Quick answer: enter the number assigned to the packaging component (3 to 131070) and download the Pharmacode as a vector PDF or SVG. The bars are drawn at the standard real size, so place the file at 100 % in your artwork.
What Pharmacode is for
Pharmacode is not a product barcode and is never scanned at the pharmacy. It was developed by Laetus to make sure the right printed material reaches the right product on a packaging line: a sensor reads the code on every carton, leaflet or label at high speed and rejects any that belong to a different product or an outdated version. Because it is so simple – just narrow and wide bars – it can be printed with any process and read even on rough board.
| Values | 3 to 131070 (one-track); 4 to 64,570,080 (two-track) |
| Narrow bar | 0.5 mm |
| Wide bar | 1.5 mm |
| Space | 1.0 mm |
| Reading direction | Right to left – the value is binary, read from the end |
How to create a Pharmacode
- Enter the code number. Every carton, leaflet or label version gets its own Pharmacode number from your packaging department.
- Choose one- or two-track. One-track covers up to 131070. Two-track Pharmacode stores larger numbers in two rows of bars.
- Set the height. The default height is 8 mm; follow the specification of your packaging line.
- Place at 100 %. Download PDF or SVG and do not scale it – the bar widths are part of the standard.
Pharmacode is not for traceability
Under the EU Falsified Medicines Directive and the US DSCSA, medicine packs need a GS1 DataMatrix with product code, serial number, batch and expiry. Pharmacode stays alongside it for packaging-line control, but it carries no product or serial information.
Placing Pharmacode on artwork
- Place it where the sensor on your packaging line expects it – usually on a flap of the carton or at a fixed position on the leaflet.
- Keep a clear margin of at least 6 mm before and after the code.
- Print it in a single dark colour with good contrast to the background.
- Use the vector PDF or SVG at exactly 100 %; never resize it in the layout program.
One-track or two-track?
One-track Pharmacode uses bar width (narrow or wide) to store a binary number. Two-track Pharmacode uses bar height instead – bars can be full height, top half or bottom half – and stores much larger numbers in the same width. Choose the type your sensors are set up for.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t phone apps read Pharmacode?
Pharmacode is read by dedicated sensors on packaging lines, not by retail scanners or phone apps.
Can I resize the Pharmacode?
Keep it at 100 %. The bar widths are defined in millimetres and sensors are set up for them. You can change the height.
Is there a check digit?
No. Pharmacode relies on its simple structure and on reading every component.
Where does the number come from?
Your company assigns it, usually one number per packaging component and version.