Most product boxes need two codes: a barcode for the till and a QR code for the customer. Both are easy to get wrong on a dieline, because a code that looks fine on a flat layout can end up across a fold, under a flap or on a curved edge once the box is closed. 3D Box Studio lets you add both from the Design panel and check them on the folded box in 3D.
Barcode or QR code: what each one does
- Barcode (UPC-A, EAN-13): a short product number that tills and stock systems scan. Shops need it on anything they sell.
- QR code: a link people open with their phone camera, such as a setup video, recipes, ingredients or a reorder page.
- Most retail boxes need both, printed side by side, each with its own blank margin.
Add them in 3D Box Studio
- Open your box in the Studio and go to the Design panel.
- Add a barcode, choose EAN-13, UPC-A or Code 128, and type your number. It is added at 100% size.
- Add a QR code and paste the link or text it should open.
- Drag each one onto a flat panel, clear of folds, glue flaps and the bleed area. See bleed and safe zones.
- Fold the box in 3D and turn it around to check that neither code wraps a corner or hides under a flap.
- Export the 1:1 PDF dieline for your printer, and scan a printed proof before the full run.
Placement and size
- Barcode: back or bottom panel, at least about 8 mm from any fold or edge, bars running in the direction that suits the printing (your printer can advise).
- Retail barcode size: about 37 mm wide at 100%, between 80% and 200%. Don't cut the bars shorter to save space.
- QR code: at least 15 to 20 mm wide, on a flat panel, with a short line next to it saying why to scan.
- Both: dark on a light background. Avoid gloss varnish and foil over the codes; matte areas scan best.
When you need more than the Studio makes
The Studio covers the codes most boxes need. For anything else, our sister site QRfinity is free and runs in the browser too:
- Dynamic QR codes you can edit after printing, with scan counts. Paste the short link into the Studio's QR code.
- ITF-14 barcodes for shipping cartons, and GS1-128 for batch and expiry dates.
- Amazon FNSKU labels if you sell through Amazon FBA.
- QR codes for product packaging: ideas for what to link to.
Which panel should the barcode go on?
Usually the back or bottom panel, away from folds, glue flaps and edges, where a cashier can scan it without turning the box over twice. Keep it on one flat panel; never wrap it around a corner.
How big should the barcode be?
A UPC-A or EAN-13 is about 37 mm wide at 100%, and can be printed from 80% to 200% of that. 3D Box Studio adds it at 100%, so don't shrink it below 80%.
How big should the QR code be?
At least 15 to 20 mm wide on a box held in the hand, with a clear margin around it. Larger if people will scan it from a shelf.
Where do I get the barcode number?
Retail barcode numbers (UPC or EAN) come from GS1, the organisation that runs the system. For your own stock labels you can use any text with Code 128.
