Adding a barcode for product design is one of those steps that feels small but can completely change how your packaging looks. You might spend weeks perfecting colors, typography, and layout, only to realize a barcode still needs to fit in.
The good news? A barcode for product design doesn’t have to look like an ugly sticker. With the right placement, sizing, and contrast, it can blend naturally into your packaging while still meeting retail scanning requirements. This guide shows you how to add a barcode without ruining your design.
TL;DR
Adding a product barcode doesn’t have to ruin your packaging design.
- Place it on the bottom, back, or side panel where it’s functional but less visible.
- Use design tricks like matching colors, adding borders, and blending it with other elements.
- Keep it at least 1.2 inches wide, ensure strong contrast for scanning, and always test before mass printing.
- With smart placement and creative thinking, your barcode becomes part of the design instead of an eyesore.
Why a Barcode for Product Design Is Mandatory
Before we talk about placement, let’s cover the basics.
A barcode on a product serves three main purposes:
- Retailers can scan it at checkout
- You can track inventory easily
- Customers can look up product info quickly
Without a product packaging barcode, most stores won’t sell your item. It’s that simple.
Types of Barcodes for Product Design
Not all barcodes look the same, different types are used for different regions and purposes. The global standards for barcode formats are maintained by GS1, the authority on barcode specifications.
UPC Barcode for Product Design
- Most common in North America
- Has 12 numbers
- Works in grocery stores and retail shops
EAN (European Article Number)
- Used worldwide
- Has 13 numbers
- Similar to UPC but more global
Both formats follow global retail specifications defined by GS1, ensuring products scan correctly across stores and regions. UPC and EAN barcode standards are maintained by GS1.
QR Codes in Product Design
- Square shaped
- Can hold lots of information
- Customers scan with phones
Pick the right barcode of a product based on where you’ll sell it and always follow international barcode standards to ensure it scans properly at retail.
Where Not to Place a Barcode in Product Design
The key to adding barcodes for products is choosing the right spot.
Bottom of the Package
This is the safest choice. The barcode sits where customers rarely look. It scans easily at checkout but stays hidden on shelves.
- Best for: Boxes, bottles, and containers
Back Panel
Put your barcode for product design on the back with other required info like ingredients or instructions. Customers expect boring stuff on the back.
- Best for: Food items, cosmetics, and packaged goods
Side Panel
If your product sits on a shelf sideways, the side works well. Just make sure it’s the side that faces out.
- Best for: Books, DVD cases, and thin packages
Under a Flap
Some packages have flaps or tabs. Hide the barcode there. It stays protected and out of sight.
- Best for: Cardboard boxes and folding cartons
Design Tricks That Work
Now let’s talk about making that barcode look better.
Color Contrast Rules in Barcode for Product Design
Black bars on white background work best for scanning. But you have options:
- Use dark navy instead of pure black
- Try a cream background instead of white
- Make sure there’s strong contrast
Test your barcode with a scanner before printing thousands of packages.
Add a Border
A simple box around your product packaging barcode makes it look intentional. It says “this belongs here” instead of “we stuck this at the last minute.”
Border tips:
- Keep it simple
- Use colors from your design
- Leave white space inside
Minimum Barcode Size for Product Design
Barcodes can shrink to about 80% of standard size. Any smaller scanners struggle.
Standard UPC size: 1.5 inches wide x 1 inch tall Minimum size: 1.2 inches wide x 0.8 inches tall
Blend It In
Look at your design. Can you place the barcode where it naturally fits?
- Near other text blocks
- Along existing lines
- In a corner with other details
The goal is making it feel like part of the design, not an afterthought.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors ruin both design AND function:
- Putting it on curved surfaces The barcode stretches and won’t scan properly.
- Using colors that don’t scan red, orange, and yellow backgrounds cause problems. Stick with dark bars on light backgrounds.
- Making it too small, Scanners need minimum sizes to work. Don’t guess, check requirements.
- Covering it with plastic or glossy coating Shiny surfaces reflect light and confuse scanners. Use matte finish over barcodes.
- Placing it on seams or folds The barcode breaks when the package bends.
Creative Solutions
Some brands get really creative with barcodes for products:
Turn It Into Art
Make the barcode bars look like:
- Pencils for school supplies
- Trees for eco-friendly products
- Buildings for architecture magazines
The bars still scan, but they match your theme.
Use Negative Space
Instead of black bars on white, flip it. White bars on a dark background can work if there’s enough contrast.
Make It Interactive
Add text like “Scan me!” or a small graphic that makes the barcode feel purposeful.
Hide It Cleverly
Some packages use:
- Stickers that peel off
- Perforated sections that tear away
- Hidden flaps that lift up
Testing a Barcode for Product Design Before Printing
Before sending your file to print, make sure the barcode for product design meets print accuracy, bleed, and resolution standards. Following print-ready packaging design best practices helps prevent scanning errors, ink spread issues, and costly reprints.
Here’s how:
- Print a sample at actual size
- Take it to a local store
- Ask if they can test-scan it
- Try different angles and lighting
Most stores are happy to help. They want your barcode to work too.
Working With Your Printer
Talk to your printer early about the barcode for product design and its placement.
Ask these questions:
- What file format do they need?
- What resolution works best?
- Can they do test prints?
- Do they have barcode scanning tools?
Good printers help you avoid expensive mistakes.
When to Hire a Designer
Sometimes you need professional help. Hire a designer if:
- Your package has complex graphics
- You’re launching in multiple countries
- You need several barcode types
- You want custom barcode art
The investment pays off in better-looking packages that actually work.
Future-Proofing Your Design
Think ahead when adding a barcode for product design:
- Leave extra space around the barcode. You might need to change it later.
- Use digital files that are easy to update. Vector files work best.
- Keep notes about exact placement, size, and colors. You’ll need this info for reprints.
Key Takeaways
- Location matters most – Bottom and back panels keep barcodes functional but hidden from shelf view
- Size requirements are strict – Minimum 1.2″ x 0.8″ for scanning; don’t go smaller to save design space
- Contrast is critical – Dark bars on light backgrounds scan best; avoid red, orange, and yellow
- Test before printing – Take samples to stores for scan testing to avoid costly reprinting
- Creative solutions exist – Borders, artistic bar designs, and strategic placement make barcodes look intentional
- Each variation needs its own code – Different sizes and colors require unique product barcodes
Final Thoughts
Barcode for product design doesn’t have to ruin your design. With smart placement and creative thinking, it becomes just another element that works with everything else.
Start with a function, make sure it scans. Then add a style that matches your brand. Your beautiful packaging can have that necessary barcode. It just takes a bit of planning. From barcode placement to final print files, we design packaging that sells and scans. Start your packaging design with Design Shifu
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a barcode anywhere on my product?
No. It must be on a flat surface with enough white space around it. Most retailers require it on the back or bottom where scanners can easily reach it. Avoid curved areas, seams, and folds.
What happens if my barcode doesn’t scan at the store?
The cashier has to type the numbers manually, which slows down checkout. If it happens often, stores might refuse to stock your product. Always test your barcode before mass production.
Do I need different barcodes for different product colors or sizes?
Yes. Each variation needs its own unique barcode. A small red shirt and large blue shirt get different codes. This helps stores track exactly what’s selling.
Can I use the same barcode as another product?
Never. Each product barcode must be unique worldwide. You buy barcode numbers from GS1 or authorized resellers. Using someone else’s barcode is illegal and causes major problems.
How much does a barcode cost?
Through GS1, you pay a yearly fee starting around $250 for 10 barcodes. Third-party sellers offer single barcodes for $5-$30, but verify they’re legitimate before buying.
