So you’ve bought your barcodes and received the barcode numbers and images via email. What next?

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1. Add the barcode images to your product packaging

We supply barcode images in .bmp, .eps, .tiff, .jpg and .pdf formats. If you don’t know which to use, ask your printers – they will be able to suggest the most suitable format.

Now add the barcode images to your product packaging. Placement and size are key – keep in mind our barcode specifications. The smallest recommended barcode size (for EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes) is 80% of standard size – i.e., about 30mm wide x 20mm high.

You can get a bit creative with the barcode if you like, but the main barcode image (the vertical bars and spaces) must remain unimpeded, so it is easy to scan. 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.

Instead of adding barcodes directly to your packaging you could also have the barcode printed onto adhesive labels to be manually applied to your product.

2. Print your packaging

The next step is to have your packaging printed. It is a good idea to do a sample print and check that the barcode prints and scans correctly.

3. Send your product to your retailers

It is at this stage that the barcode is connected to the product. When the barcode is scanned for the first time, the product information is entered into the system by the retailer. After this, whenever the barcode is scanned your product information appears. This is why we don’t need any product information from you.

At any time before or after this process, you can optionally register your barcode using our barcode registration feature.

4. Register your barcode number

Barcode registration is optional. However, it will increase your product’s visibility on the internet. It does not interfere with or replaces the process of submitting your barcodes and product information to the retailers. It helps make your product data more visible to internet searches. This is very useful in dissuading people from using your barcode number illegally.