--- title: "Using Barcode Scanners with LogChief and LogChief Lite" canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/LGL/2051670023/Using%20Barcode%20Scanners%20with%20LogChief%20and%20LogChief%20Lite" format: markdown --- This guide explains how to use a barcode scanner with LogChief and LogChief Lite to quickly enter data such as Sample IDs, Tray IDs, or other identifiers. Barcode scanners act like a keyboard and enter values directly into the selected field. ## What you need - A USB or Bluetooth barcode scanner (keyboard or HID mode) - A computer running LogChief or LogChief Lite - A barcode font installed on the computer, for example Libre Barcode 39 - Barcodes generated and printed or displayed on screen ## Step 1: Install a barcode font To create scannable barcodes, you must install a barcode font. 1. Download a barcode font such as Libre Barcode 39 from a trusted source (for example Google Fonts). 2. Install the font on your computer. 3. Restart Excel or any application used to create barcodes. ## Step 2: Create barcodes in Excel (recommended Code 39 method) Barcodes are commonly created in Excel for printing or display. Barcode fonts like Libre Barcode 39 require a start and stop character (usually an asterisk *) so the scanner knows where the code begins and ends. 1. In Excel, enter your ID or SKU in cell A2 (for example 12345). 2. In cell B2, enter the following formula: ="**" & A2 & "**" 3. The result should look like *12345*. **Apply the barcode font:** 1. Select the cell with your formula (B2). 2. Go to the Font menu in the Home tab. 3. Search for your installed font (for example Libre Barcode 39). 4. Increase the font size to at least 24pt or higher to ensure it is scannable. **Make multiple barcodes:** - Copy the formula in B2 down the column to generate barcodes for all IDs in column A. - Adjust column widths and row heights so the barcode is not clipped. **Print or display:** - You can print the barcode labels, or display them on screen for scanning. - For printing, use good quality printing and avoid very small barcodes. ## Step 3: Connect the barcode scanner 1. Plug the barcode scanner into your computer using USB, or pair it via Bluetooth. 2. No drivers are usually required. The scanner should be plug and play. 3. Test the scanner by opening Notepad and scanning a barcode. If text appears, the scanner is working. ## Step 4: Optional scanner settings you may want to adjust Many scanners can be configured using the manufacturer’s programming guide (often by scanning special setup barcodes in the manual). Some scanners can automatically add an action after every scan, such as: – Enter or Return (moves to the next row in many grids) – Tab (moves to the next field or next cell) Ensure the scanner is in keyboard or HID mode and is using the correct keyboard layout if your organisation uses a non-standard configuration. If characters appear incorrect, this may be the cause. **Please note, maxgeo does not supply barcode scanners, and configuration steps can vary by manufacturer. Please refer to your scanner’s user manual or programming guide.** ## Step 5: Scan barcodes into LogChief or LogChief Lite 1. Open LogChief or LogChief Lite. 2. Navigate to the table or form you want to log data into. 3. Click/select the cell where the value should be entered. 4. Scan the barcode. 5. The scanned value will appear in the selected field. If your scanner is configured to send Enter or Tab after the scan, the cursor will automatically move to the next row or field, allowing consecutive scanning. ### Important usage notes - Always ensure the correct field is selected before scanning. - Scanned values must match the expected format of the field. - Barcode scanning does not bypass validation rules, constraints, or primary key requirements. - If a field would normally reject manual input, it will also reject scanned input. - Barcode scanning works both online and offline, following normal application behaviour. ### Recommended use cases - Sample IDs - Core tray or box IDs - Bag or container identifiers - Equipment or asset codes - Any repetitive text identifier already supported by your database configuration ### Troubleshooting If scanning does not work - Test the scanner in Notepad to confirm it is working. - Check that the barcode font is installed correctly and Excel has been restarted. - Confirm the barcode type is supported by your scanner (for example Code 39). - Increase barcode size (24pt or higher) or improve print quality. - Make sure the correct cell or field is selected before scanning. - If the scanner is adding unwanted characters, check prefix or suffix settings in the scanner configuration guide. - If characters appear incorrect, confirm the scanner keyboard layout matches the PC keyboard layout. ## Delimiter usage and scanner support Some barcode scanners support the use of delimiters to enable a single scan to populate multiple fields. In this workflow, the barcode itself contains only printable characters (for example a hyphen or space), and the scanner firmware is configured to interpret that character as a delimiter and convert it into keyboard actions such as Tab or Enter when the barcode is scanned. This allows the cursor to move between fields automatically during data entry. Not all barcode scanners support delimiter replacement or advanced suffix configuration, and this capability depends entirely on the scanner model and manufacturer. LogChief and LogChief Lite do not split or interpret scanned values themselves; any multi-field behaviour is controlled by the scanner configuration. Barcode scanners can be used with LogChief and LogChief Lite with minimal setup. Once a barcode font is installed and barcodes are created correctly, scanning values directly into the application can reduce manual entry errors. Scanner suffix settings such as Enter or Tab can further improve efficiency for high-volume logging. For further assistance, please contact the maxgeo service desk.