Make Your Own DX Codes: The Easy Way

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Written by David Thomas – Just Shoot Film, Norwich

Ever wanted to hack your film canisters so your camera reads them exactly how you want?
Yeah, same. That’s why we built the DX Code Generator — a quick and easy way to make your own custom DX labels, without needing to memorise binary code or dig through 1980s tech manuals.

If you don’t know what DX coding is, or why you’d want to mess with it, let’s backtrack.

What is DX coding?

DX codes are those little silver and black squares on 35mm film canisters — they tell your camera what speed (ISO), exposure count, and exposure latitude the film has. It’s how your point-and-shoot or auto SLR sets itself without needing you to fiddle with dials.

They were introduced in the early 80s to make life easier. But if you’re using hand-rolled film, relabelled stock, or expired film you want to rate differently, DX codes can get in the way — or worse, leave your camera confused.

Why you might want to make your own DX labels

You’re re-spooling bulk film or short rolls into reused canisters.
You want your camera to rate a film differently (e.g. tell it your ISO 200 film is actually ISO 100).
You’re shooting experimental stocks (like Harman Phoenix or Silberra) that don’t come with DX codes.
You're creating your own custom-branded film line (👀 looking at you, boutique film nerds).
Or you just want to learn how the whole thing works — and maybe flex on your mates.

How the JSF DX Code Generator Works

We’ve built a web-based tool that lets you generate DX codes instantly.
You choose:

ISO (25–5000)
Roll length (12, 24, 36, etc.)
Exposure latitude (± stops)

Then the tool spits out:

A printable DX code image
A solid binary layout with no gaps between segments
Designed for cutting and wrapping around canisters
Optimised for thermal or standard black-and-white printing

How to Print and Apply a Working DX Code Sticker

Printing the DX code isn’t just about sticking a label on — the white areas of the code must be electrically conductive for your camera’s contacts to register it correctly.

Here’s how to make it work:

Option 1: The Proper Way (Using Foil)

Print the DX code on regular paper (or label paper).
Cut out the black squares so that the white sections are now "holes."
Stick the cut-out over a base layer of conductive foil — aluminium tape works perfectly.
- You can buy self-adhesive aluminium foil tape from hardware stores or Amazon.
Apply the finished label over the canister, making sure the foil side touches the metal of the canister and aligns with your camera’s DX contacts.

This method ensures the "white" areas conduct electricity, just like a factory-coded roll.

Option 2: The Hacky Way (Conductive Pen)

Print the DX code on matte sticker paper or label stock.
Colour in the white (conductive) areas using a conductive ink pen (like CircuitScribe or Bare Conductive).
Stick directly to the canister.

⚠️ Note: This doesn’t work on all cameras — especially ones with spring-loaded contacts or shallow sensor pads.

Option 3: The Fancy Way (Thermal Transfer + Foil Base)

If you have access to a thermal transfer printer, print the black portions on clear label film, then stick that over foil tape to create a hybrid clear/metallic code.

This looks slick, is durable, and registers beautifully in most DX-compatible cameras.

Testing Tips

Wind a canister into your camera and see what ISO it sets.
If your camera doesn’t show ISO, try comparing exposure readings with and without the code.
Some older cameras fall back to ISO 100 if they can’t read the code — so test accordingly.

Why this even matters

Because hacking your film is fun.
You learn something, you save a bit of cash, and you gain creative control over how your gear behaves. It’s the kind of analogue nerdery we live for here at Just Shoot Film.

We made this DX Code Generator because we needed it — and we want to share it with anyone rolling their own, relabelling stock, or just curious about how these old tech tricks work.

Got feedback?

This tool is open and free to use — and it’ll keep improving over time.
If you’ve got ideas (like pre-sized Avery label templates, laminated sets, or thermal printable sheets), let us know. We’ll try it out and share the results.

Make your own DX-coded film canisters with the Just Shoot Film DX Code Generator. Includes printable labels, DIY guides, and instructions for creating conductive stickers that actually work in your camera.

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