How to Design a Barcode
Barcodes are a simple series of lines that vary in thickness. The spacing and thickness of all the lines together form the information of the barcode. This information can be read by a barcode scanner which then translates the programmed information associated with the barcode, identifying the product and price of the barcode. Creating a barcode is a simple process with online barcode generators or computer software. Once created, the barcode can be further designed in programs such as Adobe Illustrator.
Instructions
-
Designing a Barcode
-
1
Determine the information needed to create the barcode. A barcode is generated from a series of numbers. If you are creating a barcode for a book, for instance, the publisher will give you the numbers needed to generate your barcode.
-
2
Enter the numbers into the barcode generator. Be sure to enter the numbers properly so the barcode translates the correct information.
-
-
3
Produce the barcode in an eps format so that you can continue the design with a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator.
-
4
Using Adobe Illustrator, open the eps file of the barcode and begin designing around the lines. When creating your design, be sure to leave a solid section of the lines unchanged so that a barcode reader can still read the barcode.
-
5
Add points to the lines with the pen tool, then drag and form those points into your desired shapes and patterns with the open arrow tool.
-
6
Continue altering the top and bottom of the barcode into your desired design, making sure to leave an unaltered portion of the barcode.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make the design match the product the barcode is designed for.
Make sure the barcode is generated from the correct information.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit barcode image by bofotolux from Fotolia.com
