What is EAN-8 for Small Packaging?
When a retail product is too small for a full EAN-13 - a sachet, a lipstick, a single sweet - the EAN-8 is the compact code that fits. It is a genuine GS1 retail barcode (7 data digits plus check digit) that scans at the same checkout as an EAN-13. This tool produces the EAN-8 artwork for small-pack product labels, ready to send to your label printer.
Common Uses for EAN-8 for Small Packaging
- Barcodes for sachets, samples and trial-size products
- Compact codes for confectionery and small impulse items
- Tiny cosmetic and personal-care packaging
- Small in-store products with limited label space
Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use EAN-8 instead of EAN-13?
EAN-8 is about two-thirds the length of EAN-13 at the same size, so it fits on packaging where a full EAN-13 would be too wide or unreadably small.
How do I get an EAN-8 number?
EAN-8 numbers come from GS1, mainly in the 20-29 prefix range, and are issued for products that genuinely cannot carry an EAN-13. Most products should use EAN-13.
What size should the EAN-8 print at?
Print at least 21mm wide with a white quiet zone around it. Never shrink bars below about 0.264mm or checkout scanners may fail.
Can I generate small-pack barcodes in bulk?
Yes, paste each product's number on its own line and generate a sheet of label artwork.
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