How to download, access and apply your barcodes purchased at India Barcodes. If you need to purchase barcodes, please visit our purchase page.
Your barcode package is sent to your email address immediately after purchase. Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see the email right away. If you have checked but you cannot find it please contact us.
1. Download your Barcode Package and unzip
Attached to your email is the ‘Barcode Numbers’ zip file folder. Download it to your device and extract the contents.
For PC users right click on the file folder and select “Extract here” or “Extract All”
For MAC users double click on the original attachment.
Extracted file contents –
- 2 sub-folders called ‘EAN-13’ and ‘UPC-A’. These contain the EPS, JPEG and TIFF barcode images.
- TXT file containing the barcode numbers list.
- OCRB font – Required to use the EPS file.
- GTIN Certificate
- Read Me TXT file
We suggest you store your Barcode Package on a trusted device and have it backed up on a SD Card or USB drive. If you have lost your Barcode Package please email us and we’ll resend it to you.
2. Add the barcode image to your product packaging artwork file
Select a barcode and image format – All of our packages come with a barcode numbers list and matching barcode image files. Firstly choose an unused barcode from your “Barcode Numbers.txt” list to assign to your product then include the matching digital image in your product artwork file. The supplied image files come in 3 formats: .EPS, .JPEG and TIFF at 100% magnification (standard GS1 size of 25.93 x 37.29mm). If you do not know which image format to use ask your graphic designer or printer.
It is important when placing your barcode image to stay within accepted barcode size & colour guidelines. You should not reduce the image size to less than 80% of this standard size or increase it over 200%. See our size specifications here.
Adding colour – Black over white is the best combination but there are many colour combinations that will still facilitate scanning. There are also some combinations that will stop scanning alltogether. Please take care if you intend to colourise your barcodes. See our colour guide for further guidance.
Avoid barcode placement errors – Correct barcode placement is crucial. Examples include:
– The barcode should be printed on a flat surface. It will not scan if wrapped around the edge of packaging or covered by shrink wrap.
– Ensure that design elements don’t interfere with the quiet zones. This is the white space on each side of the barcode. If the quiet zones are removed the barcode will not scan.
– For cylindrical products such as softdrink or food cans use a “ladder” orientation. The barcode is rotated 90 degrees to enable optimal scanning (appearing like a ladder). A curved surface will distort the barcode image in an upright or “picket” orientation.
Using labels – Many of our customers choose to print sticky labels to affix to their products. This is a good option if your packaging has already been printed. You can have stickers professionally printed or purchase a barcode label printer.
3. Test and print your product packaging
Do not skip this step. It is very important that you run a test scan to ensure your printing, size and colour combinations are scannable. At this stage you may wish to consider getting a Barcode Verification report as some major overseas retailers require one.
4. Register your barcode
Go to GTINlookup.org and add your product details along with the associated GTIN. This extra security layer helps ensure your code will never be stolen. It also means your product code can be entered into Google and return a search result of your product details. Most popular smartphone apps use Google’s index to serve results by default. Indexation is not instant. Please be aware that it can take several days before your product results can appear.
5. Send your product to your retailer
When you supply your product to a retailer they will ask you to provide all your product details along with the associated GTIN. On-boarding processes can differ between retailers as each retailer uses their own internal databases. Barcodes must have to be associated with a product in each and every POS system to recall information when scanning. We suggest setting up a spreadsheet that includes all your products and all your GTINs to send to your retailers.
Well done! The barcode is now physically assigned and connected to your product.
Please note: India Barcodes does not require any product information from you when purchasing barcodes. The numbers supplied are in an unused state and ready for your assignment.