myTourplan

Barcodes

Can I create bar code on generated messages?

 

Yes you can, (from NX version 2.5.9.1) you can generate bar-codes on your messages from Tourplan fields using bar code tags and substitution codes within your message templates.

Bar-codes offer a practical and efficient way to include scan-able codes in your messages, whether delivered to agents and clients electronically via email or in print. By embedding bar codes directly into itineraries, tickets, visitor passes, or promotional materials, operators can streamline access to information and improve verification processes.

This article will help you to:

  • Understand the different bar-code types.

  • Outlines how to format bar-codes for message generation.

Overview

Tourplan NX supports two bar-code formats - PDF417 and Code 39 - each suited to different use cases.

  • PDF417 is ideal for storing large amounts of data such as booking details or multilingual instructions, while

  • Code 39 is best for short, easily scan-able codes like booking references, voucher numbers or reference IDs.

NOTE: Dynamic user-defined text fields are currently not supported. Only Substitution codes with predefined text or fixed field (hard coded) content can be used to generate Barcodes..

What is a PDF417 format?

PDF417 is a two-dimensional (2D) stacked barcode format. The name "PDF" stands for Portable Data File, and 417 represents the format: each pattern is 4 bars and spaces wide and 17 units high.

Data Capacity:

  • Up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters

  • Up to 3,116 numeric digits

  • Up to 1,556 bytes of binary data

  • Full ASCII support (0–255)

This makes it ideal for encoding long messages.

Size and Scaling

The physical size of a PDF417 bar-code depends on the amount of data. It is not recommended to specify fixed width and height values, as this may cause distortion or unreadability when scanned.

  • Rotation: Bar-codes can be rotated left or right as needed (e.g., for vertical space).

  • Dimensions: Minimum bar-code size is affected by the number of data rows and columns, we do not recommend applying a set width and height with this format.

To produce the smallest possible size, set width and height to 1px which allows the code generator to determine optimal dimensions.

What is a Code 39 format

Code 39 is one of the most widely used linear (1D) bar-codes for encoding alphanumeric data. It’s ideal for labelling, tracking, and basic identification applications such as scannable vouchers or tickets.

Data Capacity

  • 43 characters max

  • Character set: Upper-case letters, digits, and select symbols

(For longer messages or complex data, consider QR codes or PDF417 instead.)

Size and Scaling

  • Rotation: Bar-codes can be rotated left or right as needed (e.g., for vertical space).

  • Dimensions: Set width and height to fit label or document space appropriately.

For more information click the link Bar Codes Section.