You are organising a conference with 350 attendees and entry has to be validated with a scanner at the door. The badge supplier charges per code, and you already have the registration numbers in a spreadsheet.
How to use ID Badge Barcode step by step
1. Paste the ID numbers
One per line: the employee, enrolment or ticket number. Keep personal names out of the code itself.
2. Fit the image to the card
Trim bar height and width for the space available; a white background makes reading safer.
3. Download one PNG per person
The ZIP carries one image per code to import into your design program or mail-merge tool.
The Step Count: Traditional Friction vs. KorexTools
Preparing 350 badge codes by hand (4 problems)
- Hire a service that charges per code.
- Find a barcode font and type it into each record.
- Fix by hand the codes that come out cropped.
- Discover at the door that some will not scan.
With ID Badge Barcodes on KorexTools (3 steps)
- Paste the registration numbers, one per line.
- Check the previews and adjust the size.
- Download the ZIP and import it into your design.
What goes inside an ID card barcode so it works without exposing data
A card with a barcode does a simple job: when it passes a reader it returns an identifier that the system links to a person. The prudent approach is for that identifier to be a meaningless internal number (a sequence or a random code) while the name, role and permissions live in the database. That way, if someone loses the card, nobody can deduce information just by reading the bars.
The tool takes your list of identifiers and creates one image for each, which you can download as a ZIP to bring into your card design. CODE-128 is the most compact choice for identifiers with letters and numbers; if your reader insists on Code 39 you can switch in the options. Everything is processed in your browser, so the list of people never leaves your device.
Tips for cards with barcodes
- •Use ID numbers with no personal meaning: the code should not reveal a name, national ID or role.
- •Leave a white margin around the code in the card layout.
- •If the card is laminated, test the scan with the laminate on, because glare can get in the way.
Barcode against other badge options
| Aspect | Barcode | QR / magnetic stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Reader cost | Low, nearly universal | Depends on the device |
| Copying or photocopying | Easy to copy | Also copyable |
| Stored data | Just an identifier | Can hold more data |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- ⚠️Using the same number for two people through a copy error.
- ⚠️Putting sensitive data (national ID, date of birth) in the visible code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the person’s name inside the code?
Technically yes, but it is not advisable: the name is exposed to anyone with a reader. Better an internal number with the name printed separately on the card.
Is it good for event attendance control?
Yes, if your access system reads barcodes. Generate a distinct code per attendee and check your list for duplicates.
Which format should I pick for cards?
CODE-128 if your numbers carry letters or are long; Code 39 if your reader requires it; ITF-14 and EAN are not suitable because they are meant for products.
What I would do if I were in your shoes
«Always generate identifiers with no personal meaning: if a card gets lost, the code should reveal nothing about its holder.» — DataKorex Engineering Team.