Best Practices for Printing GS1 2D Barcodes

In our previous articles, we explained how to generate a GS1 Digital Link using the ProQure platform. You now have a powerful 2D barcode that works for checkout scanners, smartphones, and supply chain tracking.

But having the code is only half the battle. If it is printed incorrectly, placed on a fold, or lacks contrast, scanners will fail.

In ProQure, we aren't just managing your data! We are helping ensure your physical product works in the real world. Here is your guide to keeping your packaging designers happy and your barcodes scannable.
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The Good News for Designers

For decades, designers have struggled with the "Barcode Brick"- that large block of black and white bars that eats up valuable packaging space.

The move to 2D barcodes is a win for design.

1. They can be Smaller: A 2D barcode takes up significantly less space than a traditional UPC while holding 100x the data.
2. They are Flexible: Eventually, this single square will replace the UPC, the marketing QR code, and the printed data matrix, leaving you with a cleaner, more minimalist package.

However, because they are smaller and more complex, precision in printing is critical.
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The 3 Golden Rules of 2D Barcode Design

When you download your barcode asset from the ProQure dashboard, follow these three rules to ensure it scans every time, everywhere.

1. Respect the "Quiet Zone"

A scanner needs to clearly see where the code begins and ends.

• The Rule: You must leave a margin of clear, unprinted space around the four sides of the 2D code.
• The Mistake: Do not let text, graphics, or packaging folds encroach on this white space. If a scanner sees a stray line near the code, it gets confused.
• The ProQure Advantage: You don't need to calculate this manually- our QR codes already have this quiet zone built-in when you download them.

‍2. Contrast is King

While QR codes don’t have to be black and white, they do need high contrast.

• The Safe Bet: Dark code on a light background (Black on White is the gold standard).
• The Design Hack: You can use dark blue or dark brown on white.
• The "Never Do This":
  
  • Do not print "reversed" codes (white code on black background) unless you are sure your retailers' scanners support it.
  • Do not print on transparent wrappers without a solid background behind the code.
  • Do not use red (scanners use red light, so red bars become invisible to them)‍

3. Location, Location, Location

Where you put the code matters just as much as how it looks.

• Avoid Curves: If your product is a small can or bottle, the curve can distort the code. Place it on the flattest surface available.
• Avoid Folds & Corners: Never place the code where the bag crimps or the box folds. If the code is bent, the data is broken.
• The "Human" Factor: Ensure the code is easy to find for a consumer holding a smartphone, but also easy for a cashier to swipe across a counter.
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The "Dual Marking" Transition (2024–2027)

We are currently in a transition period known as Sunrise 2027. While many retailers are upgrading their scanners to read 2D barcodes at the checkout, not everyone is ready yet.

What this means for you:
For the next few years, you may need to practice "Dual Marking." This means your package will have both:

1. The traditional UPC (Linear barcode).
2. The new ProQure 2D Barcode (GS1 Digital Link).

By 2027, the goal is to remove the old UPC entirely. ProQure will keep you updated on retailer readiness so you know exactly when you can reclaim that extra space on your label.
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How ProQure Helps Your Designer

We know that "blurry" barcodes are a disaster for printing. That is why the ProQure platform doesn't just give you a standard image file.

When you click Generate, we provide:

• Vector Files (SVG + CMYK): We provide mathematically perfect files that can be scaled up or down by your designer without ever becoming pixelated or blurry. These are optimized for professional printing (CMYK color mode).
• Verified Data Structure: We ensure the code structure is valid before you even download it.

Next Up: Now that your code is scannable, what happens if something goes wrong with the product inside? In our next article, we will deep dive into Safety & Recalls- and how ProQure can help you stop a bad batch in seconds.
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Ready to create your first next-gen barcode?
Log in to our platform now and generate your code in seconds

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