How to Make Barcode Labels for Products

A barcode label is part of a product’s operating information, not just a graphic. Retailers, warehouse teams, and customers depend on it scanning quickly. Plan the code, layout, and printing process together to avoid a label that looks good but fails at the scanner.

Use the format your channel requires

Retail products commonly use UPC-A or EAN-13. Internal product or batch labels often use Code 128. Start from the requirements of the system that will read the barcode, then use the Barcode Generator to create the correct symbol.

Make space for the barcode

Place the symbol on a flat, accessible part of the label. Leave a light, empty margin at both ends of a linear barcode. Keep promotional text, decorative borders, and product imagery outside that clear space.

Use a scannable visual treatment

Dark bars on a white or very light background are the safest choice. Avoid transparent, low-contrast, metallic, or glossy treatments. Do not stretch a barcode taller or wider out of proportion after creating it.

Print a real proof

Print on the final stock, using the final printer, at the intended size. Scan the proof with the devices used in your business. Check that the code scans from several angles and that the returned value is correct.

Create a product label barcode

Once your layout is ready, generate the barcode image and add it to your production file.