Custom Printed Barcode Labels

Custom printed barcode labels provide a convenient way to add scannable product, stock and asset information to packaging, boxes and equipment. Your labels can include a barcode, identifying number, product description, price or simple business details.

They are suitable for retail, warehouses, offices, manufacturers, stock rooms and online sellers. Barcode labels are supplied on rolls for quick application, with orders starting from 100 labels.

What can barcode labels be used for?

Custom barcode labels can support a wide range of identification and tracking applications, including:

• Retail product identification
• Stock and inventory control
• Asset and equipment references
• Warehouse location labels
• Product codes and SKUs
• Books, documents and archives
• Storage boxes and shelving
• Order and batch identification
• Packaging and dispatch operations
• Membership and admission systems

Fixed barcode labels

A fixed barcode label carries the same barcode and information on every label within the order. This is suitable when one product, stock item or reference needs to be labelled repeatedly.

Your design can include the barcode, its human-readable number, a product name and other fixed information. Make sure the supplied barcode represents the correct data before approving the artwork.

Sequential and variable barcode labels

If every label requires a different barcode, serial number or reference, you will need variable-data printing. This is useful for individually identifying assets, stock items, membership records or products.

Variable barcode orders may require a spreadsheet containing the information for each label. Please contact us before ordering so we can check the barcode type, data format, sequence and required quantity.

Common barcode formats

We can print artwork containing common barcode types such as EAN, UPC, Code 39, Code 128 and QR codes, provided that the supplied design and data are suitable for the intended system.

Different barcode formats have their own rules covering dimensions, data and clear space. The organisation using the labels is responsible for choosing the correct barcode type for its equipment, software, retailer or supply chain.

Barcode numbers and GS1 registration

StickyLabels prints the barcode information supplied by the customer but does not automatically issue or register retail barcode numbers.

If your product requires an official GTIN, EAN or UPC for retail distribution, you may need to obtain the number from GS1 UK or another authorised source. Check the requirements of your retailer or distributor before creating the artwork.

Designing a barcode that scans clearly

For reliable scanning, use dark bars against a plain, light background. Black printing on white material normally provides strong contrast and avoids the complications caused by transparent, patterned or dark surfaces.

Do not stretch, squash, crop or redraw a barcode without confirming that the finished proportions remain valid. Avoid placing text, borders or artwork inside the clear area surrounding the code.

Leave enough quiet space

Most linear barcodes require an unprinted clear area, often called a quiet zone, on both sides. Scanners use this space to recognise where the barcode begins and ends.

The required quiet zone depends on the barcode type and its final size. Keep unrelated text, borders and logos away from this area.

Choose a suitable barcode label size

Barcode labels are available in a range of preset sizes, including 37 × 24mm, 49 × 22mm, 51 × 29mm, 62 × 38mm, 74 × 24mm, 76 × 49mm, 89 × 36mm, 90 × 49mm, 102 × 75mm and 154 × 80mm.

Rectangular labels are normally the most practical choice for linear barcodes. The best size will depend on the barcode format, the amount of data encoded and the distance from which it needs to be scanned.

Reducing a barcode too far may make the bars or spaces difficult for a scanner to distinguish. Always test the final design with the equipment and software that will be used.

Barcode labels with text and logos

Your design can include a product name, stock reference, price, business details or a simple logo alongside the barcode. The barcode itself should remain the strongest and clearest part of the design.

Use a readable font for the number printed below the barcode so the information can still be entered manually if scanning is unsuccessful.

Barcode labels supplied on rolls

Custom printed barcode labels are supplied on rolls, making them convenient to store, peel and apply. Rolls are suitable for hand application in shops, offices, stock rooms, warehouses and packing areas.

If the labels will be applied using machinery or a dispenser, contact us before ordering to discuss roll direction, core size and other production requirements.

Applying barcode labels

Apply each label to a clean, dry and reasonably smooth surface. Avoid placing barcodes across a corner, seam, ridge or tightly curved area, as distortion can affect scanning.

On cylindrical products, position a linear barcode so its bars remain as flat and undistorted as possible. We recommend testing the label on the actual product before ordering a larger quantity.

Paper barcode labels for indoor use

Standard paper barcode labels are suitable for dry indoor applications such as retail packaging, boxes, files and stock-control systems. They are not waterproof and may be affected by condensation, oils, abrasion and cleaning products.

If your barcode labels will encounter refrigeration, water, outdoor weather or regular cleaning, contact us about a more durable vinyl or laminated option.

Check every barcode before production

Barcode performance depends on the original data, barcode format, printed size, contrast, application surface and scanning equipment. A barcode that scans on a screen may not necessarily work at every printed size.

Test the supplied barcode artwork and carefully check every encoded number before approving the proof. StickyLabels reproduces the information supplied but cannot confirm that the code is registered, correctly assigned or compatible with every scanning system.

Preparing your barcode artwork

For the clearest result, supply barcode artwork as an editable vector file or a high-resolution image at 300dpi. Avoid low-resolution screenshots and compressed images that can soften the edges of the bars.

Keep important wording and artwork at least 1–2mm inside the finished label edge. The barcode’s own quiet zone must be maintained in addition to this general safe area.

Custom printed barcode labels made in the UK

StickyLabels is a family-run UK label manufacturer established in 1973. We print barcode labels for retailers, manufacturers, warehouses, offices and organisations, with orders starting from 100 labels.

Standard production normally takes 1–2 working days, with tracked and express UK delivery services available at checkout.

If you would like to check your barcode and layout before production, request a PDF proof when placing your order. Once the proof has been approved, we will print and prepare your labels for dispatch.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit the StickyLabels homepage to explore our complete range of custom labels and stickers.