Professional
Inventory Labels
A barcode is only as good as the material it's printed on. From warehouse racking to frozen storage, learn how to select the right label specs to ensure a 100% scan rate in any environment.
Selecting the Right Substrate
Paper Labels
Best for short-term retail and indoor shipping. Cost-effective but prone to tearing and smudging if exposed to moisture.
Standard Shipping
Polypropylene (BOPP)
A synthetic plastic material that is water-resistant and scratch-proof. Ideal for long-term inventory and pharmacy labels.
Warehouse Bins
Polyester (PET)
Extremely durable. Resistant to chemicals, high heat, and outdoor UV exposure. Used for asset tagging and industrial machinery.
Industrial Assets
Thermal vs. Laser Printing
Direct Thermal
Uses heat-sensitive paper. No ink or toner required. Great for shipping labels but will fade over time if exposed to heat or sunlight.
Thermal Transfer
Uses a carbon ribbon to "melt" the image onto the label. This creates the most permanent, high-contrast barcode possible.
Laser Printing
Good for small startups using sheeted labels (Avery style). However, the heat of the fuser can sometimes cause adhesive to bleed, which may damage the printer.
How to Choose the Right Barcode Printing Method
Longevity and scan-reliability depend on the technology used to apply the image.
Direct Thermal for Short-Term
Use for high-volume shipping where labels only need to remain readable for 7-14 days. This method uses heat-sensitive paper, eliminating the need for ink or ribbons, making it the most cost-effective solution for logistics.
Technical Note:
Labels will blacken if exposed to high heat or fade if left in direct sunlight.
Thermal Transfer for Long-Term
Choose for warehouse inventory or assets where labels must resist fading for years. It uses a resin or wax ribbon to "transfer" the image onto synthetic materials, resulting in a permanent, smudge-proof barcode.
Technical Note:
Required for BOPP or Polyester materials. Unmatched contrast for high-speed scanners.
Laser Sheet Printing for Startups
A cost-effective way to print barcode labels using standard office equipment and die-cut sheets (e.g., Avery). Best for low-volume retail startups or office filing where industrial hardware isn't yet feasible.
Technical Note:
Avoid printing "all-black" barcodes on cheap laser paper; toner may flake, causing scan errors.
Standard Label Dimensions
| Use Case | Standard Size (Inches) | Recommended Symbology |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Label | 4" x 6" | Code 128 / GS1-128 |
| Retail Shelf Tag | 2.25" x 1.25" | UPC / EAN |
| Small Asset Tag | 1.5" x 0.5" | Data Matrix / QR |
Precision Assets for Printing
Don't risk pixelated prints. Download your barcodes in SVG or PDF vector formats to ensure they stay crisp on any label size.