A barcode is a machine-readable representation of a unique number, allowing retailers to track product sales in their inventory system. It typically consists of dark ink on a light background, forming high and low reflectance patterns that are converted to binary digits. UPCs (12 digits) and EANs (13 digits) are common types of barcodes.

How to Position your Barcode on the Product

Barcode orientation depends on the curvature of the packaging

If the barcode is going on a flat surface the preferred orientation of the barcode. This is sometimes referred to as “picket fence”. The barcode bars are like a fence with the barcode number at the bottom.

If the barcode is going on a curved surface (e.g. a bottle), the preferred orientation of the barcode is “ladder” (where the barcode is rotated so that the bars are like a ladder). When a barcode is printed onto a curved surface, sometimes the extremes of the barcode disappear around the curve and can’t be read by a barcode scanner – rotating the barcode, so it looks like a ladder avoids this issue.

Please note that the printing process can determine barcode orientation. Depending on the printing process you use, you may find that you get a much higher printing quality if the bars of the barcode run in the direction of the print (“web direction”) – in this situation, it is best to print the barcode in the direction of the print if possible.

Place barcode on a smooth surface

Ensure the barcode is on a smooth surface. No part of the barcode should be on a crease or edge in the packaging. The barcode should not wrap around a corner. No staples should go through the barcode. Don’t print on perforations, seams, folds, or absorbent paper.

Ensure there is sufficient space around your barcode

Ensure there is sufficient space around the barcode symbol and that other symbols or text don’t encroach on it. A retail (EAN-13 or UPC-A) barcode has a 2mm-3mm “quiet zone” (blank margin) on both the left and right sides. Ensure that these quiet zones are maintained. The quiet zone should not be cropped or overlapped with other symbols/text.

If you have small packaging or limited space for the barcode symbol, you can reduce your EAN-13 (or UPC-A) barcode down to 80% of standard size – i.e. down to about 30mm wide x 20mm high. We don’t recommend reducing your barcode size any further than this.

Avoid printing too close to the edge of a product. This is where the checkout operator may hold the item and so block the barcode. 8mm from the edge is the official recommendation, and no closer than 5mm from the edge.

Books and Magazines

Book ISBN barcodes should be printed on the lower right of the book’s back cover.

Magazine and newspaper ISSN barcodes should be printed on the front cover at the bottom.

Barcode Position Tips

Here are 10 essential barcode placement tips to ensure optimal scanning and compliance with industry standards:

Position on a Smooth Surface
Place the barcode on a flat, smooth area of the packaging. Avoid areas with creases, folds, or seams that could distort the barcode.
Maintain Adequate Quiet Zones
Ensure a 2mm–3mm blank margin (quiet zone) on both sides of the barcode to prevent scanning errors.
Avoid Wrapping Around Corners
Do not place barcodes around corners or edges, as this can cause distortion and scanning issues.
Consider Product Shape for Orientation
For flat surfaces, use a horizontal (picket fence) orientation. For curved surfaces, such as bottles, use a vertical (ladder) orientation to ensure readability.
Maintain Consistent Placement Across Similar Products
Place barcodes in the same location on all similar products to facilitate quick and easy scanning.
Avoid Placement Under Packaging Flaps
Do not place barcodes under flaps or folds, as this can obstruct the scanner’s line of sight.
Ensure Barcode Visibility
Ensure that the barcode is not covered by labels, stickers, or other packaging elements that could obstruct scanning.
Maintain Distance from Edges
Position the barcode at least 8mm from the edge of the packaging to prevent obstruction during handling.
Avoid Printing on Perforations or Seams
Do not print barcodes over perforations, seams, or other areas that may compromise the integrity of the barcode.
Test Barcode Readability Regularly
Regularly verify barcode readability to ensure consistent scanning performance and compliance with industry standards.

Follow our tips to ensure the efficiency of your barcode scanning and ensure smooth operations in retail and logistics environments.