Goals:
Please click the [ Mark Complete ] button at the bottom of this page when you’ve achieved the following goals:
- Be able to incorporate a barcode image into a product’s packaging or design, and to explain this procedure to a customer.
Choose an image format:
Choose whichever barcode image format you prefer (e.g. jpeg).
Resize the image to fit into your product packaging:
But keep in mind our Barcode Specifications:
- Standard size (for EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes) is about 38mm wide x 25mm high.
- The smallest recommended size is 80% of standard size – i.e. about 30mm wide x 20mm high. If you print your barcode smaller than this some retailers won’t accept it.
On a flat surface:
If the barcode is going on a flat surface (e.g. a cardboard box), the preferred orientation of the barcode is “picket fence” (where the bars look like a fence, and the barcode number is at the bottom):
On a curved surface:
If the barcode is going on a curved surface (such as a bottle) the preferred orientation of the barcode is “ladder” (where the barcode is rotated so that the bars look like a ladder).
Why?
When a barcode is printed onto a curved surface, sometimes the ends of the barcode disappear around the curve and can’t be read by a barcode scanner. By rotating the barcode to ladder-orientation you avoid this disappearing-ends issue.
Creativity:
You can get a bit creative with the barcode – see some examples of barcode artwork here
However, the main barcode image (the vertical bars and spaces) must remain unimpeded.
Colour options:
If you want to print your barcode in a different colour combination (instead of black bars on a white background), please see our Barcode Colour Guide PDF.
Barcode location must be easily visible and flat:
Incorporate the image into your product packaging in an easily visible flat location (to ensure ease of scanning).
If your packaging is already printed, use adhesive labels:
You could also have the barcode printed onto adhesive labels to be manually applied to your product.
Always check your label artwork BEFORE printing your product packaging:
- Check that the barcode numbers are correct.
- Check that the barcode image being printed is still high quality and within the official size range.
! Changes and errors can occur at many stages in the process, so it is important that you check the artwork thoroughly before printing.
Sample print and check:
Once you’re happy with your barcode, do a sample print and check that the barcode is the right size and prints and scans correctly.
Does your retailer want a Barcode Verification Report?
If your retailer asks you to get a barcode verification report, you will need to post us a sample of your printed barcode (on the label or packaging) for verification.
For more details see Barcode Verification Report