CorelDRAW Barcode Generator: The Barcode Wizard

CorelDRAW includes a dedicated built-in utility called the Barcode Wizard, designed to generate a wide range of industry-standard barcodes directly within your design workspace. This tool eliminates the need for third-party plugins or external barcode generation software, allowing designers to create, customize, and embed compliant barcodes seamlessly into packaging, book covers, and product labels.

What is the Corel Barcode Wizard?

The Barcode Wizard is a native standalone-style utility integrated into the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. It functions via Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology, letting users input alphanumeric data and output fully formatted, scannable barcode graphics directly onto the drawing canvas.

Supported Barcode Formats

The Barcode Wizard supports dozens of universal industry standards, including:

  • Retail & Consumer Goods: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8
  • Publishing: ISBN, ISSN (with optional add-on digits)
  • Logistics & Inventory: Code 39, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5, UCC/EAN-128
  • Postal Services: POSTNET, Royal Mail

(Note: In modern versions of CorelDRAW, 2D barcodes such as standard QR Codes can also be inserted directly via the dedicated "Insert QR Code" option found in the same menu structure).

How to Access the Barcode Wizard

To open the tool in CorelDRAW:

  1. Navigate to the top menu bar and click Object (or Edit in older legacy versions).
  2. Hover over Insert.
  3. Click Barcode... to launch the Barcode Wizard dialog.

Key Customization Options

The step-by-step wizard guides you through the technical properties required for print compliance:

  • Format Selection: Choose the required symbology from the dropdown menu and enter the numerical or text data.
  • Print Properties: Adjust printer resolution (DPI), bar width reduction (to compensate for ink bleed on porous materials), and magnification scale.
  • Text & Sizing: Control font style, size, alignment, and whether the human-readable text appears above or below the bars.

Once generated, the barcode is placed into your document. It can be edited at any time by double-clicking the object to reopen the Barcode Wizard, or converted to curves for direct vector manipulation.