Create Barcode in Make

What this module does

PDF4me — Create Barcode generates a standalone barcode or QR code from any text or data string and returns it as a Base64-encoded image — no source PDF, no file upload needed. Choose from six formats including QR Code, Code128, and DataMatrix, then embed the result directly in an HTML email, POST it to an API, or decode it and save it as an image file. Unlike Add Barcode to PDF which stamps an existing document, this module creates the barcode image independently for use anywhere in your scenario.

Authenticating Your API Request

Every PDF4me module in Make requires a valid Connection. Create or select one that holds your PDF4me API key so the scenario can authenticate barcode generation requests securely.

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Important Facts You Should Not Miss

No source PDF or file input required

This module takes only text — no file, no filename, no PDF binary. You supply the data to encode and the format, and the module returns the barcode image. If you need the barcode embedded inside an existing PDF, use Add Barcode to PDF instead.

Output is Base64, not a file buffer

The module returns a Base64-encoded image string in the File Content field. You can embed it directly in an HTML email body using a data URI (src="data:image/png;base64,..."), pass it to an HTTP request, store it in a database record, or decode it and save it as an image file in Google Drive or Dropbox.

Hide Text applies only to Code 128

The module hint reads exactly: "Hide text shown below barcode. (applicable only for Code 128)." For QR Code, DataMatrix, Aztec, PDF417, and HanXin — which display no human-readable text line — this toggle has no effect regardless of what you set it to.

Only three inputs are needed — the text to encode, the barcode format, and optionally whether to hide the label beneath Code 128 barcodes.

Parameters

Required: Connection, Barcode Text, and Barcode Type — all three must be provided. Hide Text is optional.

Parameter	Required	What it does	Example
Connection	Yes	PDF4me API connection. Click Add and paste your API key if connecting for the first time.	Your PDF4me connection
Barcode Text	Yes	The data to encode in the barcode — a URL, product code, order ID, or any alphanumeric string. Hint: "Text to be encoded in the Barcode."	PROD-2024-00456
Barcode Type	Yes	Format of the barcode to generate. Options: QR Code, Data Matrix, Code128, Aztec, PDF417, HanXin. Hint: "Select barcode type to be generated."	QR Code
Hide Text	No	Whether to suppress the human-readable text shown below the barcode. Options: Yes, No, Empty. Applies only to Code 128 — has no effect on other formats.	No

Quick Setup

1. Add PDF4me -> Create Barcode to your Make scenario.
2. Select Connection (or click Add to create one with your API key).
3. Enter the text, URL, or ID to encode in the Barcode Text field.
4. Choose your Barcode Type from the dropdown — QR Code for links and general data, Code128 for retail and shipping labels.
5. Save and run the scenario. The output File Content field contains a Base64-encoded barcode image ready to embed in an email, POST to an API, or save as an image file.

Workflow Examples

Workflow ExamplesCommon Make scenario patterns using Create Barcode.

Embed a QR code in an order confirmation email

1. A webhook receives a new order from a Shopify or WooCommerce store.
2. Create Barcode runs with Barcode Type set to QR Code and Barcode Text mapped to the order tracking URL.
3. Gmail sends the order confirmation email with the Base64 barcode embedded in the HTML body as an inline image — no attachment needed.
4. The customer scans the QR code directly from their inbox to track the shipment.

Generate Code128 labels for new inventory items

1. A new row added to a Google Sheets inventory register triggers the scenario.
2. Create Barcode runs with Barcode Type set to Code128 and Barcode Text mapped to the SKU from the sheet.
3. An HTTP module POSTs the Base64 barcode image to a label printing service API.
4. A physical barcode label prints automatically in the warehouse for the new stock item.

Add a unique QR code to event tickets before sending

1. A new event registration in Typeform or Eventbrite triggers the scenario.
2. Create Barcode generates a QR Code with a unique ticket validation ID as the Barcode Text.
3. The Base64 image is decoded and inserted into a ticket PDF template via a document generation module.
4. Gmail sends the personalized ticket with the scannable QR code to the attendee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this module need a source PDF or any file input?+

No. This module takes only text — you provide what to encode and which format to use. There is no file input of any kind. If you want the barcode embedded inside an existing PDF document, use the Add Barcode to PDF module instead.

What format does the output come in?+

The module returns a Base64-encoded image string in the File Content output field. You can embed it in an HTML email as a data URI, pass it directly to an HTTP request, store it in a database record, or decode it and save it as a PNG or JPEG image file in cloud storage.

Which barcode formats can I generate?+

Six formats are available via the Barcode Type dropdown — QR Code, Data Matrix, Code128, Aztec, PDF417, and HanXin. QR Code is the most widely scanned by mobile devices. Code128 is the standard for retail and shipping linear barcodes. DataMatrix is compact and suited for small labels. HanXin follows the Chinese national 2D barcode standard.

Does the Hide Text option work for all barcode types?+

No. The module hint states it applies only to Code 128. For QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417, and HanXin — which have no human-readable text line beneath them — the setting has no effect regardless of what value you choose.

How do I get the barcode into a PDF after generating it?+

Use the Add Barcode to PDF module in a subsequent step — it accepts an existing PDF and stamps a barcode directly onto the pages you specify. Alternatively, decode the Base64 string to an image file and insert it into a Word or HTML document template before converting to PDF.

Related Modules

Add Barcode to PDF

Stamp a barcode directly into an existing PDF with millimeter-level positioning — use this when the barcode needs to live inside the document itself.

Create SwissQR Bill

Generate a Swiss payment QR bill section on an invoice PDF — a specialized payment barcode for Swiss banking workflows.

Generate EPC QR Code for SEPA

Create a SEPA payment QR code for European invoices — also outputs Base64 like this module but pre-formatted for EU banking app scanning.

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