Quiet Zones

Quiet zones are blank spaces on either side of barcodes that help barcode readers recognize where a barcode starts. A successful quiet zone should usually be the greater of either ten times the width of the narrowest bar or space in the barcode or 1/4 inch, depending on the symbology. In 2D symbologies, quiet zones should be included on all sides. All quiet zones ought to be kept unobstructed so that the barcode can be reliably read in both directions.