Barcode

Risk

If you do not create a separate layer for your barcodes, barcodes may not be detected correctly, causing the decoding to be invalid.

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Issue

Elements may obstruct the barcode, hiding the barcode from detection.

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Example

Solution

Do:

• Create a separate layer containing the barcode.
• Ensure barcodes are in a single layer.

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Don’t:

• Place barcodes underneath text or artwork.

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Tips

The following options detail how to create a barcode in Adobe InDesign:

1. Install the appropriate plug-in for the creation of barcodes.
2. Import a barcode in EPS format.

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Risk

If you do not place the barcode in a noticeable area, barcodes may not be detected correctly, causing the decoding to be invalid.

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Issue

A barcode may be placed over a carton edge, beneath a carton fold, beneath 

a package flap, or covered by another packaging layer, causing it to be 

obscured or damaged. 

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Example

Solution

Do:

• Ensure the barcode is placed >8 mm from the cut and fold lines.
• Ensure contents in another layer do not cover the barcode.
• Ensure the barcode is not obscured or damaged.

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Don’t:

• Place the barcode closer than 8 mm from the cut and fold lines.
• Place the barcode over a carton edge or beneath a package flap.
• Cover the barcode with text or artwork.

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Tips

The following options detail how to create a barcode in Adobe InDesign:

1. Install an appropriate plug-in for the creation of barcodes.
2. Import a barcode in EPS format.

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Risk

If you do not choose the optimum color combination for your barcodes, they may not be detected correctly causing the decoding to be invalid.

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Issues

• Barcodes may not be visible if they are not created using the optimum color 

combination.

• The lack of contrast in barcode colors can affect their readability.

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Example

Solution

Do:

• Create barcodes with dark colors (i.e. black, dark blue, dark brown, or dark 

green) for bars on a light background.

• Ensure the bars consist of a single line color.
• Use light colors for the background and dark colors for the barcode.

Don’t:

• Create barcodes using light colors.
• Create barcodes using red colors.
• Place dark barcodes on dark backgrounds. 

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Tips

See Appendix 08 Color Selection for Barcode Symbols.

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Risk

If barcodes are not created with the correct height, they may not be scanned correctly and therefore not detected.

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Issues

• Truncation (shortening the height of the bars) destroys the ability to scan a 

barcode omnidirectionally.

• A truncated barcode can only be scanned when the item is oriented in 

specific directions across the scanning beams.

• Alignment is affected if the height is reduced.

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Example

Solution

Do:

• Create UPC barcodes with magnifications based on the nominal (or 100%) size of 1.020” X 1.469”.

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Don’t:

• Reduce bars to a height of less than ½” tall.

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Tips

See Appendix 07 - UPC A Barcode Size Standards/EAN 13 Barcode Size Standards.

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Risk

If you do not respect the clear zone around a barcode symbol, they may be unreadable causing the decoding to be invalid.

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Issue

Clear zone violations can result in barcodes not being read, with loss of data 

leading to potentially disastrous effects on product and brand integrity. 

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Example

Solution

Do:

• Ensure the minimal clear zone for linear barcodes is 10 times the width of the narrowest bar or 0.25 inches, whichever is greater.

• Ensure the minimal clear zone for QR barcodes is five times the size of the 

module (the size of one of the black squares within the code).

• Ensure the minimal clear zone for Datamatrix barcodes is two times the size of the module.

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Don’t:

• Cover the barcode with text or artwork.

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Tips

See Appendix 07 - UPC A Barcode Size Standards/EAN 13 Barcode Size Standards.

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