Label Insights • Barcode Labels

A Buyer’s Guide to Printed Barcode Labels

If you are looking to order printed barcode labels, one of the first questions to answer is what information needs to appear on each label. In some applications every label is identical. In others, the barcode changes from one label to the next.

This guide explains the main types of printed barcode labels and the applications they are best suited to. Whether you are identifying retail products, managing warehouse stock or tracking company assets, understanding the differences will help you choose the right option.

Pre-Printed Labels Which Type?

Printed barcode labels supplied on rolls for product identification and stock control

Printed and Pre-Printed Barcode Labels

Printed barcode labels are supplied ready for use, removing the need to print barcodes in-house. They can be produced in a wide range of sizes and materials, with barcodes, text, logos and other information printed to your specification.

The term pre-printed barcode labels is often used when the labels are manufactured and printed before they arrive with the customer. They are supplied on rolls, ready for immediate application.

For many businesses, pre-printed barcode labels provide a simple, reliable and consistent solution, particularly where barcode quality, appearance and scanning performance are important.

When Every Label Is the Same

If every label carries the same barcode and printed information, you are looking for what the printing industry often calls static barcode labels.

Typical applications include retail product identification, packaging labels, repeated product codes, Amazon FBA products and barcode labels for products supplied in regular batches.

These labels are professionally printed before delivery and arrive ready for immediate application.

Printed barcode labels on a roll for repeated product identification — Pre-printed barcode labels are ideal where every label carries the same barcode and printed information.

When Numbers Need to Increase in Sequence

Some applications require every barcode or printed number to increase automatically from one label to the next.

Typical examples include asset identification, product serialisation, ticket numbering, batch control and warehouse tracking. These are generally referred to as sequential barcode labels and are produced from controlled numbering sequences.

Sequential labels are useful where every item needs its own unique identifier, but the numbering pattern is predictable.

When Every Label Is Different

Sometimes every label needs to contain different information. This may be a different barcode, a unique serial number, product data from an Excel spreadsheet, or information taken directly from a business database.

These are commonly known as variable barcode labels because the printed information changes from one label to the next.

Variable barcode labels are useful where the data already exists in a structured format and needs to be turned into finished labels without creating separate artwork for every variation.

Barcode Labels for Inventory Management

Warehouse and stock control systems rely on clear, reliable barcode labels that scan consistently throughout the working day.

Printed barcode labels are widely used for warehouse locations, shelf identification, picking bins, pallet labelling, stock control and asset tracking.

Choosing the right material and adhesive is just as important as choosing the correct barcode. Labels used on racking, bins or equipment may need to withstand regular handling and remain legible for long periods.

Coming soon: Barcode Labels for Inventory Management.

Durable Barcode Labels

Where labels are exposed to regular handling, moisture, chemicals or outdoor conditions, a standard paper label may not provide sufficient durability.

Durable barcode labels can be produced using synthetic materials and specialist adhesives to withstand more demanding environments while maintaining reliable scanning performance.

Common applications include asset labels, equipment identification, manufacturing, outdoor products and industrial environments.

Coming soon: Durable Barcode Labels.

Durable printed barcode label applied to product packaging — Material choice is important where barcode labels need to remain legible throughout their working life.

Although the principles are straightforward, customers often have a few practical questions when choosing printed barcode labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are printed barcode labels supplied ready to use? +

Yes. Printed barcode labels are manufactured before delivery and supplied ready for application. They can include barcodes, text, logos and other printed information.

What is the difference between static, sequential and variable barcode labels? +

Static barcode labels carry the same barcode on every label. Sequential barcode labels increase in order. Variable barcode labels are generated from supplied data such as spreadsheets or databases.

Can barcode labels be printed from an Excel spreadsheet? +

Yes. If your barcode numbers and quantities are organised in a structured spreadsheet or CSV file, labels can often be generated directly from that data.

Can printed barcode labels include logos or colours? +

Yes. Printed barcode labels can include company logos, product information, colour washed backgrounds and other printed elements alongside the barcode.

Which Printed Barcode Labels Do You Need?

The right choice depends on your application.

If every label carries the same barcode, professionally printed barcode labels are often the simplest and most cost-effective solution. Where each label needs to contain different information, either sequential or variable barcode labels will usually be the right choice.

Material selection is equally important. Barcode labels used in warehouses, manufacturing or outdoor environments often need to withstand regular handling and more demanding conditions than standard paper labels.

If you're still unsure which type of printed barcode labels best suits your application, we're always happy to help. Tell us a little about your project and we'll recommend the most suitable material, adhesive and barcode format for the job.

Explore our Barcode Labels range or get in touch for straightforward advice and a no-obligation quotation.