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How to Print Barcodes on Avery Labels

Avery label sheets (and their many compatible clones) are the cheapest way to print professional barcode labels with a normal laser printer. The trick is sizing the barcode to the label and keeping enough white quiet zone around it. This guide explains the few settings that make the difference between labels that scan and labels that do not.

Pick a label sheet that fits your barcode size

Avery numbers tell you the layout: for example 5160/8160 are address labels (30 per sheet), 5260/8160 variations, 5164 shipping labels (6 per sheet, 3.33x4 inches), and 5660/8162 are large 2x4 labels. For most product barcodes you want labels at least 1.5 inches (38mm) wide; for carton codes choose the larger shipping-label sizes. Match the number of cells per sheet to how many barcodes you generate per batch.

Size the barcode to the label

  1. A standard EAN-13 or UPC-A should print at 80-200% of nominal size - about 30-40mm wide on a product label.
  2. Code 128 and Code 39 can be smaller; keep them above 20mm wide for reliable scanning.
  3. Leave a white margin around the barcode equal to roughly 10 times the narrowest bar (quiet zone). Do not let the barcode touch the label edge or other text.
  4. Test one sheet first, scan every code with a phone or scanner, then print the full run.

Print settings that matter

  1. Use 'Actual size' or 100% scale - never 'Fit to page', which shrinks the barcode.
  2. Set print quality to High/Best, not Draft.
  3. Make sure the paper size in the printer dialog matches your Avery sheet (US Letter vs A4).
  4. If labels shift on the sheet, check the tray guides and print a plain-paper test before loading label stock.

Print the batch straight from the generator

After generating your barcodes, use the Print Sheet button: it opens a clean print view containing only the barcodes, so no site menus or ads appear on the label sheet. Print that window onto your Avery stock. Need the artwork inside another template? Print to PDF from the same dialog and place the codes from that file.

When to move up to a label printer

Laser-printed Avery labels are fine for small to medium runs and for labels that live indoors. If you print thousands of labels a week, or labels must survive warehouses, cold storage or chemical exposure, a thermal label printer (Zebra, TSC, Brother) with direct-thermal or thermal-transfer labels is the right upgrade. The barcodes themselves are identical - this generator makes the same artwork either way.

Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Avery label should I use for barcodes?
For small product or asset labels use address-size sheets (30 per page) when space allows, or 2x4 inch shipping labels (5160/5260 family, 5164 family) for bigger scannable codes. Bigger is safer.
Do Avery barcodes scan reliably from a laser printer?
Yes - laser printers produce sharp, dark bars, which is what barcode scanners need. Use best print quality and matte/white label stock.
Why does my printed barcode not fit the label?
Usually the printer dialog is shrinking or enlarging the page. Set scale to 100% (Actual size) and choose the correct paper size for the sheet.
Can I add a logo or extra text to the label?
Yes. Generate the barcode, then drop the SVG or print into your own label template next to your logo and text - just keep the white quiet zone around the code.

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