Barcode Generator .NET Tutorial
Given the swift rise in barcode usage, developers must be able to generate barcodes in their preferred programming language. So, this tutorial will demonstrate how to generate barcodes in .NET.
Barcode Generator .NET Tutorial
- Creating a project in Visual Studio
- Installing the C# Barcode Generator Library
- Designing the UI for the Windows Forms Application
- Writing the code for core functionality
- Running the .NET barcode generator
Let's begin the tutorial.
Create the Project
This tutorial uses the latest version of Visual Studio and the Windows Forms Application template. You can use the application of your choice and use your existing project and version.
Open Visual Studio > Click on Create New Project > Select Windows Forms Application Template > Press Next > Name the Project > Press Next => Select your target .NET Framework => Click on Create Button.
Create a new Windows Forms Application
Installing the Barcode Library
There are many benefits to installing a barcode generator library. IronBarcode, written in C#, provides functions to create barcodes and QR codes with just a single line of code. It also supports saving the QR code or barcode in the desired file format. Furthermore, it provides free service and runtime support for generating barcodes in .NET.
Let's start with installing the IronBarcode NuGet Package. You can install it using one of the following three methods:
Package Manager Console
Write the following command in the Package Manager Console. It will download and install the package for you.
Install-Package BarCode
Package Manager Console installation step
NuGet Package Manager Solution
You can also install the Barcode Package by using the NuGet Package Solution. Simply follow these steps:
Click on Tools > NuGet Package Manager > Manage NuGet Packages for Solution.
This will open NuGet Package Manager for you. Click on Browse and search "IronBarCode", then install the library.
NuGet Package Manager UI
Download from the Link
As an alternative, the IronBarCode.Dll can be downloaded and added to your project as a reference from .NET Barcode DLL.
Design the Windows Forms
The UI for the .NET Barcode generator should have 2 labels, 1 rich text box, and 1 picture box to display the generated barcode image. The image below shows a simple design for demonstration purposes.
Design the Windows Forms Application
Write Code for Generating Barcode
Double-click the "Generate" button. The following code will appear:
private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
// This function will be triggered when the "Generate" button is clicked
}
private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
// This function will be triggered when the "Generate" button is clicked
}
Private Sub button1_Click(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArgs)
' This function will be triggered when the "Generate" button is clicked
End Sub
Add the following namespaces at the top of your code file:
using IronBarCode; // Import the IronBarCode library to handle barcode operations
using System.Drawing; // Import for image manipulation
using System.Windows.Forms; // Import for Windows Forms functionality
using IronBarCode; // Import the IronBarCode library to handle barcode operations
using System.Drawing; // Import for image manipulation
using System.Windows.Forms; // Import for Windows Forms functionality
Imports IronBarCode ' Import the IronBarCode library to handle barcode operations
Imports System.Drawing ' Import for image manipulation
Imports System.Windows.Forms ' Import for Windows Forms functionality
Write the following code inside the button1_Click()
function:
// Generate a barcode with the specified value and encoding
GeneratedBarcode MyBarCode = IronBarCode.BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode(BarcodeValue.Text, BarcodeWriterEncoding.Code128);
// Save the generated barcode as a PNG file
MyBarCode.SaveAsPng("MyBarCode.png");
// Display the generated barcode image in the PictureBox
BarcodeImage.Image = new Bitmap("MyBarCode.png");
// Generate a barcode with the specified value and encoding
GeneratedBarcode MyBarCode = IronBarCode.BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode(BarcodeValue.Text, BarcodeWriterEncoding.Code128);
// Save the generated barcode as a PNG file
MyBarCode.SaveAsPng("MyBarCode.png");
// Display the generated barcode image in the PictureBox
BarcodeImage.Image = new Bitmap("MyBarCode.png");
' Generate a barcode with the specified value and encoding
Dim MyBarCode As GeneratedBarcode = IronBarCode.BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode(BarcodeValue.Text, BarcodeWriterEncoding.Code128)
' Save the generated barcode as a PNG file
MyBarCode.SaveAsPng("MyBarCode.png")
' Display the generated barcode image in the PictureBox
BarcodeImage.Image = New Bitmap("MyBarCode.png")
Let's understand the code, line by line:
GeneratedBarcode
is a data type that represents the generated barcode.CreateBarcode
is the function from theBarcodeWriter
class in theIronBarCode
package, used to generate the barcode based on user input.BarcodeValue.Text
retrieves the text entered by the user, which will be encoded into the barcode.BarcodeWriterEncoding.Code128
specifies the encoding scheme for generating the barcode. You can change this to other encoding types likeBarcodeWriterEncoding.QRCode
for generating QR codes.SaveAsPng("MyBarCode.png")
saves the barcode image as a PNG file.BarcodeImage
is a PictureBox control on the form used to display the barcode image to the user.
Run the .NET Barcode Generator
Press Ctrl + F5
to run the application.
Run the Barcode generator application
Write the value inside the text box that you want to encode in the barcode as shown below.
Paste the URL to generate a barcode
Now, click the "Generate" button. The barcode will be generated as shown below.
Generated barcode in the Windows Forms Application
Display the Value of the Barcode
Next, you can display the value of the barcode with a single line of code:
// Add the encoded barcode value as text below the barcode image
MyBarCode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();
// Add the encoded barcode value as text below the barcode image
MyBarCode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();
' Add the encoded barcode value as text below the barcode image
MyBarCode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode()
Output
Generate a barcode from a string value
Summary
IronBarcode features a friendly API for developers to read and write barcodes for .NET, optimizing accuracy and ensuring a low error rate in real-world software. Visit the official documentation page for more information about IronBarcode.
Currently, if you buy the complete Iron Suite, you can get five libraries for the price of two. For more information.
You can also download a zip file project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this tutorial?
This tutorial is designed to teach developers how to generate barcodes using the .NET framework with the IronBarcode library.
What are the steps to create a .NET project for barcode generation?
The steps include creating a project in Visual Studio, installing the IronBarcode library, designing the UI for a Windows Forms Application, writing the core functionality code, and running the generator.
How can I install the barcode library?
You can install IronBarcode using the Package Manager Console, the NuGet Package Manager Solution, or by downloading the IronBarcode.Dll directly and adding it to your project.
What UI components are needed for the barcode generator?
The UI should include two labels, one rich text box, and one picture box to display the generated barcode image.
How do I generate a barcode in the application?
You need to write code within the 'button1_Click' function in your application to generate a barcode using the IronBarcode library, save it as a PNG, and display it in the PictureBox.
What encoding types are supported for barcode generation?
The IronBarcode library supports multiple encoding types, including Code128 and QRCode.
How can I display the value of a generated barcode?
You can display the barcode value by using the 'AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode' method to add the encoded value as text below the barcode image.
What are the benefits of using this barcode library?
IronBarcode optimizes barcode generation performance and accuracy, offering a friendly API for both reading and writing barcodes with a low error rate in real-world software.
Where can I find more information about this barcode library?
You can visit the official documentation page on IronBarcode's website for more detailed information and examples.
Is there any special offer currently available for this barcode library?
Yes, currently there is an offer where you can buy the complete Iron Suite and get five libraries for the price of two.