Can Barcodes be Printed in Colour?
...and what works in practice.
SageData is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
One of the most frequent questions we receive from clients involves the aesthetic customization
of their tracking
systems—specifically, whether it is acceptable to print colored barcode labels rather than the traditional
black-on-white format. From a strictly technical standpoint, the short answer is that you generally
shouldn't, as
barcode scanners rely on high contrast and specific light absorption to read
the gaps between bars.
However, in
practical day-to-day applications, many organizations find that certain color combinations do work, meaning
the
feasibility of the project depends heavily on your specific hardware, environment, and intended use case.
The success of colored barcodes is largely determined by the physics of the scanning beam, typically a red
light or
laser. Because the scanner "sees" the contrast between the bars and the background, using colors like red
for the bars
can render the label invisible to the device. This video provides a deeper dive into the science of
B-index
reflectance and contrast levels, explaining why some palettes fail while others—like dark blue or black on a
yellow
background—might pass. Understanding these variables is crucial before committing to a large-scale print run
that could
potentially disrupt your inventory workflow.
For those who need to maintain a specific brand identity or color-coded organizational system, there are
several
effective work-arounds and best practices that can bridge the gap between form and function. This
presentation explores
various options, such as using colored borders or quiet zones
while keeping the data-carrying bars
black, ensuring
that your fixed asset reports remain accurate and your scanning hardware remains reliable. We invite you to
watch the
video below for a detailed look at these strategies; if you have a unique color requirement you'd like
to test, please
feel free to reach out for a preliminary technical review of your labeling specifications.
This is a Q and A session about barcode labels' colors. Contact us for more information.
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
For more information consider browsing the following links:
- barcode knowledge hub
- RFID knowledge hub
- using barcodes for material
management
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