# How to generate a barcode in Orca Scan

To design, generate and print barcodes, open the **Labels** sidebar on the left. From here, you can choose the data you want to create a barcode for and the type of barcode you wish to generate and print.

## Generating Barcodes

You can generate barcodes in four ways

**Individually:**

- **Automatically:** Enter a value into another column in your sheet, and a barcode value will auto-generate in the **Barcode** column  
- **Manually:** Type a specific value directly into the **Barcode** column to create a custom barcode value

**In Bulk:**

- **Importing:** [Import an Excel file](/content/guides/importing-barcode-data-into-orca-scan-c8078bab/index.html) that contains your barcode values. If your Excel sheet does not contain barcodes, that’s okay - just include an empty **Barcode** column and barcode values will auto-generate after the import.  
- **Adding Rows:** Right-click an empty cell in the **Barcode** column, then click **Add Rows**.

### Customise your Barcodes

To customise the prefix, suffix, and length of barcodes generated in Orca Scan, simply…

1. Right-click your **Barcode** column  
2. Click **Edit column**  
3. Update the **Data type** to **Unique ID**  
4. Modify your prefix, suffix, and/or length  
5. Click **Save**

**Tip:** Barcodes you generate or customise yourself are suitable for internal tracking only. To use barcodes at the point of sale, on medical devices, or on books, you must register and obtain official values from GS1 or the relevant standards authority.

### Printing Barcodes

Once your barcodes are set up, you can easily print them directly from Orca Scan using the **Print** and **Download** options available in the **Labels** sidebar (on the left-hand side of your screen).

Remember to **highlight** the barcode values you want to print or download first. Then, click **Print** or **Download**.

Want to go further? Learn how to [create and customise full barcode labels in Orca Scan.](/content/features/barcode-label-designer-1a8f38e0/index.html)

## Have a question about generating barcodes?

We’re always happy to help, chat with us live or drop us an [email.](mailto:hello@orcascan.com)

## Ready to start scanning?

[Get Started](https://cloud.orcascan.com/#register) [Book a demo](/content/book-a-demo/index.html)