Understanding QR/Barcode field
1. In a nutshell
The QR/Barcode field in Creator allows seamless code generation by converting field data into scannable QR or Barcodes. This page explains its key features and customization options to enhance your app's functionality and user experience.
2. Availability
- Available in all pricing plans.
- Super admins, admins, and developers can add this field to a form, while users can access the form and enter data into it.
3. Overview
The QR/Barcode field in low-code applications lets users generate scannable QR codes or barcodes within their app based on the provided input. It encodes data into a machine-readable format, simplifying the process of storing, tracking, and sharing information. This field transforms text, numbers, or a mix of both into a visual code that can be easily scanned by barcode readers or smartphones.
In Creator, the QR/Barcode field simplifies data conversion by generating scannable codes based on the input provided in the app. With easy configurations, you can also automate the creation of QR codes or barcodes using static text and data fields. These codes can be utilized across Creator in reports, print templates, or as email attachments.
Note: QR/Barcodes generated are not shown on forms, it is visible only on the Reports.
3.1. The significance of QR/Barcode field in Creator
- Effortless data encoding: Effortlessly convert your field data, including combinations of data from multiple supported form fields, into QR codes or barcodes for quick access and easy sharing.
- Customization options: Tailor character limits, encoding, and formats to suit your use case and scanner compatibility.
- Multiple barcode formats: Choose from a variety of barcode formats to suit your needs.
- Time-saving integration: Minimizes manual entry, simplifying data sharing across systems.
- Versatile applications: Use scannable codes across Creator in reports, print templates, emails, and more.
3.2. How to choose the right barcode type
Barcodes adhere to universal standards and are available in various formats tailored to industry-specific needs, from simple product identification to detailed data encoding. Refer to the table below to choose the right type based on data capacity, industry standards, and business requirements like tracking or inventory management, along with their limitations in Creator.
Code | Type | Character limit | Industry | Usage | Country/Region | Image |
Barcode | EAN 13 | 13 digits, allowed 0-9 only (only numeric) | Retail | Product labeling in retail stores, especially for items sold globally | Primarily used in European markets and worldwide | |
Barcode | EAN 8 | 8 digits, allowed 0-9 only (only numeric) | Retail | Compact version of EAN 13 for labeling smaller retail items | Primarily used in European markets and worldwide | |
Barcode | UPC A | 12 digits, allowed 0-9 only (only numeric) | Retail (USA, Canada) | Retail Product identification for POS systems | Primarily used in North America & Canada and worldwide | |
Barcode | UPC E | 12 digits, allowed 0-9 only (only numeric) | Retail (USA, Canada) | Compressed version of UPC A for labeling smaller products with limited space | Primarily used in USA & Canada and worldwide | |
Barcode | Code128 | 48 characters supporting all 128 characters of ASCII (alphanumeric) | Logistics, Healthcare, Retail | Shipping labels, product identification, and inventory systems | Used worldwide | |
QR code | NA | 2953 characters supporting all characters of ISO/IEC 8859 - 1 (alphanumeric & special) | Marketing, Payments, Transportation | Links to websites, digital payments, ticketing, and product information. | Used worldwide |
3.3. Field properties
- Source field: This is the base field from which the barcode data is generated. In Creator, this is typically a single-line field that holds the data you want to encode into the barcode depending on its type. Learn more
Note: Ensure that your form already has a single-line field or add one before you use the QR/Bar code field. Learn more
- Setting input data: This is where you’ll define what data will generate the barcode. This can be a combination of static text and dynamic values pulled from other fields in the form. Learn more
4. See how it works
5. Navigation guide in Zoho Creator
In order to add this field to your form, you can either drag and drop or double-click the field from the field palette onto your left in the form builder.
6. Common usage scenarios
- Inventory management: Easily track and manage inventory by scanning barcodes to update stock levels, product information, or location data.
- Healthcare: Use barcodes to ensure accurate medication, track medical inventory, and minimize errors in patient identification and treatment records.
- Event management: Use barcode scanning to validate tickets, manage attendance, and streamline check-in processes at events.
- Retail and Point-of-sale: Integrate barcode scanning for a seamless point-of-sale experience, simplifying product lookup and data entry to speed-up the checkout process.
7. Points to note
Here are some of the key points to consider for effectively using and generating QR/Barcode fields in your application.
- QR/Barcodes will not be visible in the form, it is visible only in the Reports.
- To create a valid barcode, ensure the input complies with the specific barcode type's rules, including the required length, allowed characters, and a valid check digit (typically the last digit).
- The final digit, known as the check digit, verifies the barcode's accuracy and ensures it scans correctly.
- Avoid common errors such as leading zeros, inserting unsupported characters, or adding extra spaces, as these can cause errors.