If you're planning to sell a product or service in a store that requires scanning, you'll need a barcode. Barcodes can be printed on labels for affixing to a product or directly on the packaging itself. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to obtain and print barcodes for your products in the UK.
Step 1: Generate a GTIN via GS1 UK
To begin, you'll need to generate a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) through GS1-UK, the authorised organisation for GTIN issuance in the UK. The first step is to apply for a GS1 UK membership to obtain your unique Company Prefix.
Step 2: Assign Your GTIN to Your Product
Once you've established your Company Prefix, you can proceed to assign GTINs to your products. If you offer multiple products with varying attributes, each one requires its own unique GTIN.
Step 3: Choose the Right Barcode Format
With your GTINs in hand, it's time to select the appropriate barcode format. The most common barcode types in retail are UPC-A and EAN-13.
Step 4: Create the Barcode
Generating a digital barcode is a straightforward process. Many websites offer barcode generation services; you'll need to provide the barcode data and specify the desired format. Afterwards, you can download the barcode file for printing.
Step 5: Printing Your Barcode
Once you have your barcode ready, it's essential to print it clearly and legibly. We recommend choosing the SVG file format for barcode generation. This format ensures that the barcode is vector-based, resulting in clear and precise printing. To enhance scanner readability, maintain a white background with black code lines for maximum contrast.
Selecting Your Print Material
Depending on your specific needs, there are various options for printing your barcode. Some prefer to print on stickers and then apply them to the product. Ideal choices for this approach include labels on a roll or stickers on a sheet. Be sure to have the necessary equipment for affixing the labels to your products.
Alternatively, you may opt to print directly onto the packaging. If you decide to order products like our printed hanging boxes, promotional boxes or lined heavy-duty cardboard boxes, you can seamlessly incorporate your barcode into the artwork. This not only simplifies the packaging process but also enhances efficiency during the packing process.