Transparency Sample Labels Follow
In this article your will learn more about the Transparency program and how BarTender's interim Transparency samples can help you meet the Transparency program requirements.
Contents
BarTender and Transparency
The Transparency program recommends that the Transparency information be incorporated into the primary product label design. Until manufacturers and vendors can fully implement this process, they can configure and print interim labels that they then affix to their pre-existing product labels, in a secondary labeling process that Amazon calls "over labeling."
Seagull Scientific provides a BarTender labeling solution that includes several preconfigured label templates that conform to the branding and application guidelines that the Transparency program requires for interim labels.
These templates include all of the following required elements in the correct format, layout, and dimensions:
- Transparency logo
- Transparency call to action and description
- Data Matrix ECC 200 symbol
- Printed Product ID
Prerequisites
The BarTender interim label solution assumes that you already have a primary label that includes product information, branding, and a product identifier, such as a UPC, GTIN, SKU, or EAN.
BarTender Prerequisites
You need to have BarTender installed in order to use the samples. If you don't have BarTender yet, you can try the solution in the Free edition of BarTender. This solution requires Professional edition features, so your labels will be watermarked while using the Free edition.
If you need help getting started with BarTender, check out our getting started videos.
Transparency Prerequisites
To use the BarTender interim label solution, you must first request your Transparency identifier codes from Amazon. These codes are delivered in a CSV file and are listed in the "Public_Code" column. You can get more information directly from Amazon.
After you have BarTender installed and have obtained your identifier codes from Amazon, follow the instructions below to download, configure and print the Transparency labels.
Download Samples
There are currently four label samples for Transparency. Choose the sample that works best for your product.
Transparency Square
If your packaging has a printed product ID (UPC, EAN, SKU, or FNSKU) and a square label fits best, use this label.

1.125” w x 1.125” h
Transparency Rectangle
If your packaging has a printed product ID (UPC, EAN, SKU, or FNSKU) and a wide rectangular label fits best, use this label.

1.75” w x .75” h
Transparency UPC Product ID
If you are applying a UPC product ID barcode and a Transparency barcode, use this label.

1.375” w x 1.375” h
Transparency Branded
If your packaging has a printed product ID (UPC, EAN, SKU, or FNSKU) and logo/brandname, use this label.

3.917” w x 1.375” h
Sample Transparency Codes
Configuring the Transparency samples
Once you've downloaded the sample(s) that you want to use, you'll need to connect the sample to the Transparency CSV file provided to you by Amazon.
To connect a sample document to your CSV file:
- In BarTender, open one of the .btw documents that you just downloaded.
- Create a database connection to your Transparency CSV file. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click File, and then click Database Connection Setup.
- On the Connection Properties page, click Browse.
- In the dialog that opens, locate and then select your Transparency CSV file.
- Click OK
When you double-click the barcode object on the template to open the Barcode Properties page, you can see that the Transparency code database field is automatically linked as a data source to the Data Matrix symbol.
Each of the samples is also configured with a data entry form that allows you to enter your product identifier at print time.
For more information on databases and data entry forms:
Printing Transparency Samples
To print your Transparency labels:
- Click the Print icon to configure your printer settings and print your labels.
- When prompted, enter the Product ID for your product. One label is printed for each Transparency identifier code in the database.
- Manually apply the labels to your items.
The Transparency guidelines require that the Transparency symbol and barcode be front-facing whenever possible. If front facing is not possible, priority order would be to affix them on the back, then side, and then the top of the packaging
Other Considerations
- Each product ID (SKU, GTIN, UPC, or EAN) must be printed separately with its own set of Transparency identifier codes.
- If your current printer does not support the label stock that the Transparency labels require, you may need to invest in a separate printer for the interim labels.
- The solution does not yet include verification of whether Transparency codes were previously used in a prior print job.
Still need help?
If you still need help getting started with Transparency and BarTender, just contact us.