QR-UPC codes and Adobe PDF

It was recently brought to my attention (via a tweet) that Adobe Acrobat can be used to generate QR (Quick Response) codes. So I did a little digging and discovered it was pretty easy to accomplish – who knew?

Background – QR codes were initially used for tracking parts, but have now become common on various printed materials (such as magazines, signs, business cards). They are used to quickly convey information (whether it is opening a URL for more information or generating a text message via SMS). Mobile phone users often have a bar-code scanner app installed. For example, I use Barcode Scanner v 3.6 (open source ZXing [Zebra Crossing] bar-code project) on my HTC Incredible (Android 2.2) smart phone. There are a number of ways to generate these codes, but I discovered that one can simply use Acrobat X to accomplish this. [If you don’t have Acrobat, stop reading, you can use QR Droid (thanks to my son, Ben, for pointing out this app) from the Android Market or QR Code Now from the BlackBerry AppWorld.]

Examples – Here are two examples of codes generated by using the resulting PDF form.

QR code

Data Matrix code

Details – First, build the form. Start with a reasonably blank document (I created on in MS-Word). Save it as a PDF file, then open in Acrobat X. You must have the full product (not just the Acrobat Reader). Select Tools > Forms > Create to build your initial form (based on the PDF document you just opened). Depending on how you created your initial form, you may receive a message like the following. That is perfectly ok as we will be adding the fields manually.

Now that we have converted our PDF document into a form, we can add some fields. We want to first add a text field. We will then name that field and use the input from that field to generate our codes. As you examine the list of possible field types, you see that there is a barcode field (guess I never paid attention before).

I selected the Text Field and then drew it on the document. I changed the name to input and specified a property of having a thin border around the input field. This makes it easier for those using the form to see the dimensions. I also made the field multi-line as I don’t know how long the actual content will be.

Now that I have my input field, I can create two barcode fields. You may receive a warning message when first placing your barcode (see below). I chose OK and continued.

Next, open the properties after you have placed the barcode. Select the options tab and choose Symbology of either QR Code or Data Matrix. I also indicated that the decode condition would be a handheld scanner (as one typically finds in a mobile phone these days) (see screen capture below)

Once you have selected the appropriate symbology, you need to tie the results to the input field. In the screen capture below, I selected the Value tab from the properties. Make certain the “Include Field Names” checkbox is not selected (otherwise you will have additional information in your code). I also placed some reference text which will show beneath the actual code.

There are a number of cell phone QR code readers (this link is not a complete list, but contains a fair number).

If you want to try this out, I have a completed form linked (either download it to your computer or open it in a new browser window/ tab). Highlight the existing text, replace it with your own and then place the focus elsewhere (outside the input box). the code values should automatically update. xamine the page with your barcode scanner and verify that the code is directing you to the desired URL. Obviously, I don’t want you to use this example for commercial purposes. I am simply providing this as an example to help you better understand how to create your own form.

The starting MS-Word document is also provided if you want to try this out for yourself. Just save the file locally and experiment using Acrobat X.

• Next Archos 101 Tablet and Screen Captures
• Previous Adobe Edge Fundamentals