User Guide

Using Your Barcodes Purchased from Barcode Savers

Step 1: Download and Unzip the Barcode Package Folder

After completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with a .zip folder containing your barcode package. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or email us for help.
Download the “Barcode Numbers.zip” file and right-click to select “Extract Here” or “Extract All” to access the contents. For detailed instructions, see our How to Open the .zip Folder guide.

Step 2: Add the Barcode Image to Your Product Packaging Artwork

We supply barcode images in three high-resolution formats: JPEG, TIFF, and EPS. Use one of these formats in your product artwork file (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop).
The EPS format offers the highest resolution (2540 dpi) and the most flexibility for resizing. If you’re unsure which format to use, consult your graphic designer, print shop, or feel free to reach out to us.

Ensure you meet Barcode Size Guidelines for optimal scanning:

  • Minimum size: 80% magnification, approx. 30mm x 21mm
  • Maximum size: 200% magnification, approx. 74mm x 51mm

Barcode Placement Tips:

  • Cylinder-shaped products (e.g., bottles, cans): Use a ladder orientation (rotated 90 degrees) for best scanning results.
  • Flat surfaces: Ensure the barcode is printed on a flat surface, not on curved or uneven packaging.
  • Quiet zones: Keep the white space on both sides of the barcode clear of design elements.

If you plan to print your barcode using custom colors, please refer to our Barcode Colours page for acceptable combinations. The optimal color scheme is black bars on a white background.

Alternatively, you can print the barcode directly onto labels and affix them to your product. This is an ideal solution for items that don’t display a barcode on their packaging. Learn more in our Label Printing section.

Step 3: Print Your Product Packaging

Before starting mass production, we recommend performing a test scan of your artwork at 1:1 scale to ensure the barcode scans properly.
At this point, you can request a barcode verification report to check for scanning issues or placement errors. For more information, see Printing Options and Barcode Verification.

Step 4: Send Your Product to Retailers or Distributors

Once your barcode is printed and placed on the packaging, it is linked to your product. When a retailer first scans your product, they will enter the barcode and relevant product information into their system. Each subsequent scan at the Point of Sale (POS) will return the product details.

To help retailers manage your products:

  • Submit an Excel Sheet: This helps if you’re sending large quantities of products, detailing barcode assignments, sizes, prices, ingredients, etc. The retailer will manually enter this data into their POS system.
  • Vendor/Product Information Form: Some retailers may require you to complete a form linking your product/company details to the barcode. They will use this information to update their inventory system.

Note: We do not require product details when you purchase barcodes. The barcode numbers provided are unused and ready for assignment. This applies whether you purchase from us, GS1, or any other reseller.

Step 5: Register Your Barcode Numbers (Optional but Recommended)

You can register your barcode numbers and product information on gtinlookup.org for free.
While optional, registering your barcode increases the visibility of your products online and helps prevent unauthorized use of your codes. You can also add your product details on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Google Merchant Listings to improve online discoverability.