using IronBarCode; using System.Drawing; // Creating a barcode is as simple as: var myBarcode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("12345", BarcodeWriterEncoding.EAN8); // And save our barcode as in image: myBarcode.SaveAsImage("EAN8.jpeg"); Image myBarcodeImage = myBarcode.Image; // Can be used as Image Bitmap myBarcodeBitmap = myBarcode.ToBitmap(); // Can be used as Bitmap // Reading a barcode is easy with IronBarcode: var resultFromFile = BarcodeReader.Read(@"file/barcode.png"); // From a file var resultFromBitMap = BarcodeReader.Read(new Bitmap("barcode.bmp")); // From a bitmap var resultFromImage = BarcodeReader.Read(Image.FromFile("barcode.jpg")); // From an image var resultFromPdf = BarcodeReader.ReadPdf(@"file/mydocument.pdf"); // From PDF use ReadPdf // After creating a barcode, we may choose to resize and save which is easily done with: var myNewBarcode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("12345", BarcodeWriterEncoding.EAN8); myNewBarcode.ResizeTo(400, 100); myNewBarcode.SaveAsImage("myBarcodeResized.jpeg"); // To set more options and optimization with your Barcode Reading, // Please utilize the BarcodeReaderOptions paramter of read: var myOptionsExample = new BarcodeReaderOptions { // Choose a speed from: Faster, Balanced, Detailed, ExtremeDetail // There is a tradeoff in performance as more Detail is set Speed = ReadingSpeed.Balanced, // Reader will stop scanning once a barcode is found, unless set to true ExpectMultipleBarcodes = true, // By default, all barcode formats are scanned for. // Specifying one or more, performance will increase. ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.AllOneDimensional, // Utilizes multiple threads to reads barcodes from multiple images in parallel. Multithreaded = true, // Maximum threads for parallel. Default is 4 MaxParallelThreads = 2, // The area of each image frame in which to scan for barcodes. // Will improve performance significantly and avoid unwanted results and avoid noisy parts of the image. CropArea = new Rectangle(), // Special Setting for Code39 Barcodes. // If a Code39 barcode is detected. Try to use extended mode for the full ASCII Character Set UseCode39ExtendedMode = true }; // And, apply: var results = BarcodeReader.Read("barcode.png", myOptionsExample);

using IronBarCode; using System.Drawing; /*** CREATING BARCODE IMAGES ***/ // Shorthand:: Create and save a barcode in a single line of code BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("12345", BarcodeWriterEncoding.EAN8).ResizeTo(400, 100).SaveAsImage("EAN8.jpeg"); /***** IN-DEPTH BARCODE CREATION OPTIONS *****/ // BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode creates a GeneratedBarcode which can be styles and exported as an Image object or File GeneratedBarcode MyBarCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("Any Number, String or Binary Value", BarcodeWriterEncoding.Code128); // Style the Barcode in a fluent LINQ style fashion MyBarCode.ResizeTo(300, 150).SetMargins(20).AddAnnotationTextAboveBarcode("Example EAN8 Barcode").AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode(); MyBarCode.ChangeBackgroundColor(Color.LightGoldenrodYellow); // Save MyBarCode as an image file MyBarCode.SaveAsImage("MyBarCode.png"); MyBarCode.SaveAsGif("MyBarCode.gif"); MyBarCode.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyBarCode.html"); MyBarCode.SaveAsJpeg("MyBarCode.jpg"); MyBarCode.SaveAsPdf("MyBarCode.Pdf"); MyBarCode.SaveAsPng("MyBarCode.png"); MyBarCode.SaveAsTiff("MyBarCode.tiff"); MyBarCode.SaveAsWindowsBitmap("MyBarCode.bmp"); // Save MyBarCode as a .NET native objects Image MyBarCodeImage = MyBarCode.Image; Bitmap MyBarCodeBitmap = MyBarCode.ToBitmap(); byte[] PngBytes = MyBarCode.ToPngBinaryData(); using (System.IO.Stream PdfStream = MyBarCode.ToPdfStream()) { // Stream barcode image output also works for GIF,JPEG, PDF, PNG, BMP and TIFF } // Save MyBarCode as HTML files and tags MyBarCode.SaveAsHtmlFile("MyBarCode.Html"); string ImgTagForHTML = MyBarCode.ToHtmlTag(); string DataURL = MyBarCode.ToDataUrl(); // Save MyBarCode to a new PDF, or stamp it in any position on any page(s) of an existing Document MyBarCode.SaveAsPdf("MyBarCode.Pdf"); MyBarCode.StampToExistingPdfPage("ExistingPDF.pdf", 200, 50, 1); // position 200x50 on page 1 MyBarCode.StampToExistingPdfPages("ExistingPDF.pdf", 200, 50, new[] { 1, 2, 3 }, "Password123"); // multiple pages of an encrypted PDF

using IronBarCode; using System; using System.Drawing; /*** STYLING GENERATED BARCODES ***/ // BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode creates a GeneratedBarcode object which allows the barcode to be styled and annotated. GeneratedBarcode MyBarCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("Iron Software", BarcodeWriterEncoding.QRCode); // Any text (or commonly, the value of the barcode) can be added to the image in a default or specified font. // Text positions are automatically centered, above or below. Fonts that are too large for a given image are automatically scaled down. MyBarCode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode(); MyBarCode.AddAnnotationTextAboveBarcode("This is My Barcode", new Font(new FontFamily("Arial"), 12, FontStyle.Regular, GraphicsUnit.Pixel), Color.DarkSlateBlue); // Resize, add Margins and Check final Image Dimensions MyBarCode.ResizeTo(300, 300); // pixels MyBarCode.SetMargins(0, 20, 0, 20); int FinalWidth = MyBarCode.Width; int FinalHeight = MyBarCode.Height; //Recolor the barcode and its background MyBarCode.ChangeBackgroundColor(Color.LightGray); MyBarCode.ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkSlateBlue); if (!MyBarCode.Verify()) { Console.WriteLine("Color contrast should be at least 50% or a barcode may become unreadable. Test using GeneratedBarcode.Verify()"); } // Finally save the result MyBarCode.SaveAsHtmlFile("StyledBarcode.html"); /*** STYLING BARCODES IN A SINGLE LINQ STYLE EXPRESSION ***/ // Fluent API BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com", BarcodeWriterEncoding.Aztec).ResizeTo(250, 250).SetMargins(10).AddBarcodeValueTextAboveBarcode().SaveAsImage("StyledBarcode.png"); /*** STYLING QR CODES WITH LOGO IMAGES OR BRANDING ***/ // Use the QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo Method instead of BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode // Logo will automatically be sized appropriately and snapped to the QR grid. var qrCodeLogo = new QRCodeLogo("ironsoftware_logo.png"); GeneratedBarcode myQRCodeWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("https://ironsoftware.com/", qrCodeLogo); myQRCodeWithLogo.ResizeTo(500, 500).SetMargins(10).ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen); myQRCodeWithLogo.ResizeTo(500, 500).SetMargins(10).ChangeBarCodeColor(Color.DarkGreen); myQRCodeWithLogo.SaveAsPng("QRWithLogo.Png").SaveAsPdf("MyVerifiedQR.html"); // save as 2 formats

Published April 20, 2023

Barcode Reader SDK (Developer Updated List)

Introduction

A barcode is an image that can be read by machines. Initially, barcodes used different lengths of parallel lines and spacings to represent data. Various specialized optical scanners, known as barcode readers, can detect these linear or one-dimensional (1D) barcodes. Later, "matrix codes" were developed for two-dimensional (2D) variations that do not use bars, but instead utilize rectangles, dots, hexagons, and other designs. 2D barcodes can be scanned using specialized multi-configuration 2D optical readers. It is also possible to photograph a 2D barcode while it is being broken down and decoded using image processing software on a digital camera connected to a computer. Mobile devices with built-in cameras, such as smartphones, can also perform this type of 2D barcode scanning with the help of specialized application software.

In this article, we will explore the top five Barcode generator SDKs:

Scandit Barcode SDK
Scanbot SDK
LeadTools
COGNEX
IronBarcode

Scandit Barcode SDK

This SDK allows you to integrate enterprise-grade barcode scanning, text recognition (OCR), or augmented reality (AR) into native applications. Our Barcode Scanner SDK supports over 20,000 mobile device models and all common barcode types, offering unparalleled speed, accuracy, and intelligence. Since no processing takes place in the cloud, there is significantly less latency and more data protection. The SDK makes enterprise-grade barcode scanners with unmatched central data capture features available for smartphones, tablets, and wearables. By utilizing the computing capacity of smart devices, this cutting-edge technology offers decreased latency, improved reliability, and increased accuracy. These are the main high-performance, user-friendly characteristics that this software adds to your application. We use modern computer vision to immediately recognize and read barcodes, even on low-end devices without autofocus. Scandit software consistently outperforms competing solutions in tests conducted by our customers.

Barcode Reader SDK (Developer Updated List): Figure 1 - Barcode Scanner SDK

Scanbot SDK

The Scanbot Software Development Kit (SDK), a B2B product from Scanbot, enables businesses to quickly incorporate data capture features, including barcode scanning, document detection & scanning, and data extraction capabilities, into their online and mobile (iOS/Android) apps. Businesses can easily integrate mobile document scanning into their apps with the Scanbot Document Scanner SDK. The SDK ensures that even non-tech-savvy users can scan their documents seamlessly, thanks to features such as perspective correction, automatic scanning, blur detection, and more.

For all barcode scanning needs, the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is a simple, fast, and reliable option. It can scan almost any type of identifier, including 1D and 2D barcodes. The Scanbot SDK is one of the fastest mobile barcode scanners available, with a scanning speed of 0.2 seconds. It can effortlessly capture barcodes even in challenging conditions, such as low lighting, scratched barcodes, or long distances.

Companies can extract data from various documents as key-value pairs using Scanbot's Data Capture SDK. For example, businesses can use the Scanbot SDK to extract data from ID cards, passports, US driver's licenses, EHICs, and medical certificates, as required in each situation. This capability allows businesses to streamline their data flow and avoid risky manual data transfer.

Barcode Reader SDK (Developer Updated List): Figure 2 - Scanbot SDK

LEADTOOLS Barcode

LEADTOOLS Barcode SDK is the world's top toolkit for developers who need an API for finding, scanning, and creating 1D and 2D barcodes. It offers comprehensive support for various platforms including .NET 6+, .NET Framework, Xamarin, UWP, C++ Class Library, C#, VB, C/C++, Java, Objective-C, and Swift, allowing developers to create powerful applications with advanced barcode technology.

With LEADTOOLS Barcode SDK, developers can benefit from a quick, highly accurate, and reliable barcode engine that has won awards for its performance. The SDK supports reading and writing of over 100 different types of barcodes, including common 1D and 2D barcodes, in both bitonal and color images. It can handle low-resolution, bitonal or color images, and even damaged barcodes in various orientations, ensuring high accuracy and trust in the decoded data.

LEADTOOLS Barcode SDK also provides easy integration of barcode encoding into applications. Developers can create more than 100 types of barcodes, including PDF417, QR, UPC, and DataMatrix, using the comprehensive barcode libraries. The SDK offers the fastest barcode recognition speed, helping to alleviate bottlenecks in high-speed scanning applications. It also automatically utilizes multiple threads and cores, maximizing the performance advantages of modern high-speed processors.

Barcode Reader SDK (Developer Updated List): Figure 3 - LEADTOOLS

COGNEX

The Cognex Mobile Barcode Scanner SDK offers industrial-grade barcode scanning capability that developers can easily integrate into their own applications. With a collection of software development tools and resources, the SDK provides enterprise-grade, fast, and accurate barcode scanning functionality for virtually any mobile device.

The Cognex Mobile Barcode Scanner SDK includes libraries, documentation, and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that programmers can use to seamlessly add barcode scanning capabilities to their software apps. It is designed for today's smart devices, offering unmatched performance and value for various barcode scanning applications such as inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile purchasing apps, and more.

By incorporating the Cognex Mobile Barcode Scanner SDK into their applications, developers can enhance user experience and expand the functionality of their programs. The SDK provides an easy and efficient way for programmers to add barcode scanning capabilities to their applications, allowing them to create powerful and feature-rich apps for various use cases.

Barcode Reader SDK (Developer Updated List): Figure 4 - Barcode Scanner SDK

IronBarcode

Using .NET apps and web pages with IronBarcode, programmers can read and create barcodes/QR codes. IronBarcode only requires one line of code to scan or generate QR codes. The bulk of barcode and QR standards can be read and written using this .NET Barcode library. To know more the IronBarcode can visit the link here.

Code 39/93/128, UPC A/E, EAN 8/13, ITF, RSS 14 / Expanded, Databar, CodaBar, Aztec, Data Matrix, PDF417, MaxiCode, USPS, MSI, Plessey, , and Normal QR are a few of the more well-known formats that IronBarcode supports. IronBarcode can generate barcodes as text, binary data, page, and image files.

The following is a summary of IronBarcode's API features:

The majority of barcode types and QR standards, such as UPC A/E, EAN 8/13, Code 39/93/128, ITF, MSI, RSS 14/Expanded, Databar, and CodaB, are read and written by IronBarcode.
Aztec, MaxiCode, PDF417, PDF417 Styled, Data Matrix, and QR. The findings' barcode data, type, page, text, and barcode image are ideal for indexing or archiving systems.
Improved reading efficiency and precision, IronBarcode preprocesses barcode images instantly. The precision and speed of reading are enhanced by image pre-processing. It can detect scans or live video frames and correct rotation, noise, distortion, and skewing. Batch processing server programs have access to multiple cores and processes. Find one or more barcodes automatically in single and multi-page texts, without having to use difficult APIs. We can search for particular barcode types or document locations.
When used with .NET projects, get up and running fast with just a few lines of code. It has no dependencies, supports 32- and 64-bit architectures, and can be used with any .NET or .NET core languages because it was created as a unique DLL for the .NET Framework. It supports console, desktop, cloud, and web apps on both desktop and mobile platforms.
For a variety of file and stream types, such as PDF, JPG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, PNG, and HTML, you can create barcodes and QR codes. Our works can also be saved and printed in file or stream forms. The text's rotation, height, color, and quality can all be altered.

Create Barcode Using IronBarcode

IronBarcode enables the creation of barcode labels that can be saved in a variety of image formats. We can also specify the type of barcode we want to create. Below is a sample code for creating barcodes:


    var MyBarCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("123",BarcodeEncoding.Code128)
    MyBarCode.AddAnnotationTextBelowBarcode("123");
    MyBarCode.SaveAsImage("BarCode.jpeg");


    var MyBarCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("123",BarcodeEncoding.Code128)
    MyBarCode.AddAnnotationTextBelowBarcode("123");
    MyBarCode.SaveAsImage("BarCode.jpeg");

Dim MyBarCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("123",BarcodeEncoding.Code128) MyBarCode.AddAnnotationTextBelowBarcode("123")
	MyBarCode.SaveAsImage("BarCode.jpeg")

VB C#

There is a static method named CreateBarcode in the BarcodeWriter class of the IronBarcode namespace. The CreateBarcode function requires two string values to be sent as parameters, one for each type of barcode. Additionally, it is optional to specify the height and width of the bars when using the CreateBarcode function to generate barcodes.

After receiving the parameters, the function will return the barcode object, which in turn provides various barcode attributes that can be modified, as demonstrated in the example code mentioned above. One of the features is AddAnnotationTextBelowBarcode, which allows us to add text below or above the barcode labels. If needed, the barcode text can also be made invisible. In the aforementioned code, the JPEG encoder is utilized for handling barcodes. The generated QR codes can be saved in various image formats and printed in high resolution without sacrificing image clarity.

In addition to image files, we can also export barcodes in HTML format. Different image formats can be used to create and save different types of barcodes. Furthermore, we can read multiple barcodes from a single barcode image.


    var QRWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("Hello World", "logo.png", 500);
    QRWithLogo.ChangeBarCodeColor(System.Drawing.Color.DarkGreen);
    QRWithLogo.SaveAsJpeg("Logoqr.jpeg");


    var QRWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("Hello World", "logo.png", 500);
    QRWithLogo.ChangeBarCodeColor(System.Drawing.Color.DarkGreen);
    QRWithLogo.SaveAsJpeg("Logoqr.jpeg");

Dim QRWithLogo = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCodeWithLogo("Hello World", "logo.png", 500)
	QRWithLogo.ChangeBarCodeColor(System.Drawing.Color.DarkGreen)
	QRWithLogo.SaveAsJpeg("Logoqr.jpeg")

VB C#

The above-mentioned example illustrates how we can use the image embedded within a QR code to create a barcode using the CreateQrCodeWithLogo function. Furthermore, we are utilizing the ChangeBarCodeColor function, which enables us to modify the color of the barcode or QR code. These capabilities of IronBarcode can be particularly useful when creating unique barcodes for business purposes, allowing for customization and differentiation.

Barcode Reader SDK (Developer Updated List): Figure 5 - IronBarcode

The short-answer code is displayed below and can be used in any .NET Standard or Windows Form application. To learn more about IronBarcode, you can visit the tutorial here.

Conclusion

The aforementioned four SDKs do not provide options for creating barcodes and have limitations in barcode reading. They also require registration for trial licenses and have expensive costs, with unclear documentation.

On the other hand, IronBarcode is one of the best libraries for generating and recognizing barcodes. It is efficient and compatible with various operating systems. It supports multiple barcode types and allows for customization of barcode attributes such as wording, color, line width, and height. It comes with an unlimited license, allowing for use in multiple applications. It also offers excellent customer service. You can find licensing information here.