This guide explains how to download, apply and assign barcodes purchased at Barcode Savers India. If you need to purchase barcodes please visit our buy barcodes page first.
When purchasing with us your barcode package is emailed automatically. If you don’t your purchase receipt email right away please check your spam or junk folder. If you have any delivery issues please email us directly and we can resend the package to you.
Step 1. Download and unzip the Barcode Package Folder
Download the received Barcode Package Zip file. This file is linked in the purchase receipt email and is named in the barcode number range you have purchased e.g. 0744109745003 – 0744109745997.zip Once downloaded extract the zip folder to access the file contents.
PC: Right click on the file folder and select “Extract here” or “Extract All”
Mac: Double click on the attachment to open.
For detailed instructions see How to open the zip folder
The extracted file folder includes:
- 2 sub-folders called ‘EAN-13’ and ‘UPC-A’ that contain additional sub-folders of the EPS, JPEG and TIFF barcode images
- TXT file containing the barcode numbers list
- OCRB font – This is required to be installed to use the EPS file correctly.
The pdf Certificate of GTIN Assignment is attached to the purchase receipt email.
! We recommend keeping your Barcode Package and Certificate of GTIN assignment in a safe location and backed up in case of a hard drive failure. Should you lose your barcode package or Certificate contact us by email and we can send you an archived copy.
Step 2. Add the barcode image to your product packaging artwork file
Our barcode number images are supplied in 3 high resolution formats (JPEG, TIFF and EPS). Include one of these formats into your product artwork file e.g. Adobe Illustrator (ai) or Photoshop (psd). If uncertain on which format to use discuss it with your graphic designer or print shop. The EPS version offers the highest resolution at 2540 dpi and thus the best flexibility for resizing.
You can now add the barcode image to your product packaging. It is important to meet barcode specifications and size guidelines to ensure the best scan. The minimum recommended size for EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes is 80% magnification, approx 30mm x 21mm. The maximum recommended magnification is 200% approx 74mm x 51mm.
Correct barcode placement is crucial. Examples include:
– Using a ladder orientation on cylindrical products such as softdrink, beer bottles, tin cans. The barcode is rotated 90 degrees (appearing like a ladder) for optimal scanning.
– Ensuring the barcode is printed on a flat surface – not wrapped around an edge of a box or printed on an uneven surface.
– Ensuring other design elements do not encroach on the quiet zones (white space either side of the bars).
If you intend to print your barcode using a custom colours please see our Barcode Colours page for acceptable combinations. Please note black bars on white background is ideal.
Alternatively you can print your barcodes directly to labels and manually affix them to your product. This is an ideal solution for customers with products that do not display a barcode. See Printing your Barcode to Labels for more.
Step 3. Print your product packaging
We suggest test scanning the printed artwork proof 1:1 scale before ordering mass print runs. At this stage you can optionally arrange a barcode verification report (or interim report) to ensure the barcode will scan correctly or identify any potential errors with the barcode placement. For more information see Printing Options and Barcode Verification.
Step 4. Send your product to your retailer
The barcode is now physically assigned and connected to your product. When first taking your product into inventory the retailer will enter the barcode number and any relevant product info into their system. When barcode is scanned at POS afterwards your product information will be returned by the system. Additional methods to ensure your retailer has the relevant information include:
– Submitting an Excel Sheet to your retailer that demonstrates your barcode assignments. This is useful when sending a large inventory e.g. 50 unique products and wish to include detailed product information. Excel allows for more columns information to be included such as size, price, ingredients etc. The retailer will manually enter the relevant information into their POS system so the product details will be returned when scanned at POS.
– Your retailer may require you to fill out a vendor form (or product information form) linking your product/company information to the unique barcode number. The retailer will transfer this information into their inventory system allowing your product to be scanned at POS.
Please note we don’t require any product information from you when purchasing barcodes. Numbers supplied are unused and ready for assignment by you.
Step 5. Register your barcode number and product data (optional/recommended)
You can ado register your barcode numbers and product details on gtinsearch.org and gtinlookup.org for free. Registering your barcode numbers and product data with online databases is optional but greatly increases the online visibility of your codes & products data. Entries on gtinlookup.org are regularly indexed by Google allowing many popular smartphone scanning apps to display the search results. Similarly entering your product info on Amazon, Ebay & Google Merchant listings will have the same effect of allowing Google to index your numbers. Furthermore this helps deter unwarranted or unauthorised use of your barcode numbers.
How to Buy Barcodes
1. Visit our buy barcodes page
2. Select the quantity of barcodes you need
3. Fill out your details, select the payment method and finalise
Once your purchase is completed you will instantly receive your barcode package via email. You can assign your barcodes to your products right away.