Digimarc Print & Audio Module | Digimarc Barcode for Print

19 January 2023

Digimarc Barcode for print isn't used for packaging and doesn't contain a GTIN. This identifier is unique to Digimarc and can be read by apps that include Digimarc’s Mobile SDK.

When an image is uploaded, it's automatically enhanced with a digital watermark. Upload a final, print-ready TIFF or JPEG file (150 MB or less). Don't change or scale the image after it has been enhanced with a digital watermark because doing so could limit or prevent the image from scanning.

Note: The Print & Audio module supports transparency in TIFF files.

1. From the main page, click New Digimarc Barcode.
2. Click the Barcode Type drop-down and select Print.
3. If this watermark will be used for demonstration or testing purposes, enable This will be a Demo Barcode. Demo barcodes are marked with “Demo” in the file details window and in the list view.
   
4. Click Next.
5. Select the Project to add this Digimarc digital watermark to. If you were already in a project when you started, you can click Use This Project. To add the barcode to a different project, type the project's name in the search field.
   
6. Click Next.
7. Enter the information for the new Digimarc digital watermark:
   • Click Select Images to select an image file from your system or drag and drop the file onto the icon.
   • Digimarc Barcode Name (required): Enter a name to help you easily locate this Digimarc digital watermark later. This name isn't visible to users scanning with a Digimarc-enabled mobile app.
   • Web Experience URL: Enter the URL you want this Digimarc digital watermark to connect to.
     Note: Digimarc Discover delivers this URL when Digimarc digital watermark is scanned. If the Digimarc-enabled mobile app doesn't link to this URL, it might not be using Digimarc’s platform for web experiences. Contact the app developer if this occurs.
   • Banner Headline: This is the text that will appear in the mobile app after the Digimarc digital watermark is detected. It can be up to 256 characters long.
     Note: Digimarc Discover displays this headline when Digimarc digital watermark is scanned. If the Digimarc-enabled mobile app doesn't display the headline, contact the app developer. Developers can choose whether the information entered in the Print & Audio Module is displayed in the user interface of their apps.
   • Description: Enter a description that provides details about this Digimarc digital watermark. This is for your reference only and isn't shown to the mobile app users.
     
8. To enter multiple Digimarc digital watermark orders to the selected project, click Add Another. Another set of fields enables you to create additional digital watermarks as needed.
9. Click Next to continue.
10. To have your account charged on the annual renewal date automatically, enable Turn on Auto Renew.
11. Review the details of your Digimarc digital watermark. When you're satisfied everything is correct, click Create. A confirmation is displayed and the file is enhanced. When the enhancement is complete, you're offered the enhanced file to download.
12. Click Download File to save the enhanced image locally. You can also download the enhanced file from the project's page by positioning the cursor over the desired barcode and clicking the download icon.
    

You can now test the enhanced image with common mobile devices and lighting environments. We recommend you print your image on a proofing device that's like the final output printer. Use the highest quality settings and print at 100% scale for the best results.

TIP: Use the free Digimarc Discover® mobile application to read the printed Digimarc digital watermark. You can find more information about Digimarc Discover using the links below.

Adjust the Barcode Strength

If the Digimarc digital watermark is too visible or doesn't scan reliably, you can easily adjust the watermark strength to meet your needs.

To adjust the barcode strength:

1. From the project page, select the barcode to adjust.
2. Click the image thumbnail. The Edit File dialog opens.
3. Click + or - to adjust the Strength, and then click Apply Digimarc digital watermark. After it finishes processing, download and print your image for testing with common mobile devices and lighting environments.

NOTE: Adjusting the strength can affect how the image scans. Digital files might scan differently than the final printed result.

For more control when applying Digimarc digital watermark, use the Digimarc digital watermark Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop (macOS only). To download it, open the Print & Audio module and click Products > Get Photoshop Plug-in from the top navigation bar.