31 Quirky (and Creative) Linear Barcode Designs
by Maverick Label | July 11, 2019
Barcodes are ubiquitous on packaging and product labels, particularly linear barcodes that hold information about pricing. They also help stores track inventory levels. But just because they’re functional doesn’t mean they can’t be fun, too!
The barcode on your label is a space where you can let some whimsy loose. We’ve found 31 quirky barcode designs that just might get your creative juices flowing.
Barcode Designs - Pro Tips
Of course, there are rules for good barcode design that you still must pay attention to, even while you play around with it. In order for your barcode design to get the job done, you should:
- Create a “quiet zone” on each end of the barcode so the scanner can tell where the barcode begins and ends.
- Make sure there’s a generous strip of uninterrupted code where the image does not impinge, so the scanner can easily read it.
- Include the number string in the design; that way, if the scanner can’t read it, a human will be able to hand-enter the code.
- If you use color, make sure a good contrast is present for scanning readability (see our post on good barcode color combinations).
- Always print out and test your barcode with a scanner or reader before implementing the design.
All of the above steps will ensure that your barcode design will work as well as entertain!
The Designs
Let's get right to it, then, shall we? These are listed in no particular order.
1. Aristoleo olive oil tells a whole story, with the olive tree roots as the barcode
2. Toll House cookie dough has an oven mitt as the barcode
3. Crazy Mountain Brewing in Colorado uses a line of tall trees for their barcode
4. Hubert's Lemonade puts their barcode in a truck, along with their lemons (and strawberries, in this case)
5. This graphic novel barcode features a Godzilla-like monster destroying a barcode city.
6. Beckon Ice Cream is so good someone couldn't even wait to open the container before taking a bite.
7. Portlandia Ketchup has tomato plants, roots, fruits, and all
8. Snappy Flossers has a toothy alligator (crocodile?) for their barcode. This is one of many unique barcode designs by Steve Simpson.
9. Kodiak Cakes puts their flapjacks barcode inside their trademark bear.
10. Tall Horse Wine use giraffe necks for this barcodes
11. Cremo Shave Cream has a razor cutting off some stubble.
12. Taft Brewing shows William Taft in a bathtub (with a beer tap instead of a water tap)
13. CoffeeMate launched a series of Star Wars creamers. Love these X-Wing fighters (by Chase Design)
14. Grocery stores often use this cup for their self-serve soup
16. Packaging for a rugged phone case capitalizes on use-case scenario
17. Olli Pepperoni has a farm scene for their barcode
18. Schweppes barcode wants to serve you some ginger ale
19. Another Simpson design, this time with wine glasses. Love the touch of red.
20. This Gatorade bottle has a barcode with a running man
21. Dave's Gourmet spaghetti sauce's barcode has - what else - spaghetti
22. Love the way the hills on this Helderberg Wine bottle label flow down into the barcode.
23. A sunscreen tube with a sun umbrella and a chaise lounge.
24. The Kindle Fire barcode includes a reader under a tree.
25. Another book-related design, by Steve Simpson (for 'Fear Not' by Stephen James Smith).
26. Bishop Cider has a barcode that echos the Dallas skyline.
27. Outdoor Edge products have a waterfall on a river coming out of the Colorado mountains.
28. Dreamies cat treats have cat paws kneading and creating the barcode.
29. Nomad's wireless charger packaging has a nature barcode.
30. This dog kennel has a very cute puppy as part of it's barcode.
31. And last but not least, another Steve Simpson-designed barcode, for a dragon-themed hot sauce. Amazing label!
Did we get your favorite? There's plenty more like these out there; keep your eyes open for them!
Additional Sources
Bored Panda, 192 Of The Most Genius Barcode Designs Ever
Reddit, Barcode Porn