Barcode Generator

How to use the barcode generator

Choose a barcode type and enter a value — the barcode appears instantly. For numeric retail and logistics codes (EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, ITF-14), leave off the last digit and the check digit is calculated for you; enter the full number and it is validated, with the correct digit shown if it is wrong.

Download PNG saves a 2×, 4× or 8× image; Download SVG saves a vector file that never blurs. Adjust bar width, height, text size, margin and bar color under Size & style. In supporting browsers (such as Chrome on Mac and Android) the tool test-reads the barcode and shows ✓ Scan verified.

Switch to Batch · label sheet to create many barcodes at once — one value per line, or paste two spreadsheet columns (value and product name). Print · Save PDF lays them out on A4 paper, 2 to 5 per row, and each label also has its own PNG button.

Which barcode type should I use?

• EAN-13: the 13-digit GTIN-13 used on retail products in most of the world.
• EAN-8: an 8-digit code for packs too small for EAN-13. GS1 assigns these individually on request.
• UPC-A: the 12-digit product code used mainly in the US and Canada.
• ITF-14: a 14-digit GTIN-14 for cartons and pallets in logistics, not for checkout scanning.
• CODE128: a compact general-purpose code for letters, digits and symbols. Ideal for inventory, assets, shipping and membership cards.
• CODE39: an older code limited to 43 characters (digits, capital letters, space and - . $ / + %). Use it when existing equipment requires it.

How the check digit works

The last digit of EAN, UPC and ITF-14 codes is a check digit computed from the others, using the method GS1 publishes: starting from the digit just left of the check digit and moving left, multiply digits alternately by 3 and 1, add the results, and subtract the sum from the nearest equal or higher multiple of ten.

GS1’s own example: for 629104150021 the weighted sum is 57, so the check digit is 60 − 57 = 3, giving 6291041500213. Scanners repeat this calculation to catch misreads.

Retail barcodes need a GS1 number

This generator draws the symbol for whatever number you enter — it does not issue numbers. To sell products through retailers you normally need a GS1 company prefix from the GS1 member organization in your country, which you combine with your own item numbers and a check digit. A made-up number may already belong to someone else’s product.

The first digits of a GTIN identify the GS1 organization that issued the prefix, not where a product was made.

Internal barcodes and printing tips

For stock locations, asset tags and samples used only inside your organization, you don’t need GS1 numbers — CODE128 is the easiest choice. Use Auto-fill numbers to create sequential IDs (prefix + start number + count) or unique random IDs. For GS1 types it pads your prefix to the right length and adds check digits.

• Print at 100% scale (actual size) and normal quality or better.
• Never crop the white margins (quiet zones) on either side of the bars.
• Very thin bars are hard to scan; test-print at the default width first.
• Black bars on white scan best. Light or red bars may be invisible to some laser scanners.
• For a specific label stock, save as PDF and align it in your label printer’s software.