How do I make barcodes smaller than the minimum size?
Each symbology in Easy Barcode Creator offers a range of sizes (factors) to choose from, based on the particular characteristics of that symbology. You can't specify something smaller or larger, because this would produce a technically invalid barcode. Easy Barcode Creator will not create a barcode that is proportionally smaller or larger than these international barcode standards.
"But, I really want my barcode to be smaller than the minimum size."
For each barcode symbology there are international standards which govern the minimum/maximum sizes that are acceptable. Easy Barcode Creator is designed to adhere to these standards and won’t let you size a barcode image that would violate the standards for that particular symbology. For example, retail barcodes like UPC and EAN are limited to an 80% minimum factor by specification and design.
Do not compromise the integrity of your barcode by modifying it after export. But if you must go against our recommendation, save the barcode as a vector EPS from Easy Barcode Creator, open it in Illustrator, and resize the barcode to a smaller size if you wish. However, this comes with two important notices:
- If you resize the barcode, you must make absolutely sure you do so proportionally. Do not make the barcode shorter or wider non-proportionally.
- You really shouldn't do this, and you run a serious risk that your barcode will not be scannable in the open market by forcing a smaller size. Do this entirely at your own risk.
How does this apply to the height of barcodes?
Easy Barcode Creator can make your barcode shorter or taller than the default, internationally accepted default size using the Bar Height option. Shorter barcodes are, for example, very commonly used in size restricted situations. Adjusting the height of the barcode does not affect its scannability because the width is not affected by this change. In general, you should leave the height at its default option unless there's some specific reason to change it.
For more information on changing the height of UPC/EAN barcodes, see this specific document.