General Barcode Questions

How do I get a barcode?

What is a barcode?

A barcode is a collection of thick and thin lines printed in a white or light coloured background.  There are many different types of barcode.  In the case of a standard linear barcode (such as you would find on items in a  supermarket) the position of the thick and thin bars in relationship to one another determines the character encoded it.  Creating barcodes is a case of using 'barcode maker' software that makes the barcode lines and spaces. Back to top

How does a barcode work?

A barcode is a collection of thick and thin lines.  A barcode reader converts the thick and thin lines into a number or string of letters by using the reflection of the bars and spaces.  The numbers on a retail item mean nothing - it is a case of accessing the retailers database and 'looking up' the barcode number and cross referencing it with the item description.  Different retailers will have different descriptions and prices. Back to top

How do I give numbers to my products?

When you join GS1 you will be given a nine digit "company prefix" number.  EAN Barcode numbers are 13 digits long, but the last digit is a "check digit".  This means you have three digits to assign to your products.  You might assign the number 001 to the first item you wish to barcode, 002 to the second and so on.  For example, if you are provided the company prefix "012345678" and you have just one item to code, your finished barcode would be 012345678 001 plus the check digit. Back to top

What is the Check Digit?

GS1

What is GS1?

GS1 is the international body that issues barcode numbers.  They used to be called EAN or the UCC, but merged a few years ago.  GS1 ensures no barcode numbers are duplicated. They work on a subscription basis. Each year you need to pay a few hundred pounds to continue to use EAN 13, EAN8 and EAN 128 barcodes.   Back to top

Do I need to register with GS1? 

Yes you do. Without membership you'd have to buy your barcodes through a "legal loophole" company.  Legal loophole barcodes exist, but the biggest disadvantage is the  quality assurance move by large retailers to request proof of your GS1 membership when they set you up as a supplier.  Currently two of the large US supermarkets require proof of membership and one large Australian and New Zealand chain. Back to top

Are barcodes unique?

Yes - GS1 coordinate barcode globally and ensure no two barcode 'owners' are given the same number.  Back to top

Barcode Standards

Can I make the codes smaller?

You can make the codes smaller - but there are limits.  Generally the smallest size you can use is 85% of the standard sized code.  The barcodes we supply are standard sized.  If you wish to shrink or enlarge them, they should be done to barcode standards set by GS1.  Back to top

What do you mean by EAN13 EAN8, UPC A  etc.

There are two different types of bar code, barcodes for individual items i.e. the tin of baked beans or the individual carton of baby food these are called EAN13 or EAN8 and they are 8 or 13 digits long. Until a few years ago there were two organisations who issued barcode numbers, the UCC (the American organisation) and EAN (the rest of the world).  A few years ago the UCC and EAN merged to form GS1.  The UCC issued UPC codes. Both types of codes are compatible with the vast majority of barcode readers.  If you are seeking any specific barcode information we would be happy to answer your questions via email Back to top

Can I have different coloured barcodes?

We only supply black and white barcodes, but different colour combinations can be scanned - and meet barcode standards.  If you want different colour combinations check with GS1 what combinations meet EAN barcode standards (or GS1 Barcode standards) and will scan with a bar code scanner (not all combinations will).  Back to top

Do I need different bar codes for all my items? 

If the items you sell have different prices then you need different codes. However, if you want to keep track of different sizes or colours (or other specifications such as model no), then you would need different bar codes.  Sometimes retailers may  demand different codes for different colours etc. Check with the retailer in this case.  Back to top

Buying from Barcode Builder

How do I make a barcode?

You can get us to create your barcode for you or you can buy barcode generating software.  Email us to find out about barcode maker software. Back to top

Will I get a VAT receipt? 

What size file will I get?

What are the barcodes like?

They are produced at 600 dpi, black on white to the specifications laid down by the global standards organisation for bar codes. Our barcode generator will create a  barcode file in JPEG and EPS formats.  This covers the requirements of most designers.  Back to top

What do I do with my barcode graphic when I get it?

Save it somewhere safe (we can't provide replacements), email it on to your designer who will incorporate it into your packaging design. Back to top

Can you print sticky labels?

Yes, tell us how many you want, the label dimensions and we will provide you with a quote.  Email us now. Back to top

How much flexibility is there with your barcode generator?

Our EAN Barcode Generator is limited to the standard EAN barcode, although we can make barcodes of almost any size, shape or code.  If your requirements differ from EAN13 this, then contact us, and we will process your barcode online via email. Back to top