Barcode Generator
Barcodes encode data in machine-readable parallel lines. Common formats: UPC-A (12 digits, retail products), EAN-13 (13 digits, international), Code 128 (alphanumeric, shipping/logistics), QR codes (2D, URLs/text). UPC barcodes licensed from GS1. Generate using barcode fonts or SVG/PNG images. Scanners read line widths and spacings. For example, UPC "012345678905" encodes product ID and check digit. Use online generators for labels, inventory, tickets, and packaging.
Generate barcodes online for free. Supports Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, and ITF formats. Live preview, adjustable size, download as PNG or SVG. No signup required.
Barcode Format
Most versatile — supports all ASCII characters. Ideal for shipping labels, inventory.
Value
Options
Preview
Enter a value to generate a barcode
How to Use
- Enter your value in the input field
- Click the Calculate/Convert button
- Copy the result to your clipboard
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
- A barcode (1D) encodes data in parallel lines of varying widths, read left to right. A QR code (2D) encodes data in a grid of squares, storing much more information. Barcodes are ideal for short identifiers like product codes (up to ~80 characters), while QR codes can store URLs, contact cards, and text up to ~4,000 characters. Barcodes are still the standard for retail products (EAN-13, UPC-A) and shipping labels (Code 128).
- Which barcode format should I use?
- Code 128 is the most versatile — it supports all ASCII characters and is commonly used for shipping labels, inventory, and general-purpose barcodes. EAN-13 is the international standard for retail products (13 digits). UPC-A is used in the US and Canada for retail products (12 digits). Code 39 supports alphanumeric characters and is used in automotive and defense industries. ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) is used on shipping cartons and requires an even number of digits.
- What is a check digit and do I need one?
- A check digit is the last digit of a barcode number, calculated from the other digits using a mathematical formula. It helps scanners detect errors. EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes require valid check digits. Our generator automatically calculates the check digit if you enter 12 digits (EAN-13) or 11 digits (UPC-A). You can also enter the full number with check digit, and the tool will validate it.
- What size should I print my barcode?
- For reliable scanning, Code 128 barcodes should be at least 0.75 inches (19mm) tall. EAN-13 and UPC-A have standard sizes: the nominal size is 1.47 × 1.02 inches (37.29 × 25.93mm). You can scale between 80% and 200% of nominal size. Always test scan your barcode after printing. Use a bar width of at least 1px for screen display and 2-3px for print. Higher bar width improves scannability at the cost of barcode width.
- Can I use these barcodes commercially?
- The barcode symbologies (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, ITF) are open standards — you can freely generate and use them. However, for retail product barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A), you need a GS1 company prefix to get valid product numbers. Visit gs1.org to register. For internal use (inventory, asset tracking), you can use any Code 128 or Code 39 barcode with your own numbering scheme without registration.
- What is Code 128 and why is it so popular?
- Code 128 is a high-density barcode symbology that supports all 128 ASCII characters (letters, numbers, and special characters). It is popular because it produces compact barcodes, has built-in error detection, and is supported by virtually all barcode scanners. It is the standard for shipping labels (GS1-128), inventory management, and general-purpose labeling. Code 128 automatically selects the most efficient encoding (Code A, B, or C) for the input data.