# Prefix/Suffix

When a bar code is scanned, additional information is sent to the host computer along with the bar code data. This group of bar code data and additional, user-defined data is called a “message string.” The selections in the Prefix/Suffix Data Formatter are used to build the user-defined data into the message string.

Prefix and Suffix characters are data characters that can be sent before and after scanned data. You can specify if they should be sent with all symbologies, or only with specific symbologies. The following illustration shows the breakdown of a message string:

### Points to Keep In Mind

- It is not necessary to build a message string. This formatter should only be used if you wish to alter the default settings.
- A prefix or suffix may be added or cleared from one symbology or all symbologies.
- You can add any prefix or suffix, plus a bar code symbology identifier.
- You can string together several entries for several symbologies at one time.
- When setting up for specific symbologies (as opposed to all symbologies), the specific symbology ID value counts as an added prefix or suffix character.

Arrange prefixes and suffixes in the order in which you want them to appear on the output. To change the order of prefixes and suffixes you have created, click on the up and down arrows to the left in the Prefix/Suffix screen:

### Example: Add a suffix to a specific symbology

To send a CR (carriage return) Suffix for U.P.C. only:

1. Click on the Symbology drop down and select UPC-A/UPC-A with Extended Coupon Code.

2. Click on the Suffix Editor button to display the actions that allow you to build a suffix into your message string. Click on CR.

3. Click on Finish to save your format. The format appears in the formatter window.

To enter Printable Characters, Extended ASCII Characters, or a special Keypress, click on those selections to display additional keyboards with commands. To enter keys from extended U.S. and European keyboards, click on Insert Keypress.