For heavy usage of barcode labels we recommend getting a dedicated barcode printer (which should come with its proprietary barcode creation software).

However if your usage is low or medium, it is also a good option to go for some well-known labels (come in A4 size sheets) like Avery readily available from stationery shops.  Avery supplies a free software at its website to create barcodes on their labels and then having them printed on a normal computer printer. Such off-the-shelf labels can be more economical. Besides you do not have to deal with an extra barcode printer.

We have specially formatted and included an Avery template for use with MsWord. This template speeds up the work of creating barcodes.

The screenshot below shows the process of barcode creation using the said template. Upon opening up the template, the first label with a sample barcode will appear. Copy that barcode sample to another label and double click on the barcode. The Avery Barcode Control will pop up allowing you to change the encoded message.

If the resulting barcode turns out to be oversized, then double click the barcode again to open the Barcode Control; then click the Symbology tab and reduce the Module Width. It is important to ensure that the resizing box of the barcode on the template does not stretch over to the next label cell. Otherwise when you copy and paste the barcode to another cell, the layout might be mangled up.

You can copy a whole row such created barcodes and paste it in another row of labels on the template.

You might have to tweak the top margins and vertical alignment in your page setup to get the barcodes printed exactly within the labels. Note that some printers also have margins to set.

It takes a bit of orientation to get the hang of it but the effort will be worth it.