Data (Barcode)

Lede. Reads a column value from the current record and forwards it as the barcode payload.

Group: Data · Available in: Barcode Placeholder · Central node: No

Purpose

• Encode an EAN-13 / Code128 / UPC payload from a SKU column.
• Encode an order-reference number for warehouse picking.

Where to find it

Add Node ▸ Data ▸ Data

This is the same node class as Data Text, exposed under the Data category of barcode placeholder workspaces. The barcode is rendered by BarCodeKit from the text value this node emits.

How it works

Identical behaviour to Data Text: pick a column, optionally chain upstream input and apply a Formatter. The emitted text becomes the barcode’s payload.

Sockets

Settings

Same as Data Text.

Example (end-to-end)

Scenario. Print EAN-13 barcodes on a price list.

Wiring. [Data Text: EAN] → [Placeholder.Content] inside a barcode placeholder.

The barcode symbology (EAN-13, Code 128, …) lives on the placeholder, not on this node.

Empty / error behaviour

Same as Data Text. Invalid payloads (e.g. wrong check digit for EAN-13) usually surface in the InDesign rendering rather than as a node-level error – verify with a preview.

Limitations

• The node emits a text payload only; symbology selection is a placeholder setting.
• Some symbologies require fixed-length payloads – pad or validate upstream with a Text Formatter if needed.

Common pitfalls

• Wrong check digit. EAN-13 / UPC payloads need a valid check digit. Compute it upstream or use a Text Formatter rule.

Related nodes

• Data Text – same behaviour; this is the barcode-workspace face.
• Style Object – applies an object style to the barcode frame.
• Placeholder – Barcode – the consumer.

Screenshots

📷 Screenshot [NEU]: Data node panel inside a barcode placeholder workspace