A list of the the Most Common Barcode Types We Produce TO GS1 International Standards

There are many different kinds of barcode types in use and each has official specifications, below are some of the most commonly used in the retail and wholesale industry. The size of a barcode is governed by its Magnification Factor (M.F.), the standard size being 100%. For the EAN13, UPC, EAN08 symbol magnification factors are available between 80% and 200%. It is always recommended to order the largest barcode to suit your packaging as it will improve your scanning consistancy. All our barcodes are made to a GS1 international standard. We not only produce digital barcodes but also can quote on all your barcode labels as well.

EAN 13 Barcode

EAN13 is the most commonly used for numbering retail products within the European Countries. We produce this barcode to a GS1 international standard.
EAN13 is an internationally issued 13 digit barcode number, each comprising of a 2 digit country code (known as flag), a 5 or 7 digit manufacturers number, a 3 to 5 digit product number and the last number being calculated is called a check digit. The 13 digit symbol can also take on a 2 or 5 digit add on commonly known as the addendum barcode.

EAN 8 Barcode

EAN 8 is a separate short number containing only 8 digits which is issued in cases where space is limited. This short form is often chosen for in-house numbering schemes. We produce this barcode to a GS1 international standard.
EAN barcodes have a nominal height, which varies in proportion to the magnification factor; although in practice it is often adjusted. Shortening of the barcode height is not recommended. Depending on the point of sale the barcode may not be accepted due to high speed scanners now implemented in a number of warehouses.

Trade Units / ITF14/ITF Variable (Interleaved 2 of 5) Barcode

Trade Units where initially developed for use on outer cartons or cases containing a number of identical retail items. The materials and the methods of printing used for bulk packaging could not meet the specifications of EAN/UPC bar coding. A system that was more tolerant of print variation was required - hence the adoption of the Trade Unit barcode symbology was founded. Magnification are generally available from 50% to 100% for the ITF Variable family but some exclusions are allowed. We produce this barcode to a GS1 international standard.

ISBN's (International Standard Book Numbering) (10 Digit & 13 Digit ISBN) Barcode

ISBN's are printed on books. The number is encoded in an EAN symbol. It is identified by a three digit prefix. The prefix starts with 978 or 979 followed by a 9 digit or 12 digit book number followed by the check digit. We produce this barcode to a GS1 international standard.

ISSN's (International Standard Serial Numbering) Barcode

ISSN's are printed on magazines, newspapers and periodicals. The number is encoded in an EAN symbol. It is identified by the 3 digit prefix 977. The ISSN contains 13 digits followed by an optional 2 or 5 digit add on commonly known as the addendum. We produce this barcode to a GS1 international standard.

UPC (Universal Product Code) (12 Digit or 8 Digit UPC) Barcode

UPC is the code widely used for numbering retail products in the USA & Canada. The 12 digit number is encoded in the same way as a 13 digit EAN symbol; the two numbering systems having been designed to prevent conflict. UPC codes are compatible with EAN scanning systems, but UPC systems expecting no more than 12 digit numbers cannot verify EAN13 barcode symbols. We produce this barcode to a GS1 international standard.

CODE 39 Barcode

CODE 39 is a barcode which includes a complete series of alphanumeric characters, unique start and stop characters and seven special characters. It consists of three wide elements out of nine (hence the name Code 39). These nine elements are composed of five bars and four spaces each and can have up to 64 characters. We produce this barcode to a GS1 international standard.

CORRECT COLOR CONTRAST AND COMBINATIONS. Always void printing barcodes in colors with insufficient contrast.

(Correct Color Contrast combinations may not render properly in your web browser please use as a guide only.)

COLORS RECOMMENDED?

COLORS NOT RECOMMENDED?

Black on White
Yellow on White
Blue on White
Orange on White
Black on Orange
Red on White
Blue on Orange
Red on Light Brown

Green on White
Light Brown on White
Dark Brown on White
Black on Green
Black on Yellow
Black on Blue
Blue on Yellow
Black on Dark Brown
Green on Yellow
Black on Blue-Green
Green on Red
Blue-Green on Black