Technical Specifications
- Retail Standards
- UPC-A (12 digits for US/CA) and EAN-13 (13 digits for International)
- Internal Sku Format
- Code 128 alphanumeric symbology for internal variant SKUs
- Pos Hardware Compatibility
- 100% compatible with Shopify POS barcode scanners (Socket Mobile, Zebra, Honeywell)
- Label Dimensions
- Standard 2.25" × 1.25" direct thermal price tags and Avery 5160 multi-pack sheets
Standard Industry Use Cases
- Shopify POS retail boutique and pop-up shop cash register checkouts
- Printing thermal shelf price tags with Product Title, SKU, Price, and Barcode
- Inventory receiving and warehouse stock fulfillment
- Tagging multi-variant apparel and consumer goods
Key Benefits of Shopify Barcode
Zero Monthly App Subscription Fees
Create unlimited retail barcodes for your Shopify store without paying $10–$25/month for third-party Shopify apps.
Direct Shopify POS Scanner Compatibility
Encoded with precision quiet zones that work instantly with Socket Mobile, Tera, and Zebra Shopify POS Bluetooth scanners.
Avery & Thermal Price Tag Presets
Formatted for 2.25" × 1.25" shelf tags and Avery 5160 sheets with Product Title, SKU, Price, and Barcode.
What Code Do I Need for My Product? (Customer Decision Guide)
Choosing the right barcode format depends on where your product is sold, the packaging substrate, and scanner infrastructure:
Should I use UPC-A or Code 128 for my Shopify store?
If you are selling products in external retail marketplaces (like Amazon or Google Shopping), use official GS1 UPC-A barcodes. If you only sell on your own Shopify store and physical boutique, Code 128 using your internal SKUs is fast and free.
How do I add barcodes to my Shopify products?
In your Shopify Admin, navigate to Products > Select Product > Inventory section, and paste the barcode number into the 'Barcode (ISBN, UPC, GTIN, etc.)' field.
Shopify POS & Google Shopping Barcode Policy
- Shopify and Shopify POS are registered trademarks of Shopify Inc. UniversalCodeMaker is an independent software tool not endorsed by Shopify.
- Google Shopping and marketplace integrations require authentic GS1 GTINs. Do not enter fabricated UPC numbers into Shopify if syncing with Google Merchant Center.
- Ensure thermal labels use high-density thermal paper to prevent barcode fading under retail store lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shopify require official UPC or EAN barcodes?
If you are only selling in your own Shopify online store or physical retail location using Shopify POS, you can use any internal SKU or Code 128 barcode. However, if you sync products with Google Shopping, Amazon, or Facebook/Instagram commerce, you must provide authentic GS1 UPC or EAN numbers.
How do I print barcodes for my Shopify products without paying for an app?
Export your product list from Shopify admin (Products > Export > All products as CSV). Open UniversalCodeMaker, upload the CSV into our Batch Generator, and print directly to Avery sheets or thermal rolls without recurring monthly app subscriptions.
Which barcode scanner works best with Shopify POS on iPad or iPhone?
Shopify POS officially recommends Bluetooth 1D/2D barcode scanners (such as Socket Mobile S700 or Tera Wireless Handheld Scanners) that pair via Bluetooth HID keyboard emulation.
What label size is standard for Shopify retail clothing and shelf tags?
The most popular size for retail boutiques and apparel is 2.25" × 1.25" (or 2" × 1") direct thermal sticker rolls, which comfortably fit the product name, price, SKU, and barcode.