What is a Barcode Image API?
A Barcode Image API, takes a raw barcode value and converts it into a barcode image that can printed, added to labels, and scanned using a barcode scanner. The free barcode image API makes it easy to add the ability to generate barcodes to your applications using a single URL.
What can I do with the Barcode Image API?
You can encode pretty much any data into a barcode, so there are many potential applications. Here are a few examples:
- Add the ability to generate barcodes to your apps
- Generate barcodes in Google Sheets
- Add a barcode generator to your website
How do I generate a QR code?
You can use the following steps to create a QR code:
- Visit barcode.orcascan.com/?data=Hello World
- Replace
Hello Worldwith the value you wish to encode - Press enter to load the image
- Right click and save the image
How do I generate a Data Matrix barcode?
You can use the following steps to create a Data Matrix barcode:
- Visit barcode.orcascan.com/?type=datamatrix&data=Hello
- Replace
Helloin the URL with the value you wish to encode - Press enter to load the image
- Right click and save the image
How do I generate a Code 128 barcode?
You can use the following steps to create a Code 128 barcode:
- Visit barcode.orcascan.com/?type=code128&data=Hello World
- Replace
Hello Worldin the URL with the value you wish to encode - Press enter to load the image
- Right click and save the image
What types of barcodes can I generate?
You can generate the following barcode types by setting the type query string parameter of the Barcode Image URL. If no type is specified qr is assumed:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
qr |
QR code |
datamatrix |
Data Matrix |
upca |
Universal Product Code-A |
code39 |
Code 39 |
upce |
Universal Product Code-E |
ean8 |
European Article Number 8 |
ean13 |
European Article Number 13 |
code93 |
Code 93 |
code128 |
Code 128 |
interleaved2of5 |
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) |
pdf417 |
Portable Data File 417 |
azteccode |
Aztec Code |
Note: some barcodes require a specific type of data. If you provide invalid data, the image returned will explain the issue, for example:
Returns
What types of images does the API support?
The Barcode Image API supports the following image types, which you can set using the format query string parameter. If no format is provided, svg is assumed:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
svg |
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) |
png |
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) |
Need another format? let us know → hello@orcascan.com
Is it possible to add text to the Barcode Image?
Yes, add the text query string parameter with the value you would like to be appear below the barcode. For example:
How do I convert a spreadsheet of barcodes into images?
You can use the Orca Scan web app to convert a spreadsheet of barcodes into barcode images using the following steps:
- Register for an Orca Scan account at cloud.orcascan.com
- Create a sheet using the Blank Canvas template
- Upload your spreadsheet of barcodes
- Select the range of barcodes you would like to print
- Open the barcode preview on the left of the screen
- Select the barcode type you would like to generate
- Click download images
You will then have a zip file containing the barcode images.
Do I need to provide an API key?
No, Orca Scans goal is to simplify barcode tracking and make the technology available to all. Because of that, you don’t need to provide an API key. However, we do ask that you provide a link back to orcascan.com where possible 🙏
Barcode Image API questions?
As with everything at Orca Scan, our Barcode Image API will evolve based on your feedback. So if you have any issues, or need help, chat with us live or drop us an email hello@orcascan.com