How to use the Barcode Generator
Generate a barcode in three steps:
1
Choose a barcode format
Select the format from the dropdown. The format description and character set requirements are shown below. If you're unsure, Code 128 works for most general-purpose needs.
2
Enter your barcode content
Type the barcode value or click the example to load a sample. The tool validates your input in real time and shows specific error messages if the format requirements aren't met.
3
Customize and download
Optionally click Customize to adjust colors, height, bar width, and text display. Download as SVG for print-ready vector output or PNG for digital use at 2× retina resolution.
When to use this tool
Use this tool to generate industry-standard barcodes for products, assets, and documents:
- →Generating EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes for retail product packaging and point-of-sale scanning
- →Creating Code 128 barcodes for shipping labels, inventory tracking, and warehouse management systems
- →Making ITF-14 barcodes for outer carton and pallet-level shipping container identification
- →Generating Code 39 barcodes for asset tags, equipment labels, and government/military inventory systems
- →Creating Codabar barcodes for library book labels, blood bank sample tracking, and FedEx shipments
- →Producing EAN-8 barcodes for small product packaging where EAN-13 would be too large to fit
Frequently asked questions
Q:Which barcode format should I use for retail products?
For most retail products sold internationally, use EAN-13 (the global standard used everywhere except North America). For products sold primarily in North America, use UPC-A (the US and Canada retail standard, which is technically a subset of EAN-13). For small packages where the full barcode won't fit, use EAN-8 (8-digit compact version) or UPC-E (compressed UPC). To use EAN or UPC barcodes commercially on retail products, you need to obtain a legitimate GS1 company prefix from GS1 (gs1.org) — using random numbers will conflict with other products. For internal inventory tracking that doesn't go through retail, Code 128 or Code 39 are fine without registration.
Q:What is the difference between Code 128, Code 39, and Code 93?
Code 128 encodes all 128 ASCII characters (letters, numbers, and symbols) at high density — it is the most versatile and commonly used 1D barcode for general-purpose applications. Code 39 encodes uppercase letters, digits, and a limited set of symbols (- . * $ / + %) with larger, more widely spaced bars — it is older, less dense, but widely supported in legacy systems especially in government, military, and healthcare. Code 93 is a more compact version of Code 39, encoding the same character set in 30% less space. For new applications, Code 128 is the recommended choice due to its higher data density and full ASCII support.
Q:Why does EAN-13 require exactly 12 or 13 digits?
EAN-13 barcodes consist of a 12-digit payload plus a 1-digit check digit calculated from the first 12. When you enter 12 digits, the tool automatically calculates and appends the correct check digit. When you enter all 13, the tool validates that the 13th digit matches the expected check digit. The check digit catches scanning errors — if a scanner misreads one digit, the check calculation fails and the reader knows to try again. This is why EAN-13 barcodes always have exactly 13 digits and why generating a valid one requires following the mathematical formula (alternating ×1 and ×3 modulo 10 calculation).
Q:What barcode format should I use for shipping cartons?
Use ITF-14 for outer carton, case, and pallet-level GS1 barcodes on shipping containers. ITF-14 encodes a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN-14) and is specifically designed for corrugated cardboard packaging where print quality may vary — the Interleaved 2-of-5 symbology is tolerant of print spread on rough surfaces. The distinctive bearer bars (thick border) around ITF-14 barcodes prevent mis-scanning of the edges. For shipping labels (parcel-level, not carton-level), Code 128 is used by major carriers including UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS.
Q:Why should I use SVG instead of PNG for printed barcodes?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) stores the barcode as mathematical descriptions of shapes rather than pixels. This means it can be scaled to any physical size — from a 1cm label to a 1-meter poster — without any pixelation, blurriness, or jagged edges. PNG is a raster format: it has a fixed pixel grid, and enlarging it beyond its native resolution causes visible degradation. For any print application (labels, packaging, posters, documents), always use SVG. The PNG export from this tool outputs at 2× the pixel resolution you set, which is sufficient for most digital contexts but still has a resolution ceiling.
Q:What is the minimum size a barcode needs to be to scan reliably?
Minimum scannable barcode dimensions depend on the format and scanner quality. As general guidelines: Code 128 and Code 39 should be at least 19mm (0.75 inches) wide for standard retail scanners. EAN-13 has a defined nominal size of 37.29mm × 26.26mm but can be printed at 80%–200% of nominal (29.83mm–74.58mm wide). ITF-14 minimum is 142mm wide. The X-dimension (width of the narrowest bar) is the key metric — consumer-grade scanners require X-dimension ≥ 0.25mm, industrial scanners can read 0.10mm. Never scale a barcode below 80% of its nominal size for commercial use, and always test scan before large print runs.