A U.P.C. barcode is a pattern of black bars with white spaces below which are numbers. The numbers are encoded in the symbol and uniquely identify the product. This group of numbers is referred to as a Global Trade Item Number® (GTIN®). The symbol is read by scanners in retail stores to capture the GTIN, which is used in conjunction with computer systems to track sales and product orders. The GTIN in a U.P.C. barcode is always 12-digits in length.
In order for your company to print U.P.C. barcode symbols, your company will need to become a member of GS1 US™ Partner Connections. When you become a member, your company will be assigned an identification number for your company's use (company prefix). You will need this number to create your own U.P.C.s.
There are two steps to creating a barcode:
Step 1: Build my GTIN for my U.P.C. Barcodes
Step 2: Print and apply my U.P.C. Barcodes