very interesting, thanks AccessBlaster. fyi, link to explain what video discusses (after I took unnecessary copious notes!) and download the Excel file (actually files -- different versions) is here: https://www.xelplus.com/generate-barcodes-excel/
Access could do this too! Especially on a report. I recently wrote a CalendarMaker (free download) that doesn't use controls to draw calendars ... instead, it uses report Line and Print methods. I can see the same methods could be used to generate barcodes. In case anyone wants it, it is posted here, with source code: http://www.msaccessgurus.com/tool/CalendarMaker.htm
I haven't used the methods in the video, which is indeed the long way around the barn. My simpler, or lazier, method is to use the font ABC Code 39 Regular. This is of course for a certain type of barcode but is functionally the same as those in the video.
Then I simply wrap the cell I want a barcode for with certain characters, which is slightly different in Access and Excel.
I use other bar code fonts too -- but what got me about this is that this method is what is used to stamp on products that you buy ... and cash registers at most stores are already setup to read ...