How to use your barcode

Here we explain how to use your barcode. You will receive your retail barcodes via email with the images as attached files in the standard size. You can begin using them immediately by following the simple steps below.

1. Incorporate the image into your product packaging or design

Choose whichever barcode image format suits you best (svg,png jpeg, pdf). 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‘. You can get a bit creative if you like, however the main barcode image (the vertical bars and spaces) must remain unimpeded.

Drag the image onto your product packaging in a flat location. It is easier for the checkout scanner to read the barcode on flat surfaces. You could also print onto adhesive labels to be manually applied to your product.

Top tips on where to place your barcode;

• they scan best on flat surfaces as easier for the checkout scanner to see the whole barcode at the same time. If you are printing on a curved surface such as a beer bottle or lipstick, rotate the barcode so it is like a ladder (not a fence).
• avoid printing over creases or seals, too close to edges, where the checkout operator holds the product.
• ensure the printing is good quality; crisp black lines, not absorbant paper, good contrast in bar colour to white background.
• avoid making too small (no less than 28mm wide or 19mm tall).

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 it prints and scans correctly. Barcodes work by contrast hence they are normally black on white. You can change colours but the less contrast means the harder it is for the scanner to read them. If you want to print in a different colour combination please see our Barcode Colour Guide PDF.

3. Send your product to your retailers

It is at this stage that the barcode is connected to the product. When it is scanned for the first time, the product information is entered into the system by the retailer. After this, whenever it is scanned, your product information appears.

4. Register

If you purchased barcodes from us then you would have received an email containing your documents, and instructions for how to register your barcode number on the major online databases. Registration is optional, however it will increase the profile of your product on the internet. Registration can be done at any time.

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