A misprinted or blurry barcode can cause warehouse receiving rejections, checkout scan failures, or FBA labeling penalties. Follow these technical guidelines to ensure your packaging barcodes scan perfectly every time.
1. Always Use Scalable Vector Files (SVG)
Never stretch or resize a low-resolution PNG image when designing product packaging. Raster PNGs pixelate during offset printing. Always supply your graphic designer or printing press with a vector SVG file.
2. Maintain Barcode Quiet Zones (Margins)
Laser and camera barcode scanners require empty white margins on the left and right sides of the barcode bars (known as Quiet Zones). Never place text, logos, or packaging borders directly against the outermost barcode lines.
3. Color Contrast & Ink Recommendations
Barcode scanners rely on red laser light reflection. The standard and safest print color is high-contrast black bars on a solid white background. Avoid printing red, yellow, or metallic foil barcode bars, as laser scanners cannot detect contrast on warm colors.