How to Make Barcode Stickers: Types, Materials, and Key Points

Barcode stickers can be used for sales and inventory management when scanned. In fact, there are many types of barcodes, and some require compliance with standards, so caution must be exercised when creating them.

This article explains the types of barcode stickers, how to create them, and the key points to note. If you are considering creating barcode stickers, please use this as a reference.

Our company, a printing firm specializing in labels and stickers, also offers the creation of barcode stickers and QR code stickers. If you have concerns regarding material selection or quality, please feel free to contact us using the link below.

Types and Characteristics of Barcodes

There are approximately 100 types of barcodes in the world, and they are used in various fields such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics.

Below, we have summarized the main types and characteristics of barcodes.

Type	Characteristics
JAN (EAN/UPC)	• Universally usable worldwide • JAN is the Japanese term • EAN is the international term • UPC is used in the USA and Canada • Attached to a wide range of products such as those in supermarkets and convenience stores
ITF	• Used in the logistics industry • A barcode applied to packaged cardboard boxes, etc., for shipment identification
CODE128	• Encodes information such as expiration dates, manufacturing dates, weight, and dimensions • Used in the Japanese chain store association, frozen food industry, and medical industry
CODE39	• Used as an industrial barcode capable of representing item numbers • Includes not only numbers but also alphabets and symbols • Used in the automotive and electrical industries
NW7	• A traditional barcode expressed with numbers, alphabets, and symbols • Suitable for inventory and warehouse management • Used for managing books, on shipping labels for courier services, and for blood management

How to Make Barcode Stickers 1: DIY

Barcode stickers can be made DIY. By purchasing dedicated paper and printing with a home printer, you can create them in small quantities.

There are two methods for creating barcodes yourself:

Create Using Excel

Excel in Office365 and Excel2021 comes with a barcode creation feature, accessible via the “Developer” tab. If the “Developer” tab is not displayed, installing “Microsoft Access 2016 Runtime” makes it possible to create barcodes.

Creating barcodes using Excel is performed using the following steps:

※ The procedure may vary depending on the version of Excel.
※ Not available on Mac (Excel for Mac).

Create Using Tools/Apps

If you want to create barcodes easily, using a dedicated tool or app is recommended. These tools are designed to facilitate the creation, editing, and printing of barcodes.

There are also free tools available, so please check them out.

Once the barcode is complete, the next step is printing. DIY barcodes can be printed with a home printer. However, DIY methods typically yield lower quality compared to ordering from a printing company. If you require barcode stickers for products, it may be worth considering outsourcing to a printing company.

How to Make Barcode Stickers 2: Outsource to a Printing Company

If DIY is difficult or if you need to create barcode stickers for products, it is recommended to outsource to a sticker printing company.

Printing companies conduct consultations to determine the appropriate materials and printing methods, enabling them to create barcode stickers that meet your requirements.

However, while many printing companies can produce stickers, they do not generate barcodes, so you must provide the barcode yourself.

The main steps when outsourcing to a printing company are as follows:

When outsourcing, providing details such as quantity and intended use will result in a more accurate quotation.

Additionally, if you are unsure about selecting the right material or adhesive, one of the advantages of a printing company is that you can consult with staff who possess expert knowledge. By enlisting professional help, you can create barcode stickers of higher quality.
Our company, a printing firm specializing in labels and stickers, is here to help. If you are considering using stickers to build your brand image or differentiate your products, please feel free to contact us via the Contact page.

Structure and Reading Method of JAN Codes

JAN codes are the barcodes found on products when we shop. Here, we introduce the structure of the most familiar barcode, the JAN code.

A JAN code consists of vertical lines and small numbers. Specifically, it is a barcode represented by four types of lines with varying lengths and thicknesses. The combination of these lines allows for the management of specific product information.

The numbers in a barcode have meaning and are structured in the following order from left to right:

1. GS1 Business Code (Country Code / Manufacturer Code)
2. Product Item Code
3. Check Digit (a number used to verify that the barcode is read correctly)

When a barcode is scanned with a barcode reader, the light emitted by the reader instantly reads the barcode. This mechanism enables the management of product information.

Materials Used for Barcode Stickers

The material for barcode stickers is chosen based on factors such as intended use, duration of use, and cost.

The main materials used and their characteristics are as follows:

Material	Characteristics
Art Paper	• A material coated with pigment on the surface, giving a slight gloss • Used for product labels on items such as food and cosmetics • Smooth texture
Mirror Coated Paper	• Even glossier than art paper • Features a beautiful white and is used for photographs and catalogs • Has a smooth, sleek surface
PET	• Polyester film is well-suited for barcode stickers • Polyester is excellent in strength, durability, and chemical resistance • Offers a smooth tactile feel
High-quality Paper	• Used for barcode labels and food labeling • Less glossy than coated paper, resulting in a more subdued appearance • Has a crisp texture similar to copy paper
Yupo	• A synthetic paper made from plastic, excellent in durability and weather resistance • Recommended for barcode stickers on refrigerated or frozen products • Features a matte and crisp texture

By choosing a material that suits the intended use and conditions, you can create long-lasting stickers.

Four Key Points to Consider When Creating Barcode Stickers

When creating barcode stickers, the main points to note are the following four:

Point 1: Clearly Distinguish Between the Background and the Barcode Colors

Barcode stickers are generally printed in black on a white background. Clearly distinguishing the colors is essential for accurate data recognition. Light or pale colors can cause reading errors, so they should be avoided.

Many barcode readers use red light to scan barcodes. Therefore, if a barcode is printed in red, it may blend with the reader’s light, making it difficult to scan.
When creating barcodes, it is recommended to use a white background and print in 100% black. However, if you wish to alter the barcode colors, navy blue or dark green can also be used. If you have concerns about barcode color schemes for branding or packaging, please feel free to contact us via the Contact page.

Point 2: Choose the Appropriate Material

For barcode stickers, the ability to be accurately scanned is most important. They must not only look good but also be properly printed and functional.

Selecting a material that allows for clear printing is vital for accurate barcode reading. Additionally, choosing a material suited to the intended use can help avoid issues such as dirt or peeling. Consider functionality and durability when selecting the appropriate material.

Point 3: Adhere to Barcode Standards

When creating barcode stickers, there may be size regulations. For example, for JAN codes, the standard size is 37.29mm in width by 25.93mm in height. This size can be scaled from 0.8 times to 2 times and applied to various products and packages.

When creating barcodes yourself, it is essential to research the relevant standards in advance and acquire the necessary knowledge.

Point 4: For JAN Codes, Register Them

When creating a JAN code, it is necessary to complete a new registration process for the GS1 Business Code. This registration is carried out by the business that owns the product brand.

A JAN code must include numbers that indicate which business and which product it represents. However, if a code has already been assigned, no new registration is necessary.

The business that owns the product brand is identified by applying to the Distribution System Development Center (GS1 Japan), which indicates which business and product it is. When creating a JAN code, be sure to complete the application.

Let’s Create High-Precision Barcode Stickers

Barcode stickers serve the role of recording product information via machines. While DIY is possible, it is crucial to adhere to the correct colors, materials, and standards when creating them. To ensure that information is read accurately, they must be properly produced.

By outsourcing to a printing company, you can benefit from professional expertise and experience, consulting on superior materials and adhesives as needed. Additionally, processing can be tailored to the intended use.

Our company, a printing firm specializing in labels and stickers, also creates barcode stickers and QR code stickers. If you have concerns regarding material selection or quality, please feel free to consult us using the link below.