Barcodes are essential for streamlining inventory management, tracking assets, and selling products in retail environments. If you're looking to generate a barcode, there are a few key steps to consider, depending on your needs. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process and help you determine whether you need to purchase a barcode number or if you can create one for free. 

Step 1: Determine Your Barcode Needs

The first step in generating a barcode is to decide what you'll be using it for.

If you need a barcode purely for internal use—such as tracking assets within your business, organizing a personal record collection, or managing inventory in your own store—you can create your own barcode numbers without purchasing them. These homemade barcode numbers work well for internal purposes where you control the entire process.

However, if you plan to sell products in retail stores or through online platforms you will need a legitimate globally unique barcode number. For these situations, you should purchase a globally unique EAN-13 or UPC barcode from a reputable provider like Barcodes Australia. Barcodes Australia offers barcode packages that include both the barcode number and the barcode images.

Step 2: Create or Obtain a Barcode Image

Once you have a barcode number, the next step is to generate the barcode image. There are several methods to do this, depending on your needs and the quality you require:

Free Barcode Image Generators: If your barcode is for personal or internal use, you can find free barcode generators online. These tools allow you to input your barcode number and generate an image. However, be cautious: free generators often offer limited options for image size, resolution, and format, which can result in poor print quality. This can lead to issues with barcode scanning, especially if the barcode is printed on product packaging.

Purchase Barcode Images: If you order EAN-13 or UPC barcodes from Barcodes Australia you will receive an email containing both your barcode numbers and barcode images. However, if you have barcode numbers that were issued by a different company, then you can purchase the Barcode Images for them separately from Barcodes Australia. Once created, the barcode images are sent to you via email, ready to be printed or integrated into your packaging.

Step 3: Implement Your Barcode into Your Packaging

After obtaining your barcode image, the final step is to implement it into your business processes. This might involve printing the barcode on product packaging, integrating it into your inventory management system, or using it for asset tracking. Ensure that your barcode is printed at the correct size and resolution to maintain its scannability, especially in retail environments.

By following these steps, you can easily generate a barcode that meets your specific needs. Whether you require a simple barcode for internal use or a fully compliant barcode for retail sales, Barcodes Australia offers the tools and services to help you get started.