Barcode Producer always creates readable, valid barcodes to the specifications you've entered. If you don't modify the barcode after generating it (for example, manually editing its dimensions in Illustrator) and it's printed in a high quality way, it will be scannable.

That said, it may be desirable for you to physically test your own barcodes before producing them in bulk, especially with unusual materials or print processes. Here are a few ways to do barcode testing:

The simple, non-technical method
Buy a USB barcode scanner like IntelliScanner Pro, then scan your barcodes to make sure they scan and verify the value.

The free, somewhat awkward method
Print your barcode and take it to a retail store. Ask if you can scan your barcode at the register. (Bribe the cashier with snacks.)

The scanner should pick up your barcode and beep, confirming that the barcode is readable. The register might give an error that the barcode couldn't be found in that particular store's database, but that doesn't really matter for testing the barcode's readability.

The service method
Use a service provided by one of these companies to mail in your finished product for testing on a per-item basis: http://www.gs1us.org/resources/services/barcode-verification-services

The professional method (i.e., the method we use)
Buy a professional, ISO-compliant barcode verification product -- they're the gold standard, and what we use to test Barcode Producer itself. They're somewhat uncommon, usually require a Windows PC, and are quite expensive.

We have two barcode verifiers: a Honeywell Quick Check 800 with an RS-232 interface, and a Honeywell Quick Check 890 with a USB interface. Both of these products are no longer manufactured.

The next time we buy a barcode verifier, we'll probably buy one of these:

• Axicon 6000 ($2600)
• Axicon 15000 ($6000)