The use of barcodes is the quintessential coding method for products intended for sale. This simplified method of identification makes each product unique, even if they are identical.
The barcode allows companies to better manage their inventory, stocktaking, and accounting. Where can you find a barcode on a product? Here are some answers.
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Location of the barcode
For the barcode to be visible and readable, it must be printed in the correct size and placed in the right spot on the product. Indeed, the barcode is most often displayed on the back of your items.
The size of the barcode and its readability
The size of the barcode determines its readability. This depends on the quality of the chosen format. That’s why the PNG barcode is recommended. Indeed, the PNG format preserves the quality of the barcode image even when it is reduced. However, the nominal size of a barcode cannot be reduced below 20%, but it can be enlarged up to 200%.
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Where to place a barcode on packaging?
The way to place the barcode may sometimes vary depending on the type of packaging. But it is always advised to place it on the back of the product and as close to the center as possible.
The barcode is generally placed on the natural bottom of your packaging. If the packaging bottom is not natural, like paper towels, the barcode is printed on the flattest part of the packaging once filled.
As for packaging with convex bottoms, such as bottles, the barcode may sometimes be found on the side. The same applies to trays, where you might find the barcode on the lid, provided it does not exceed half an inch in depth.
For shell packaging, their barcode is printed on the front. Some of these barcodes are directly readable, while you may need to tilt the packaging to read them.
The location of the barcode on certain items
Certainly, the best location to place a barcode is the back of the item. However, it may happen that this guideline is not followed for certain items such as:
- books;
- CDs, DVDs, and others;
- video games, etc.
Here’s what you need to know about these items so you don’t get lost searching for their barcode.
Location of the barcode on books
In the absence of a barcode, books benefit from a ISBN coding. Thus, if you do not find the barcode on the back of a book, you will certainly see its ISBN. This is most often printed either on the first pages of the book or on the last pages.
Location of the barcode on CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
For these types of items, the barcode can be found either behind the cover or in the booklet. So don’t waste your time looking for the barcode elsewhere for these items.
As for video games and software, their barcode is usually found on the back of their packaging.