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The most commonly used Universal Product Code (UPC) bar codes are shown above. Please note that these bar codes consists of a twelve digit number below the image. The first 6, 8
or 9 digits represent your UCC Company Prefix number which was assigned to you by the Uniform Code Council (UCC). If you have not obtained a manufacturer's ID number, your first step is to contact the
UCC: (800) 543-8137 or www.uc-council.org.
The next set of numbers is called the item or product ID number and is assigned by you, the manufacturer. If you received a 6 digit UCC company prefix number, then you should assign a 5 digit item number to each of your products. These numbers may be assigned randomly, sequential, as you like. However, each number should be unique and not used again to identify another product.
If you received an 8 digit manufacturer's ID number from the UCC, then you should assign a 3 digit item number to each of your products. Again, you may use any number that you want, but do not use the same number over again.
If you received an 9 digit manufacturer's ID number from the UCC, then you should assign a
2 digit item number to each of your products. Again, you may use any number that you want, but do not use the same number over again.
Once you have entered in your UCC Manufacturer's ID and Product ID numbers on your order form, total of 11 numbers, we will calculate the 12th number for you. This number is called the "check digit". It may be a 1, 2, 3, 4, etc, depending on the previous 11 numbers. You may think of the check digit as a format check. It ensures that you have a proper UPC version A bar code.
Many clients work with a graphic artist and need to provide the same with a digital image of their bar code(s). If you need the same, we can email your file to you and to your graphic artist within 24 hours. We recommend that you use the TIF file format, because it works well with both MAC and IBM compatible computers. Digital files are also available in eps, jpg, bmp, pcx, or Mac (illustrator, eps, and Quark) formats.
If you have existing product on hand that do not have bar codes, you may consider purchasing some preprinted bar code labels. Please see our Pricing & Payment Instructions for both label sizes and price information. If you need to send your bar code image overseas and do not have an email address for your printer or manufacturer, you may consider purchasing a film master (the bar code image on a film negative or film positive). Please see Pricing & Payment Instructions.
NOTE: A digital
image of your bar code can be emailed to you and to your graphic
artist within 24 hours. These images are available in TIF, JPG,
EPS, BMP, PCX, or Mac (illustrator or Quark) formats. We
recommend that you use the TIF or JPG format. |
