LINKMINT / LEARN
Choosing a barcode format
Match the barcode to the system that will read it.
Internal labels and retail products
For an internal inventory value such as ITEM-001, CODE 128 is a useful starting point if your scanner and software support it. Retail systems may require EAN-13 or UPC-A product identifiers. Creating an image does not register a product or reserve a globally unique number.
Formats available in LinkMint
- CODE 128: for supported text values, including mixed letters and numbers.
- CODE 39: for its restricted set of uppercase letters, digits and symbols.
- EAN-13 / EAN-8: numeric formats with a check digit.
- UPC-A: a numeric format commonly used in retail systems that accept UPC.
- ITF-14: a numeric format used for item identifiers in systems that support it.
The tool shows the accepted length and characters when you choose a format. Follow that hint; a check digit validates the number structure, not the ownership or commercial validity of the identifier.
Before printing a batch
- Confirm the format required by your receiving system.
- Use an assigned identifier when a retailer or marketplace requires one.
- Keep bars dark, preserve the surrounding white space and avoid resizing that blurs the edges.
- Scan a sample with your actual scanner and check the value received by your software.
A barcode that scans successfully may still be rejected by a retailer if the identifier is not accepted in their catalogue.