Patch codes are a family of simple bar patterns read by production scanner capture software, such as Kodak Capture Pro, to separate documents and batches while scanning. Barcode separator sheets use ordinary barcodes, such as Code 128 or QR, that a splitting tool can read after the scan, from any scanner or copier that saves a PDF. ScanRoute Local reads Code 128 and QR separator sheets, not patch codes: it splits a combined scan at each sheet whose barcode starts with your prefix, such as SR-, and names each document from a zone on the page. If your scanner software already reads patch codes, keep using them; if your copier only saves one big PDF, barcode sheets are the practical choice.
Split a combined scan at barcode separator sheets and name each document from the page.
Get it from Microsoft
What is a patch code?
A patch code is a pattern of thick and thin bars printed on a sheet, designed for scanning hardware and capture software to recognize quickly. Kodak’s Capture Pro help page About patch codes lists three types its software supports:
| Patch type | Function in Kodak Capture Pro | Page kept? |
|---|---|---|
| Patch 2 | Separates pages into documents | Yes |
| Patch 3 | Separates documents into batches | No |
| Patch T (programmable) | Separates pages into documents, separates documents into batches, or creates an attachment | No |
Source: Kodak Alaris Capture Pro help, checked on 17 October 2026. Other capture products may use patch codes differently; check yours.
The key point is where they are read: by the capture software during scanning. A copier that scans to a folder usually does not read patch codes, and a plain PDF does not know a patch sheet from any other page.
What is a barcode separator sheet?
A barcode separator sheet is a page with an ordinary barcode, such as Code 128 or a QR code, placed on top of each document before scanning. The scan is saved as one PDF. Software then looks for the barcode on each page after the fact and splits the PDF there. Because the reading happens on the PDF, it works with any scanner or copier, including scan to folder on an office multifunction printer. Our guide on splitting a scanned PDF at barcode separator sheets walks through it.
Barcodes can also carry text you choose, such as a document type.
How do the two compare?
| Patch codes | Barcode separator sheets | |
|---|---|---|
| Read by | Capture software at scan time | A splitting tool after the scan |
| Works with copier scan to folder | Usually not | Yes |
| Carries data | Fixed meaning per patch type | Any text, such as SR-INV for invoices |
| Separator page kept | Depends on patch type and settings | Depends on the tool; ScanRoute leaves separators out of the output |
| Printing | Printed patch sheets from the vendor or a template | Any printer; free sheets available |
| Best for | Production scanning rooms with capture software | Offices with copiers and desktop scanners |
How does ScanRoute Local use barcode separators?
ScanRoute Local is a Windows app that splits combined scans and names the pieces from the page.
- Print separator sheets. Download the free printable sheets in Letter or A4. Each file has an instruction page and six sheets, using SR-INV, SR-RCT and SR-CRD in Code 128 and QR.
- Set the prefix. In Settings, set Split mode to Barcode and the separator prefix to SR-. The prefix match is case-sensitive, so a barcode printed on a document page, such as a purchase order barcode, is not taken for a separator.
- Scan the stack. Put a separator sheet on top of each document and scan once to a PDF.
- Open the PDF in ScanRoute. Drop it, open several, or watch the scan folder.
- Check Preview. ScanRoute splits at each separator, leaves the separator pages out of the output, and shows every proposed name and folder.
- Commit. Nothing is written until you commit. Each commit writes a CSV manifest with the SHA-256 of every file written.
ScanRoute reads one barcode per sheet. It also splits at blank pages, or every N pages, if you prefer no printed separators.
Print the free separator sheets and try ScanRoute Local on your next stack, with the free trial.
Get it from Microsoft
Can I keep using my patch sheets?
Not with ScanRoute. It reads Code 128 and QR barcodes only. Options if you have a drawer of patch sheets:
- Keep your capture software if it reads them and does what you need. That is the simplest answer.
- Switch to barcode sheets for copier and desktop scanning, where patch codes are not read.
- Use blank pages as separators. ScanRoute can split at blank pages; our post on splitting a PDF at blank pages covers duplex scanning and blank-page removal settings that affect it.
How do I switch an office from patch sheets to barcode sheets?
- Print a small stock of barcode separator sheets on the office printer.
- Keep them by the copier in a labeled tray, so they are reused rather than filed.
- Run a test stack of five documents and check the Preview before relying on it.
- Set the folder template so each document lands in the right client folder.
- Retire the patch sheets for copier work, and keep them only where capture software still reads them.
When are patch codes the better choice?
In a production scanning room with dedicated capture software, patch codes are fast, standard and handled during the scan, so the output already arrives separated into documents and batches. If that is your setup, a post-scan splitter adds a step you do not need. ScanRoute suits offices where scans arrive as one combined PDF from a copier or a desktop scanner, and where naming each document from the page matters as much as splitting.
Frequently asked questions
Does ScanRoute Local read patch codes?
No. It reads Code 128 and QR barcodes, one per sheet, with a separator prefix.
Are the separator pages kept in the output?
No. Separator pages are left out of the output PDFs.
Can the barcode tell ScanRoute the document type?
The free sheets are labeled Invoice, Receipt and Credit and use SR-INV, SR-RCT and SR-CRD. You can put the sheet value in each file name with the template. Naming also reads one zone on the document itself.
What if a separator is missing?
A missing separator is one of the cases sent to the exception inbox, along with reads that failed their checks, bad file names, duplicates and unreadable PDFs.
Does anything upload?
No. ScanRoute reads and writes only on your PC.
Try ScanRoute Local
ScanRoute Local is a one-time purchase in the Microsoft Store, with a free trial. Print a few separator sheets, scan a stack, and check the Preview. For more, see copier scan to folder, split into named PDFs, split scanned PDF into separate files on Windows, or the ScanRoute Local product page.
One scan in, separate named PDFs out, split where your sheets are.
Get it from Microsoft
Kodak and Capture Pro are trademarks of their owners. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Other names are trademarks of their owners. ScanRoute Local is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.
Last updated 17 October 2026. Published by Automata Labs, a software company in Canada.