Choosing the right barcode orientation for your product is a critical part of packaging. It can make the difference between products being accepted by major retailers or rejected due to scan issues. The two most common orientation styles are known as picket fence and ladder barcodes – but which one is right for your application?
This guide focuses on thermal transfer printing, the standard method used in most warehouse and industrial label printers. These printers use tiny heated elements in the printhead to create images and barcodes on heat-sensitive label materials.
Picket fence barcodes are printed in line with the movement of the label as it feeds through the printer. The bars appear vertically on the label, like the slats of a fence.
Tip: To reduce the risk of undetected errors, include a visible verification line near the barcode. This allows operators to spot issues early. You can also implement barcode verification systems to scan and validate codes automatically.
Ladder barcodes are printed across the width of the label, perpendicular to the direction the label travels through the printer. This orientation is commonly used on small, cylindrical products like cans or bottles where the barcode must be applied vertically.
Picket fence is our most recommended barcode orientation, offering better print quality and scan reliability. However, if you’re labelling a small cylindrical item like canned fruit or bottled sauces, the ladder orientation may be a better fit. We work closely with GS1 Australasia and can help you choose the best option for your packaging and process.