Question
What barcode format should I use for retail products?
Answer
The right barcode format depends on where your product sells. Both common retail formats are linear barcodes that encode a unique product identifier for point-of-sale scanning, and you will need a GS1 company prefix before you can generate valid codes.
| Format | Use case |
|---|---|
| UPC-A | Standard for retail products sold in the United States and Canada |
| EAN-13 | Used for products sold internationally |
- Register for a GS1 company prefix first, then assign each product its own number.
- Keep the printed size within the recommended range so scanners read it reliably.
- The same code prints cleanly on labels, packaging, and hang tags.
Ready to order?
Get your retail hang tags printed at 4OVER4
Explore all Hang Tags at 4OVER4.
