Create Barcode in PowerPoint – a Step-by-Step Guide

Setup
A Demo Video
Preparing a PowerPoint Presentation
Inserting a barcode with VBA

Create high-quality barcodes quickly and easily in PowerPoint with StrokeScribe Barcode Generator!

The method we show here does not require barcode fonts or Internet connection. Barcodes are created offline as vector graphics.

The "Active Document"-based version of the barcode generator does not require programming and can be placed on a presentation in a pair of mouse clicks. It is less customizable comparing to the ActiveX version of the barcode generator but it is best to insert a single barcode into a presentation and just to encode some text.

An example how to create barcodes in Microsoft PowerPoint with StrokeScribe barcode generator. The example does not require any programming skills.

Setup

Download and install the barcode generator;
The example is compatible with all PowerPoint versions starting from Office 2007.

A Demo Video

Watch this guide on video: How to use the barcode generator in PowerPoint.

Preparing a PowerPoint Presentation

Step 1. Open a PowerPoint presentation, switch to the Insert tab on the Ribbon, click the Object button:

Inserting a barcode in PowerPoint: Insert->Object on the Ribbon

Step 2. Select the StrokeScribe Document in the Insert Object dialog and press OK:

Starting the barcode generator in PowerPoint: Selecting the barcode object

Step 3. Right-click the barcode object and choose Properties from the context menu:

Step 4. Change any barcode properties you want:

Barcode generator in PowerPoint: Barcode properties list

By default, the barcode generator displays an EAN-13 picture on the PowerPoint's presentation. You may choose between Data Matrix, GS1 barcodes, CODE 128, QR Code, PDF417, CODE 39.

Inserting a barcode with VBA

An example how to use VBA to automate barcode placement in PowerPoint.

1. Press Alt-F11 to open VBA IDE.

2. Right-click in the VBA Project window and choose Insert->Module;

3. Paste the following code into the VBA editor.

Function inch(v) ' Inches to points
  inch = v * 72
End Function

Sub barcode()
  Set shp = ActivePresentation.Slides(1).Shapes.AddOLEObject(inch(2), inch(3), inch(1.5), inch(1.5), "STROKESCRIBE.StrokeScribeCtrl.1")
  Set barcode = shp.OLEFormat.Object
  barcode.Alphabet = 8 ' Data Matrix
  barcode.Text = "123ABCDE" 8 ' A text to encode in the barcode
End Sub

4. Place the caret into the barcode() body and press F5 to execute the code.

5. Switch back to the PowerPoint window to check the barcode.

The code above always places the barcode on the first slide. To place a barcode on the currently active slide, modify the code as shown below:

Set shp = Application.ActiveWindow.View.Slide.Shapes.AddOLEObject(inch(2), inch(3), inch(1.5), inch(1.5), "STROKESCRIBE.StrokeScribeCtrl.1")

To turn on code auto completion and explore barcode generator's properties, add a reference to the StrokeScribe ActiveX Control and modify the code ash shown below:

Dim barcode As StrokeScribe
Set barcode = shp.OLEFormat.Object

Conclusion

This integration ensures that even users without coding or design experience can generate high-quality barcodes with minimal effort.

After generating a barcode with StrokeScribe, you can easily place it anywhere within a PowerPoint slide. The barcode functions like a standard image or shape—you can resize it, rotate it, and align it alongside other visual elements. This flexibility is particularly useful for presenters who want to maintain a consistent and branded slide design.

Whether you’re working on business proposals, classroom materials, or logistics reports, the ability to customize barcode appearance helps keep your presentation both functional and visually cohesive.

One of the standout features of StrokeScribe is that the barcodes it generates are not static images but active objects that retain high clarity when resized or printed. This means they remain fully scannable, even when printed at different sizes or projected onto a large screen. Additionally, StrokeScribe supports data encoding for various industries, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, making it a versatile tool for diverse applications.

PowerPoint's native support for vector objects further enhances the barcode’s quality and legibility.

In summary, using the StrokeScribe barcode generator in PowerPoint is a seamless way to incorporate barcodes into your presentations without compromising design or functionality. The setup is simple, the customization options are rich, and the output is professional-grade.

Whether you're sharing URLs via QR codes, managing inventory with Code 128, or including any other scannable content, StrokeScribe makes it easy to enhance your presentations with barcodes that are both attractive and fully operational.