What is a Sideways Barcode and How Is It Used?

Barcodes are a fundamental tool for tracking, identifying, and managing products across numerous industries. A typical barcode is printed horizontally, running from left to right.

However, in certain scenarios, a sideways barcode, also known as a vertical barcode, is a better fit for space or design requirements.

A sideways barcode is simply a barcode that is printed vertically, from top to bottom, instead of horizontally. While the data encoded remains the same as in traditional barcodes, the orientation can make a significant difference in how the barcode fits into packaging, labels, and product designs.

This makes it useful in specific applications where a horizontal barcode may be impractical or impossible to fit properly.

How a Sideways Barcode Differs From a Traditional Barcode

The key difference between a sideways barcode and a traditional barcode is its orientation. While a horizontal barcode is read from left to right, a sideways barcode is read from top to bottom.

This may require slight adjustments when using certain types of barcode scanners, particularly older models that are optimized for horizontal scanning. However, most modern scanners, especially omnidirectional ones, can scan both horizontal and vertical barcodes without issue.

This orientation doesn't alter the type of information encoded in the barcode, it's the same product or tracking data, just in a different layout. The main advantage is in how the barcode fits on certain products or packaging where a horizontal barcode would be too wide or visually disruptive.

When Should You Use a Sideways Barcode?

The need for a sideways barcode arises in specific situations where product design, packaging, or logistical efficiency is paramount. Let's explore some common scenarios where using a vertical barcode makes more sense than a traditional horizontal one:

1. Compact Packaging with Limited Surface Area

In industries where products are small, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and electronic accessories, packaging space is extremely limited.

For example, a small lipstick tube might have space constraints that prevent the use of a horizontal barcode.

In such cases, a sideways barcode placed vertically can efficiently fit the surface without taking up too much room, while still ensuring the product can be scanned easily during checkout or inventory processes.

A manufacturer of small medical devices, such as insulin pens or vials, uses vertical barcodes on their packaging to avoid crowding critical information such as dosage instructions. This ensures both clarity and scanability.

2. Tall, Narrow Product Labels

Products with narrow but tall labeling surfaces, such as beverage bottles or tall, slim boxes, benefit from a sideways barcode that fits the natural dimensions of the product.

Placing a horizontal barcode on these types of packaging can result in awkward design or wasted space. In contrast, a vertical barcode aligns with the label's dimensions, creating a more seamless design that still functions well for scanning.

A bottled water company may use a vertical barcode on their bottle's label, running the barcode along the height of the bottle rather than across its width, preserving label space for branding and nutritional information.

3. Shelf Scanning in Warehouses

In warehouse environments, efficiency in scanning is essential. When products are stacked or stored on narrow shelves, a sideways barcode can make scanning faster and easier, reducing the need for workers to physically adjust the product.

This is particularly useful in logistics and supply chain management, where items are often stored in tight spaces.

A distribution center stores multiple boxes of electronics on narrow shelves. Each box features a vertical barcode along the side.

When scanned by warehouse staff, the vertical orientation allows for quicker scanning without needing to pull the boxes out from the shelves.

4. Medical and Laboratory Settings

In healthcare and laboratory settings, items like test tubes, syringes, or sample containers are typically small and cylindrical. A horizontal barcode on such surfaces would not fit well and might not be easily scanned due to the shape of the object.

A sideways barcode can be placed along the length of the container, making it more practical for both printing and scanning in these precise environments.

For instance, a laboratory handling blood samples uses vertical barcodes on test tubes. This orientation fits the shape of the tube, allowing lab technicians to scan samples without excessive handling, reducing the risk of contamination or mix-ups.

The Role of Scanning Equipment

While modern scanners can handle both horizontal and sideways barcodes with ease, it's worth noting that older scanners, particularly linear or laser-based models, may require manual adjustment to scan vertical barcodes properly.

For these types of scanners, the user may need to tilt the device to align with the barcode's vertical orientation, which could introduce minor delays. However, businesses utilizing omnidirectional or 2D scanners will experience seamless scanning regardless of the barcode's orientation.

Given the widespread use of advanced barcode scanners today, the difference in orientation is becoming less of a concern.

Most point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management scanners are designed to capture barcode data from multiple angles, ensuring that the scanning process remains efficient whether the barcode is vertical or horizontal.

Generating Sideways Barcodes with Ease

Creating a sideways barcode for your business or product is a simple process using an online barcode generator.

With a barcode generator, you can quickly generate custom barcodes in various formats, such as UPC, EAN and easily adjust the orientation to fit your specific needs.

Whether you require a traditional horizontal barcode or a vertical one, the barcode generator simplifies the process, making it easy for businesses of all sizes to create the necessary barcodes.

A sideways barcode is a practical solution for industries that face space constraints or design limitations on their products or packaging. Whether you're dealing with compact medical devices, tall product labels, or warehouse logistics, vertical barcodes can help you maximize available space while maintaining scanning efficiency.

A barcode generator allows you to customize your barcodes for specific needs and environments.

By using sideways barcodes strategically, businesses can improve their operations without sacrificing efficiency, regardless of the industry or product size.