Font Face Off: Universal or Premiere Fonts?

by Nate Schubert

IDAutomation provides a wide range of linear and 2D barcode fonts which may be used in conjunction with our free font encoder tools in order to generate barcodes in a variety of environments and applications. Fonts can be very flexible solutions in terms of barcode generation, as long as the data can be properly formatted to a special string that will display an accurate and readable barcode when the particular font is applied to it. There are many different barcode types out there including linear fonts for Code 128, Code 39, Intelligent Mail, UPC and others, as well as more powerful 2D fonts for Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, QR Code, MaxiCode and more.

Businesses often have a need to generate more than one barcode type, which is why IDAutomation offers a few different bundled font packages. These packages are more affordable than 2 individual font packages, for those who need multi-barcode generation support. Purchasing one of these bundled font packages may be a perfect solution for your environment and desired use, but it pays to know the benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision. Please find a short summary below about each of the bundled font packages we offer including pro's and cons so that you can make the best decision possible.

Premiere Font Package

• Overview: The Premiere Fonts Package contains over 15 linear barcode and security fonts for integration into projects for document control, point of sale, logistics, check writing, mailing and more.
• Fonts Included: MICR E13B, MICR CMC-7, OCR-A, OCR-B, Security Fonts, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 2 of 5 Non-Interleaved, Codabar, Code 11, MSI Plessey, Planet, Postnet, Intelligent Mail,  RM4SCC, UPC and EAN.
• Also Includes: Fonts available in True Type, Open Type, PCL and PostScript formats as well as human readable and non-human readable in different sizes to meet various height-width requirements.
• Package Information
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The Premiere Font Package contains every linear barcode and security font that IDAutomation provides separately. It is a bundled package, and so this is a more affordable option than purchasing, for example, The Code 128 Fonts and then the Postal Barcode Fonts packages. These fonts may be used in conjunction with our free font encoder tools to generate barcodes in many different operating systems and environments including Excel, Word, ActiveX, Reporting Services, Crystal Reports, Oracle Reports, FileMaker, .NET, Visual Basic and more.

For users who only require the True Type format of this bundled fonts package, IDAutomation offers the TrueType Font Package for even more affordability.

Universal Font Package

• Overview: The Universal Font Advantage Package contains a single font that is capable of generating many different symbologies to support AIM USS Code 128, GS1-128, EAN-128, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, MSI, Codabar, USPS Intelligent Mail, OneCode, Postnet and Planet barcodes.
• Also Includes: Fonts available in True Type, Open Type, PCL and PostScript formats as well as human readable and non-human readable in 7 different sizes to meet various height-width requirements.
• Supports multiple languages with double-byte character sets such as Japanese, Chinese and Korean.
• Package Information
  Download a Demo
  Purchase Today

The Universal Font Package is an excellent option for companies that want to generate many different barcodes with fonts, but don't want to keep track of all of the separate packages that are included in the Premiere bundled fonts package. Different barcodes may be generated depending on the way the data in the barcode is actually encoded. This adds an element of flexibility that many companies enjoy through use in different operating systems and environments.

No matter your decision, IDAutomation is available to answer any and all questions that users may have regarding either of these special barcode font packages. We offer full pre-sales technical support and a 30-day complimentary Priority Support & Upgrade Subscription with an option to extend that support to 12 months. Test each of the above packages and let us know which benefits or drawbacks get your attention.