How to Create a Bar Code in Microsoft Office Publisher

1. Start up Microsoft Excel and prepare your data. This will include all the pertinent information you wish to associate with the bar code. You will also need to create a column for your bar code data. This is simply a code that will translate into a bar code and act as a reference point for that specific row of data.
2. Highlight all of the data in the bar code column and in the 'Custom Toolbar' of Excel; click on 'Settings,' and choose the appropriate bar code type. You will also need to click on the drop-down box below 'Convert To' and select 'Image File.' At this point, click 'Generate Now.'
3. Save your data and close Excel; then open Publisher.
4. Select the appropriate label size in Publisher once it starts. This selection will be based on the labels the bar codes will be printed on.
5. Click 'Tools,' then 'Mailing and Catalogs' and then 'Mail Merge,' at which point you will select 'Picture Field' to insert the bar code. You can also select any of the data from your Excel spreadsheet to accompany the bar code, such as other product or lot information.