Barcodes are constructed out of bars and spaces, with the bars giving little reflection (dark colour) and the spaces giving high reflectance (light colour). It is important that there is sufficient difference in reflectance between the two to allow the barcode reader to differentiate between bars and spaces.

The size of the bars and spaces is of great importance (in almost all symbologies the dimensions of the spaces are as relevant as those of the bars). Therefore great care should be taken that the barcodes are created using appropriate software to ensure the integrity of the barcode structure is kept.

Different Methods for Creating Barcodes
Barcodes are generally created either as origination artwork (which generally will eventually be used to create printing plates), or in labelling software (for use with label printers).

The main two methods for obtaining an accurate barcode image, whether for labels or for artwork, are:

1) To use a reputable bureau service to supply you with the barcodes.

2) To purchase a barcode generation software package to enable you to create your own barcodes as necessary.

Artwork Bureau Services
Using a bureau service is a common choice for many users because there is no initial outlay and very little knowledge of barcoding is needed. Please make sure that you use a reputable company who provides full verification services to ensure that the quality of their barcodes meet the required standards.

You will generally have a choice of having your barcode supplied on Film to strip into your artwork (this can be positive or negative), on Bromide or as an electronic file (in Mac or PC format) which can be sent on disk or via e-mail/ISDN.

Generally you will need to supply the bureau with the type of barcode you require, the numbers for the barcode and space you have available. They may also need to know the type of printing process you will be using and the resolution of your Imagesetter in Dots Per Inch. A test disk can be supplied that ensures a correct specification for digital codes.

If you are unsure about anything the Bureau Service staff will generally be happy to help and you do not need to get involved in the technicalities of creating the barcode yourself. To obtain a list of reputable sources contact the e-centre or look at the Axicon range.

Barcode Artwork Generation Software
If you are looking at producing a large number of barcodes then it may be more economically viable to consider purchasing your own barcode generation software, but be aware that you will probably need a higher level of barcode and printing technology knowledge. It is of utmost importance that the software is from a reputable company to ensure the barcodes are produced accurately.

There are packages available at varying cost but the more expensive packages are well worth considering. They usually offer a lot more inbuilt checking to help guard against sub-standard barcodes, as well as useful extra features such as; a wide range of symbologies, ability to create sequential runs, UCC/EAN-128 assistance, Bar Width Adjustment capabilities etc.

To obtain a list of reputable sources contact the e-centre or look at the Axicon range.

Barcode Label Bureau
If you wish to apply your barcode in label form one alternative is to purchase labels directly from a bureau, this way the bureau will generally create the barcode for you and all you have to do is tell them what you need the label to contain. When using bureau services make sure that the quality of the barcode label is high and that the barcodes are verified by the bureau, a list of recommended suppliers can be obtained from the e-centre, or look at the Axicon range.

Barcode Label Generation Software
If you wish to create barcode labels for printing out on Thermal Transfer/Direct Thermal printers, barcode labelling software can be purchased. This software will generally allow you to design your label (including text and graphics etc) and to create a range of different barcodes. Again it is important to purchase software from approved companies who have built in quality checks to help you produce correct barcodes, (again contact the e-centre for help, or see the Axicon range). Information on relevant printers can be found in the next section.