Everything You Need to Know About Printing Product Barcodes

Barcodes make business processes more efficient, especially in retail, shipping, and inventory management. Whether you’re looking to track information about goods, store it, or both, barcode labels serve an essential role in daily operations. 

Barcodes offer several advantages over manually entering or looking up information:

• Barcode labels help prevent human error and improve data accuracy. 
• They enable real-time inventory management, reducing overhead costs and improving traceability.
• They are inexpensive to design and produce, offering a strong return on investment. 
• Barcodes are versatile and can be used for asset tracking, pricing, shipping, and more.  can be used for any data collection, not just price or inventory.

How Do You Create a Barcode for a Product?

Creating and printing product barcodes is a straightforward process if you follow the proper steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you print barcode labels that comply with industry standards. 

Step 1: Apply for a GS1 Company Prefix

Before printing barcodes, your company must register with GS1 (Global Standards 1). This organization provides unique prefixes that form the basis of GS1 barcodes and Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) used worldwide. Having GS1-compliant barcodes is essential if you plan to sell on platforms like Amazon.

Step 2: Assign Unique Product Numbers

Once you receive your GS1 prefix, you’ll assign a unique number to each variation of your product. For example, if a product comes in three sizes and four colors, each combination needs its own identifier. These numbers, combined with your prefix and a check digit, form the GTIN used in your UPC or EAN barcode.

Need help calculating how many barcodes you’ll require? Try the GS1 Barcode Estimator to plan your product variations accurately.

Step 3: Determine Barcode Label Features

Now it’s time to define the visual and physical characteristics of your custom barcode labels, including:

• Label size: Make sure it’s visible and scannable.
• Font: Choose a legible font to support manual entry when necessary. 
• Placement: Position the barcode where scanners can easily access it. 
• Materials: Use durable label materials suited to your environment. 
• Adhesive: Select strong adhesives for shipping or product surfaces.
• Ink and print method: Consider thermal transfer printing or direct thermal for high-quality, long-lasting barcodes. 

Step 4: Choose the Right Label Type and Printer

There are various label types and printing methods to consider:

• For more complex uses, use a free barcode generator to create templates and test designs before production.

• Roll labels, label sheets, or blank labels for flexibility.

• Use a thermal printer (like a Zebra or Dymo) or an inkjet printer depending on your production needs. 

• Formats like Code 128, QR codes, and 2D barcodes serve different scanning applications. 

Step 5: Work With a Reliable Barcode Printing Service

Choosing the right barcode printing services is essential for accuracy and efficiency. At Royal Label, we:

• Provide barcode printing services tailored to your specific needs. 
• Offer fast turnaround time on custom jobs, including tamper-evident stickers, thermal labels, and asset tracking labels. 
• Support both SKU-level printing and bulk orders with flexible minimum order options. 
• Use advanced barcode printer technology and verification tools to ensure compliance with GS1 barcode printing requirements. 

Our team works directly with your packaging and production teams to create high-performing barcode solutions. We help with everything from label template setup to scanner compatibility testing, as well as variable data requirements. 

Contact Royal Label Today

From product labels to complex barcode printing processes, Royal Label offers compliant, cost-effective solutions for businesses of any size. We support both long and short print runs with complete customization options. 

To learn more or request a quote, contact Marychristine Clifford at (617) 825-6050 Ext. 105 or email [email protected].