upc frequently asked questions
UPC stands for Universal Product Code. A UPC number contains three components:
UPC bar codes are found on retail products. UPC barcodes are scanned at the cash register and are also used for inventory. UPC barcodes are used in by manufacturers, distributors, shippers, and at checkout in stores.
return to topNo, UPC bar codes are just lookup numbers into an external database. As long as every UPC barcode is unique and isn't found on another product in the channel, then it can be used as a reference number throughout the global supply chain. If UPC barcodes did include the retail price then putting something on sale would mean re-barcoding everything in the store. When the sale ended, the barcode would have to be changed again. If the number in the barcode is unique and constant, then only the database has to be changed to adjust the price.
return to topUPC-A barcodes are used in the United States and Canada. UPC-E bar codes are shortened versions used in the US and Canada too. ISBN-13 barcodes, based on ISBN numbers, are on books, and ISSN symbols are on non-U.S. periodicals. EAN-13 and EAN-8 are used outside the US and Canada, and JAN-13 and JAN-8 are used in Japan.
return to topGS1 is the standards body that administers UPC company prefixes. The first step is to obtain a manufacturer's number. This is used as the first portion of your UPC barcodes and insures that no other barcode will duplicate yours. Your company prefix and your product numbers together must be 11-digits long. The check digit, in the lower right corner, is calculated based upon the preceeding 11 digits.
return to topA UPC barcode encodes your UPC number. Software like UPCTools converts your manufacturer number + item number into a barcode. UPCTools will calculate the check digit, add start and stop characters, and create your UPC barcode for you.
return to topRecreate an existing UPC barcode enter the first 11 digits of the barcode number into UPCTools. We’ll calculate the check digit for you! This also holds true for recreating ISBN-13 barcodes, EANs or JANs. Give us the original number and we’ll do the rest.
return to topUPC bar codes can be scaled proportionally from 80% to 200% of their normal size. They can also be truncated- meaning that the width stays the same but the height may be shortened. UPC barcodes may be both truncated and scaled.ISBN-13 barcodes should not be truncated or scaled.
return to topTo create UPC, ISBN-13, EAN, JAN or ISSN barcodes, you’ll need UPCTools.
