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I Want to Speed Up Barcode Reading from a PDF

Updated over a month ago

Issue


You’re extracting barcodes from PDF files, but the process feels slow. You’re looking for ways to optimize the speed without losing accuracy.

Why This Happens

Barcode reading scans the entire PDF page at high resolution and checks for multiple barcode types. This takes longer for large PDFs or when scanning for many barcodes per page.

How to Speed It Up

  • Limit the scan area to a specific part of the page (e.g., top half).

  • Limit the number of barcodes per page (e.g., just 1 barcode).

  • Restrict detection to only one barcode type (e.g., Code 128).

  • Reduce PDF rendering resolution (e.g., 200 DPI).

These changes reduce scanning time by focusing only on what’s needed.

Sample Configuration (Profiles Parameter):

Use this JSON in the profiles parameter of your API or automation setup:

{ "profiles": "{ 'scanArea': 'TopHalf', 'MaxNumberOfBarcodesPerPage': 1, 'PDFRenderingResolution': 200 }" }

This configuration:

  • Scans only the top half of each page

  • Reads 1 barcode per page

  • Uses 200 DPI for faster rendering

Platform-Specific Instructions

Helpful Tips

  • Reduce the scan area if barcodes are always in the same part of the page.

  • Lower resolution (150–200 DPI) speeds up processing while keeping barcode accuracy.

  • Limit the number of barcodes per page if only one is needed.

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