Print your barcode the right way to ensure it scans properly. Good barcode printing is important for every business. If your barcode labels don't scan properly, they can slow down checkouts, delay deliveries, and cause inventory mistakes.
When a barcode doesn't scan properly, it can slow down checkouts, delay deliveries, and cause inventory mistakes. The good news is that most barcode problems are easy to avoid.
In this guide, we'll look at the five most common barcode printing mistakes. We follow GS1 recommendations for EAN-13 and ITF-14 barcodes. These are two of the most common barcode types used in retail and shipping.
1. Printing Barcode Labels Too Small
Trying to fit a barcode into a small space is one of the most common mistakes.
If the barcode is too small, the bars become too thin and scanners may have trouble reading them.
For EAN-13 barcodes, GS1 allows a range of magnifications. Keeping the barcode within the recommended GS1 size range helps ensure reliable scanning.
Businesses usually print ITF-14 barcodes on shipping cartons. ITF-14 barcodes are commonly used on shipping cartons and larger packages. Printing them at the right size makes them easier for scanners to read.
Tip: If your label is too small, don't shrink the barcode. Instead, use a larger label if possible.
2. Choosing the Wrong Colours for Barcode Printing
Good barcode printing starts with the right colours. Barcodes need good contrast to scan properly.
The best choice is:
- Black bars
- White background
Black bars on a white background provide the highest contrast and are the safest choice for most barcode labels.
Some colour combinations can make scanning difficult, such as:
- Red bars
- Orange bars
- Yellow bars
- Light bars on a dark background
Avoid red and orange bars where possible. Some scanners use red light, which can make these colours difficult to read.
If you're printing on a coloured label, keep the barcode dark and the background light.
3. Stretching Barcode Labels
Sometimes people stretch a barcode to make it fit a label.
This changes the shape of the bars and spaces, making the barcode harder to scan.
If you need a different size, create a new barcode instead of stretching the original one.
Tip: Always resize the barcode proportionally rather than stretching or squeezing it wider or taller.
4. Using a Low-Quality Barcode Image
A blurry barcode can be hard to scan. This can happen when you copy a barcode from a website, use a screenshot, or save it as a low-quality image.
People often copy barcodes from websites, use screenshots, or save low-quality images. These files can make barcodes harder to scan.
For the best barcode printing results:
- Use a vector file whenever possible.
- If you're using an image file, use a high-resolution file.
- Avoid stretching or compressing the barcode.
- At Sticker Express, we use professional 600 dpi printing to produce clear, sharp barcode labels that are easy to scan.
A clear barcode is much easier for scanners to read.
5. Not Leaving Enough Space Around the Barcode
Every barcode needs some blank space around it. This is called the quiet zone.
If you place text, logos, or graphics too close to the barcode, scanners may not know where the barcode starts or ends.
Both EAN-13 and ITF-14 barcodes require appropriate clear space around the barcode.
Tip: Keep the area around the barcode clear. Don't place artwork, borders, or text too close to it.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an EAN-13 barcode smaller?
Yes, but only within the size range recommended by GS1. Making it too small can cause scanning problems.
Can I stretch a barcode to fit my label?
No. Stretching or squeezing a barcode changes its shape and may stop it from scanning correctly.
If you need a different size, create a new barcode instead.
What's the best colour for a barcode?
Black bars on a white background give the best scanning results. This is the colour combination recommended for most barcode labels.
What's the difference between EAN-13 and ITF-14?
Businesses use EAN-13 barcodes on retail products. Supermarkets and retail stores scan them every day.
Businesses use ITF-14 barcodes on shipping cartons and outer packaging. Warehouses and logistics companies use them to identify and track cartons.
Can I print barcode labels on my office printer?
Yes, for small jobs or short-term use.
Professional barcode printing helps make clear, easy-to-scan barcode labels for retail products, warehouses, and shipping.
For small jobs, an office printer may be enough. But if you need a large number of barcode labels, professional barcode printing can give you more consistent results.
Why won't my barcode scan?
Some common reasons include:
- The barcode is too small.
- You stretched or squeezed the barcode.
- The image quality is too low.
- The colours don't have enough contrast.
- There isn't enough space around the barcode.
Checking these points will solve most barcode scanning problems.
Barcode Printing Checklist
Before printing, make sure:
- ✓ Your barcode is the correct size.
- ✓ You use black bars on a white background.
- ✓ You don't stretch the barcode before printing.
- ✓ You use a high-quality image.
- ✓ You leave enough quiet zone around the barcode.
Final Thoughts
Small printing mistakes cause most barcode scanning problems, but they're usually easy to fix.
Print your barcode at the right size, use the right colours, keep enough space around it, and always use a high-quality barcode image. Following these simple tips will help your barcode labels scan quickly and reliably.
At Sticker Express, we specialize in barcode printing, custom barcode labels, barcode stickers, and shipping labels for businesses across New Zealand. Whether you need EAN-13 barcode labels or ITF-14 shipping labels, we're here to help.
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