128 previously known as UCC/EAN-128, this symbology is defined by the GS1 General Specifications. Application Identifiers (AIs) should be entered using [square bracket] notation. These will be converted to parentheses (round brackets) for the Human Readable Text. This method allows the inclusion of parentheses in the AI data without escaping.

Figure 69: `zint -b GS1_128 --compliantheight -d "[01]98898765432106[3202]012345[15]991231"`

For compatibility with data entry in other systems, the option `--gs1parens` (API `input_mode |= GS1PARENS_MODE`) may be used to signal that AIs are encased in parentheses. If there are any opening parentheses in the AI data, they must be escaped with a backslash (`\(`). Optionally, for clarity, closing parentheses may also be escaped,

Fixed length data should be entered at the appropriate length for correct encoding. GS1-128 does not support extended ASCII (ISO/IEC 8859-1) characters. Check digits for GTIN data AI (01) are not generated and need to be included in the input data. The following is an example of a valid GS1-128 input:

    zint -b GS1_128 -d "[01]98898765432106[3202]012345[15]991231"

or using the `--gs1parens` option:

    zint -b GS1_128 --gs1parens -d "(01)98898765432106(3202)012345(15)991231"

#### 6.1.10.4 EAN-14

A shorter version of GS1-128 which encodes GTIN-14 data only, EAN-14 takes a 13-digit input, which will be prefixed with leading zeroes if less than 13 digits entered, or a 14-digit number if the standard GS1 check digit is given, in which case the check digit will be verified. The GS1 check digit (if not given) and HRT-only AI `"(01)"` are added by Zint.

Figure 70: `zint -b EAN14 --compliantheight -d "9889876543210"`

#### 6.1.10.5 NVE-18 (SSCC-18)

A variation of Code 128 the ‘Nummer der Versandeinheit’ standard, also known as SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Code), includes both a visible standard GS1 check digit and a hidden modulo-103 check digit. NVE-18 takes a 17-digit input, which will be prefixed with leading zeros if less than 17 digits given, or an 18-digit input if the GS1 check digit is included, in which case the check digit will be verified. Check digit(s) and HRT-only AI `"(00)"` are added by Zint.

Figure 71: `zint -b NVE18 --compliantheight -d "37612345000001003"`

#### 6.1.10.6 HIBC Code 128

This variation adds a leading `'+'` character and a trailing modulo-49 check digit to a standard Code 128 symbol as required by the Health Industry Barcode standards.

Figure 72: `zint -b HIBC_128 -d "A123BJC5D6E71"`

#### 6.1.10.7 DPD Code

Another variation of Code 128 as used by DPD (Deutscher Paketdienst).

Figure 73: `zint -b DPD --compliantheight -d "000393206219912345678101040"`

DPD Code requires a 27 or 28 character input. For 28 character input, the first character is an identification tag (Barcode ID), which should usually be `"%"` (ASCII 37). If 27 characters are supplied, `"%"` will be prefixed by Zint (except if marked as a “relabel”, see below). The rest of the 27-character input must be alphanumeric, and is of the form:

Table 18: DPD Input Fields
Destination Post Code | Tracking Number | Service Code | Destination Country Code
--- | --- | --- | ---
PPPPPPP (7 alphanumerics) | TTTTTTTTTTTTTT (14 alphanumerics) | SSS (3 digits) | CCC (3-digit ISO 3166-1)

A warning will be generated if the Service Code, the Destination Country Code, or the last 10 characters of the Tracking Number are non-numeric.

Zint formats the Human Readable Text as specified by DPD, leaving out the identification tag, and adds a modulo-36 check character to the text (not to the barcode itself), thus:

`PPPP PPP TTTT TTTT TTTT TT SSS CCC D`

By default a top boundary bar is added, with default width 3X. The width can be overridden using `--border` (API `border_width`). For a symbol with no top boundary bar, explicitly set the border type to bindtop (or bind or box) and leave the border width 0.

A DPD Code can be marked as a “relabel” by specifying `--vers=1` (API `option_2 = 1`), which omits the identification tag and prints the barcode at half height. In this case, an input of 27 alphanumeric characters is required.

#### 6.1.10.8 UPU S10

The Universal Postal Union S10 variant of Code 128 encodes 13 characters in the format `"SSNNNNNNNNXCC"`, where `"SS"` is a two-character alphabetic service indicator, `"NNNNNNNN"` is an 8-digit serial number, `"X"` is a modulo-11 check digit, and `"CC"` is a two-character ISO 3166-1 country code.

Figure 74: `zint -b UPU_S10 --compliantheight -d "EE876543216CA"`

The check digit may be omitted in which case Zint will add it. Warnings will be generated if the service indicator is non-standard or the country code is not ISO 3361-1.

### 6.1.11 GS1 DataBar (ISO 24724)

Previously known as RSS (Reduced Spaced Symbology), these symbols were introduced in 2006 by GS1 to efficiently encode GS1 data. Stacked counterparts (apart from GS1 DataBar Limited) are also available - see 6.2.7 GS1 DataBar Stacked (ISO 24724).

See 6.3 GS1 Composite Symbols (ISO 24723) to find out how to generate DataBar symbols with 2D components.

#### 6.1.11.1 GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and GS1 DataBar Truncated

Previously known as RSS-14 this standard encodes a 13-digit item code. A check digit and HRT-only Application Identifier of `"(01)"` are added by Zint. (A 14-digit code that appends the standard GS1 check digit may be given, in which case the check digit will be verified.) Input less than 13 digits will be zero-filled.

Figure 75: `zint -b DBAR_OMN --compliantheight -d "0950110153001"`

GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional symbols should have a height of 33 or greater. To produce a GS1 DataBar Truncated symbol set the symbol height to a value between 13 and 32. Truncated symbols may not be scannable by omnidirectional scanners.

Figure 76: `zint -b DBAR_OMN -d "0950110153001" --height=13`

#### 6.1.11.2 GS1 DataBar Limited

Previously known as RSS Limited this standard encodes a 13-digit item code and can be used in the same way as GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional above. GS1 DataBar Limited, however, is limited to data starting with digits 0 and 1 (i.e. numbers in the range 0 to 1999999999999). As with GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional a check digit and HRT-only Application Identifier of `"(01)"` are added by Zint, and a 14-digit code may be given in which case the check digit will be verified. Input less than 13 digits will be zero-filled.

Figure 77: `zint -b DBAR_LTD --compliantheight -d "0950110153001"`

#### 6.1.11.3 GS1 DataBar Expanded

Previously known as RSS Expanded this is a variable length symbology capable of encoding data from a number of AIs in a single symbol. AIs should be encased in [square brackets] in the input data, which will be displayed as parentheses (round brackets) in the Human Readable Text. This method allows the inclusion of parentheses in the AI data without escaping. The AIs may alternatively be encased in parentheses using the `--gs1parens` switch - see 6.1.10.3 GS1-128.

Figure 78: `zint -b DBAR_EXP --compliantheight -d "[01]98898765432106[3202]012345[15]991231"`

The GTIN-14 data for AI (01) must include the standard GS1 check digit as this is not calculated by Zint when this symbology is encoded. Data for fixed-length AIs must be entered at the appropriate length. The maximum capacity is 74 numerics or 41 alphanumerics. The following is an example of a valid GS1 DataBar Expanded input:

    zint -b DBAR_EXP -d "[01]98898765432106[3202]012345[15]991231"

### 6.1.12 Korea Post Barcode

The Korean Postal Barcode is used to encode a 6-digit number and includes one check digit.

Figure 79: `zint -b KOREAPOST -d "923457"`

### 6.1.13 Channel Code

A highly compressed symbol for numeric data. The number of channels in the symbol can be between 3 and 8 and this can be specified by setting the value of the `--vers` option (API `option_2`). It can also be determined by the length of the input data: e.g. a three character input string generates a 4 channel code by default.

Figure 80: `zint -b CHANNEL -d "453678" --compliantheight`

The maximum values permitted depend on the number of channels used as shown in the table below:

Table 19: Channel Value Ranges
Channels | Minimum Value | Maximum Value
--- | --- | ---
3 | 00 | 26
4 | 000 | 292
5 | 0000 | 3493
6 | 00000 | 44072
7 | 000000 | 576688
8 | 0000000 | 7742862

### 6.1.14 BC412 (SEMI T1-95)

Designed by IBM for marking silicon wafers, each BC412 character is represented by 4 bars of a single size, interleaved with 4 spaces of varying sizes that total 8 (hence 4 bars in 12). Zint implements the SEMI T1-95 standard, where input must be alphanumeric, excluding the letter `O`, and must be from 7 to 18 characters in length. A single check character is added by Zint, appearing in the 2nd character position. Lowercase input is automatically made uppercase.

Figure 81: `zint -b BC412 -d "AQ45670" --compliantheight`

## 6.2 Stacked Symbologies

### 6.2.1 Basic Symbol Stacking

An early innovation to get more information into a symbol, used primarily in the vehicle industry, is to simply stack one-dimensional codes on top of each other. This can be achieved at the command prompt by giving more than one set of input data. For example

    zint -d "This" -d "That"

will draw two Code 128 symbols, one on top of the other. The same result can be achieved using the API by executing the `ZBarcode_Encode()` function more than once on a symbol. For example:

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_CODE128;
    error = ZBarcode_Encode(symbol, "This", 0);
    error = ZBarcode_Encode(symbol, "That", 0);
    error = ZBarcode_Print(symbol);

Figure 82: `zint -d "This" -d "That"`

Note that the Human Readable Text will be that of the last data, so it’s best to use the option `--notext` (API `show_hrt = 0`).

The stacked barcode rows can be separated by row separator bars by specifying `--bind` (API `output_options |= BARCODE_BIND`). The height of the row separator bars in integral multiples of the X-dimension (minimum and default 1, maximum 4) can be set by `--separator` (API `option_3`):

    zint --bind --notext --separator=2 -d "This" -d "That"

Figure 83: `zint --notext --bind --separator=2 -d "This" -d "That"`

A more sophisticated method is to use some type of line indexing which indicates to the barcode reader which order the stacked symbols should be read in. This is demonstrated by the symbologies below.

### 6.2.2 Codablock-F

This is a stacked symbology based on Code 128 which can encode Latin-1 data up to a maximum length of 2726 symbol characters, meaning for instance up to 2726 all ASCII characters, or 5452 all numeric, or up to 1363 all extended ASCII (ISO/IEC 8859-1).

Figure 84: `zint -b CODABLOCKF -d "CODABLOCK F Symbology" --rows=3`

The width of the Codablock-F symbol can be set using the `--cols` option (API `option_2`), to a value between 9 and 67. The height (number of rows) can be set using the `--rows` option (API `option_1`), with a maximum of 44. Zint does not currently support encoding of GS1 data in Codablock-F symbols.

A separate symbology ID (`BARCODE_HIBC_BLOCKF`) can be used to encode Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) data which adds a leading `'+'` character and a modulo-49 check digit to the encoded data.

### 6.2.3 Code 16K (EN 12323)

Code 16K, invented by Ted Williams for LaserLight Systems in 1988, uses a Code 128 based system which can stack up to 16 fixed-width rows in a block. This gives a maximum data capacity of 77 characters or 154 numerical digits and includes two modulo-107 check digits. Code 16K also supports ISO/IEC 8859-1 character encoding in the same manner as Code 128. GS1 data encoding is also supported. The minimum number of rows to use can be set using the `--rows` option (API `option_1`), with values from 2 to 16.

Figure 85: `zint -b CODE16K --compliantheight -d "ab0123456789"`

### 6.2.4 PDF417 (ISO 15438)

Heavily used in the parcel industry, the PDF417 symbology can encode a large amount of data into a small space. Zint supports encoding up to the ISO standard maximum symbol size of 925 codewords which (at error correction level 0) allows a maximum data size of 1850 text characters, or 2710 digits.

Figure 86: `zint -b PDF417 -d "PDF417"`

The width of the generated PDF417 symbol can be specified at the command line using the `--cols` switch (API `option_2`) followed by a number between 1 and 30, the number of rows using the `--rows` switch (API `option_3`) followed by a number between 3 and 90, and the amount of error correction information can be specified by using the `--secure` switch (API `option_1`) followed by a number between 0 and 8 where the number of codewords used for error correction is determined by `2^(value + 1)`. The default level of error correction is determined by the amount of data being encoded.

This symbology uses Latin-1 character encoding by default but also supports the ECI encoding mechanism. A separate symbology ID (`BARCODE_HIBC_PDF`) can be used to encode Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) data.

For a faster but less optimal encodation, the `--fast` option (API `input_mode |= FAST_MODE`) may be used.

PDF417 supports Structured Append of up to 99,999 symbols and an optional numeric ID of up to 30 digits, which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). The ID consists of up to 10 triplets, each ranging from `"000"` to `"899"`. For instance `"123456789"` would be a valid ID of 3 triplets. However `"123456900"` would not, as the last triplet `"900"` exceeds `"899"`. The triplets are 0-filled, for instance `"1234"` becomes `"123004"`. If an ID is not given, no ID is encoded.

### 6.2.5 Compact PDF417 (ISO 15438)

Previously known as Truncated PDF417, Compact PDF417 omits some per-row overhead to produce a narrower but less robust symbol. Options are the same as for PDF417 above.

Figure 87: `zint -b PDF417COMP -d "PDF417"`

### 6.2.6 MicroPDF417 (ISO 24728)

A variation of the PDF417 standard, MicroPDF417 is intended for applications where symbol size needs to be kept to a minimum. Its size ranges over 1 - 4 data columns and 4 - 44 rows. The maximum amount a MicroPDF417 symbol can hold is 250 alphanumeric characters or 366 digits. The amount of error correction used is dependent on symbol size. The number of data columns used can be determined using the `--cols` switch (API `option_2`) as with PDF417. The amount of data determines the number of rows.

Figure 88: `zint -b MICROPDF417 -d "12345678"`

MicroPDF417 uses Latin-1 character encoding by default but also supports the ECI encoding mechanism. A separate symbology ID (`BARCODE_HIBC_MICPDF`) can be used to encode Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) data.

`FAST_MODE` and Structured Append are supported the same as for PDF417, for which see details.

### 6.2.7 GS1 DataBar Stacked (ISO 24724)

The following are stacked counterparts of those in 6.1.11 GS1 DataBar (ISO 24724), GS1 DataBar Limited excluded.

See 6.3 GS1 Composite Symbols (ISO 24723) to find out how to generate DataBar Stacked symbols with 2D components.

#### 6.2.7.1 GS1 DataBar Stacked

A stacked variation of the GS1 DataBar Truncated symbol requiring the same input (see 6.1.11.1 GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and GS1 DataBar Truncated), this symbol is the same as the following GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional symbol except that its height is reduced and its central separator is a single row, making it suitable for small items when omnidirectional scanning is not required.

Figure 89: `zint -b DBAR_STK --compliantheight -d "9889876543210"`

#### 6.2.7.2 GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional

A stacked variation of the GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional symbol requiring the same input (see 6.1.11.1 GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and GS1 DataBar Truncated). The data is encoded in two rows of bars with a central 3-row separator.

Figure 90: `zint -b DBAR_OMNSTK --compliantheight -d "9889876543210"`

#### 6.2.7.3 GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked

A stacked variation of the GS1 DataBar Expanded symbol for smaller packages. Input is the same as for GS1 DataBar Expanded (see 6.1.11.3 GS1 DataBar Expanded), with the same maximum capacity.

Figure 91: `zint -b DBAR_EXPSTK --compliantheight -d "[01]98898765432106[3202]012345[15]991231"`

The width of the symbol can be altered using the `--cols` switch (API `option_2`). In this case the number of columns (values 1 to 11) relates to the number of character pairs on each row of the symbol. Alternatively the `--rows` switch (API `option_3`) can be used to specify the maximum number of rows (values 2 to 11), and the number of columns will be adjusted accordingly.

If generated with a 2D component (6.3 GS1 Composite Symbols (ISO 24723)), the number of columns must be at least 2.

### 6.2.8 Code 49

Developed in 1987 at Intermec, Code 49 is a cross between UPC and Code 39. It is one of the earliest stacked symbologies and influenced the design of Code 16K a year later. It supports full 7-bit ASCII input up to a maximum of 49 characters or 81 numeric digits. GS1 data encoding is also supported. The minimum number of fixed-width rows to use can be set using the `--rows` option (API `option_1`), with values from 2 to 8.

Figure 92: `zint -b CODE49 --compliantheight -d "MULTIPLE ROWS IN CODE 49"`

## 6.3 GS1 Composite Symbols (ISO 24723)

GS1 Composite symbols employ a mixture of components to give more comprehensive information about a product. The permissible contents of a composite symbol is determined by the terms of the GS1 General Specifications. Composite symbols consist of a linear component which can be an EAN, UPC, GS1-128 or GS1 DataBar symbol, a two-dimensional (2D) component which is based on PDF417 or MicroPDF417, and a separator pattern. The type of linear component to be used is determined using the `-b` or `--barcode` switch (API `symbology`) as with other encoding methods. Valid values are shown below.

Table 20: GS1 Composite Symbology Values
Numeric Value | Name | Barcode Name
--- | --- | ---
131 | `BARCODE_GS1_128_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1-128 linear component
132 | `BARCODE_DBAR_OMN_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional linear component
133 | `BARCODE_DBAR_LTD_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Limited linear component
134 | `BARCODE_DBAR_EXP_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Expanded linear component
135 | `BARCODE_UPCA_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with UPC-A linear component
136 | `BARCODE_UPCE_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with UPC-E linear component
137 | `BARCODE_DBAR_STK_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Stacked component
138 | `BARCODE_DBAR_OMNSTK_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional component
139 | `BARCODE_DBAR_EXPSTK_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked component
148 | `BARCODE_EAN8_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with EAN-8 linear component
149 | `BARCODE_EAN13_CC` | GS1 Composite Symbol with EAN-13 linear component

The data to be encoded in the linear component of a composite symbol should be entered into a primary string with the data for the 2D component being entered in the normal way. To do this at the command prompt use the `--primary` switch (API `primary`). For example:

    zint -b EAN13_CC --mode=1 --primary=331234567890 -d "[99]1234-abcd"

This creates an EAN-13 linear component with the data `"331234567890"` and a 2D CC-A (see below) component with the data `"(99)1234-abcd"`. The same results can be achieved using the API as shown below:

    symbol->symbology = BARCODE_EAN13_CC;
    symbol->option_1 = 1;
    strcpy(symbol->primary, "331234567890");
    ZBarcode_Encode_and_Print(symbol, "[99]1234-abcd", 0, 0);

2-digit and 5-digit add-on data can be used with EAN and UPC symbols using the `'+'` character as described in sections 6.1.3 UPC (Universal Product Code) (ISO 15420) and 6.1.4 EAN (European Article Number) (ISO 15420).

The 2D component of a composite symbol can use one of three systems: CC-A, CC-B and CC-C, as described below. The 2D component type can be selected automatically by Zint dependent on the length of the input string. Alternatively the three methods can be accessed using the `--mode` prompt (API `option_1`) followed by 1, 2 or 3 for CC-A, CC-B or CC-C respectively.

### 6.3.1 CC-A

This system uses a variation of MicroPDF417 which is optimised to fit into a small space. The size of the 2D component and the amount of error correction is determined by the amount of data to be encoded and the type of linear component which is being used. CC-A can encode up to 56 numeric digits or an alphanumeric string of shorter length. To select CC-A use `--mode=1` (API `option_1 = 1`).

Figure 93: `zint -b EAN13_CC --compliantheight -d "[99]1234-abcd" --mode=1 --primary=331234567890`

### 6.3.2 CC-B

This system uses MicroPDF417 to encode the 2D component. The size of the 2D component and the amount of error correction is determined by the amount of data to be encoded and the type of linear component which is being used. CC-B can encode up to 338 numeric digits or an alphanumeric string of shorter length. To select CC-B use `--mode=2` (API `option_1 = 2`).

Figure 94: `zint -b EAN13_CC --compliantheight -d "[99]1234-abcd" --mode=2 --primary=331234567890`

### 6.3.3 CC-C

This system uses PDF417 and can only be used in conjunction with a GS1-128 linear component. CC-C can encode up to 2361 numeric digits or an alphanumeric string of shorter length. To select CC-C use `--mode=3` (API `option_1 = 3`).

Figure 95: `zint -b GS1_128_CC --compliantheight -d "[99]1234-abcd" --mode=3 --primary="[01]03312345678903"`

## 6.4 Two-Track Symbols

### 6.4.1 Pharmacode Two-Track

Developed by Laetus, Pharmacode Two-Track is an alternative system to Pharmacode One-Track (see 6.1.9 Pharmacode One-Track) used for the identification of pharmaceuticals. The symbology is able to encode whole numbers between 4 and 64570080.

Figure 96: `zint -b PHARMA_TWO --compliantheight -d "29876543"`

### 6.4.2 POSTNET

Used by the United States Postal Service until 2009, the POSTNET barcode was used for encoding zip-codes on mail items. POSTNET uses numerical input data and includes a modulo-10 check digit. While Zint will encode POSTNET symbols of up to 38 digits in length, standard lengths as used by USPS were `PostNet6` (5-digit ZIP input), `PostNet10` (5-digit ZIP + 4-digit user data) and `PostNet12` (5-digit ZIP + 6-digit user data), and a warning will be issued if the input length is not one of these.

Figure 97: `zint -b POSTNET --compliantheight -d "12345678901"`

### 6.4.3 PLANET

Used by the United States Postal Service until 2009, the PLANET (Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique) barcode was used for encoding routing data on mail items. PLANET uses numerical input data and includes a modulo-10 check digit. While Zint will encode PLANET symbols of up to 38 digits in length, standard lengths used by USPS were `Planet12` (11-digit input) and `Planet14` (13-digit input), and as with POSTNET a warning will be issued if the length is not one of these.

Figure 98: `zint -b PLANET --compliantheight -d "4012345235636"`

### 6.4.4 Brazilian CEPNet

Based on POSTNET, the CEPNet symbol is used by Correios, the Brazilian postal service, to encode CEP (Código de Endereçamento Postal) numbers on mail items. Input should consist of eight digits with the check digit being automatically added by Zint.

Figure 99: `zint -b CEPNET --compliantheight -d "12345678"`

### 6.4.5 DX Film Edge Barcode

Introduced by Kodak in the 1980s, the DX (Digital Index) barcode is printed on the bottom edge of 35mm film to aid in the reordering and post-processing of prints.

Figure 100: `zint -b DXFILMEDGE --compliantheight -d "112-1/10A"`

The data can be in two parts. The first part (required) is the “DX number”, identifying the manufacturer and film type - the National Association of Photographic Manufacturers (NAPM) number. The second part, which is optional and if present is separated from the first by a slash (`/`), gives the frame number.

The DX number is in either of two formats. The first format is a number of 1 to 4 digits (“DX Extract”) or 6 digits (“DX Full”), but for the 6-digit version the first and last digit are ignored, leaving a 4-digit DX Extract number in any case, which must be in the range 16 to 2047. The second format `"NNN-NN"` represents the DX Extract as two numbers separated by a dash (`-`), the first number being 1 to 3 digits (range 1 to 127) and the second 1 to 2 digits (range 0 to 15).21

The optional frame number is a number in the range 0 to 63, and may have a half frame indicator `"A"` appended. Special character sequences (with or without a half frame indicator appended) may also be used: `"S"` or `"X"` means frame number 62, `"K"` or `"00"` means frame number 63, and `"F"` means frame number 0.

A parity bit is automatically added by Zint.

## 6.5 4-State Postal Codes

### 6.5.1 Australia Post 4-State Symbols

#### 6.5.1.1 Customer Barcodes

Australia Post Standard Customer Barcode, Customer Barcode 2 and Customer Barcode 3 are 37-bar, 52-bar and 67-bar specifications respectively, developed by Australia Post for printing Delivery Point ID (DPID) and customer information on mail items.

Figure 101: `zint -b AUSPOST --compliantheight -d "96184209"`

Valid data characters are 0-9, A-Z, a-z, space and hash (#). A Format Control Code (FCC) is added by Zint and should not be included in the input data. Reed-Solomon error correction data is generated by Zint. Encoding behaviour is determined by the length of the input data according to the formula shown in the following table.

Table 21: Australia Post Input Formats
Input Length | Required Input Format | Symbol Length | FCC | Encoding Table
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
8 | `99999999` | 37-bar | 11 | None
13 | `99999999AAAAA` | 52-bar | 59 | C
16 | `9999999999999999` | 52-bar | 59 | N
18 | `99999999AAAAAAAAAA` | 67-bar | 62 | C
23 | `99999999999999999999999` | 67-bar | 62 | N

#### 6.5.1.2 Reply Paid Barcode

A Reply Paid version of the Australia Post 4-State Barcode (FCC 45) which requires an 8-digit DPID input.

Figure 102: `zint -b AUSREPLY --compliantheight -d "12345678"`

#### 6.5.1.3 Routing Barcode

A Routing version of the Australia Post 4-State Barcode (FCC 87) which requires an 8-digit DPID input.

Figure 103: `zint -b AUSROUTE --compliantheight -d "34567890"`

#### 6.5.1.4 Redirect Barcode

A Redirection version of the Australia Post 4-State Barcode (FCC 92) which requires an 8-digit DPID input.

Figure 104: `zint -b AUSREDIRECT --compliantheight -d "98765432"`

### 6.5.2 Dutch Post KIX Code

This symbology is used by Royal Dutch TPG Post (Netherlands) for Postal code and automatic mail sorting. Data input can consist of numbers 0-9 and letters A-Z and needs to be 11 characters in length. No check digit is included.

Figure 105: `zint -b KIX --compliantheight -d "2500GG30250"`

### 6.5.3 Royal Mail 4-State Customer Code (RM4SCC)

The RM4SCC standard is used by the Royal Mail in the UK to encode postcode and customer data on mail items. Data input can consist of numbers 0-9 and letters A-Z and usually includes delivery postcode followed by house number. For example `"W1J0TR01"` for 1 Piccadilly Circus in London. Check digit data is generated by Zint.

Figure 106: `zint -b RM4SCC --compliantheight -d "W1J0TR01"`

### 6.5.4 Royal Mail 4-State Mailmark

Developed in 2014 as a replacement for RM4SCC this 4-state symbol includes Reed- Solomon error correction.

Figure 107: `zint -b MAILMARK_4S --compliantheight -d "1100000000000XY11"`

Input is a pre-formatted alphanumeric string of 22 (for Barcode C) or 26 (for Barcode L) characters, producing a symbol with 66 or 78 bars respectively. The rules for the input data are complex, as summarized in the following table.

Table 22: Royal Mail 4-State Mailmark Input Fields
Format | Version ID | Class | Supply Chain ID | Item ID | Destination+DPS
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 digit (0-4) | 1 digit (0-3) | 1 alphanum. (0-9A-E) | 2 digits (C) or 6 digits (L) | 8 digits | 9 alphanumerics (1 of 6 patterns)

The 6 Destination+DPS (Destination Post Code plus Delivery Point Suffix) patterns are:

Table 23: Royal Mail 4-State Mailmark Destination+DPS Patterns
`ANNLLNLSS` | `AANNLLNLS` | `ANNNLLNLS` | `AANNNLLNL` | `ANANLLNLS` | `AANANLLNL`

where `'A'` stands for full alphabetic (A-Z), `'L'` for limited alphabetic (A-Z less `'CIKMOV'`), `'N'` for numeric (0-9), and `'S'` for space.

Four of the permitted patterns include a number of trailing space characters - these will be appended by Zint if not included in the input data.

For the two-dimensional Data Matrix-based version, see 6.6.2 Royal Mail 2D Mailmark (CMDM) (Data Matrix).

### 6.5.5 USPS Intelligent Mail

Also known as the OneCode barcode and used in the U.S. by the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Intelligent Mail system replaced the POSTNET and PLANET symbologies in 2009.

Figure 108: `zint -b USPS_IMAIL --compliantheight -d "01234567094987654321-01234"`

Intelligent Mail is a fixed length (65-bar) symbol which combines routing and customer information in a single symbol. Input data consists of a 20-digit tracking code, followed by a dash (`-`), followed by a delivery point zip-code which can be 0, 5, 9 or 11 digits in length. For example all of the following inputs are valid data entries:

- `"01234567094987654321"`
- `"01234567094987654321-01234"`
- `"01234567094987654321-012345678"`
- `"01234567094987654321-01234567891"`

### 6.5.6 Japanese Postal Code

Used for address data on mail items for Japan Post. Accepted values are 0-9, A-Z and dash (`-`). A modulo 19 check digit is added by Zint.

Figure 109: `zint -b JAPANPOST --compliantheight -d "15400233-16-4-205"`

### 6.5.7 DAFT Code

This is a method for creating 4-state codes where the data encoding is provided by an external program. Input data should consist of the letters `'D'`, `'A'`, `'F'` and `'T'` where these refer to descender, ascender, full (ascender and descender) and tracker (neither ascender nor descender) respectively. All other characters are invalid.

Figure 110: `zint -b DAFT -d "AAFDTTDAFADTFTTFFFDATFTADTTFFTDAFAFDTF" --height=8.494 --vers=256`

The ratio of the tracker size to full height can be given in thousandths (permille) using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`). The default value is 250 (25%).

For example the following

    zint -b DAFT -d AAFDTTDAFADTFTTFFFDATFTADTTFFTDAFAFDTF --height=8.494 --vers=256

produces the same barcode (see 6.5.3 Royal Mail 4-State Customer Code (RM4SCC)) as

    zint -b RM4SCC --compliantheight -d "W1J0TR01"

## 6.6 Matrix Symbols

### 6.6.1 Data Matrix (ISO 16022)

Also known as Semacode this symbology was developed in 1989 by Acuity CiMatrix in partnership with the U.S. DoD and NASA. The symbol can encode a large amount of data in a small area.

Figure 111: `zint -b HIBC_DM -d "/ACMRN123456/V200912190833" --fast --square`

Data Matrix encodes characters in the Latin-1 set by default but also supports encoding in other character sets using the ECI mechanism. It can also encode GS1 data. The size of the generated symbol can be adjusted using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`) as shown in the table below. A separate symbology ID (`BARCODE_HIBC_DM`) can be used to encode Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) data. Note that only ECC 200 symbols are supported, the older standards (ECC 000 to 140) have now been removed from Zint.

Table 24: Data Matrix Sizes
Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 10 x 10 |  | 11 | 36 x 36 |  | 21 | 104 x 104
2 | 12 x 12 |  | 12 | 40 x 40 |  | 22 | 120 x 120
3 | 14 x 14 |  | 13 | 44 x 44 |  | 23 | 132 x 132
4 | 16 x 16 |  | 14 | 48 x 48 |  | 24 | 144 x 144
5 | 18 x 18 |  | 15 | 52 x 52 |  | 25 | 8 x 18
6 | 20 x 20 |  | 16 | 64 x 64 |  | 26 | 8 x 32
7 | 22 x 22 |  | 17 | 72 x 72 |  | 27 | 12 x 26
8 | 24 x 24 |  | 18 | 80 x 80 |  | 28 | 12 x 36
9 | 26 x 26 |  | 19 | 88 x 88 |  | 29 | 16 x 36
10 | 32 x 32 |  | 20 | 96 x 96 |  | 30 | 16 x 48

The largest version 24 (144 x 144) can encode 3116 digits, around 2335 alphanumeric characters, or 1555 bytes of data.

When using automatic symbol sizes you can force Zint to use square symbols (versions 1-24) at the command line by using the option `--square` (API `option_3 = DM_SQUARE`).

Data Matrix Rectangular Extension (ISO/IEC 21471) codes may be generated with the following values as before:

Table 25: DMRE Sizes
Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
31 | 8 x 48 |  | 40 | 20 x 36
32 | 8 x 64 |  | 41 | 20 x 44
33 | 8 x 80 |  | 42 | 20 x 64
34 | 8 x 96 |  | 43 | 22 x 48
35 | 8 x 120 |  | 44 | 24 x 48
36 | 8 x 144 |  | 45 | 24 x 64
37 | 12 x 64 |  | 46 | 26 x 40
38 | 12 x 88 |  | 47 | 26 x 48
39 | 16 x 64 |  | 48 | 26 x 64

DMRE symbol sizes may be activated in automatic size mode using the option `--dmre` (API `option_3 = DM_DMRE`).

GS1 data may be encoded using `FNC1` (default) or `GS` (Group Separator, ASCII 29) as separator. Use the option `--gssep` to change to `GS` (API `output_options |= GS1_GS_SEPARATOR`).

By default Zint uses a “de facto” codeword placement for symbols of size 144 x 144 (version 24). To override this and use the now clarified ISO/IEC standard placement, use option `--dmiso144` (API `option_3 |= DM_ISO_144`).

For a faster but less optimal encodation, the `--fast` option (API `input_mode |= FAST_MODE`) may be used.

Data Matrix supports Structured Append of up to 16 symbols and a numeric ID (file identifications), which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). The ID consists of 2 numbers `ID1` and `ID2`, each of which can range from 1 to 254, and is specified as the single number `ID1 * 1000 + ID2`, so for instance `ID1` `"123"` and `ID2` `"234"` would be given as `"123234"`. Note that both `ID1` and `ID2` must be non-zero, so e.g. `"123000"` or `"000123"` would be invalid IDs. If an ID is not given it defaults to `"001001"`.

### 6.6.2 Royal Mail 2D Mailmark (CMDM) (Data Matrix)

Figure 112: `zint -b MAILMARK_2D -d "JGB 01Z999999900000001EC1A1AA1A0SN35TQ" --vers=30`

This variant of Data Matrix, also known as “Complex Mail Data Mark” (CMDM), was introduced by Royal Mail along with 6.5.4 Royal Mail 4-State Mailmark, and offers space for customer data following an initial pre-formatted 45 character section, as summarized below.

Table 26: Royal Mail 2D Mailmark Input Fields
Field Name | Length | Values
--- | --- | ---
UPU Country ID | 4 | `"JGB "`
Information Type | 1 | Alphanumeric
Version ID | 1 | `"1"`
Class | 1 | Alphanumeric
Supply Chain ID | 7 | Numeric
Item ID | 8 | Numeric
Destination+DPS | 9 | Alphanumeric (1 of 13 patterns)
Service Type | 1 | Numeric
RTS Post Code | 7 | Alphanumeric (1 of 7 patterns)
Reserved | 6 | Spaces
Customer Data | 6, 45 or 29 | Anything (Latin-1)

The 12 Destination+DPS (Destination Post Code plus Delivery Point Suffix) patterns are similar to those for the 4-state except that the alphabetic limitation (`'L'` versus `'A'`) does not apply, only the initial “outward” part is required (the rest can be blank), and the whole field can be blank:

Table 27: Royal Mail 2D Mailmark Destination+DPS Patterns
`ANNAANASS` | `AANNAANAS` | `ANNNAANAS` | `AANNNAANA` | `ANANAANAS` | `AANANAANA`
`ANSSSSSSS` | `AANSSSSSS` | `ANNSSSSSS` | `AANNSSSSS` | `ANASSSSSS` | `AANASSSSS`

where `'A'` is alphabetic (A-Z), `'N'` numeric (0-9), and `'S'` space.

The 6 RTS (Return to Sender) Post Code patterns are similar to above except without the DPS (`'NA'`), and the trailing “inward” part cannot be blank (although the whole field can be):

Table 28: Royal Mail 2D Mailmark RTS Patterns
`ANNAASS` | `AANNAAS` | `ANNNAAS` | `AANNNAA` | `ANANAAS` | `AANANAA`

Three sizes are defined, one rectangular, with varying maximum amounts of optional customer data:

Table 29: Royal Mail 2D Mailmark Sizes
Name | Size | Customer Data | Zint Version
--- | --- | --- | ---
Type 7 | 24 x 24 | 6 characters | 8
Type 9 | 32 x 32 | 45 characters | 10
Type 29 | 16 x 48 | 29 characters | 30

Zint will automatically select a size based on the amount of customer data, or it can be specified using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`), which takes the Zint version number (one more than the Royal Mail Type number). Zint will prefix the input data with `"JGB "` if it’s missing, and also space-pad the input if the customer data is absent or falls short. As with Data Matrix, the rectangular symbol Type 29 can be excluded from automatic size selection by using the option `--square` (API `option_3 = DM_SQUARE`).

GS1 data, the ECI mechanism, and Structured Append are not supported.

### 6.6.3 QR Code (ISO 18004)

Also known as Quick Response Code this symbology was developed by Denso.

Figure 113: `zint -b QRCODE -d "QR Code Symbol" --mask=5`

Four levels of error correction are available using the `--secure` option (API `option_1`) as shown in the following table.

Table 30: QR Code ECC Levels
Input | ECC Level | Error Correction Capacity | Recovery Capacity
--- | --- | --- | ---
1 | L | Approx 20% of symbol | Approx 7%
2 | M | Approx 37% of symbol | Approx 15%
3 | Q | Approx 55% of symbol | Approx 25%
4 | H | Approx 65% of symbol | Approx 30%

The size of the symbol can be specified by setting the `--vers` option (API `option_2`) to the QR Code version required (1-40). The size of symbol generated is shown in the table below.

Table 31: QR Code Sizes
Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 21 x 21 |  | 15 | 77 x 77 |  | 29 | 133 x 133
2 | 25 x 25 |  | 16 | 81 x 81 |  | 30 | 137 x 137
3 | 29 x 29 |  | 17 | 85 x 85 |  | 31 | 141 x 141
4 | 33 x 33 |  | 18 | 89 x 89 |  | 32 | 145 x 145
5 | 37 x 37 |  | 19 | 93 x 93 |  | 33 | 149 x 149
6 | 41 x 41 |  | 20 | 97 x 97 |  | 34 | 153 x 153
7 | 45 x 45 |  | 21 | 101 x 101 |  | 35 | 157 x 157
8 | 49 x 49 |  | 22 | 105 x 105 |  | 36 | 161 x 161
9 | 53 x 53 |  | 23 | 109 x 109 |  | 37 | 165 x 165
10 | 57 x 57 |  | 24 | 113 x 113 |  | 38 | 169 x 169
11 | 61 x 61 |  | 25 | 117 x 117 |  | 39 | 173 x 173
12 | 65 x 65 |  | 26 | 121 x 121 |  | 40 | 177 x 177
13 | 69 x 69 |  | 27 | 125 x 125 |  |  |
14 | 73 x 73 |  | 28 | 129 x 129 |  |  |

The maximum capacity of a QR Code symbol (version 40) is 7089 numeric digits, 4296 alphanumeric characters or 2953 bytes of data. QR Code symbols can also be used to encode GS1 data. QR Code symbols can by default encode either characters in the Latin-1 set or Kanji, Katakana and ASCII characters which are members of the Shift JIS encoding scheme. In addition QR Code supports other character sets using the ECI mechanism. Input should usually be entered as UTF-8 with conversion to Latin-1 or Shift JIS being carried out by Zint. A separate symbology ID (`BARCODE_HIBC_QR`) can be used to encode Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) data.

Non-ASCII data density may be maximized by using the `--fullmultibyte` switch (API `option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE`), but check that your barcode reader supports this before using.

QR Code has eight different masks designed to minimize unwanted patterns. The best mask to use is selected automatically by Zint but may be manually specified by using the `--mask` switch with values 0-7, or in the API by setting `option_3 = (N + 1) << 8` where N is 0-7. To use with `ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE` set

    option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE | (N + 1) << 8

The `--fast` option (API `input_mode |= FAST_MODE`) may be used when leaving Zint to automatically select a mask to reduce the number of masks to try to four (0, 2, 4, 7).

QR Code supports Structured Append of up to 16 symbols and a numeric ID (parity), which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). The parity ID ranges from 0 (default) to 255, and for full compliance should be set to the value obtained by `XOR`-ing together each byte of the complete data forming the sequence. Currently this calculation must be done outside of Zint.

### 6.6.4 Micro QR Code (ISO 18004)

A miniature version of the QR Code symbol for short messages, Micro QR Code symbols can encode either Latin-1 characters or Shift JIS characters. Input should be entered as a UTF-8 stream with conversion to Latin-1 or Shift JIS being carried out automatically by Zint.

Figure 114: `zint -b MICROQR -d "01234567"`

A preferred symbol size can be selected by using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`), as shown in the table below. Note that versions M1 and M2 have restrictions on what characters can be encoded.

Table 32: Micro QR Code Sizes
Input | Version | Symbol Size | Allowed Characters
--- | --- | --- | ---
1 | M1 | 11 x 11 | Numeric only
2 | M2 | 13 x 13 | Numeric, uppercase letters, space, and the characters `"$%*+-./:"`
3 | M3 | 15 x 15 | Latin-1 and Shift JIS
4 | M4 | 17 x 17 | Latin-1 and Shift JIS

Version M4 can encode up to 35 digits, 21 alphanumerics, 15 bytes or 9 Kanji characters.

Except for version M1, which is always ECC level L, the amount of ECC codewords can be adjusted using the `--secure` option (API `option_1`); however ECC level H is not available for any version, and ECC level Q is only available for version M4:

Table 33: Micro QR ECC Levels
Input | ECC Level | Error Correction Capacity | Recovery Capacity | Available for Versions
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | L | Approx 20% of symbol | Approx 7% | M1, M2, M3, M4
2 | M | Approx 37% of symbol | Approx 15% | M2, M3, M4
3 | Q | Approx 55% of symbol | Approx 25% | M4

The defaults for symbol size and ECC level depend on the input and whether either of them is specified.

For barcode readers that support it, non-ASCII data density may be maximized by using the `--fullmultibyte` switch (API `option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE`).

Micro QR Code has four different masks designed to minimize unwanted patterns. The best mask to use is selected automatically by Zint but may be manually specified by using the `--mask` switch with values 0-3, or in the API by setting `option_3 = (N + 1) << 8` where N is 0-3. To use with `ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE` set

    option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE | (N + 1) << 8

### 6.6.5 Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR) (ISO 23941)

A rectangular version of QR Code, rMQR supports encoding of GS1 data, and either Latin-1 characters or Shift JIS characters, and other encodings using the ECI mechanism. As with other symbologies data should be entered as UTF-8 with conversion being handled by Zint.

Figure 115: `zint -b RMQR -d "0123456"`

The amount of ECC codewords can be adjusted using the `--secure` option (API `option_1`), however only ECC levels M and H are valid for this type of symbol.

Table 34: rMQR ECC Levels
Input | ECC Level | Error Correction Capacity | Recovery Capacity
--- | --- | --- | ---
2 | M | Approx 37% of symbol | Approx 15%
4 | H | Approx 65% of symbol | Approx 30%

The preferred symbol sizes can be selected using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`) as shown in the table below. Input values between 33 and 38 fix the height of the symbol while allowing Zint to determine the minimum symbol width.

Table 35: rMQR Sizes
Input | Version | Symbol Size (HxW) |  | Input | Version | Symbol Size (HxW)
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | R7x43 | 7 x 43 |  | 20 | R13x77 | 13 x 77
2 | R7x59 | 7 x 59 |  | 21 | R13x99 | 13 x 99
3 | R7x77 | 7 x 77 |  | 22 | R13x139 | 13 x 139
4 | R7x99 | 7 x 99 |  | 23 | R15x43 | 15 x 43
5 | R7x139 | 7 x 139 |  | 24 | R15x59 | 15 x 59
6 | R9x43 | 9 x 43 |  | 25 | R15x77 | 15 x 77
7 | R9x59 | 9 x 59 |  | 26 | R15x99 | 15 x 99
8 | R9x77 | 9 x 77 |  | 27 | R15x139 | 15 x 139
9 | R9x99 | 9 x 99 |  | 28 | R17x43 | 17 x 43
10 | R9x139 | 9 x 139 |  | 29 | R17x59 | 17 x 59
11 | R11x27 | 11 x 27 |  | 30 | R17x77 | 17 x 77
12 | R11x43 | 11 x 43 |  | 31 | R17x99 | 17 x 99
13 | R11x59 | 11 x 59 |  | 32 | R17x139 | 17 x 139
14 | R11x77 | 11 x 77 |  | 33 | R7xW | 7 x automatic width
15 | R11x99 | 11 x 99 |  | 34 | R9xW | 9 x automatic width
16 | R11x139 | 11 x 139 |  | 35 | R11xW | 11 x automatic width
17 | R13x27 | 13 x 27 |  | 36 | R13xW | 13 x automatic width
18 | R13x43 | 13 x 43 |  | 37 | R15xW | 15 x automatic width
19 | R13x59 | 13 x 59 |  | 38 | R17xW | 17 x automatic width

The largest version R17x139 (32) can encode up to 361 digits, 219 alphanumerics, 150 bytes, or 92 Kanji characters.

For barcode readers that support it, non-ASCII data density may be maximized by using the `--fullmultibyte` switch or in the API by setting `option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE`.

### 6.6.6 UPNQR (Univerzalnega Plačilnega Naloga QR)

A variation of QR Code used by Združenje Bank Slovenije (Bank Association of Slovenia). The size, error correction level and ECI are set by Zint and do not need to be specified.

Figure 116: `zint -b UPNQR -i upn_utf8.txt --quietzones`

UPNQR is unusual in that it uses Latin-2 (ISO/IEC 8859-2 plus ASCII) formatted data. Zint will accept UTF-8 data and convert it to Latin-2, or if your data is already Latin-2 formatted use the `--binary` switch (API `input_mode = DATA_MODE`).

The following example creates a symbol from data saved as a Latin-2 file:

    zint -o upnqr.png -b UPNQR --scale=3 --binary -i upn.txt

A mask may be manually specified and the `--fast` option used as with 6.6.3 QR Code (ISO 18004).

### 6.6.7 MaxiCode (ISO 16023)

Developed by UPS the MaxiCode symbology employs a grid of hexagons surrounding a bullseye finder pattern. This symbology is designed for the identification of parcels.

Figure 117: `zint -b MAXICODE -d "1Z00004951\GUPSN\G06X610\G159\G1234567\G1/1\G\GY\G1 MAIN ST\GNY\GNY\R\E" --esc --primary="152382802000000" --scmvv=96`

MaxiCode symbols can be encoded in one of five modes. In modes 2 and 3 MaxiCode symbols are composed of two parts named the primary and secondary messages. The primary message consists of a Structured Carrier Message which includes various data about the package being sent and the secondary message usually consists of address data in a data structure. The format of the primary message required by Zint is given in the following table.

Table 36: MaxiCode Structured Carrier Message Format
Characters | Meaning
--- | ---
1 - 9 | Postcode data which can consist of up to 9 digits (for mode 2) or up to 6 alphanumeric characters (for mode 3). Remaining unused characters for mode 3 can be filled with the SPACE character (ASCII 32) or omitted. (adjust the following character positions according to postcode length)
10 - 12 | Three-digit country code according to ISO 3166-1.
13 - 15 | Three-digit service code. This depends on your parcel courier.

The primary message can be set at the command prompt using the `--primary` switch (API `primary`). The secondary message uses the normal data entry method. For example:

    zint -o test.eps -b MAXICODE --primary="999999999840012" \
        -d "Secondary Message Here"

When using the API the primary message must be placed in the `primary` string. The secondary is entered in the same way as described in 5.2 Encoding and Saving to File. When either of these modes is selected Zint will analyse the primary message and select either mode 2 or mode 3 as appropriate.

As a convenience the secondary message for modes 2 and 3 can be set to be prefixed by the ISO/IEC 15434 Format `"01"` (transportation) sequence `"[)>\R01\Gvv"`, where `vv` is a 2-digit version, by using the `--scmvv` switch (API `option_2 = vv + 1`). For example to use the common version `"96"` (ASC MH10/SC 8):

    zint -b MAXICODE --primary="152382802840001" --scmvv=96 --esc -d \
      "1Z00004951\GUPSN\G06X610\G159\G1234567\G1/1\G\GY\G1 MAIN ST\GNY\GNY\R\E"

will prefix `"[)>\R01\G96"` to the secondary message. (`\R`, `\G` and `\E` are the escape sequences for Record Separator, Group Separator and End of Transmission respectively - see Table 2: Escape Sequences.)

Modes 4 to 6 can be accessed using the `--mode` switch (API `option_1`). Modes 4 to 6 do not have a primary message. For example:

    zint -o test.eps -b MAXICODE --mode=4 -d "A MaxiCode Message in Mode 4"

Mode 6 is reserved for the maintenance of scanner hardware and should not be used to encode user data.

This symbology uses Latin-1 character encoding by default but also supports the ECI encoding mechanism. The maximum length of text which can be placed in a MaxiCode symbol depends on the type of characters used in the text.

Example maximum data lengths are given in the table below:

Table 37: MaxiCode Data Length Maxima
Mode | Maximum Data Length for Capital Letters | Maximum Data Length for Numeric Digits | Number of Error Correction Codewords
--- | --- | --- | ---
2`*` | 84 | 126 | 50
3`*` | 84 | 126 | 50
4 | 93 | 138 | 50
5 | 77 | 113 | 66
6 | 93 | 138 | 50

`*` - secondary only

MaxiCode supports Structured Append of up to 8 symbols, which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). It does not support specifying an ID.

MaxiCode uses a different scaling than other symbols for raster output, see 4.9.3 MaxiCode Raster Scaling, and also for EMF vector output, when the scale is multiplied by 20 instead of 2.

### 6.6.8 Aztec Code (ISO 24778)

Invented by Andrew Longacre at Welch Allyn Inc in 1995 the Aztec Code symbol is a matrix symbol with a distinctive square bullseye finder pattern.

Figure 118: `zint -b AZTEC -d "123456789012"`

Zint can generate Compact Aztec Code (sometimes called Small Aztec Code) as well as ‘full-range’ Aztec Code symbols and by default will automatically select symbol type and size dependent on the length of the data to be encoded. Error correction codewords will normally be generated to fill at least 23% of the symbol. Two options, mutally exclusive, are available to change this behaviour:

1. The size of the symbol can be specified using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`) to a value between 1 and 36 according to the following table. The symbols marked with an asterisk (`*`) in the table below are ‘compact’ symbols, meaning they have a smaller bullseye pattern at the centre of the symbol.

Table 38: Aztec Code Sizes
Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 15 x 15`*` |  | 13 | 53 x 53 |  | 25 | 105 x 105
2 | 19 x 19`*` |  | 14 | 57 x 57 |  | 26 | 109 x 109
3 | 23 x 23`*` |  | 15 | 61 x 61 |  | 27 | 113 x 113
4 | 27 x 27`*` |  | 16 | 67 x 67 |  | 28 | 117 x 117
5 | 19 x 19 |  | 17 | 71 x 71 |  | 29 | 121 x 121
6 | 23 x 23 |  | 18 | 75 x 75 |  | 30 | 125 x 125
7 | 27 x 27 |  | 19 | 79 x 79 |  | 31 | 131 x 131
8 | 31 x 31 |  | 20 | 83 x 83 |  | 32 | 135 x 135
9 | 37 x 37 |  | 21 | 87 x 87 |  | 33 | 139 x 139
10 | 41 x 41 |  | 22 | 91 x 91 |  | 34 | 143 x 143
11 | 45 x 45 |  | 23 | 95 x 95 |  | 35 | 147 x 147
12 | 49 x 49 |  | 24 | 101 x 101 |  | 36 | 151 x 151

Note that in symbols which have a specified size the amount of error correction is dependent on the length of the data input and Zint will allow error correction capacities as low as 3 codewords (the absolute minimum, not recommended, and anything less than 5% + 3 codewords will result in a warning).

2. Alternatively the amount of error correction data can be specified by setting the `--secure` option (API `option_1`) to a value from the following table.

Table 39: Aztec Code Error Correction Modes
Mode | Error Correction Capacity
--- | ---
1 | >10% + 3 codewords
2 | >23% + 3 codewords
3 | >36% + 3 codewords
4 | >50% + 3 codewords

It is not possible to select both symbol size and error correction capacity for the same symbol. If both options are selected then the error correction capacity selection will be ignored.

Aztec Code supports ECI encoding and can encode up to a maximum length of approximately 3823 numeric or 3067 alphabetic characters or 1914 bytes of data. A separate symbology ID (`BARCODE_HIBC_AZTEC`) can be used to encode Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) data.

Aztec Code supports Structured Append of up to 26 symbols and an optional alphanumeric ID of up to 32 characters, which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). The ID cannot contain spaces. If an ID is not given, no ID is encoded.

### 6.6.9 Aztec Runes (ISO 24778)

A truncated version of compact Aztec Code for encoding whole integers between 0 and 255, as defined in ISO/IEC 24778 Annex A. Includes Reed-Solomon error correction. It does not support Structured Append.

Figure 119: `zint -b AZRUNE -d "125"`

### 6.6.10 Code One

A matrix symbology developed by Ted Williams in 1992 which encodes data in a way similar to Data Matrix, Code One is able to encode the Latin-1 character set or GS1 data, and also supports the ECI mechanism.

Figure 120: `zint -b CODEONE -d "1234567890123456789012"`

There are two types of Code One symbol - fixed-ratio symbols which are roughly square (versions A through to H) and variable-width versions (versions S and T). These can be selected by using `--vers` (API `option_2`) as shown in the table below:

Table 40: Code One Sizes
Input | Version | Size (H x W) | Numeric Data Capacity | Alphanumeric Data Capacity
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | A | 16 x 18 | 22 | 13
2 | B | 22 x 22 | 44 | 27
3 | C | 28 x 32 | 104 | 64
4 | D | 40 x 42 | 217 | 135
5 | E | 52 x 54 | 435 | 271
6 | F | 70 x 76 | 886 | 553
7 | G | 104 x 98 | 1755 | 1096
8 | H | 148 x 134 | 3550 | 2218
9 | S | 8 x automatic width | 18 | N/A
10 | T | 16 x automatic width | 90 | 55

Version S symbols can only encode numeric data. The width of version S and version T symbols is determined by the length of the input data.

Code One supports Structured Append of up to 128 symbols, which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). It does not support specifying an ID. Structured Append is not supported with GS1 data nor for Version S symbols.

### 6.6.11 Grid Matrix

Grid Matrix groups modules in a chequerboard pattern, and by default supports the GB 2312 standard set, which includes Hanzi, ASCII and a small number of ISO/IEC 8859-1 characters. Input should be entered as UTF-8 with conversion to GB 2312 being carried out automatically by Zint. Up to around 1529 alphanumeric characters or 2751 digits may be encoded. The symbology also supports the ECI mechanism. Support for GS1 data has not yet been implemented.

Figure 121: `zint -b GRIDMATRIX --eci=29 -d "AAT2556 电池充电器+降压转换器 200mA至2A tel:86 019 82512738"`

The size of the symbol and the error correction capacity can be specified. If you specify both of these values then Zint will make a ‘best-fit’ attempt to satisfy both conditions. The symbol size can be specified using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`), and the error correction capacity can be specified by using the `--secure` option (API `option_1`), according to the following tables.

Table 41: Grid Matrix Sizes
Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 18 x 18 |  | 8 | 102 x 102
2 | 30 x 30 |  | 9 | 114 x 114
3 | 42 x 42 |  | 10 | 126 x 126
4 | 54 x 54 |  | 11 | 138 x 138
5 | 66 x 66 |  | 12 | 150 x 150
6 | 78 x 78 |  | 13 | 162 x 162
7 | 90 x 90 |  |  |

Table 42: Grid Matrix Error Correction Modes
Mode | Error Correction Capacity
--- | ---
1 | Approximately 10%
2 | Approximately 20%
3 | Approximately 30%
4 | Approximately 40%
5 | Approximately 50%

Non-ASCII data density may be maximized by using the `--fullmultibyte` switch (API `option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE`), but check that your barcode reader supports this before using.

Grid Matrix supports Structured Append of up to 16 symbols and a numeric ID (file signature), which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). The ID ranges from 0 (default) to 255.

### 6.6.12 DotCode

DotCode uses a grid of dots in a rectangular formation to encode characters up to a maximum of approximately 1220 characters (or 2940 numeric digits). The symbology supports ECI encoding and GS1 data encoding. By default Zint will produce a symbol which is approximately square, however the width of the symbol can be adjusted by using the `--cols` option (API `option_2`) (maximum 200). Outputting DotCode to raster images (BMP, GIF, PCX, PNG, TIF) will require setting the scale of the image to a larger value than the default (e.g. approximately 10) for the dots to be plotted correctly. Approximately 33% of the resulting symbol is comprised of error correction codewords.

Figure 122: `zint -b DOTCODE -d "[01]00012345678905[17]201231[10]ABC123456" --gs1`

DotCode has two sets of 4 masks, designated 0-3 and 0’-3’, the second `"prime"` set being the same as the first with corners lit. The best mask to use is selected automatically by Zint but may be manually specified by using the `--mask` switch with values 0-7, where 4-7 denote 0’-3’, or in the API by setting `option_3 = (N + 1) << 8` where N is 0-7.

DotCode supports Structured Append of up to 35 symbols, which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). It does not support specifying an ID.

### 6.6.13 Han Xin Code (ISO 20830)

Also known as Chinese Sensible Code, Han Xin is capable of encoding characters in either the Latin-1 character set or the GB 18030 character set (which is a UTF, i.e. includes all Unicode characters, optimized for Chinese characters) and is also able to support the ECI mechanism. Support for the encoding of GS1 data has not yet been implemented.

Figure 123: `zint -b HANXIN -d "Hanxin Code symbol"`

The size of the symbol can be specified using the `--vers` option (API `option_2`) to a value between 1 and 84 according to the following table.

Table 43: Han Xin Sizes
Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size |  | Input | Symbol Size
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 23 x 23 |  | 29 | 79 x 79 |  | 57 | 135 x 135
2 | 25 x 25 |  | 30 | 81 x 81 |  | 58 | 137 x 137
3 | 27 x 27 |  | 31 | 83 x 83 |  | 59 | 139 x 139
4 | 29 x 29 |  | 32 | 85 x 85 |  | 60 | 141 x 141
5 | 31 x 31 |  | 33 | 87 x 87 |  | 61 | 143 x 143
6 | 33 x 33 |  | 34 | 89 x 89 |  | 62 | 145 x 145
7 | 35 x 35 |  | 35 | 91 x 91 |  | 63 | 147 x 147
8 | 37 x 37 |  | 36 | 93 x 93 |  | 64 | 149 x 149
9 | 39 x 39 |  | 37 | 95 x 95 |  | 65 | 151 x 151
10 | 41 x 41 |  | 38 | 97 x 97 |  | 66 | 153 x 153
11 | 43 x 43 |  | 39 | 99 x 99 |  | 67 | 155 x 155
12 | 45 x 45 |  | 40 | 101 x 101 |  | 68 | 157 x 157
13 | 47 x 47 |  | 41 | 103 x 103 |  | 69 | 159 x 159
14 | 49 x 49 |  | 42 | 105 x 105 |  | 70 | 161 x 161
15 | 51 x 51 |  | 43 | 107 x 107 |  | 71 | 163 x 163
16 | 53 x 53 |  | 44 | 109 x 109 |  | 72 | 165 x 165
17 | 55 x 55 |  | 45 | 111 x 111 |  | 73 | 167 x 167
18 | 57 x 57 |  | 46 | 113 x 113 |  | 74 | 169 x 169
19 | 59 x 59 |  | 47 | 115 x 115 |  | 75 | 171 x 171
20 | 61 x 61 |  | 48 | 117 x 117 |  | 76 | 173 x 173
21 | 63 x 63 |  | 49 | 119 x 119 |  | 77 | 175 x 175
22 | 65 x 65 |  | 50 | 121 x 121 |  | 78 | 177 x 177
23 | 67 x 67 |  | 51 | 123 x 123 |  | 79 | 179 x 179
24 | 69 x 69 |  | 52 | 125 x 125 |  | 80 | 181 x 181
25 | 71 x 71 |  | 53 | 127 x 127 |  | 81 | 183 x 183
26 | 73 x 73 |  | 54 | 129 x 129 |  | 82 | 185 x 185
27 | 75 x 75 |  | 55 | 131 x 131 |  | 83 | 187 x 187
28 | 77 x 77 |  | 56 | 133 x 133 |  | 84 | 189 x 189

The largest version (84) can encode 7827 digits, 4350 ASCII characters, up to 2175 Chinese characters, or 3261 bytes, making it the most capacious of all the barcodes supported by Zint.

There are four levels of error correction capacity available for Han Xin Code which can be set by using the `--secure` option (API `option_1`) to a value from the following table.

Table 44: Han Xin Error Correction Modes
Mode | Recovery Capacity
--- | ---
1 | Approx 8%
2 | Approx 15%
3 | Approx 23%
4 | Approx 30%

Non-ASCII data density may be maximized by using the `--fullmultibyte` switch (API `option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE`), but check that your barcode reader supports this before using.

Han Xin has four different masks designed to minimize unwanted patterns. The best mask to use is selected automatically by Zint but may be manually specified by using the `--mask` switch with values 0-3, or in the API by setting `option_3 = (N + 1) << 8` where N is 0-3. To use with `ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE` set

    option_3 = ZINT_FULL_MULTIBYTE | (N + 1) << 8

### 6.6.14 Ultracode

This symbology uses a grid of coloured elements to encode data. ECI and GS1 modes are supported.

Figure 124: `zint -b ULTRA -d "HEIMASÍÐA KENNARAHÁSKÓLA ÍSLANDS"`

The amount of error correction can be set using the `--secure` option (API `option_1`) to a value as shown in the following table.

Table 45: Ultracode Error Correction Values
Value | EC Level | Amount of symbol holding error correction data
--- | --- | ---
1 | EC0 | 0% - Error detection only
2 | EC1 | Approx 5%
3 | EC2 | Approx 9% - Default value
4 | EC3 | Approx 17%
5 | EC4 | Approx 25%
6 | EC5 | Approx 33%

Zint does not currently implement data compression by default, but this can be initiated through the API by setting

    symbol->option_3 = ULTRA_COMPRESSION;

With compression, up to 504 digits, 375 alphanumerics or 252 bytes can be encoded.

Revision 2 of Ultracode (2023) may be specified using `--vers=2` (API `option_2 = 2`).

WARNING: Revision 2 of Ultracode was finalized December 2023 and Zint has not yet been updated to support it. Do not use.

Ultracode supports Structured Append of up to 8 symbols and an optional numeric ID (File Number), which can be set by using the `--structapp` option (see 4.17 Structured Append) (API `structapp`). The ID ranges from 1 to 80088. If an ID is not given, no ID is encoded.

## 6.7 Other Barcode-Like Markings

### 6.7.1 Facing Identification Mark (FIM)

Used by the United States Postal Service (USPS), the FIM symbology is used to assist automated mail processing.

Figure 125: `zint -b FIM --compliantheight -d "C"`

There are only 5 valid symbols which can be generated using the characters A-E as shown in the table below.

Table 46: Valid FIM Characters
Code Letter | Usage
--- | ---
A | Used for courtesy reply mail and metered reply mail with a
| pre-printed POSTNET symbol.
B | Used for business reply mail without a pre-printed zip code.
C | Used for business reply mail with a pre-printed zip code.
D | Used for Information Based Indicia (IBI) postage.
E | Used for customized mail with a USPS Intelligent Mail barcode.

### 6.7.2 Flattermarken

Used for the recognition of page sequences in print-shops, the Flattermarken is not a true barcode symbol and requires precise knowledge of the position of the mark on the page. The Flattermarken system can encode numeric data up to a maximum of 128 digits and does not include a check digit.

Figure 126: `zint -b FLAT -d "1304056"`

# 7. Legal and Version Information

## 7.1 License

Zint, `libzint` and Zint Barcode Studio are Copyright © 2025 Robin Stuart. All historical versions are distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later. Versions 2.5 and later are released under a dual license: the encoding library is released under the BSD (3 clause) license whereas the GUI, Zint Barcode Studio, and the CLI are released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later.

Telepen is a trademark of SB Electronic Systems Ltd.

QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.

Mailmark is a registered trademark of Royal Mail Group Ltd.

Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries.

Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

The Zint logo is derived from “SF Planetary Orbiter” font by ShyFoundry.

Zint.org.uk website design and hosting provided by Robert Elliott.

## 7.2 Patent Issues

All of the code in Zint is developed using information in the public domain, usually freely available on the Internet. Some of the techniques used may be subject to patents and other intellectual property legislation. It is my belief that any patents involved in the technology underlying symbologies utilised by Zint are ‘unadopted’, that is the holder does not object to their methods being used.

Any methods patented or owned by third parties or trademarks or registered trademarks used within Zint or in this document are and remain the property of their respective owners and do not indicate endorsement or affiliation with those owners, companies or organisations.

## 7.3 Version Information

The current stable version of Zint is 2.16.0, released on 19th December 2025.

See `"ChangeLog"` in the project root directory for information on all releases.

## 7.4 Sources of Information

Below is a list of some of the sources used in rough chronological order:

- Nick Johnson’s Barcode Specifications
- Bar Code 1 Specification Source Page
- SB Electronic Systems Telepen website
- Pharmacode specifications from Laetus
- Morovia RM4SCC specification
- Australia Post’s ‘A Guide to Printing the 4-State Barcode’ and bcsample source code
- Plessey algorithm from GNU-Barcode v0.98 by Leonid A. Broukhis
- GS1 General Specifications v 8.0 Issue 2
- PNG: The Definitive Guide and wpng source code by Greg Reolofs
- PDF417 specification and pdf417 source code by Grand Zebu
- Barcode Reference, TBarCode/X User Documentation and TBarCode/X demonstration program from TEC-IT
- IEC16022 source code by Stefan Schmidt et al
- United States Postal Service Specification USPS-B-3200
- Adobe Systems Incorporated Encapsulated PostScript File Format Specification
- BSI Online Library
- Libdmtx Data Matrix ECC200 decoding library

## 7.5 Standards Compliance

Zint was developed to provide compliance with the following British and international standards:

### 7.5.1 Symbology Standards

- ISO/IEC 24778:2024 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Aztec Code bar code symbology specification
- SEMI T1-95 Specification for Back Surface Bar Code Marking of Silicon Wafers (BC412) (1996)
- ANSI/AIM BC12-1998 - Uniform Symbology Specification Channel Code
- BS EN 798:1996 Bar coding - Symbology specifications - ‘Codabar’
- AIM Europe ISS-X-24 - Uniform Symbology Specification Codablock-F (1995)
- ISO/IEC 15417:2007 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Code 128 bar code symbology specification
- BS EN 12323:2005 AIDC technologies - Symbology specifications - Code 16K
- ISO/IEC 16388:2023 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Code 39 bar code symbology specification
- ANSI/AIM BC6-2000 - Uniform Symbology Specification Code 49
- ANSI/AIM BC5-1995 - Uniform Symbology Specification Code 93
- AIM Uniform Symbology Specification Code One (1994)
- ISO/IEC 16022:2024 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Data Matrix bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 21471:2020 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Extended rectangular data matrix (DMRE) bar code symbology specification
- AIM TSC1705001 (v 4.0 Draft 0.15) - Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Bar code symbology specification - DotCode (Revised 28th May 2019)
- ISO/IEC 15420:2009 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - EAN/UPC bar code symbology specification
- AIMD014 (v 1.63) - Information technology, Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Bar code symbology specification - Grid Matrix (Released 9th Dec 2008)
- ISO/IEC 24723:2010 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - GS1 Composite bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 24724:2011 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - GS1 DataBar bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 20830:2021 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Han Xin Code bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 16390:2007 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 16023:2000 Information technology - International symbology specification - MaxiCode
- ISO/IEC 24728:2006 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - MicroPDF417 bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 15438:2015 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - PDF417 bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 18004:2024 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - QR Code bar code symbology specification
- ISO/IEC 23941:2022 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR) bar code symbology specification
- AIMD/TSC15032-43 (v 0.99c) - International Technical Specification - Ultracode Symbology (Draft) (Released 4th Nov 2015)

A number of other specification documents have also been referenced, such as MIL-STD-1189 Rev. B (1989) (LOGMARS), USPS DMM 300 2006 (2011) (POSTNET, PLANET, FIM) and USPS-B-3200 (2015) (IMAIL). Those not named include postal and delivery company references in particular.

### 7.5.2 General Standards

- AIM ITS/04-001 International Technical Standard - Extended Channel Interpretations Part 1: Identification Schemes and Protocol (Released 24th May 2004)
- AIM ITS/04-023 International Technical Standard - Extended Channel Interpretations Part 3: Register (Version 2, February 2022)
- GS1 General Specifications Release 25.0 (Jan 2025)
- ANSI/HIBC 2.6-2016 - The Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) Supplier Labeling Standard

# Annex A. Character Encoding

This section is intended as a quick reference to the character sets used by Zint. All symbologies use standard ASCII input as shown in section A.1, but some support extended characters as shown in the subsequent section A.2 Latin Alphabet No. 1 (ISO/IEC 8859-1).

## A.1 ASCII Standard

The ubiquitous ASCII standard is well known to most computer users. It’s reproduced here for reference.

Table 47: ASCII
Hex | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
0 | `NUL` | `DLE` | `SPACE` | `0` | `@` | `P` | ``` | `p`
1 | `SOH` | `DC1` | `!` | `1` | `A` | `Q` | `a` | `q`
2 | `STX` | `DC2` | `"` | `2` | `B` | `R` | `b` | `r`
3 | `ETX` | `DC3` | `#` | `3` | `C` | `S` | `c` | `s`
4 | `EOT` | `DC4` | `$` | `4` | `D` | `T` | `d` | `t`
5 | `ENQ` | `NAK` | `%` | `5` | `E` | `U` | `e` | `u`
6 | `ACK` | `SYN` | `&` | `6` | `F` | `V` | `f` | `v`
7 | `BEL` | `ETB` | `'` | `7` | `G` | `W` | `g` | `w`
8 | `BS` | `CAN` | `(` | `8` | `H` | `X` | `h` | `x`
9 | `TAB` | `EM` | `)` | `9` | `I` | `Y` | `i` | `y`
A | `LF` | `SUB` | `*` | `:` | `J` | `Z` | `j` | `z`
B | `VT` | `ESC` | `+` | `;` | `K` | `[` | `k` | `{`
C | `FF` | `FS` | `,` | `<` | `L` | `\` | `l` | `|`
D | `CR` | `GS` | `-` | `=` | `M` | `]` | `m` | `}`
E | `SO` | `RS` | `.` | `>` | `N` | `^` | `n` | `~`
F | `SI` | `US` | `/` | `?` | `O` | `_` | `o` | `DEL`

## A.2 Latin Alphabet No. 1 (ISO/IEC 8859-1)

ISO/IEC 8859-1 defines additional characters common in western European languages like French, German, Italian and Spanish. This extension is the default encoding of many barcodes (see Table 6: Default Character Sets) when a codepoint above hex 9F is encoded. Note that codepoints hex 80 to 9F are not defined.

Table 48: ISO/IEC 8859-1
Hex | 8 | 9 | A | B | C | D | E | F
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
0 |  |  | `NBSP` | `°` | `À` | `Ð` | `à` | `ð`
1 |  |  | `¡` | `±` | `Á` | `Ñ` | `á` | `ñ`
2 |  |  | `¢` | `²` | `Â` | `Ò` | `â` | `ò`
3 |  |  | `£` | `³` | `Ã` | `Ó` | `ã` | `ó`
4 |  |  | `¤` | `´` | `Ä` | `Ô` | `ä` | `ô`
5 |  |  | `¥` | `μ` | `Å` | `Õ` | `å` | `õ`
6 |  |  | `¦` | `¶` | `Æ` | `Ö` | `æ` | `ö`
7 |  |  | `§` | `·` | `Ç` | `×` | `ç` | `÷`
8 |  |  | `¨` | `¸` | `È` | `Ø` | `è` | `ø`
9 |  |  | `©` | `¹` | `É` | `Ù` | `é` | `ù`
A |  |  | `ª` | `º` | `Ê` | `Ú` | `ê` | `ú`
B |  |  | `«` | `»` | `Ë` | `Û` | `ë` | `û`
C |  |  | `¬` | `¼` | `Ì` | `Ü` | `ì` | `ü`
D |  |  | `SHY` | `½` | `Í` | `Ý` | `í` | `ý`
E |  |  | `®` | `¾` | `Î` | `Þ` | `î` | `þ`
F |  |  | `¯` | `¿` | `Ï` | `ß` | `ï` | `ÿ`

# Annex B. Qt Backend QZint

Used internally by Zint Barcode Studio to display the preview, the Qt Backend `QZint` renders a barcode by drawing the vector representation (see 5.5 Buffering Symbols in Memory (vector)) provided by the Zint library `libzint`.

The main class is `Zint::QZint`, which has getter/setter properties that correspond to the `zint_symbol` structure (see 5.7 Setting Options), and a main method `render()` which takes a Qt `QPainter` to paint with, and a `QRectF` rectangular area specifying where to paint into:

    /* Encode and display barcode in `paintRect` using `painter`.
       Note: legacy argument `mode` is not used */
    void render(QPainter& painter, const QRectF& paintRect,
                AspectRatioMode mode = IgnoreAspectRatio);

`render()` will emit one of two Qt signals - `encoded` on successful encoding and drawing, or `errored` on failure. The client can connect and act appropriately, for instance:

    connect(qzint, SIGNAL(encoded()), SLOT(on_encoded()));
    connect(qzint, SIGNAL(errored()), SLOT(on_errored()));

where `qzint` is an instance of `Zint::QZint` and `on_encoded()` and `on_error()` are Qt slot methods provided by the caller. On error, the error value and message can be retrieved by the methods `getError()` and `lastError()` respectively.

The other main method is `save_to_file()`:

    /* Encode and print barcode to file `filename`.
       Only sets `getError()` on error, not on warning */
    bool save_to_file(const QString& filename); // `ZBarcode_Print()`

which takes a `filename` to output to. It too will emit an `errored` signal on failure, returning `false` (but nothing on success, which just returns `true`). Note that rotation is achieved through the setter method `setRotateAngleValue()` (as opposed to the `rotate_angle` argument used by `ZBarcode_Print()`).

Various other methods are available, for instance methods for testing symbology capabilities, and utility methods such as `defaultXdim()` and `getAsCLI()`.

For full details, see `"backend_qt/qzint.h"`.

# Annex C. Tcl Backend Binding

A Tcl binding is available in the `"backend_tcl`” sub-directory. To make on Unix:

    cd backend_tcl
    autoconf
    ./configure
    make
    sudo make install

For Windows, a Microsoft Visual C++ project file is available at `"backend_tcl\zint_tcl.vcxproj"`. Note that this assumes that Tcl/Tk is available in `"C:\Tcl"` and that the libraries are named `"tclstub.lib"` and `"tkstub.lib"` - change to match your setup. There is also a Visual Studio makefile available at `"backend_tcl\win\makefile.vc"`, which can be run with `nmake` - for details see `"backend_tcl\win\README.txt"`.

Once built and installed, invoke the Tcl/Tk CLI `"wish"`:

    wish

and ignoring the Tk window click back to the command prompt `"%"` and type:

    package require zint
    zint help

which will show the usage message, with options very similar to the Zint CLI. (One notable difference is that boolean options such as `-bold` take a `1` or `0` as an argument.)

A demonstration Tcl/Tk program which is also useful in itself is available at `"backend_tcl/demo/demo.tcl"`. To run type:

    wish demo/demo.tcl

which will display the following window.

Figure 127: Tcl/Tk demonstration program window

You can select the symbology, enter the data to encode, and set options (which are the same as those given in the usage message). The raster preview of the configured barcode is updated when the `"Generate"` button is pressed.

# Annex D. Man Page ZINT(1)

## NAME

`zint` - encode data as a barcode image

## SYNOPSIS

`zint` [`-h` | `--help`]
`zint` [options]

## DESCRIPTION

zint takes input data from the command line or a file to encode in a barcode which is then output to an image file.

Input data is UTF-8, unless `--binary` is specified.

Human Readable Text (HRT) is displayed by default for those barcodes that support HRT, unless `--notext` is specified.

The output image file (specified with `-o` | `--output`) may be in one of these formats: Windows Bitmap (`BMP`), Enhanced Metafile Format (`EMF`), Encapsulated PostScript (`EPS`), Graphics Interchange Format (`GIF`), ZSoft Paintbrush (`PCX`), Portable Network Format (`PNG`), Scalable Vector Graphic (`SVG`), or Tagged Image File Format (`TIF`).

## OPTIONS

`-h`, `--help`

  Print usage information summarizing command line options.

`-b TYPE`, `--barcode=TYPE`

  Set the barcode symbology that will be used to encode the data. TYPE is the number or name of the barcode symbology. If not given, the symbology defaults to 20 (Code 128). To see what types are available, use the `-t` | `--types` option. Type names are case-insensitive, and non-alphanumerics are ignored.

`--addongap=INTEGER`

  For EAN/UPC symbologies, set the gap between the main data and the add-on. INTEGER is in integral multiples of the X-dimension. The maximum gap that can be set is 12. The minimum is 7, except for UPC-A, when the minimum is 9.

`--batch`

  Treat each line of an input file specified with `-i` | `--input` as a separate data set and produce a barcode image for each one. The barcode images are outputted by default to numbered filenames starting with “00001.png”, “00002.png” etc., which can be changed by using the `-o` | `--output` option.

`--bg=COLOUR`

  Specify a background (paper) colour where COLOUR is in hexadecimal `RRGGBB` or `RRGGBBAA` format or in decimal `C,M,Y,K` percentages format.

`--binary`

  Treat input data as raw 8-bit binary data instead of the default UTF-8. Automatic code page translation to an ECI page is disabled, and no validation of the data’s character encoding takes place.

`--bind`

  Add horizontal boundary bars (also known as bearer bars) to the symbol. The width of the boundary bars is specified by the `--border` option. `--bind` can also be used to add row separator bars to symbols stacked with multiple `-d` | `--data` inputs, in which case the width of the separator bars is specified with the `--separator` option.

`--bindtop`

  Add a horizontal boundary bar to the top of the symbol. The width of the boundary bar is specified by the `--border` option.

`--bold`

  Use a bold font for the Human Readable Text (HRT).

`--border=INTEGER`

  Set the width of boundary bars (`--bind` or `--bindtop`) or box borders (`--box`), where INTEGER is in integral multiples of the X-dimension. The default is zero.

`--box`

  Add a box around the symbol. The width of the borders is specified by the `--border` option.

`--cmyk`

  Use the CMYK colour space when outputting to Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) or TIF files.

`--cols=INTEGER`

  Set the number of data columns in the symbol to INTEGER. Affects Codablock-F, DotCode, GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked (DBAR_EXPSTK), MicroPDF417 and PDF417 symbols.

`--compliantheight`

  Warn if the height specified by the `--height` option is not compliant with the barcode’s specification, or if `--height` is not given, default to the height specified by the specification (if any).

`-d`, `--data=DATA`

  Specify the input DATA to encode. The `--esc` option may be used to enter non-printing characters using escape sequences. The DATA should be UTF-8, unless the `--binary` option is given, in which case it can be anything.

`--direct`

  Send output to stdout, which in most cases should be re-directed to a pipe or a file. Use `--filetype` to specify output format.

`--dmiso144`

  For Data Matrix symbols, use the standard ISO/IEC codeword placement for 144 x 144 (`--vers=24`) sized symbols, instead of the default “de facto” placement (which rotates the placement of ECC codewords).

`--dmre`

  For Data Matrix symbols, allow Data Matrix Rectangular Extended (DMRE) sizes when considering automatic sizes. See also `--square`.

`--dotsize=NUMBER`

  Set the radius of the dots in dotty mode (`--dotty`). NUMBER is in X-dimensions, and may be floating-point. The default is 0.8.

`--dotty`

  Use dots instead of squares for matrix symbols. DotCode is always in dotty mode.

`--dump`

  Dump a hexadecimal representation of the symbol’s encodation to stdout. The same representation may be outputted to a file by using a `.txt` extension with `-o` | `--output` or by specifying `--filetype=txt`.

`-e`, `--ecinos`

  Display the table of ECIs (Extended Channel Interpretations).

`--eci=INTEGER`

  Set the ECI code for the input data to INTEGER. See `-e` | `--ecinos` for a list of the ECIs available. ECIs are supported by Aztec Code, Code One, Data Matrix, DotCode, Grid Matrix, Han Xin Code, MaxiCode, MicroPDF417, PDF417, QR Code, rMQR and Ultracode.

`--embedfont`

  For vector output, embed the font in the file for portability. Currently only available for SVG output.

`--esc`

  Process escape characters in the input data. The escape sequences are:

      \0       (0x00)    NUL  Null character
      \E       (0x04)    EOT  End of Transmission
      \a       (0x07)    BEL  Bell
      \b       (0x08)    BS   Backspace
      \t       (0x09)    HT   Horizontal Tab
      \n       (0x0A)    LF   Line Feed
      \v       (0x0B)    VT   Vertical Tab
      \f       (0x0C)    FF   Form Feed
      \r       (0x0D)    CR   Carriage Return
      \e       (0x1B)    ESC  Escape
      \G       (0x1D)    GS   Group Separator
      \R       (0x1E)    RS   Record Separator
      \(       (0x28)    (    Opening parenthesis (only with
                              --gs1parens)
      \)       (0x29)    )    Closing parenthesis (only with
                              --gs1parens)
      \\       (0x5C)    \    Backslash
      \dNNN    (NNN)          Any 8-bit character where NNN is
                              decimal (000-255)
      \oNNN    (0oNNN)        Any 8-bit character where NNN is
                              octal (000-377)
      \xNN     (0xNN)         Any 8-bit character where NN is
                              hexadecimal (00-FF)
      \uNNNN   (U+NNNN)       Any 16-bit Unicode BMP character
                              where NNNN is hexadecimal
      \UNNNNNN (U+NNNNNN)     Any 21-bit Unicode character
                              where NNNNNN is hexadecimal

`--extraesc`

  For Code 128 only, as well as processing the normal escape sequences above, process the special escape sequences `\^A`, `\^B`, `\^C` and `\^@` that allow manual switching of Code Sets, and the special escape sequence `\^1` that inserts an `FNC1` character. The sequence `\@` turns off manual switching. The sequence `\^^` can be used to encode data that contains special escape sequences.

`--fast`

  Use faster if less optimal encodation or other shortcuts (affects Data Matrix, MicroPDF417, PDF417, QRCODE & UPNQR only).

`--fg=COLOUR`

  Specify a foreground (ink) colour where COLOUR is in hexadecimal `RRGGBB` or `RRGGBBAA` format or in decimal `C,M,Y,K` percentages format.

`--filetype=TYPE`

  Set the output file type to TYPE, which is one of `BMP`, `EMF`, `EPS`, `GIF`, `PCX`, `PNG`, `SVG`, `TIF`, `TXT`.

`--fullmultibyte`

  Use the multibyte modes of Grid Matrix, Han Xin and QR Code for non-ASCII data.

`--gs1`

  Treat input as GS1 compatible data. Application Identifiers (AIs) should be placed in square brackets `"[]"` (but see `--gs1parens`). Also accepts GS1 Digital Link URIs (unverified) for matrix symbologies.

`--gs1nocheck`

  Treat input as GS1 compatible data (as `--gs1`) but do not check the validity of the data.

`--gs1parens`

  Treat input as GS1 compatible data (as `--gs1`) but process parentheses `"()"` as GS1 AI delimiters, rather than square brackets `"[]"`. If the AI data contains opening parentheses, they must be backslashed (`"\("`).

`--gs1strict`

  Treat input as GS1 compatible data (as `--gs1`) and use the GS1 Syntax Engine (if available) to strictly verify the GS1 data, including GS1 Digital Link URIs. Ignored if `--gs1nocheck` also given.

`--gssep`

  For Data Matrix in GS1 mode, use `GS` (0x1D) as the GS1 data separator instead of `FNC1`.

`--guarddescent=NUMBER`

  For EAN/UPC symbols, set the height the guard bars descend below the main bars, where NUMBER is in X-dimensions. NUMBER may be floating-point.

`--guardwhitespace`

  For EAN/UPC symbols, add quiet zone indicators `"<"` and/or `">"` to HRT where applicable.

`--height=NUMBER`

  Set the height of the symbol in X-dimensions. NUMBER may be floating-point.

`--heightperrow`

  Treat height as per-row. Affects Codablock-F, Code 16K, Code 49, GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked (DBAR_EXPSTK), MicroPDF417 and PDF417.

`-i`, `--input=FILE`

  Read the input data from FILE. Specify a single hyphen (`-`) for FILE to read from stdin.

`--init`

  Create a Reader Initialisation (Programming) symbol.

`--mask=INTEGER`

  Set the masking pattern to use for DotCode, Han Xin or QR Code to INTEGER, overriding the automatic selection.

`--mirror`

  Use the batch data to determine the filename in batch mode (`--batch`). The `-o` | `--output` option can be used to specify an output directory (any filename will be ignored).

`--mode=INTEGER`

  For MaxiCode and GS1 Composite symbols, set the encoding mode to INTEGER.

  For MaxiCode (SCM is Structured Carrier Message, with 3 fields: postcode, 3-digit ISO 3166-1 country code, 3-digit service code):

      2   SCM with 9-digit numeric postcode
      3   SCM with 6-character alphanumeric postcode
      4   Enhanced ECC for the primary part of the message
      5   Enhanced ECC for all of the message
      6   Reader Initialisation (Programming)

  For GS1 Composite symbols (names end in `_CC`, i.e. `EAN8_CC`, `EAN13_CC`, `GS1_128_CC`, `DBAR_OMN_CC` etc.):

      1   CC-A
      2   CC-B
      3   CC-C (GS1_128_CC only)

`--nobackground`

  Remove the background colour (EMF, EPS, GIF, PNG, SVG and TIF only).

`--noquietzones`

  Disable any quiet zones for symbols that define them by default.

`--notext`

  Remove the Human Readable Text (HRT).

`-o`, `--output=FILE`

  Send the output to FILE. When not in batch mode, the default is “out.png” (or “out.gif” if zint built without PNG support). When in batch mode (`--batch`), special characters can be used to format the output filenames:

      ~           Insert a number or 0
      #           Insert a number or space
      @           Insert a number or * (+ on Windows)
      Any other   Insert literally

`--primary=STRING`

  For MaxiCode, set the content of the primary message. For GS1 Composite symbols, set the content of the linear symbol.

`--quietzones`

  Add compliant quiet zones for symbols that specify them. This is in addition to any whitespace specified by `-w` | `--whitesp` or `--vwhitesp`.

`-r`, `--reverse`

  Reverse the foreground and background colours (white on black). Known as “reflectance reversal” or “reversed reflectance”.

`--rotate=INTEGER`

  Rotate the symbol by INTEGER degrees, where INTEGER can be 0, 90, 270 or 360.

`--rows=INTEGER`

  Set the number of rows for Codablock-F or PDF417 to INTEGER. It will also set the minimum number of rows for Code 16K or Code 49, and the maximum number of rows for GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked (DBAR_EXPSTK).

`--scale=NUMBER`

  Adjust the size of the X-dimension. NUMBER may be floating-point, and is multiplied by 2 (except for MaxiCode) before being applied. The default scale is 1.

  For MaxiCode, the scale is multiplied by 10 for raster output, by 40 for EMF output, and by 2 otherwise.

  Increments of 0.5 (half-integers) are recommended for non-MaxiCode raster output (BMP, GIF, PCX, PNG and TIF). Human Readable Text (HRT) for raster output will not be shown for scales less than 1.

  See also `--scalexdimdp` below.

`--scalexdimdp=X[,R]`

  Scale the image according to X-dimension X and resolution R, where X is in mm and R is in dpmm (dots per mm). X and R may be floating-point. R is optional and defaults to 12 dpmm (approximately 300 dpi). X may be zero in which case a symbology-specific default is used.

  The scaling takes into account the output filetype, and deals with all the details mentioned above. Units may be specified for X by appending “in” (inch) or “mm”, and for R by appending “dpi” (dots per inch) or “dpmm” - e.g. `--scalexdimdp=0.013in,300dpi`.

`--scmvv=INTEGER`

  For MaxiCode, prefix the Structured Carrier Message (SCM) with `"[)>\R01\Gvv"`, where `vv` is a 2-digit INTEGER.

`--secure=INTEGER`

  Set the error correction level (ECC) to INTEGER. The meaning is specific to the following matrix symbols (all except PDF417 are approximate):

      Aztec Code  1 to 4 (10%, 23%, 36%, 50%)
      Grid Matrix 1 to 5 (10% to 50%)
      Han Xin     1 to 4 (8%, 15%, 23%, 30%)
      Micro QR    1 to 3 (7%, 15%, 25%) (L, M, Q)
      PDF417      0 to 8 (2^(INTEGER + 1) codewords)
      QR Code     1 to 4 (7%, 15%, 25%, 30%) (L, M, Q, H)
      rMQR        2 or 4 (15% or 30%) (M or H)
      Ultracode   1 to 6 (0%, 5%, 9%, 17%, 25%, 33%)

`--segN=ECI,DATA`

  Set the ECI & DATA content for segment N, where N is 1 to 9. `-d` | `--data` must still be given, and counts as segment 0, its ECI given by `--eci`. Segments must be consecutive.

`--separator=INTEGER`

  Set the height of row separator bars for stacked symbologies, where INTEGER is in integral multiples of the X-dimension. The default is zero.

`--small`

  Use a smaller font for Human Readable Text (HRT).

`--square`

  For Data Matrix symbols, exclude rectangular sizes when considering automatic sizes. See also `--dmre`.

`--structapp=I,C[,ID]`

  Set Structured Append info, where I is the 1-based index, C is the total number of symbols in the sequence, and ID, which is optional, is the identifier that all symbols in the sequence share. Structured Append is supported by Aztec Code, Code One, Data Matrix, DotCode, Grid Matrix, MaxiCode, MicroPDF417, PDF417, QR Code and Ultracode.

`-t`, `--types`

  Display the table of barcode types (symbologies). The numbers or names can be used with `-b` | `--barcode`.

`--textgap=NUMBER`

  Adjust the gap between the barcode and the Human Readable Text (HRT). NUMBER is in X-dimensions, and may be floating-point. Maximum is 10 and minimum is -5. The default is 1.

`--vers=INTEGER`

  Set the symbol version (size, check digits, other options) to INTEGER. The meaning is symbol-specific.

  For most matrix symbols, it specifies size:

      Aztec Code      1 to 36 (1 to 4 compact)
              1   15x15     13  53x53     25  105x105
              2   19x19     14  57x57     26  109x109
              3   23x23     15  61x61     27  113x113
              4   27x27     16  67x67     28  117x117
              5   19x19     17  71x71     29  121x121
              6   23x23     18  75x75     30  125x125
              7   27x27     19  79x79     31  131x131
              8   31x31     20  83x83     32  135x135
              9   37x37     21  87x87     33  139x139
              10  41x41     22  91x91     34  143x143
              11  45x45     23  95x95     35  147x147
              12  49x49     24  101x101   36  151x151

      Code One        1 to 10 (9 and 10 variable width) (HxW)
              1   16x18     6   70x76
              2   22x22     7   104x98
              3   28x32     8   148x134
              4   40x42     9   8xW
              5   52x54     10  16xW

      Data Matrix     1 to 48 (31 to 48 DMRE) (HxW)
              1   10x10     17  72x72     33  8x80
              2   12x12     18  80x80     34  8x96
              3   14x14     19  88x88     35  8x120
              4   16x16     20  96x96     36  8x144
              5   18x18     21  104x104   37  12x64
              6   20x20     22  120x120   38  12x88
              7   22x22     23  132x132   39  16x64
              8   24x24     24  144x144   40  20x36
              9   26x26     25  8x18      41  20x44
              10  32x32     26  8x32      42  20x64
              11  36x36     27  12x26     43  22x48
              12  40x40     28  12x36     44  24x48
              13  44x44     29  16x36     45  24x64
              14  48x48     30  16x48     46  26x40
              15  52x52     31  8x48      47  26x48
              16  64x64     32  8x64      48  26x64

      Grid Matrix     1 to 13
              1   18x18     6   78x78     11  138x138
              2   30x30     7   90x90     12  150x150
              3   42x42     8   102x102   13  162x162
              4   54x54     9   114x114
              5   66x66     10  126x126

      Han Xin         1 to 84
              1   23x23     29  79x79     57  135x135
              2   25x25     30  81x81     58  137x137
              3   27x27     31  83x83     59  139x139
              4   29x29     32  85x85     60  141x141
              5   31x31     33  87x87     61  143x143
              6   33x33     34  89x89     62  145x145
              7   35x35     35  91x91     63  147x147
              8   37x37     36  93x93     64  149x149
              9   39x39     37  95x95     65  151x151
              10  41x41     38  97x97     66  153x153
              11  43x43     39  99x99     67  155x155
              12  45x45     40  101x101   68  157x157
              13  47x47     41  103x103   69  159x159
              14  49x49     42  105x105   70  161x161
              15  51x51     43  107x107   71  163x163
              16  53x53     44  109x109   72  165x165
              17  55x55     45  111x111   73  167x167
              18  57x57     46  113x113   74  169x169
              19  59x59     47  115x115   75  171x171
              20  61x61     48  117x117   76  173x173
              21  63x63     49  119x119   77  175x175
              22  65x65     50  121x121   78  177x177
              23  67x67     51  123x123   79  179x179
              24  69x69     52  125x125   80  181x181
              25  71x71     53  127x127   81  183x183
              26  73x73     54  129x129   82  185x185
              27  75x75     55  131x131   83  187x187
              28  77x77     56  133x133   84  189x189

      Micro QR        1 to 4  (M1, M2, M3, M4)
              1   11x11     3   15x15
              2   13x13     4   17x17

      QR Code         1 to 40
              1   21x21     15  77x77     29  133x133
              2   25x25     16  81x81     30  137x137
              3   29x29     17  85x85     31  141x141
              4   33x33     18  89x89     32  145x145
              5   37x37     19  93x93     33  149x149
              6   41x41     20  97x97     34  153x153
              7   45x45     21  101x101   35  157x157
              8   49x49     22  105x105   36  161x161
              9   53x53     23  109x109   37  165x165
              10  57x57     24  113x113   38  169x169
              11  61x61     25  117x117   39  173x173
              12  65x65     26  121x121   40  177x177
              13  69x69     27  125x125
              14  73x73     28  129x129

      rMQR            1 to 38 (33 to 38 automatic width) (HxW)
              1   7x43      14  11x77     27  15x139
              2   7x59      15  11x99     28  17x43
              3   7x77      16  11x139    29  17x59
              4   7x99      17  13x27     30  17x77
              5   7x139     18  13x43     31  17x99
              6   9x43      19  13x59     32  17x139
              7   9x59      20  13x77     33  7xW
              8   9x77      21  13x99     34  9xW
              9   9x99      22  13x139    35  11xW
              10  9x139     23  15x43     36  13xW
              11  11x27     24  15x59     37  15xW
              12  11x43     25  15x77     38  17xW
              13  11x59     26  15x99

  For a number of linear symbols, it specifies check character options (“hide” or “hidden” means don’t show in HRT, “visible” means do display in HRT):

      C25IATA         1 or 2 (add visible or hidden check digit)
      C25IND          ditto
      C25INTER        ditto
      C25LOGIC        ditto
      C25STANDARD     ditto
      Codabar         1 or 2 (add hidden or visible check digit)
      Code 11         0 to 2 (2 visible check digits to none)
                      0      (default 2 visible check digits)
                      1      (1 visible check digit)
                      2      (no check digits)
      Code 39         1 or 2 (add visible or hidden check digit)
      Code 93         1      (show the default check characters)
      EXCODE39        1 or 2 (add visible or hidden check digit)
      LOGMARS         1 or 2 (add visible or hidden check digit)
      UK Plessey      1      (show the default check characters)
      MSI Plessey     0 to 6 (none to various visible options)
                      1, 2   (mod-10, mod-10 + mod-10)
                      3, 4   (mod-11 IBM, mod-11 IBM + mod-10)
                      5, 6   (mod-11 NCR, mod-11 NCR + mod-10)
                      +10    (hide)

  For a few other symbologies, it specifies other characteristics:

      Channel Code    3 to 8    (no. of channels)
      DAFT            50 to 900 (permille tracker ratio)
      DPD             1         (relabel)
      PZN             1         (PZN7 instead of default PZN8)
      Ultracode       2         (revision 2)
      VIN             1         (add international prefix)

`-v`, `--version`

  Display zint version.

`--vwhitesp=INTEGER`

  Set the height of vertical whitespace above and below the barcode, where INTEGER is in integral multiples of the X-dimension.

`-w`, `--whitesp=INTEGER`

  Set the width of horizontal whitespace either side of the barcode, where INTEGER is in integral multiples of the X-dimension.

`--werror`

  Convert all warnings into errors.

## EXIT STATUS

`0`
  Success (including when given informational options `-h` | `--help`, `-e` | `--ecinos`, `-t` | `--types`, `-v` | `--version`).
`1`
  Human Readable Text was truncated (maximum 199 bytes) (`ZINT_WARN_HRT_TRUNCATED`)
`2`
  Invalid option given but overridden by Zint (`ZINT_WARN_INVALID_OPTION`)
`3`
  Automatic ECI inserted by Zint (`ZINT_WARN_USES_ECI`)
`4`
  Symbol created not compliant with standards (`ZINT_WARN_NONCOMPLIANT`)
`5`
  Input data wrong length (`ZINT_ERROR_TOO_LONG`)
`6`
  Input data incorrect (`ZINT_ERROR_INVALID_DATA`)
`7`
  Input check digit incorrect (`ZINT_ERROR_INVALID_CHECK`)
`8`
  Incorrect option given (`ZINT_ERROR_INVALID_OPTION`)
`9`
  Internal error (should not happen) (`ZINT_ERROR_ENCODING_PROBLEM`)
`10`
  Error opening output file (`ZINT_ERROR_FILE_ACCESS`)
`11`
  Memory allocation (malloc) failure (`ZINT_ERROR_MEMORY`)
`12`
  Error writing to output file (`ZINT_ERROR_FILE_WRITE`)
`13`
  Error counterpart of warning if `--werror` given (`ZINT_ERROR_USES_ECI`)
`14`
  Error counterpart of warning if `--werror` given (`ZINT_ERROR_NONCOMPLIANT`)
`15`
  Error counterpart of warning if `--werror` given (`ZINT_ERROR_HRT_TRUNCATED`)

## EXAMPLES

Create “out.png” (or “out.gif” if zint built without PNG support) in the current directory, as a Code 128 symbol.

    zint -d 'This Text'

Create “qr.svg” in the current directory, as a QR Code symbol.

    zint -b QRCode -d 'This Text' -o 'qr.svg'

Use batch mode to read from an input file “ean13nos.txt” containing a list of 13-digit GTINs, each on a separate line, to create a series of EAN-13 barcodes, formatting the output filenames to “ean001.gif”, “ean002.gif” etc. using the special character “~”.

    zint -b EAN13 --batch -i 'ean13nos.txt' -o 'ean~~~.gif'

## BUGS

Please send bug reports to https://sourceforge.net/p/zint/tickets/.

## SEE ALSO

Full documentation for `zint` (and the API `libzint` and the GUI `zint-qt`) is available from

        https://zint.org.uk/manual/

and at

        https://sourceforge.net/p/zint/docs/manual.txt

## CONFORMING TO

Zint is designed to be compliant with a number of international standards, including:

ISO/IEC 24778:2024, ANSI/AIM BC12-1998, EN 798:1996, AIM ISS-X-24 (1995), ISO/IEC 15417:2007, EN 12323:2005, ISO/IEC 16388:2023, ANSI/AIM BC6-2000, ANSI/AIM BC5-1995, AIM USS Code One (1994), ISO/IEC 16022:2024, ISO/IEC 21471:2019, ISO/IEC 15420:2009, AIMD014 (v 1.63) (2008), ISO/IEC 24723:2010, ISO/IEC 24724:2011, ISO/IEC 20830:2021, ISO/IEC 16390:2007, ISO/IEC 16023:2000, ISO/IEC 24728:2006, ISO/IEC 15438:2015, ISO/IEC 18004:2024, ISO/IEC 23941:2022, AIM ITS/04-023 (2022)

## COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2025 Robin Stuart. Released under GNU GPL 3.0 or later.

## AUTHOR

Robin Stuart robin@zint.org.uk

1. The GS1 Syntax Engine (`gs1encoders` library), which is officially sanctioned by GS1, offers strict validation of GS1 data, including GS1 Digital Link URIs - see “GS1 Barcode Syntax Engine” at https://github.com/gs1/gs1-syntax-engine.↩︎

2. See the Homebrew website https://brew.sh.↩︎

3. In Unicode contexts, BMP stands for Basic Multilingual Plane, the plane 0 codeset from U+0000 to U+D7FF and U+E000 to U+FFFF (i.e. excluding surrogates). Not to be confused with the Windows Bitmap file format BMP!↩︎

4. The symbology names marked with an asterisk (`*`) in Table 4: Barcode Types (Symbologies) above used different names in previous versions of Zint. These names are now deprecated but are still recognised by Zint. Those marked with a dagger (`†`) are replacements for `BARCODE_EANX` (13), `BARCODE_EANX_CHK` (14) and `BARCODE_EANX_CC` (130), which are still recognised by Zint.↩︎

5. The background is omitted for vector outputs EMF, EPS and SVG when `--nobackground` is given. For raster outputs GIF, PCX, PNG and TIF, the background’s alpha channel is set to zero (fully transparent).↩︎

6. For linear barcodes, Human Readable Text (HRT) is not shown for the postal codes Australia Post (all variants), USPS Intelligent Mail, POSTNET and PLANET, Brazilian CEPNet, Royal Mail 4-State Customer Code and 4-State Mailmark, Dutch Post KIX Code, Japanese Postal Code, DAFT Code and FIM, the pharma codes Pharmacode One-Track and Pharmacode Two-Track, and the specialist codes DX Film Edge Barcode and Flattermarken. Note that HRT is never shown for stacked and matrix barcodes.↩︎

7. Shift JIS (JIS X 0201 Roman) re-maps two ASCII characters: backslash (`\`) to the yen sign (`¥`), and tilde (`~`) to overline (`‾`, U+203E).↩︎

8. ISO/IEC 646 Invariant is a subset of ASCII with 12 characters undefined: `#`, `$`, `@`, `[`, `\`, `]`, `^`, ```, `{`, `|`, `}`, `~` (tilde).↩︎

9. Note that unless the `--binary` switch is used, 8-bit binary data for ECI 899 must be given as UTF-8, e.g. a byte `"\x80"` must be represented as the 2 bytes `"\xC2\x80"`; similarly `"\xC0"` as `"\xC3\x80"`, etc.↩︎

10. BARCODE_MEMORY_FILE textual formats EPS and SVG will have Unix newlines (LF) on both Windows and Unix, i.e. not CR+LF on Windows.↩︎

11. The `height` value is ignored for Aztec (including HIBC and Aztec Rune), Code One, Data Matrix (including HIBC), DotCode, Grid Matrix, Han Xin, MaxiCode, QR Code (including HIBC, Micro QR, rMQR and UPNQR), and Ultracode - all of which have a fixed width-to-height ratio (or, in the case of Code One, a fixed height).↩︎

12. For Windows, `outfile` is assumed to be UTF-8 encoded.↩︎

13. The `BARCODE_BIND_TOP` flag is set by default for DPD - see 6.1.10.7 DPD Code.↩︎

14. The `BARCODE_BIND` flag is always set for Codablock-F, Code 16K and Code 49. Special considerations apply to ITF-14 - see 6.1.2.6 ITF-14.↩︎

15. Codablock-F, Code 16K, Code 49, EAN-13, EAN-8, EAN/UPC add-ons, ISBN, ITF-14, UPC-A and UPC-E have compliant quiet zones added by default.↩︎

16. `ZINT_CAP_EANUPC` was previously named `ZINT_CAP_EXTENDABLE`, which is still recognised.↩︎

17. DotCode, Han Xin, Micro QR Code, QR Code and UPNQR have variable masks. Rectangular Micro QR Code has a fixed mask (4).↩︎

18. Except for Japanese Postal Code, whose check character is not truly representable in the encoded data.↩︎

19. The library `libzueci`, which can convert both to and from UTF-8 and ECI, is available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/libzueci/.↩︎

20. `BARCODE_CODE128AB` previously used the name `BARCODE_CODE128B`, which is still recognised.↩︎

21. The DX number may be looked up in The (Modified) Big Film Database at https://thebigfilmdatabase.merinorus.com.↩︎