How to use your barcode
If you ordered from us you will receive your retail barcode via email with the images in three different formats in minutes. Once you have your barcode you can begin using it easily and immediately. Here are some tips on how to use your barcode.
1. Incorporate the barcode image into your product packaging or design
Choose whichever image format (e.g. png) you prefer.
Resize the image to fit into your product packaging. Please keep in mind our ‘Barcode Specifications‘. The 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.
If you are placing your barcode on a curved surface, e.g. a bottle, the orientation is very important. The barcode should be rotated so it looks like a ladder (instead of like a fence), so that the edges of the barcode don’t wrap around the curve.
You can get a bit creative with the artwork if you like. See some examples of barcode artwork here. However, the main barcode image (the vertical bars and spaces) must remain unimpeded. 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.
You can then incorporate the image into your product packaging in an easily visible flat location (to ensure ease of scanning). You could also have the barcode printed onto adhesive labels to be manually applied to your product.
2. Print your packaging
Always check your label artwork BEFORE printing your product packaging. Check that the numbers are correct and 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 to check the artwork thoroughly before printing.
Once you’re happy with your barcode, it is a good idea to do a sample print and check that the barcode is the right size, and prints and scans correctly.
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) us for verification.
3. Send your product to your retailers
Once you’re printed your product packaging, the next step is to send the products to your retailers.
It is at this stage that the barcode gets connected to the product. When the barcode is scanned into a retailer’s system for the first time, no product information shows up. The retailer needs to enter the product and price information into their system. After that, whenever the barcode is scanned in that retail store the correct product information appears.
4. Set up your account on the customer portal
Please go to https://portal.internationalbarcodes.net/
Create an account with the email address used at time of order
- Verify your email address
- Log in (green button)
Once logged in you can see all your past orders can you can resend yourself past orders, redirect dynamic QR codes, reset your email address etc.
5. Register your number
If you purchase from us then you can register your barcode number and product details on the International Barcodes Database. To register please go to the customer portal: https://portal.internationalbarcodes.net. Registration is optional, however, it will increase the profile of your product on the internet.