Barcode Generator
Generate barcodes in Code128, EAN-13, UPC-A, and other formats from any text or number.
About This Tool
Create barcodes instantly from text or numeric input in Code128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code39, ITF-14, and MSI formats. Download as SVG or PNG for print, packaging, inventory, or retail use. Everything runs in your browser — no server processing, no data uploaded.
What you provide
Text or number to encode, barcode format, and display options
What you get
Rendered barcode image downloadable as SVG or PNG
How to Use
- Enter the text or number you want to encode.
- Select the barcode format (Code128, EAN-13, UPC-A, etc.).
- Click Generate, then download the barcode as SVG or PNG.
Barcode Format Comparison
| Format | Data Type | Characters | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Alphanumeric | Full ASCII (128 chars) | Shipping labels, logistics, inventory management |
| EAN-13 | Numeric | 13 digits (incl. check digit) | Retail products worldwide — GS1 standard |
| UPC-A | Numeric | 12 digits (incl. check digit) | Retail products in US and Canada |
| Code 39 | Alphanumeric | 43 characters (A–Z, 0–9, symbols) | Automotive, defense, industrial parts labeling |
| ITF-14 | Numeric | 14 digits | Outer carton and case-level packaging (GS1) |
| Pharmacode | Numeric | 3–131071 (binary encoding) | Pharmaceutical packaging — single medication ID |
Choosing the Right Barcode for Your Industry
Retail products sold at point-of-sale require a GS1-registered barcode: EAN-13 for international markets and UPC-A for North American retailers. GS1 company prefixes are purchased through your national GS1 organization, and each product SKU gets a unique number under your prefix. Using unregistered EAN/UPC numbers risks rejection at major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Carrefour, who require verifiable GS1 database entries.
Logistics and warehousing operations typically prefer Code 128 because it encodes the full ASCII character set at high data density, making it suitable for alphanumeric tracking numbers, serial numbers, and shipment references used in FedEx, UPS, and postal systems. ITF-14 is the GS1 standard for outer packaging (cases and cartons) because it prints well on corrugated cardboard with variable bar width tolerances. For healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chains, standards like GS1-128 with Application Identifiers (AI codes) encode expiry dates, lot numbers, and serial numbers in a single barcode — a regulatory requirement in the EU under the Falsified Medicines Directive and in the US under DSCSA.
Barcode Print Quality Checklist
- Minimum narrow bar width: 0.264 mm (X-dimension) for GS1 retail; wider for industrial scanners reading at distance.
- Quiet zones are mandatory: EAN-13 requires 7 modules of white space on the left, 7 on the right — omitting these causes scan failures.
- High contrast is critical: black bars on white background is optimal; avoid colored substrates unless contrast ratio exceeds 70%.
- Test with at least two different scanners before production printing — cheap handheld scanners have different tolerance thresholds than fixed industrial readers.
- Avoid glossy, reflective surfaces: specular reflection causes scan failures; matte paper or matte laminate is preferred for printed labels.
- Always verify the check digit mathematically before printing — a wrong check digit means every scanner in the world will reject the barcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What barcode format should I use?
- Use EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail products (they are required by most point-of-sale systems). Use Code128 for shipping labels, inventory, and general-purpose encoding — it supports the full ASCII character set with high data density.
- What is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?
- 1D barcodes (like Code128 and EAN-13) encode data in parallel lines of varying width. They hold less data but are read by simple laser scanners. 2D barcodes (like QR codes) use a grid of squares and hold much more data but require a camera-based scanner.
- Is this tool free to use?
- Yes. This tool runs entirely in your browser with no account required. Your data never leaves your device.
- Can I use generated barcodes for commercial products?
- The barcode image itself is yours to use freely. However, retail barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A) require a valid GS1 prefix registered to your company. The generator creates the visual barcode but does not assign or validate GS1 numbers.
- Does this work on mobile?
- Yes. The tool is fully responsive and works on any device with a modern browser. Generated barcodes can be downloaded directly to your phone.
Learn More
Barcode Formats Explained: EAN-13, Code 128, and More
Learn how barcode formats work, from EAN-13 and UPC-A in retail to Code 128 in logistics. Covers encoding, check digits, and print quality.
7 min read