ITF-14 is used to mark packages with an item number. ITF-14 barcodes are easy to print compared, for example, with EAN-13. Further, ITF-14 has a high level of tolerance which means it can be printed directly on a corrugated box.
ITF‑14 is used to mark packages with an item number
ITF‑14 is used to mark packages that will not pass a checkout with a GTIN‑14. If the package needs to be marked with more information such as batch number or dates then the GS1‑128 barcode is, for example, more suitable.
Example of the barcode ITF-14.Barcode size
A barcode can be printed in different sizes on condition that it can be easily read. A large barcode has wider bars and tolerances which means you can be more certain that it can be read without problems.
The following figure shows the recommended dimensions for an ITF‑14 barcode. Dimension limits will be found in the the Barcode Size Guide.
Recommended measurements for barcode ITF-14.Bar width
ITF‑14 is built up from bars and spaces of two different widths. It is critical that the bars and spaces have the correct width for the barcode to be readable.
The width of the narrowest bar in a barcode is called the module width. If a barcode is reduced or enlarged relative to the nominal size, the module width must be changed by the same proportion.
Height
The height of ITF‑14 is measured from the bottom edge to the top edge of the bars, excluding the bearer bars.
Light margins
There must always be a light margin to the left and right of the bars. The light margins are empty spaces to ensure that adjacent information, such as the package artwork, does not interfere with scanning. With ITF‑14 the light margins are the spaces between the bars and the bearer bars.
Bearer bars
There must always be bearer bars (a frame) around the barcode. They make things simpler under difficult printing conditions and improve scanning reliability. If the bearer bars are missing there is a risk that the barcode will be misread.
If a barcode is reduced or enlarged, the dimensions must be changed by the same proportion, but the bearer bars must always be 4.8 mm wide regardless of the size of the barcode.
Human-readable digits
The digits under the barcode must be 5.72 mm high and placed 1 mm under the bearer bar. In exceptional cases the figures can be printed to the left of the barcode.