Barcode Labels

Custom Barcode Labels for Retail, Shipping, and Product Packaging

What barcode labels are used for

Barcode labels carry a printed code that a scanner can read. Retail barcode labels let a store scan a product at the counter. Product barcode labels help a brand track stock, and shipping barcode labels help sort and track packages. Beauty and wellness brands use barcode labels on bottles, jars, tubes, and boxes, so that stores and warehouses can scan them. A barcode label can sit on its own, or be part of a larger label with a logo and product details. A barcode must scan reliably, so the size, contrast, and placement matter.

Sizes and how to measure

Barcode size is written as width x height, and the size affects how well the code scans. A code that is too small or has no clear space around it may not scan. Most retail codes need a minimum size and a quiet zone, the blank space on both sides of the code. To choose a label size, measure the flat area where the label will sit, and tell us the type of barcode and the amount of text. Place the label on a flat area, away from folds, seams, and curves, because a curved surface can distort a code.

Example sizes (approximate and for reference only; we confirm the exact size before you order):

• Small barcode label: about 1.5 in x 1 in
• Standard barcode label: about 2 in x 1 in
• Label with code and product name: about 3 in x 1.5 in
• Shipping size label: about 4 in x 6 in

Clear, waterproof, and other materials

Barcode labels come in white paper, clear film, and vinyl. White paper gives the best contrast for scanning. Clear barcode labels, also called transparent barcode labels, work on a light surface, but a code printed on clear film over a dark surface may not scan. Vinyl gives water resistance, and waterproof barcode labels suit products that meet water or damp storage. Outdoor barcode labels need a material that resists weather, and no label lasts forever in strong sun or rain, so tell us the use and test a sample. A matte finish scans more easily than gloss in strong light.

Printing and finishing

Print barcode labels with sharp, dark lines on a light background. Barcode labels printing needs a clean vector file, because blurred or stretched bars can fail to scan. Do not recolor the code in a way that lowers contrast. Black on white is the safest. Barcode labels stickers can combine the code with a logo, a product name, and a price, as long as the code keeps its size and its clear space. We print the barcode file you supply. We do not generate barcode numbers or check that a code is valid.

Printable barcode labels, blank barcode labels, and buying labels

Many people searching for printable barcode labels or blank barcode labels want sheets or rolls to print on their own printer. We print the barcode for you from the file you send, and the finished labels arrive ready to apply. Blank labels for a thermal or inkjet printer are a different product. If you want to buy barcode labels with your codes and your branding already printed, send us your file, and we plan the order.

Heat resistant barcode labels and scan testing

Some uses need labels that handle heat, such as hot filling or hot storage. Heat resistance depends on the material, the adhesive, and the printing method, and we do not promise it for every job. If you need heat resistant barcode labels, tell us the temperature and the use during the free consultation. For every barcode order, scan the sample or the proof with the scanner you will use, before you approve the order.

Labeling notes

Barcodes and product labels have their own rules, and what is required depends on your product, your retailer, and your market. You supply the barcode file, the numbers, and all text. We print the barcode you send. We do not generate, assign, register, or check barcode numbers, and we do not approve them for any retailer. You are responsible for the codes and for meeting retailer and legal requirements.

Orders from 50 units

Orders start at 50 units, which suits a new brand, a test batch, or a small giveaway. Larger orders cost less per label, and they can be planned in several sizes and designs. Share your expected yearly volume during the free consultation and we plan around it.

Artwork and dieline

We send a free dieline that shows the label size, the shape, the cut line, and the safe area, so you can see where your artwork goes and where text should stay clear. Supply artwork as a vector AI or PDF file with fonts outlined and images at 300 DPI in CMYK. If you have no artwork yet, free design support and a free consultation are included, and our team can help lay out the logo and the text from your brand colors. You review and approve the artwork before production starts.

How to order custom barcode labels

1. Choose your label size, shape, and material.
2. Order a $39 sample kit if you want to feel the stocks and test the fit first. The $39 is credited toward your order total.
3. Send your quantity, starting at 50 units.
4. Receive your free dieline and add your artwork, or ask for help.
5. Review and approve the artwork.
6. Production takes 6 to 8 business days after artwork approval, and your order ships free to one U.S. address.

The final price depends on label size, shape, material, quantity, printing, and finishing.

What comes with every order

• Free shipping to one U.S. address
• Free thank-you cards equal to the units ordered
• Free design support, free dieline, and free consultation
• Orders start at 50 units
• Eco-friendly materials sourced from certified suppliers