A bar code is comparable to a printed version of the Morse code. Instead of dots and dashes to represent characters, bar codes use the widths of black bars and white spaces. It is extremely important that the widths of the bars and spaces are printed within precise tolerances in order to be readable by most bar code readers. How the bar code is produced including the type of graphic that is originally used is therefore extremely important.

When using/producing barcodes, it is best to use/create a 1/C vector EPS barcode to ensure scan-ability. If a raster barcode is used, it is best to save it out as a bitmapped Tiff : 2400 dpi @ 50% threshold. This ensures the best quality raster barcode. Scanning issues can arise when barcodes are not properly applied to artwork. This may result in stores charging you for each time your item does not scan and they have to key the code in by hand. These are suggestions that will help your product print at the best quality.