Barcode Reader Setup

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QRlogix Software supports barcode scanner integration by automatically populating form fields from scanned data. This eliminates manual typing and reduces the potential for errors.

Please watch the video below for an interactive tutorial showing barcode reader setup:

Before You Begin

What You Need

  • Barcode scanner
  • Sample barcode to test with
  • Understanding of your barcode format and separator characters

How Barcode Integration Works

  1. User scans a barcode
  2. Scanner sends data to computer through mouse cursor
  3. QRlogix Software parses the barcode data using defined separators
  4. Data automatically populates designated form fields
  5. Cursor moves to next unlocked field

Accessing Barcode Reader Setup

From the Customize Template screen:

  1. Open your template
  2. Click Options → Customize Template
  3. Locate the Barcode Reader field in Form Builder
  4. Click to configure

Configuration Steps

In Form Builder, click on the Barcode Reader button.

Step 1: Provide Sample Scan

Enter or scan a sample barcode that represents your typical data format.

Step 2: Define the Separator

Specify the character(s) that separate data fields in your barcode.

Common separators:

  • ; (semicolon) - Most common
  • , (comma) - CSV style
  • | (pipe) - Database style
  • ~ (tilde) - Alternative

In the example above:

  • Barcode: S23-1234;A;1;H&E;PETER PAN;LAB
  • Separator: ;
  • Results in 6 separate fields

Step 3: Unhide the Barcode Scanner Field

Toggle the "Hide field" option to OFF so the barcode scanner input appears on your template form.

When unhidden, a barcode input field appears at the top of your template form.

Step 4: Map Fields to Data Order

Define which form field receives which piece of scanned data, in order from left to right.

Example Barcode: S23-1234;A;1;H&E;PETER PAN;LAB

Field Mapping:

  1. Position 1 → Accession
  2. Position 2 → Sample Letter
  3. Position 3 → Block number
  4. Position 4 → Stain
  5. Position 5 → Name
  6. Position 6 → SKIP - not needed on label

Using the SKIP Option

If your barcode contains data you don't need, use SKIP for that position.

Step 5: Lock and Edit Fields

After mapping, configure each form field:

  1. Lock fields that will be populated by the barcode data
  2. Leave other fields unlocked for manual entry

Why lock barcode-populated fields:

  • Prevents accidental manual changes
  • Cursor automatically skips locks fields for increased efficiency

Using the Barcode Reader Feature

Once configured, your workflow becomes:

  1. Scan the barcode
  2. Fields automatically populate with parsed data
  3. Locked fields remain populated
  4. Cursor moves to first unlocked field
  5. Enter any additional data needed
  6. Print

Testing Your Configuration

Verification Steps

Check sample preview:

  • Does it show the data separated correctly?
  • Does the data drop into the correct form fields?

Test with real barcode:

  • Scan a real barcode
  • Verify all fields populate correctly
  • Confirm locked fields work as expected

Print test label:

  • Verify label shows correct data
  • Check formatting and positioning
  • Confirm barcode on label scans properly (if using label barcodes)

Need Help?

Questions about barcode scanner setup?

  • Phone Support: 800-650-0632
  • Email Support: Support@QRlogix.com
  • Have your scanner model and sample barcode ready