Barcode Generator — Code-128 & EAN-13

About Code-128 & EAN-13

Code-128 is a compact, high-density symbology that supports the full ASCII set (via subsets A/B/C) and is widely used for logistics labels, inventory stickers, and internal IDs. EAN-13 is the most common retail barcode worldwide. It encodes 12 data digits plus a check digit…

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: For EAN-13, typical minimum is ~37.29mm × 26.26mm.

Advertisement

Barcode Basics: Code-128 vs EAN-13 (and how to get print-ready results)

Barcodes turn numbers or text into machine-readable lines that scanners can decode instantly. This tool supports two of the most widely used symbologies: Code-128 and EAN-13. 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 — 12 data digits plus a check digit. This is the retail standard in many regions. If you’re selling into stores or marketplaces, you’ll typically need official numbers issued via a standards body (e.g., GS1). Our generator can calculate the check digit from 12 digits or validate a full 13-digit code.

EAN-13 check digit (how it’s computed)

The final digit helps detect errors. The algorithm is simple:

1. Add the digits in odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th…).
2. Add the digits in even positions and multiply that sum by 3.
3. Add both results together; the check digit is (10 − (sum mod 10)) mod 10.

Enter 12 digits and this tool will fill the 13th automatically; enter 13 digits to verify an existing code.

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-13 accepts digits only; 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-13 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): encode SKU or location IDs, export SVG, drop into your label template, and print to a thermal printer.
• Retail packaging (EAN-13): enter your 12-digit item number, let the tool add the check digit, export SVG, and place it on artwork with adequate quiet zones.

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.