Commonly Asked Barcode Questions
How do I get a UPC code?
First, you must register as a member of the Uniform Code Council. You will be assigned a prefix to use as your companies identifying number within each UPC number. After receiving your USS company prefix, you will need to assign each item an item reference number. Every item you sell must have a different reference number.
Link to Uniform Code Council
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Can I print my own bar codes?
Yes, but it is important that the bar codes are verified. Verification is the means to insure accuracy against a measurable industry standard. What that means is that verification is a way to make sure that anyone can scan that bar code you just printed.
Verification vs. Validation
Verification is a means of insuring accuracy of a bar code against a measurable standard. If a bar code passes a verification test, any scanner should be able to scan that same bar code.
Validation only tests a bar code against a specific scanner. Validation is NOT verification. If your customer uses a scanner other than the one you use to validate your print job there is a chance that it will not scan.
To see parameters tested by a verifier, download the Print Quality Guide (pdf - 1,303kb).
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A common question is how do I know my label will scan at a certain distance?
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Depth of field
We have attached a ditance vs. bar code density chart to help you determine the proper bar code for your application. These results are base off the PSC laser scan engine.
| TYPE OF SCANNER |
Paper
Labels |
Barcode
Density |
Standard
Range |
High
Density |
Long
Range |
Extra Long
Range |
| |
3 mil |
N/A |
1.0" to 2.0" |
N/A |
N/A |
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4 mil |
N/A |
1.0" to 3.0" |
N/A |
N/A |
| |
5 mil |
N/A |
0.8" to 3.8" |
N/A |
N/A |
| |
7.5 mil |
3.0" to 6.0" |
0.6" to 4.5" |
8" to 13" |
N/A |
| |
10 mil |
1.5" to 15.0" |
0.2" to 5.5" |
7" to 20" |
N/A |
| |
15 mil |
1.0" to 25.0" |
N/A |
7" to 32" |
3.3' to 5.0' |
| |
20 mil |
1.0" to 35.0" |
N/A |
5" to 4' |
2.3' to 6.0' |
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40 mil |
|
N/A |
8" to 7' |
2.3' to 12.0' |
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55 mil |
|
N/A |
15" to 9' |
3.3' to 15.0' |
Reflective
Labels |
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40 mil |
N/A |
N/A |
22" to 8.3' |
3.3' to 15.0' |
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70 mil |
N/A |
N/A |
3.3' to 15.0' |
6.7' to 24.0' |
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100 mil |
N/A |
N/A |
3.8' to 22.0' |
6.7' to 36.0' | |
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