Artwork
Quiet zone
A quiet zone is the clear margin around a barcode that lets a scanner distinguish the symbol from surrounding graphics.
What it means in packaging
The required margin depends on the barcode type and its module size. It is different from a general artwork safe area. Text, borders, colours or nearby folds can interfere with scanning even when the encoded value is correct.
A practical example
A decorative frame around a QR code must remain outside the code’s required clear margin.
What to check
Preserve the generated quiet zone and verify the printed symbol on the actual material at its final size.