Problem
When uploading operator barcodes using a CSV file and reopening the upload, unexpected special characters may appear before the first barcode.
Barcodes with Special Characters
Reason
The issue occurs when the CSV file is saved with a BOM (Byte Order Mark). The BOM is typically invisible but can introduce unwanted characters when the file is uploaded to the dashboard.
This most commonly happens using the following tools:
Excel (Windows)
When saved as 'CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)', Excel automatically adds a BOM.
Text Editors (for example, Notepad, Notepad++, VS Code)
Files may be saved explicitly as 'UTF-8 with BOM', depending on the selected encoding.
Google Sheets
CSV exports are usually created without a BOM, but if the file is re-opened in Excel, a BOM may be added.
Solution
To prevent special characters from appearing in your barcodes, update the CSV file as follows:
Open the file in a text editor (for example, Notepad ++).
Change the encoding to UTF-8 without BOM:
Notepad ++: Encoding > 'Convert to UTF-8 (without BOM)'
VS Code: Save with Encoding > UTF-8
Save the file again as a CSV file.
Upload the file in the dashboard.
Barcodes without Special Characters