Images on screen can appear identical to the naked eye but behave quite differently in terms of load time, visual quality, background-colours, editability, etc. depending on where the image is being used. It is therefore important to keep the intended usage in mind when developing or inserting images.

While other methods are acceptable the following guidance is intended to provide consistency and highlight the issues faced.

Figures

Figures enhance a document’s readability by illustrating key points, better communicating ideas and helping readers navigate through sometimes confusing interfaces.

Prior to 2020, this GS1 Style Guide recommended all figures to include a numbered titled cantered above the figure. However, the recommendation since May 2020 is for all new documents to:

Note: See section 2.14.9 for punctuation of currency.

This section describes the rules for using abbreviations and symbols.

Note: For currency abbreviation rules, see section 2.14.9.

Unlinked titles of documents should always be italicised in running text. However, do not italicise the words “section”, “chapter”, “appendix”, “table” or “figure” and do not italicise the titles and numbers of a section, chapter, appendix, table or figure.

■ Examples:

□ Correct: See the Microsoft Style Guide

Minimising the use of capital letters in headings makes them easier to read, so use sentence case – when only the first word is capitalised:

■ Rationale: overuse of capitals can make text more difficult to read; use of lowercase gives us a more relaxed and approachable tone of voice, including headings

■ Examples:

□ Correct: GS1 helps companies drive efficiency and safety

Use www.gs1.org/glossary to define and research terminology.

Use the registered trademark symbol,^®, the first time any GS1 registered trademark appears in the document and only once. If the first occurrence is a heading, use the symbol in the next occurrence.

■ Example:

Use British English spelling for all documents.

It is essential that all GS1 documentation: press release, training, standard, website, etc. use consistent spelling and style. The chosen GS1 spelling and style is British English.

Note: When using MS Word, set the language to English (U.K.).

GS1 is a multinational organisation with writers located all over the world. Without a unified GS1 documentation style, problems with inconsistency and poor readability can occur across documents and across departments.