Barcode Test Sheet

Plastic Cards - Barcode

A barcode is a series of vertical lines that together represent different characters. When a barcode is scanned, the information is passed to a computer that decodes the data into a traditional format. A barcode can be linked to a database that can help you manage your loyalty, gift, and discount card programs. If you don't know what kind of barcode you should use, please contact your POS System provider (Point of Sales System) and ask them for the detailed information you need. When you call your system provider, ask them what number barcode you should use and also if there is a certain length or amount of numbers that need to be used.

TYPES OF BARCODES

There are many types of barcodes. The ones used most at the Plastic Card Center are Code128, Code 39, Code UPC-A and Code EAN 13. Some bar codes are fixed length like Code EAN 13 which only allows 13 digits and UPC-A which only allows 12 digits. Some bar codes can have numbers and alphabetic characters like Code 13 and Code 128 which allows you to encode all 128 characters.

POPULAR BARCODES

Code 39 is the most popular non-food standard because almost all barcode equipment reads Code 39. However, Code 39 could print a relatively long barcode so, it's not particularly efficient in barcode density. Code 128 has an efficient numeric packing scheme to produce very dense bar codes. Not all readers read Code 128, so before you commit to use this code, make sure that your reader is 128 capable.

The larger the width of the bars, the more space it takes to print the barcode. The thinner the bars and the spaces, the less space is required and the higher the barcode density. Lower density barcodes are more reliably printed and more consistently read than higher density barcodes. Look at the samples below of different densities:

BARCODE PLACEMENT

If you are submitting a print ready artwork but would like to add a barcode to your card, make sure to leave the correct space for it. Create a white box where you would like your barcode to be place. We will insert the barcode for you and e-mail you the proof for your review. Barcodes can only be printed on black.

If you would like to test your barcode reader, please download and print the Barcode Test Sheet. If your scanner is not able to scan any of the samples on the test sheet, contact your POS System provider to determine the kind of barcode you should use.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our representatives at our toll free number at 866.539.7231 or e-mail us.