Barcode cannot be scanned when display scale is over 100% in RDP

When the barcode is distorted during printing via RDP

• Printing labels or price tags is performed from a remote server (RDP).

• The Windows settings have the scale set to 125%, 150%, or another value ≠ 100%.

• The printer is connected locally or redirected through RDP.

• The label template is created in FastReport.

How to understand that the problem is in scaling

• The scanner does not read the barcode or reads it after several attempts.

• The barcode on the label looks blurry or “gray”.

• The barcode on the label looks smaller than the size set in FastReport.

• The edges of the black and white bars do not have a clear boundary.

• The text and template elements are shifted or overlap each other.

• On one PC it prints normally, but on another PC the barcode is small.

Why the barcode is not read at a scale above 100%

1. Windows DPI scaling
   FastReport generates the barcode in pixels. At a display scale ≠ 100%, Windows performs additional scaling, which distorts the geometry of the bars.

2. Working through RDP
   When the printer is redirected, the server renders the label taking into account the scale of the client PC, not the actual print dimensions.

3. Incorrect parameters of the “Barcode” object in the template
   An incorrect code type or scale (Zoom) in FastReport reduces contrast and sharpness.

How to restore correct barcode printing

Method 1. Set the display scale to 100% (mandatory solution)

This is the only guaranteed way to eliminate distortion.

1. On the PC to which the printer is connected, open Display settings.

2. In the Scale and layout section, set 100%.

3. Completely log out of the RDP session and reconnect.

4. Restart Torgsoft.

5. Print a test label.

Method 2. A separate template for the workplace (if it is impossible to set the scale to 100%)

Used if staff critically need an enlarged interface.

1. Open Settings → Printer selection.

2. Create a separate print setup for this computer.

3. Make a copy of the tag, give it a separate name, and edit the label template in FastReport:

• adjust the size and position of the barcode;

• check clarity specifically at the current scale.

4. Save the template as a separate one for this workplace.

Method 3. Adjusting barcode parameters in the template

Used if the code is printed, but read unstably.

1. Open Settings → Label print settings.

2. Open the template and double-click the Barcode object.

3. In the properties:

• change the Zoom parameter (for example, 1.1 or 1.2);

• check the code type (EAN13 / EAN8 / Code128 — according to the length).

4. Save the changes and print a test label.

Method 4. Printing directly from the server (without RDP redirection)

Recommended for system administrators.

1. Install the printer directly on the server (TCP/IP, LPR).

2. Use the printer’s “native” driver.

3. Print without redirecting the printer through RDP.

How to check that the barcode is printed correctly

• The barcode must have clear black and white bars without halftones.

• The scanner reads the code on the first attempt.

• The label elements are not shifted.

How to avoid repeated barcode distortion

• Use a display scale of 100% on the PC that prints.

• Regularly clean the printer’s thermal head.

• After changing the monitor or scaling, always print a test label.

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