Barcodes are essential in business as they help identify products, manage inventory, and speed up the checkout process. To ensure that barcodes can be scanned accurately, they must be high-quality printed. However, not all digital file formats are suitable for creating high-quality barcodes. Today, we will explain why we don’t recommend PNG files for this purpose and why it is better to use EPS format instead.

About PNG Files

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a widely used file format for digital images that offers advantages over other formats. One of the main features is their lossless compression, which means that the image quality stays intact even after editing or file transfers. For this reason, PNG files are popular for storing and sharing high-quality images. 

However, despite these advantages, PNG files have limitations for printing barcodes. Due to how PNG files are compressed, they may not always produce the best results for printing, particularly when it comes to small or complex barcodes. 

Limitations of PNG Files for Barcodes

1. PNG files are made up of a fixed number of pixels, which can cause problems when resizing them for printing. This can result in a loss of clarity and detail, making it harder for barcode scanners to read them properly.

2. Compression Artifacts: Resizing PNG barcode images can make them blurry and hard to read, which can cause issues with barcode scanning.

3. Lack of Scalability: PNG files can only be scaled up or down without compromising their quality due to their pixel-based nature. This is a significant drawback for barcodes, which must be resized to fit various packaging sizes while maintaining their readability.

 Advantages of EPS Format for Barcodes

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) format offers several advantages over PNG for print-quality barcodes:

1. High Resolution and Clarity: EPS files are vector-based, meaning they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines. This allows them to maintain high resolution and clarity regardless of size so that the barcode remains sharp and readable when printed.

2. Scalability: Vector images like EPS can be scaled up or down without losing quality. This is crucial for barcodes, ensuring they can be resized to fit different packaging or label sizes without affecting their scanability.

3. Compatibility with Professional Printing: EPS files are widely supported by professional printing services and software, making them a preferred choice for creating print-ready barcodes.

Things to Consider Before Printing Your Barcodes

When creating barcodes for print, think about the following:

1. Choose the Right Format: Choose vector formats like EPS for their scalability and high resolution, ensuring your barcodes remain readable regardless of size.

2. Test Readability: Before finalizing your design, test its readability with a barcode scanner to make sure it can be scanned accurately.

3. Consult with the Experts: If you need help with the best barcode format, consult with barcode experts or professional printing services for guidance.

In sum, PNG files are not suitable for printing high-quality barcodes. EPS format is recommended for accurate and reliable barcode creation, tracking, and identification. With this in mind, buying barcodes from a trusted GS-1 seller, like AccuGraphiX, is highly recommended, as it can guarantee high-quality printing for all your barcode label solutions.

Choose High-Quality GS-1 Label Printing: Choose AccuGraphiX

Are you struggling with resizing your GS1 Barcodes and unsure which file format to use for high-quality printing? Look no further than AccuGraphiX! 

With our  EPS barcode label resizing services, you select the barcode type and size you need, and we will create and send you a perfect EPS file, ensuring high resolution and scalability. Plus, we offer free barcode verification after printing. Don’t waste any more time – choose AccuGraphiX for all your barcode needs!