Creating a barcode-based inventory is a crucial part of maintaining a streamlined business. However, if you’re running a small business or online store, you may not have enough money in your budget for expensive barcode creation software.

If that’s the case, you’re in luck: there’s an easy way to create your own barcodes in Google Sheets.

1. Create a new spreadsheet

Go to Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet.

2. Organize business information in columns

What this information is depends on your business and your preferences, but at minimum, it should include a product name, product ID number, and a column for barcodes.

3. Add products

Add whatever products you want to make barcodes for.

4. Create product ID

Once you’ve listed your products, pair them with a unique ID number. This number will become the basis of your barcode.

5. Add the formula =”*”&B2&”*” to the barcode column

The “B” represents the column you want the information to come from, while the number (in this case, 2) represents the row. In the example below, B2 represents the black sock ID number, 748311.

6. Change font to Libre Barcode

Change the formula’s font to Libre Barcode. There are two versions of this font available: Code 39 and Code 128. The code shown below is Code 128.

Now all you need to do is repeat those steps for the rest of your products, and you’ll have an inventory’s worth of self-made barcodes. If you’re unable to use Google Sheets, don’t worry. This method works in Microsoft Excel as well, although you will need to make sure you have a barcode font downloaded.

Barcode Printers at Barcode Factory

Now that you have your barcode labels, you need to print them. A substandard print job can leave your barcode warped, smudged or completely unreadable. At best, this leads to reprints, which eat up your time and materials; at worst, it leaves you unable to sell your products.

That’s why it’s important to use a barcode printer you can trust. If you’re looking for a reliable barcode printer, look no further than Barcode Factory. We offer a wide range of barcode printers from quality manufacturers, implementing direct thermal, thermal transfer and inkjet technology. Browse our selection of printers here or contact us today and have one of our certified experts guide you through your purchase.