Stylized barcodes are barcodes with patterns cut out from the bars. Using patterns on your barcode surfaces degrades the readability of symbols. Make a note of the size of the overlaying pattern you put over your barcodes.
The patterns have a lesser impact on 2D barcode readability because 2D barcodes have increased data redundancy. For example, you can "damage" up to 30% of the 2D code surface and still get a good reading.
NiceLabel has no direct support for stylized barcodes, but you can use a workaround.
To create such a stylized barcode, do the following:
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Use a transparent image (vector, GIF, PNG) of the pattern that you want to cut out from your barcode. Use a third-party graphics program.
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Use white color for the pattern that cuts out your barcode.
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Use transparency (no fill color) for patterns that do not cut through your barcode.
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In Designer, place the image over your barcode object. If necessary, use the option To Front.
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Make sure your barcodes print as graphics, not as printer internal objects (see barcode Properties > General > Always print as graphics.
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Enable the option Combine non-printer elements into one graphic when sent to printer in Label Properties > Printing.