Variable Barcode Labels Printed from Excel

Variable EAN-13 barcode labels printed from spreadsheet data and supplied on rolls

Variable Data Printing

Your Data Turned into Finished Barcode Labels

If you have a spreadsheet containing the barcode information you need printed, send us the data and we will use it to produce your finished labels. There is no need to supply separate artwork for every label variation.

Each row of your spreadsheet can represent a different label. The barcode value can change from one row to the next, together with information such as a product reference, description, batch number or human-readable code.

The values can be ordered, irregular or repeated; they do not have to follow a numerical sequence. We agree the label template and data structure with you, generate the barcodes from your data and supply the finished variable barcode labels on rolls.

Discuss Your Data

From File to Finished Roll

How We Print Barcode Labels from Your Spreadsheet

We agree the label template and how each field in your data should be used. The variable information is then inserted into the template to generate and print the finished labels.

Send Us Your Data

Supply your barcode information in an Excel spreadsheet, CSV file or another agreed structured format. We can review a representative file before quotation or production.

Identify the Fields

Tell us which column contains the barcode value and identify any other information to be printed, such as a product code, description, batch reference or quantity.

We Prepare the Template

We create the label template, positioning the barcode and each variable field alongside any fixed text, logos or other information that will appear on every label.

Data and Template Are Checked

We check that the spreadsheet fields have been assigned correctly, that the template displays the information as agreed and that the barcode has sufficient space for reliable scanning. A proof can be supplied for approval.

Your Labels Are Printed

The records are printed in the agreed order and quantities, then supplied on rolls arranged to suit your application or production requirements.

Preparing Your File

What Can Be Included in the Spreadsheet?

Each column contains a particular piece of information and each row normally represents a label or label variation. We use those records to link the correct barcode with its associated text throughout the print run.

	Barcode Value	Product Code	Description	Quantity
1	5012345678900	APP-001	Apple Jam 340g	250
2	5012345678917	STR-002	Strawberry Jam 340g	500
3	5012345678924	RAS-003	Raspberry Jam 340g	250

One Row, One Label Variation

A row can contain the barcode value and all the associated information needed for that particular label.

Different Quantities for Each Record

If the required quantity varies, include a quantity column showing how many labels should be printed from each row.

Fixed Elements Stays Consistent

A logo, border or standard wording can remain fixed throughout the job and does not need to be repeated in every spreadsheet row.

Variable barcode labels with changing product codes, descriptions and barcode values

More Than the Barcode

What Information Can Change on Each Label?

The barcode is only one of the elements that can be generated from your data. Other text, numbers and references can change with it, allowing every label variation to be created from the corresponding row of your spreadsheet.

Barcode Values

EAN-13, Code 128, Code 39, GS1 and other agreed barcode formats.

Product Information

Product names, descriptions, sizes, colours and variant details.

Codes and References

Product codes, stock references, asset numbers and customer IDs.

Batch Information

Batch numbers, lot codes, dates and other production information.

Fixed elements such as your logo, standard wording, borders and colours can remain consistent while the data-driven fields change from one label to the next.

Choosing the Right Service

Variable or Sequential Barcode Labels?

Both types contain information that changes from label to label. The difference is whether the values come from your supplied data or follow a sequence generated for the print run.

Variable Barcode Labels

Choose variable printing when you already have the required barcode values and associated information in a spreadsheet, CSV file or database export.

APP-001 STR-002 RAS-003

Values can be irregular, repeated or supplied in a particular order. Several fields can change together.

Sequential Barcode Labels

Choose sequential printing when the barcode values need to increase or decrease in a regular numerical or alphanumeric sequence.

000101 000102 000103

Tell us the starting value, finishing value and required barcode format, and we can generate the sequence for you.

Variable barcode labels for warehouse racking printed from spreadsheet data

Made for Your Application

Professionally Printed Barcode Labels on Rolls

Your labels can be manufactured in the size, material and adhesive combination required for the job. We can help you specify them for application by hand, through a label dispenser or using automatic labelling equipment.

Paper labels provide a practical choice for many products, cartons and general identification applications. Where greater resistance to moisture, abrasion or handling is needed, we can produce the labels using a suitable synthetic material and durable print.

Labels can incorporate fixed colours, logos and standard information alongside the fields generated from your spreadsheet. They are supplied on rolls with the core size, winding direction and roll quantity agreed for your application.

Discuss Your Label Requirements

Practical Applications

When Are Variable Barcode Labels Used?

Variable barcode printing is useful whenever information held in a spreadsheet, database or business system needs to be reproduced accurately across a run of finished labels.

Products and Variants

Produce labels for different products, pack sizes, colours or versions, with the correct barcode and product information taken from each row of your data.

Stock and Inventory

Convert existing stock records into barcode labels containing item numbers, descriptions, locations and other inventory information.

Batch and Lot Identification

Print the appropriate barcode, batch reference, lot number or date information for each production record supplied in your file.

Order and Distribution Labels

Create labels linked to individual orders, cartons, destinations or customer references for picking, packing and distribution.

Asset and Equipment Records

Use an existing asset register to produce labels containing asset numbers, equipment descriptions, locations or responsible departments.

Samples and Record Identification

Match barcodes with sample references, record numbers or other identifying information where every label must correspond with the correct supplied record.

Requesting a Quotation

What Do We Need to Quote?

Tell us as much of the following information as you have. If you have a sample spreadsheet, mention it in your enquiry; we can then arrange for you to send it by email so that we can review how the barcode values, text and quantities are organised.

A Sample of Your Data

An Excel spreadsheet, CSV file or representative extract showing the fields that will change. Sensitive information can be replaced with sample data for the initial quotation.

Label Size

Tell us the required label width and height. If the size has not been decided, let us know what information must fit on the label and where it will be applied.

Quantities

Provide the total number of labels and, where applicable, the quantity required from each spreadsheet row or label variation.

Barcode Format

Identify the required barcode type if you know it. If not, tell us where and how the barcode will be scanned and we can discuss the appropriate format.

Material and Application

Describe the surface, environment and expected life of the label, including any exposure to moisture, abrasion, chemicals or temperature changes.

Artwork and Roll Requirements

Supply any logo, colours or fixed artwork to be included and tell us about the required core size, winding direction or labels per roll if these have already been specified.

Variable Barcode Label FAQs

Practical answers about supplying your data, choosing the label specification and ordering professionally printed variable barcode labels.

Q1: What are variable barcode labels? +

A: Variable barcode labels contain information that changes between labels or groups of labels. The barcode values and associated text are normally taken from records supplied in a spreadsheet, CSV file or database export.

Q2: Can you print barcode labels from an Excel spreadsheet? +

A: Yes. Excel spreadsheets are commonly used to supply barcode values, descriptions, product codes, quantities and other information required for each label variation.

Q3: What information should my spreadsheet contain? +

A: Each column should contain a particular field, such as the barcode value, product code, description or quantity. Each row normally represents one label or label variation. We can review a representative sample and advise if the data needs to be arranged differently.

Q4: Can you use CSV files or database exports? +

A: Yes. We can work from suitable CSV files and exports from databases or business systems. We will need to check the structure of the data and confirm how its fields should be used before production.

Q5: Does every row have to represent one label? +

A: Not necessarily. A row can represent a single unique label or a label variation that must be printed several times. If different quantities are required, these can be included in a separate quantity column.

Q6: Can text change as well as the barcode? +

A: Yes. Product names, descriptions, sizes, colours, reference numbers, batch details and other text can change alongside the barcode. Fixed elements such as logos, borders and standard wording can remain consistent throughout the job.

Q7: Which barcode formats can you print? +

A: We can print commonly used formats including EAN-13, Code 128, Code 39, GS1-128, Data Matrix and QR codes. The appropriate format depends on the data, available label space and the system in which the code will be scanned.

Q8: Do I need to create the barcode images myself? +

A: Usually not. In most cases, we generate the barcode symbols from the values supplied in your data. If your system has already produced barcode images, we can advise whether they are suitable for printing.

Q9: What is the difference between variable and sequential barcode labels? +

A: Variable barcode values come from data you supply and may be irregular, repeated or arranged in a particular order. Sequential barcode values follow a regular numerical or alphanumeric sequence that we can normally generate for you.

Q10: Can you print different quantities of each label? +

A: Yes. A quantity column can specify how many copies should be printed from each row. This is useful when different products or variations require different numbers of labels.

Q11: Can you print labels in a particular order? +

A: Yes. We can normally print the records in the order provided or according to an agreed field in the data. If the order is important, state this clearly when requesting your quotation.

Q12: What label materials are available? +

A: Variable barcode labels can be manufactured from paper or synthetic materials, with an adhesive selected for the intended surface and environment. We can recommend a construction based on the required durability and application conditions.

Have a question we haven’t covered? Tell us about your label requirements and we’ll advise on the next step.

Barcode Labels Printed from Excel or Supplied Data