1. ZPL II, ZBI 2, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, WML Programming Guide
  2. ZPL II, ZBI 2, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, WML Programming Guide
  3. ZPL Commands
  4. ^BD
  • ZPL II, ZBI 2, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, WML Programming Guide
^BD

^BD

The
^BD
 command creates a two-dimensional, optically read (not scanned) code. This symbology was developed by UPS (United Parcel Service).

UPS MaxiCode Bar Code

Notice that there are no additional parameters for this code and it does not generate an interpretation line. The
^BY
 command has no effect on the UPS MaxiCode barcode. However, the
^CV
 command can be activated.
Format:
 ^BDm,n,t
Parameters
Details
m =
 mode
Values:
2 =
 structured carrier message: numeric postal code (U.S.)
3 =
 structured carrier message: alphanumeric postal code (non-U.S.)
4 =
 standard symbol, secretary
5 =
 full EEC
6 =
 reader program, secretary
Default:
2
n =
 symbol number
Values:
1
 to
8
 can be added in a structured document
Default:
1
t =
 total number of symbols
Values:
1
 to
8
, representing the total number of symbols in this sequence
Default:
1
Example
This is an example of the UPS MAXICODE - MODE 2 barcode:

Special Considerations for ^FD when Using ^BD

The
^FD
 statement is divided into two parts: a high-priority message (
hpm
) and a low-priority message (
lpm
). There are two types of high-priority messages. One is for a US Style Postal Code; the other is for a non-U.S. Style Postal Code. The syntax for either of these high-priority messages must be exactly as shown or an error message is generated.
Format:
^FD <hpm><lpm>
Parameters
Details
<hpm> =
 high-priority message (applicable only in Modes 2 and 3)
Values:
0
 to
9
, except where noted
U.S. Style Postal Code (Mode 2)
<hpm> =
 aaabbbcccccdddd
aaa =
 three-digit class of service
bbb =
 three-digit country zip code
ccccc =
 five-digit zip code
dddd =
 four-digit zip code extension (if none exists, four zeros (0000) must be entered)
non-U.S. Style Postal Code (Mode 3)
<hpm> = aaabbbcccccc
aaa =
 three-digit class of service
bbb =
 three-digit country zip code
ccccc =
 six-digit zip code (
A
 through
Z
 or
0
 to
9
)
<lpm> =
 low priority message (only applicable in Modes 2 and 3)
GS is used to separate fields in a message (0x1D). RS is used to separate format types (0x1E). EOT is the end of transmission characters.
Message Header
  [)>RS
Transportation Data
Format Header
  01GS96
Tracking Number*
 <tracking number>
SCAC*
GS<SCAC>
UPS Shipper Number
  GS<shipper number>
Julian Day of Pickup
  GS<day of pickup>
Shipment ID Number
  GS<shipment ID number>
Package n/x
  GS<n/x>
Package Weight
  GS<weight>
Address Validation
  GS<validation>
Ship to Street Address
  GS<street address>
Ship to City
  GS<city>
Ship to State
  GS<state>
RS
  RS
End of Message
  EOT
(
*
 Mandatory Data for UPS)
Comments:
  • The formatting of
    <hpm>
     and
    <lpm>
     apply only when using Modes 2 and 3. Mode 4, for example, takes whatever data is defined in the
    ^FD
     command and places it in the symbol.
  • UPS requires that certain data be present in a defined manner. When formatting MaxiCode data for UPS, always use uppercase characters. When filling in the
    fields
     in the
    <lpm>
     for UPS, follow the data size and types specified in
    Guide to Bar Coding with UPS
    .
  • If you do not choose a mode, the default is Mode 2. If you use non-U.S. Postal Codes, you probably get an error message (invalid character or message too short). When using non-U.S. codes, use Mode 3.
  • ZPL II doesn’t automatically change your mode based on the zip code format.
  • When using special characters, such as GS, RS, or EOT, use the
    ^FH
     command to tell ZPL II to use the hexadecimal value following the underscore character ( _ ).