Barcode Art is barcodes that are incorporated into an image, so they can be used as both a retail barcode while still fitting and looking good with the product packaging. Some examples of this are below:
Things to consider when making Barcode Art:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating barcode art
- You should have a scannable portion of the barcode that is at least as big as the official barcode dimensions. There shouldn’t be anything cutting into this or overlaying it. Generally it is better to have something growing out of the barcode.
- You should consider the quiet zones on either side of the barcode and ensure these meet specifications – Basically that means you can’t have anything printer directly next to the barcode.
- You need to have the numbers visible. Some of the above examples don’t have this, so wouldn’t really work as retail barcode are.
- The level of contrast between the bars and the background is important. So ideally you would have black bars and a white background, but may be able to have very dark coloured lines with a light coloured background (warm colours are best for the background and cold colours are best for the lines).
Where to get a barcode?
Barcodes can be purchased through either GS1-UK (who charged joining fees and annual membership fees), or through barcode resellers (who sell barcodes for a one-off cost). The best barcode resellers are members of The International Barcodes Network. There are a couple of members of this in the UK, these are barcode1.co.uk and buybarcodes.co.uk.