Create Barcode
Create a 1D, QR, Data Matrix, or PDF417 barcode object on a layer.
The Create Barcode dialog adds a barcode object to the selected layer. Beam Bench generates the barcode geometry from the stored type, payload, dimensions, and type-specific options.
When it opens
Menu: Tools → Create Bar Code, with a project open.
Beam Bench targets the selected layer. If no layer is selected, it uses the first layer; if the project has no layer, it creates a Line layer first. The dialog closes if the active project changes or its target layer is removed.
Fields
The visible fields depend on Type and, for QR Code, the selected payload mode.
Always shown
| Field | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type | select | Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, CodaBar, Standard 2 of 5, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, QR Code, DataMatrix, or PDF417. |
| Width | current Display Unit, equivalent to 5–500 mm | Stored internally in millimeters. |
| Height | current Display Unit, equivalent to 5–500 mm | Stored internally in millimeters. |
The default type is QR Code and the default size is 30 × 30 mm, converted for display when inches are selected.
Data field
Data is shown for every non-QR type and for QR Text mode. The backend validates the payload when it generates geometry; requirements differ by symbology.
For the eight 1D types—Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, CodaBar, Standard 2 of 5, EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-A—the dialog also shows Show Text.
QR Code
QR Code provides three payload modes:
- Text: a single Data field.
- WIFI: SSID, Password, and Security (WPA/WPA2, WEP, or None). Beam Bench builds the QR Wi-Fi payload and escapes reserved characters.
- Contact: Name, Organization, Phone, and Email. Beam Bench builds a version 3.0 vCard payload from the populated fields.
QR Error offers Low, Medium, Quartile, or High error correction. Higher correction adds redundancy and may require a denser symbol for the same payload.
DataMatrix
DataMatrix adds Force Square, which restricts generation to square symbols. Without it, the encoder may choose another supported Data Matrix shape.
PDF417
PDF417 uses the common Data, Width, and Height fields without an additional option.
Buttons
- Cancel: closes without creating an object.
- Create: enabled when the resolved payload is not blank. It adds the barcode object and closes only after creation succeeds.
Output notes
- The object remains assigned to its target layer, so that layer's operation and cut settings control output.
- Test the generated symbol with its intended scanner before producing the final piece. Material, module size, contrast, engraving quality, and payload requirements all affect readability.
- A Fill operation is usually appropriate for solid barcode modules. A Line operation follows module outlines instead.