Is ZPL PDF417 capable of displaying text below the barcode?

Yes, it is possible to display text below a PDF417 barcode when using ZPL (Zebra Programming Language). However, the process involves combining ZPL commands for barcode generation with commands for text placement.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:

1. Generating the PDF417 Barcode: You first use the ^B7 command in ZPL to generate the PDF417 barcode. This command requires specifying various parameters such as the data to encode, the module width, and other encoding options.

2. Positioning the Text: After generating the barcode, you can use the ^A (or other font-related commands, such as ^CF, ^CI) command to define the font, size, and orientation of the text, followed by the ^FO command to position the text. You would typically position the text below the barcode using the X and Y coordinates.

3. Sample ZPL Code: Here’s an example of how you can combine these commands. Please note that the exact values may require adjustments depending on your label size and printer configuration:

^XA
^FO50,50^B7N,2,10,3,10,0^FDThis is my barcode data^FS
^CF0,30
^FO50,200^FDBelow the Barcode Text^FS
^XZ

In the example above:

- ^XA and ^XZ marks the start and end of the label format, respectively.

- ^FO50,50 sets the starting coordinates of the barcode at x=50 and y=50.

- ^B7N,2,10,3,10,0^FDThis is my barcode data^FS generates the PDF417 barcode with data "This is my barcode data".

- ^CF0,30 sets the font to a default font size of 30.

- ^FO50,200 sets the starting coordinates for the text at x=50 and y=200, placing it below the barcode.

- ^FDBelow the Barcode Text^FS is the text to be printed below the barcode.

4. Important Considerations:

- Positioning: Ensure that the text is positioned correctly relative to the barcode. The Y coordinate should be larger than the barcode's Y coordinate and its height.

- Font and Size: Select appropriate font and size to ensure the text is readable, and the font you are using must be supported by the printer.

- Label Dimensions: Consider the overall label size when positioning elements. The coordinates should correspond to the label dimensions.

By using a combination of ZPL commands, you can effectively display text below a PDF417 barcode, making your labels more informative.

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