Print the EAN-13 at 80% to 200% magnification, with bars at least 18.29 mm tall at 80% [2]. Leave at least 11 modules of clear space on the left and 7 on the right [1]. Use one barcode on a smooth surface, never folded or creased around a corner and never over joints, perforations or seams [3]. Put it low on the back, preferably to the right, and avoid the bottom of the package [3]. Test a printed sample.
Buyer guide
Barcode size, quiet zone and placement on frame packaging
For printed cartons, use an EAN-13 within the 80% to 200% magnification range [2], keep at least 11 modules of clear space on the left and at least 7 on the right [1], and place it on a smooth area of the back, away from corners, creases and seams [3]. This guide gives the sizes and checks for frame cartons.
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Short answer
The short answer
How big the EAN-13 symbol must be
Barcode size is set by magnification, which scales the width of one module, called the X-dimension. GS1 Canada gives the range for EAN-13 as 80% to 200%, with an X-dimension of 0.26 mm to 0.66 mm [2]. At 100% the X-dimension is 0.33 mm [2].
Height scales with it. A symbol printed at 80% must have bars at least 18.29 mm tall, and a shorter symbol can fail certification because it is truncated [2]. GS1 Sweden lists a minimum, recommended and maximum X-dimension of 0.264, 0.330 and 0.660 mm for a consumer item [1]. Its outer packaging figures start higher, at 0.495 mm [1]. GS1 Sweden lists 18.28 mm as the minimum bar height for a consumer item [1]. The two guides differ by 0.01 mm (18.29 mm in [2], 18.28 mm in [1]); use the larger figure to be safe.
GS1 Canada allows 75% only for on-demand print processes such as direct thermal printing, provided bar height and quiet zone meet the 80% minimums [2]. For printed cartons, our suggestion is to plan on 80% or more, which is the standard lower limit [2].
GS1 Canada recommends 150% to 200% where scanning is automated, such as warehouses and distribution [2]. A frame carton may meet both retail checkouts and distribution, so ask your buyer which size they require before you finalise artwork.
Size at a glance
The table below shows the overall width including quiet zones and the minimum bar height at several magnifications. It is taken from the GS1 Canada reference [2]. Check your retailer's own rules too, because they may ask for more than the minimum.
Check the width column against the smallest flat panel on your own carton.
| Magnification (X-dimension) | Bar to bar width | Width with quiet zones | Minimum bar height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% (0.26 mm) | 25.08 | 29.83 | 18.29 |
| 100% (0.33 mm) | 31.35 | 37.29 | 22.86 |
| 120% (0.40 mm) | 37.62 | 44.75 | 27.43 |
| 160% (0.53 mm) | 50.16 | 59.66 | 36.58 |
| 200% (0.66 mm) | 62.70 | 74.58 | 45.72 |
Source: GS1 Canada EAN/UPC Symbol Reference [2], UPC-A/EAN-13 table, selected rows. Bar height is the minimum; widths are the dimensions at each magnification. Retailers may set their own rules.
The quiet zone: clear space the scanner needs
The quiet zone is the blank margin on each side of the bars. GS1 Sweden gives a left quiet zone of at least 11 times the X-dimension and a right quiet zone of at least 7 times, for both consumer items and outer packaging [1].
At 100% magnification the X-dimension is 0.33 mm [2], so by our calculation 11X is about 3.6 mm and 7X is about 2.3 mm at minimum.
Keep the quiet zones free of text, lines and logos (our suggestion). GS1 Canada gives black bars on a white background as the ideal, says to avoid red-spectrum colours for the bars because the scanner light source is red, and asks for a uniform, untextured background [2]. If the carton surface is coloured, textured or printed with a photo, print a white box under the symbol so the background stays uniform (our suggestion).
Where to place it on a flat frame carton
GS1 Sweden advises placing a consumer package barcode low on the back, preferably to the right, and avoid placing it on the bottom of the package [3]. It says to use one barcode per package [3]. The barcode must not be creased or folded around a corner, and it should sit on a smooth surface, never over joints, perforations or seams [3]. If film wraps the pack, the film joint must not cross the barcode [3].
The same guide says, if possible, to keep the symbol 8 mm to 100 mm from the package edge [3]. The same guide gives no separate rule for flat packages, so these points are our reading for a frame carton. Choose the largest smooth panel, keep the whole symbol and its quiet zones clear of flap overlaps and tape lines, and keep it away from glued seams.
If you ship framed art in an outer case, GS1 Sweden asks for at least one case side to carry a barcode and never the underside [3]. Where a retail frame is packed inside a shipper, make sure the inner barcodes cannot be read through the outer pack. GS1 Sweden says it should not be possible to read the barcodes of items packed inside [3].
Artwork and proof checks before printing
- Confirm the number is correct and the magnification your buyer requires, within the 80% to 200% range [2] (our suggestion).
- Where possible, place the symbol as vector artwork from your barcode software rather than a resized image (our suggestion), so the bars stay crisp. See our artwork file checklist for file basics.
- Show at least 11X on the left and 7X on the right as clear space on the dieline and keep it free of text and tint [1].
- Check the symbol against corners, creases and seams [3]; also keep it clear of fold lines and glue flaps (our suggestion).
- Keep the human-readable digits under the bars [2].
- Test a printed sample with a scanner before the full run.
For wider carton decisions, read private-label packaging and inserts. If you list on marketplaces, see own-label home decor for Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra. For how the number itself is issued in India, see GS1 barcodes, EAN-13 and GTIN in India.
This guide is general information based on three GS1 documents, two from GS1 Sweden and one from GS1 Canada. Confirm final rules with GS1 India or your retailer.
How this applies when you work with us
ArtzFolio is a private-label manufacturer in Noida serving businesses and brands only. Price, minimum order and lead time are confirmed in the quote, and we reply within 1 business day. Samples are paid, and the cost may be reimbursed or adjusted by agreement. Payment is 50% advance, with the balance as agreed, and our shipping term is EXW Noida. Send your artwork and barcode requirements through our contact page, or see pricing, minimums and lead times.
FAQ
Questions buyers ask
What is the smallest EAN-13 barcode I can print?
The lower limit for printed cartons is 80% magnification, an X-dimension of 0.26 mm with bars at least 18.29 mm tall, which gives a symbol 29.83 mm wide including quiet zones [2]. GS1 Canada allows 75% only for on-demand print processes such as direct thermal printing [2]. Cutting the height below the minimum can cause a failed certification check, so shrink the whole symbol rather than trimming the bars.
How wide is the quiet zone on an EAN-13?
GS1 Sweden gives a left quiet zone of at least 11 times the X-dimension and a right quiet zone of at least 7 times [1]. At 100% magnification the X-dimension is 0.33 mm [2], so by our calculation that is about 3.6 mm on the left and 2.3 mm on the right at minimum. Keep both sides free of text, lines and tinted backgrounds (our suggestion).
Where should the barcode go on a frame carton?
Put it low on the back, preferably to the right, and avoid the bottom of the pack [3]. The same guide gives no separate rule for flat packs, so on a frame carton use the largest smooth back panel and keep it away from seams and flaps (our reading).
Can the barcode wrap around a carton corner?
No. GS1 Sweden says the barcode must not be creased or folded around a corner, or placed over joints, perforations or seams [3]. On a frame carton, keep the whole symbol on one panel, clear of flap overlaps and tape (our suggestion).
Do I need a bigger barcode for shipping cartons than for retail packs?
Possibly. GS1 Sweden lists a higher minimum X-dimension for outer packaging, 0.495 mm, than for consumer items, 0.264 mm [1], and GS1 Canada recommends 150% to 200% where scanning is automated [2]. Ask your buyer which applies.
Does the barcode colour matter?
Yes. GS1 Canada says black bars on white are ideal and red-spectrum colours should be avoided for the bars because the reading light source is red. It also says backgrounds should be uniform in colour and opacity and free of texture, which can affect readability [2]. Print black bars on white. If the carton is coloured or textured, a white box under the symbol is a practical fix (our suggestion).
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