Free Barcode Generator Online

Supported Barcode Types

Choose the barcode format that matches how the code will be scanned or printed.

Do I need an official barcode number?

This tool creates the barcode image from the data you enter. It does not issue official GTIN, EAN, or UPC numbers. For retail products, marketplaces, and store checkout systems, use a valid number from GS1 or your regional numbering authority.

Use this generator after you already have the number, or for internal labels such as SKUs, warehouse locations, asset tags, shipping references, and test labels.

Why won’t my barcode scan?

If a barcode looks correct but does not scan reliably, check these common issues before reprinting a full batch.

1. Quiet zone is too small

Leave clear blank space to the left and right of 1D barcodes. Do not place text, borders, logos, or cut lines inside this space.

2. Bars are too small or blurred

Use SVG for print artwork. If exporting PNG, use a higher scale and avoid image smoothing or resizing inside design software.

3. Low contrast colours

Use dark bars on a light background. Black bars on white is the safest choice for most scanners.

4. EAN or UPC number is invalid

Retail barcodes need a valid check digit. This tool can calculate or validate check digits, but it does not issue official retail product numbers.

5. Printed label is damaged or glossy

Wrinkles, scratches, glossy laminate, transparent packaging, and curved surfaces can all reduce scan reliability.

Barcode Generator FAQ

Does this upload my barcode data?

No. The generator runs in your browser. Your barcode text, product numbers, CSV rows, and generated SVG/PNG files stay on your device.

Which barcode formats are supported?

The tool supports Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, Code 39, ITF-14, and Codabar. QR codes are handled by the separate QR Code Generator.

Can it calculate check digits?

Yes. Enter 12 digits for EAN-13, 11 digits for UPC-A, 7 digits for EAN-8, or 13 digits for ITF-14 and the tool will compute the final check digit. Full-length values are validated before rendering.

Which barcode type should I choose?

Use EAN-13, UPC-A, or EAN-8 for retail product codes, ITF-14 for cartons, Code 128 for compact logistics or inventory labels, Code 39 for simple alphanumeric IDs, and Codabar for legacy library, lab, or logistics workflows.

About Barcode Formats

Code 128 is a compact, high-density symbology for logistics labels, inventory stickers, and internal IDs. EAN-13, UPC-A, and EAN-8 cover retail product codes, ITF-14 is used for cases and cartons, Code 39 handles simple uppercase alphanumeric IDs, and Codabar supports older library, lab, and logistics workflows.

Best practices

• Use SVG for print and high-resolution packaging; it stays sharp at any size.
• Quiet zones: Keep a light margin (quiet zone) around the barcode.
• Contrast: Dark bars on a light background work best.
• Size: Match the format and scanner environment; EAN-13 often uses a nominal size around 37.29mm × 26.26mm.

Barcode Basics: 1D Formats and Print-Ready Results

Barcodes turn numbers or text into machine-readable lines that scanners can decode instantly. This tool supports common 1D symbologies: Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, Code 39, ITF-14, and Codabar. Everything runs locally in your browser, and you can export crisp SVG (best for print) or PNG (for quick digital use).

When to use each format

• Code 128 — general-purpose, high-density barcode. Encodes a wide range of ASCII characters (via subsets A/B/C), making it popular for shipping labels, warehouse locations, and internal product IDs.
• EAN-13, UPC-A, and EAN-8 — retail product formats with check digits. Use EAN-13 internationally, UPC-A for many North American products, and EAN-8 where label space is tight.
• ITF-14 — carton and case-level GTIN labels. Enter 13 digits and the tool can calculate the 14th check digit.
• Code 39 — simple uppercase alphanumeric IDs. It is less dense than Code 128 but still useful for older asset and inventory systems.
• Codabar — legacy format often seen in libraries, blood banks, labs, and some logistics workflows. It uses start/stop guard letters such as A and B.

Check digits (how they’re computed)

EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, and ITF-14 use a final digit to help detect errors. The algorithm alternates 1x and 3x weights across the data digits, then chooses the final digit that brings the total to a multiple of 10.

1. Add the digits in the positions weighted 1.
2. Add the digits in the positions weighted 3 and multiply that sum by 3.
3. Add both results together; the check digit is (10 − (sum mod 10)) mod 10.

Enter the data digits and this tool will fill the final digit automatically; enter the full code to verify an existing value.

Print & scan best practices

• Prefer SVG for packaging and labels. Vector output stays sharp at any size. Use PNG only when you must rasterise, and export at high resolution (e.g., 300–600 DPI equivalent).
• Keep a quiet zone: leave clear margins on all sides so scanners can detect the barcode edges. Increase the “Margin” option if devices struggle.
• High contrast: dark bars on a light, non-gloss background scan best (e.g., black on white). Avoid low-contrast colours and busy backgrounds.
• Size matters: very small bars can fail on lower-quality printers. If you print small, increase bar height and keep the text legible.
• Data hygiene: EAN, UPC, and ITF-14 accept digits only; Code 39 is uppercase alphanumeric; Code 128 accepts more characters. Avoid leading/trailing spaces and hidden characters.
• Test in real conditions: print a sample, try multiple scanners/phones, and check from different angles and lighting. For thermal printers, disable smoothing and use the native printer driver if possible.

Retail readiness & numbering

For retail EAN, UPC, or ITF use, obtain valid product numbers (commonly via GS1 or your regional numbering authority). Using made-up numbers can cause conflicts in stores or marketplaces. Remember: the country digits in an EAN identify the number issuer, not necessarily where the product was made.

Common workflows

• Inventory labels (Code 128 or Code 39): encode SKU or location IDs, export SVG, drop into your label template, and print to a thermal printer.
• Retail packaging (EAN-13, UPC-A, or EAN-8): enter your item number, let the tool add the check digit, export SVG, and place it on artwork with adequate quiet zones.
• Carton labels (ITF-14): encode the case-level GTIN and export a high-contrast SVG for warehouse scanning.

Tip: keep a small test sheet of barcodes with varying margins and sizes. Scan them with your actual devices to lock in settings before a big print run.