Create Passbook Barcodes without iOS6

We hear about Passbook and all of its features, but many of us don't have Apple developer accounts so we can't download iOS6 beta and test out Passbook passes.  Fortunately, we've found that PassK.it has launched a Passbook Barcode Generator that allows everyone, even those without Passbook, to start creating barcodes that will appear on Passbook passes.

If you're a business who is already distributing cards or tickets with barcodes embedded on them, you're familiar with what they contain.  Essentially, barcodes can store just about any information, from numbers to links to text.  Every barcode can be created so that it is unique, like for a membership card or movie ticket.  It is up to the issuing agency, or business, to determine what information to store in the barcode and whether it is individually based or generic (coupon).

PassK.it’s barcode generator is an easy way to start generating barcodes and testing out scanning devices at your vendor or point-of-sale.   The first step is to decide what text to encode.  It could be a simple message or a website, like passk.it.  This is what will appear on the scanning device when the barcode is scanned.  The next step would be determining the 2D barcode type, because iPhone screens are capable of reading only those.  These include Aztec, PDF417, and QR codes.  Finally, to create the Passbook barcode, choose the resolution of your iPhone, whether it is a 3GS or Retina display for iPhone 4 and 4S.  Once everything is selected, save the image and use a scanner app or device to scan the barcode.  PassK.it has also released a video demo on how to create Passbook pass barcodes without iOS6 to supplement their tool.

The Passbook Barcode Generator is PassK.it's way of allowing for consumers and businesses to prepare for Passbook.  By creating barcodes today, merchants can test out current scanners and determine whether an upgrade is needed, or if it works perfectly now.  Staff members can be trained and familiarized with these barcodes that will appear on Passbook passes so that they can be experts when accepting future Passbook passes.

It's imperative to start preparing for Passbook before it comes out, and the barcode generator is just that tool that helps businesses start equipping themselves for the digital pass system of the century.