Create Barcode String
I need to combine 'Student ID' and a start/stop character (*) for the barcode font.
=CONCATENATE("*",B2,"*") How it works: The CONCATENATE function joins multiple text strings into one. In this scenario, we are joining an asterisk (*), the content of the 'Student ID' cell (B2), and another asterisk (*). These asterisks serve as the required start and stop characters for most common barcode fonts (like Code 39), ensuring the barcode scanner correctly interprets the ID when the cell is formatted with a barcode font.
Data Setup
| Student Name | Student ID |
|---|---|
| Alice Smith | 1001 |
| Bob Johnson | 1002 |
| Charlie Brown | 1003 |
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify the column containing the 'Student ID' (e.g., Column B).
Select an empty cell where you want the barcode-ready string to appear (e.g., C2).
Enter the formula: `=CONCATENATE("*",B2,"*")`.
Press Enter to see the result for the first student ID.
Drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right of the selected cell) down to apply the formula to all other student IDs.