Tobias Reed, 4OVER4 cutting, binding and large format voice (illustration)
Tobias Reed Production Knowledge Lead at 4OVER4.COM

Tobias is our voice for cutting, binding and large format, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.

Question

How do I make sure my barcodes will scan after printing?

Answer

Most scanning failures trace back to the artwork rather than the printer. If you start with clean vector files and respect the quiet zones, your codes will read reliably off the press.

  • Use vector files - supply the barcode as EPS or SVG so the bar widths stay crisp at any size.
  • Keep high contrast - black bars on a white background is the most dependable combination.
  • Preserve quiet zones - leave the required clear margin on each side so the scanner can find the code.
  • Test before ordering - scan the file with a phone app to confirm it decodes correctly.

Avoid stretching or recoloring the code, and keep it clear of foil or heavy coatings that can throw off the read.

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