Can I Print My Barcode in Anything Other Than Black on White?

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Color guidelines for barcodes

Yes, you can print your barcode in colors other than black on white, but the traditional combination remains the industry standard. Many retailers still require black bars on a white background because it delivers the highest contrast and most reliable scan performance.

What determines whether a barcode color combination will scan?

Successful scanning depends on maintaining strong contrast between the bars and the background. Barcode scanners interpret reflected light, so darker bars paired with lighter backgrounds produce the clearest readings. Any reduction in contrast increases the risk of unreadable UPC, EAN, or other GTIN barcodes.

Acceptable color variations

Darker bar colors such as navy, dark brown, or forest green may work when combined with very light backgrounds, provided the contrast remains strong. These combinations should be tested carefully before use, especially for UPC and EAN barcodes intended for retail environments.

Can I test my barcode colors before printing large batches?

Yes, always print test samples and check them with multiple scanners. This helps confirm reliable readings across different devices, ensuring your GS1 issued and Amazon compliant barcodes continue to perform well even with nonstandard color choices.

  1. Select a dark color for the barcode bars and a very light color for the background.
  2. Print a small sample label at 300 dpi or higher.
  3. Test the barcode with several handheld and mobile scanners.
  4. Check for consistent first-scan success across all tests.
  5. Adjust colors only if scanning reliability drops.

Common color mistakes

Certain colors consistently produce poor scan results. Red and pastel shades are especially problematic because scanners often read them as “light” tones, making the bars virtually invisible.

Why should I avoid red or pastel barcodes?

Laser scanners typically use red light, which reflects off red or pastel bars instead of absorbing it. This prevents the device from detecting the lines correctly, leading to repeated scan failures. Maintaining dark bars and light backgrounds protects your barcode’s readability and prevents disruptions at checkout or during fulfillment.

Impact on UPC, EAN, and GTIN barcodes

UPC, EAN, and GTIN barcodes are widely used in retail and online marketplaces, and they must remain fully scannable regardless of color. GS1 compliant barcodes and Amazon compliant GTIN formats benefit from consistent color contrast to keep product identification accurate.

Will nonstandard colors affect Amazon compliance?

Nonstandard colors can still be Amazon compliant as long as scan accuracy is preserved. Amazon systems depend on clean, readable GTINs, so maintaining strong contrast is essential. When your UPC or EAN comes from GS1 and you print it clearly, it supports the Works for Amazon Guarantee and minimizes listing or fulfillment issues.

Barcode color troubleshooting

If a barcode printed in an alternate color fails to scan, color contrast is usually the cause. Reviewing your artwork and adjusting shades can quickly resolve most issues.

What should I do if my colored barcode does not scan?

Start by switching to a darker bar color and a lighter background. Confirm that your printing resolution is at least 300 dpi and reprint a test sample. If problems continue, revert to black on white, which consistently supports UPC, EAN, and GTIN readability across retail systems.

For additional help choosing barcode formats, printing methods, and GS1 compliant identifiers, you can review trusted resources at https://www.onlinelabels.com/landing/bar-codes-talk, where you will find tools that support accurate, scannable barcodes.