The Universal Packaging Code—a name that suggests the importance of the code. We frequently meet customers who are concerned with making sure their UPC information is created and printed correctly. While the process of creating the appropriate UPC to suit your needs may initially seem perplexing, Inovar Packaging Group is here to give you a breakdown of the process.
The UPC is the most universally recognized type of barcode. You probably know that it is a scannable code that consists of a series of vertical lines of varying widths, along with 12 numbers along the bottom that are unique to an individual product type. However, making sure your actual UPC on your label both meets national standards and does not reduce the aesthetic appeal of your label can be much more complex.
The first thing you will need is a UPC number. Your UPC number can be purchased through GS1 US. Their website will help you determine how many unique barcodes you will need and guide you through the purchasing process.
While you don’t have to create the barcode yourself from scratch, many customers come to us with concerns about sizing their UPCs appropriately. The required standard size of a UPC is 1.469 inches wide by 1.02 inches tall; however, a UPC can be shrunk up to 80% in size, making the smallest UPC 1.1752 inches wide by .816 inches tall. UPCs can also be increased in size up to 200%, so dimensions can reach 2.938 inches by 2.04 inches.
It is also essential that spacing around your UPC is properly maintained. We suggest a .25 inch minimum boundary around the barcode to ensure scannablity.
If you are unsure about your UPC placement or sizing, our prepress department can create the barcode based on your UPC number and place it into your existing artwork. If you are unable to incorporate a barcode into your artwork, there is also the option of creating a separate, discreet label with just the barcode.
You can’t underestimate the importance of having the proper barcode on your product. The team of experts at Inovar Packaging Group is here to help you every step along the way, and you need never worry about the print quality of any aspect of your label when you choose Inovar. We’re always available if you have any questions here!
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