The short answer
What this setting controls
No Mark keeps the board free of an added identifier. Barcode / Serial Number adds a production-generated identifier when each board must be distinguished later.
Reserve a clear, readable area with adequate contrast and keep the mark away from pads, keep-outs, edge cuts and RF-sensitive regions. Decide whether a code, number or both are useful to service and quality records.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| No Mark | No added production identifier | Use when traceability is handled at assembly, packaging or system level. |
| Barcode / Serial Number | Board-level traceability | Reserve a clear area and align the generated identifier with service records. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- The unique sequence is generated during production; it is not a user-editable prefix.
- The chosen location and size must fit the actual board geometry.
- If the page disables a choice, treat it as a compatibility result and adjust the controlling design decision rather than forcing the value.
Practical recommendation
How to make the decision
- Use No Mark for a simple prototype or when traceability is handled elsewhere.
- Use Barcode / Serial Number when board-level history, batch separation or field service matters.
- Open the settings dialog and review the preview before saving the mark.
Before release
Check these points before adding the quote to cart
- Confirm the selected value matches the released Gerber, drawing, stack-up, BOM or assembly plan.
- Review any fields that changed automatically after this selection.
- Check the board preview and server-calculated estimate before adding the quote to cart.
- Use No Mark for a simple prototype or when traceability is handled elsewhere.
- Use Barcode / Serial Number when board-level history, batch separation or field service matters.
- Open the settings dialog and review the preview before saving the mark.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
Can I type the unique number?
No. You can enable or disable the production-generated unique sequence; the user-editable prefix and incrementing portion are separate settings.
When should I change Mark on PCB?
Change it when the released electrical, mechanical, thermal, assembly or quality plan gives a measurable reason. Otherwise keep the compatible default and review the resulting board preview and estimate.
Why is an option disabled?
The current material, geometry, layer count, quantity or another selected process makes that combination unavailable. Change the controlling selection or revise the design package rather than trying to bypass the disabled state.
Can I rely on the online choice as final manufacturing approval?
No. The interface screens known combinations and requests pricing, while final manufacturability remains subject to the released files and technical review.
What should I record outside the order form?
Put controlled requirements in the fabrication drawing, assembly drawing, stack-up, BOM or acceptance plan. Use Special instructions only for a concise pointer to that controlled requirement.
Will changing this update other selections?
It can. The order form re-evaluates compatibility and may replace a now-invalid dependent choice before requesting a fresh server-side estimate. Review every highlighted or automatically changed field.
What if the design requires an option that is not offered?
Do not approximate it with a different label. Recheck the controlling material and geometry, document the actual requirement, and request technical review before placing the order.
Further reading
Standards and technical references
Use the latest applicable revision and your organisation’s controlled requirements when a standard forms part of product acceptance.