Every physical and digital release we distribute requires a unique UPC (barcode). When you set up your release on our portal, you can either add your own barcode number if you have your own barcode prefix, or we can generate a barcode for you.
Ideally, all physical products should have a barcode printed on its packaging. Even 12″ singles should, ideally, have a barcode on one side of the label. Failure to include a barcode may cost you a 10p per unit stickering charge if we supply a customer who requires a barcode.
Here are some guidelines for creating and applying a barcode graphic to your artwork.
- Barcodes are scaleable. You can stretch them proportionally.
- The ABSOLUTE MINIMUM HEIGHT for a barcode is 16mm
- The ABSOLUTE MINIMUM WIDTH of a barcode is 25mm, but we recommend not using less than 32mm
- Barcodes require a “quiet area” of 4mm before the first bar, and 3mm after the last bar. We therefore recommend a total width of 39mm for your barcode (4mm + 32mm + 3mm)
- Orange, red and reverse (White out of Black) barcodes will not read.
- Barcodes should not contain half tones. If designing in CMYK, make your barcode 100% black. If you preview the colour seperations, the barcode should appear only on the black plate
- Black bars on a white background are preferred for barcodes.
- If colour is used, the bars must be a dark colour (e.g., dark blue, dark brown or dark green) and the background should be a light colour or one in the red family. If you find the inserted graphic too low res, or difficult to work with, you can use the site below to generate your own barcode from the actual barcode numbers
- Test the barcode on your artwork using a barcode reading app on your mobile phone.
On Line Barcode Generator
Make sure you select EAN13, and use at your own risk
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