Barcode starter guide

So you've bought your barcodes and received the barcode numbers and images via email. What next? When you order from us you will receive your retail barcodes in EAN-13 (13 digits) and UPC-A (12 digits) formats. You'll want to use the EAN-13 version unless selling your product in the USA and Canada.

1. Incorporate the barcode image into your product packaging or design

Choose whichever EAN barcode image format suits you best. You can now resize this to fit best into your product packaging. If you decide to do this, then please keep in mind our barcode specifications. The smallest recommended barcode size (for EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes) is 80% of standard size - ie. 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. You can then incorporate the image into your product packaging in an easily viable flat location (again, to ensure ease of scanning). You could also have the barcode printed onto adhesive labels to be manually applied to your product.

2. Add a 2D Barcode image to your packaging

2D Barcodes will eventually replace the humble EAN barcode image on packaging. The retail industry has set a date of 2027 for fully supporting scanning 2D Barcodes at checkout, and some are already doing so. Don't be left behind - future proof your packaging now.

3. 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.

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

5. Register your barcode number

Upon ordering you'll receive an email with instructions for how to register your barcode numbers on the major online barcode databases. Barcode registration is optional, however it will increase the profile of your product on the internet. It does not interfere with or replace 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.

Scanning issues

If your EAN barcode is scanning as 12 digits instead of 13, your scanner may be dropping the leading zero. Configure your scanner to correctly read EAN-13 barcodes.