Answer: The actual part of the barcode itself that is read by the barcode scanner is the image that is comprised of a series of lines (or squares in the case of 2D barcodes). The numbers beneath the barcode image are strictly for readability by the human eye and do not influence on how the barcode is scanned. With that said, though, we recommend that all barcodes on products also include the barcode's number to ensure that the barcode can be read, even if it cannot be scanned due to damage or obstruction of the barcode image.