Barcode Generator

What Is a Barcode?

A barcode is a machine-readable pattern of bars and spaces (1D) or modules (2D) that encodes data such as a product number, serial ID, or URL. Laser scanners and phone cameras read the pattern and pass the decoded value to checkout systems, inventory software, or mobile apps.

Businesses use barcodes to speed up retail checkout, track warehouse stock, label shipments, and link physical items to digital records. Choosing the right symbology matters: retail shelves usually need EAN or UPC, logistics cartons often use ITF-14, and general alphanumeric labels frequently use CODE 128.

How to Create a Barcode

1. Select the barcode format that matches your use case (retail, logistics, or QR).
2. Enter the exact value to encode—digits for EAN/UPC, text for CODE 128, URLs for QR codes.
3. Review the live preview and fix any validation message before downloading.
4. Adjust colors, size, and quiet zone if your printer or label stock requires it.
5. Download PNG for quick sharing, SVG for professional printing, or print directly.

Barcode Formats

This generator supports the formats below. Only formats listed here are available in the tool.

CODE 128

A high-density 1D format that encodes the full ASCII character set. Common for shipping labels, internal asset tags, and supply-chain identifiers where alphanumeric data is required.

CODE 39

An older industrial symbology using uppercase letters, digits, and a limited set of symbols. Still found on warehouse badges, library systems, and legacy equipment labels.

EAN-13

The standard 13-digit retail barcode used across Europe and much of the world. Each code includes a check digit; scanners at checkout read it to look up price and product details.

EAN-8

A compact 8-digit retail barcode for small packages where a full EAN-13 will not fit—condiments, chewing gum, and similar items.

UPC-A

The 12-digit Universal Product Code used primarily in North America. Functionally similar to EAN-13 and ubiquitous on grocery and consumer goods packaging.

UPC-E

A zero-suppressed, six-digit UPC variant for very small retail packaging. Requires valid UPC-E numbering rules; use when your product GTIN is issued in compressed form.

ITF-14

Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode for outer cartons and logistics units. Encodes a 14-digit GTIN extension so warehouses can scan cases without opening retail inner packs.

QR Code

A 2D matrix code that stores URLs, plain text, Wi-Fi credentials, and more. QR codes are ideal when users will scan with a smartphone camera rather than a traditional laser scanner.

How to Choose the Right Barcode

• Retail products on shelf packaging → EAN-13 (international) or UPC-A (US/Canada). Obtain official numbers from your country's GS1 member organization.
• Very small retail packs → EAN-8 or UPC-E when the full code will not fit.
• Shipping cartons and pallets → ITF-14 with the case GTIN.
• Internal labels, asset tags, mixed text → CODE 128 for flexibility.
• Legacy industrial systems → CODE 39 when your spec requires it.
• Marketing links, menus, event check-in → QR Code for phone scanning.

Need URL-friendly text instead of a barcode? Try the Slugify URL Generator or UTM Builder for campaign links.

Download and Print Your Barcode

PNG downloads are ideal for slides, email, and quick proofs. The image is raster, so enlarging far beyond the preview size can look soft—keep PNGs near their generated dimensions.

SVG is vector-based: bars and modules stay sharp at any print size. Use SVG for label printers, packaging mockups, and professional artwork. Open the file in Illustrator, Inkscape, or your label software.

Printing: Use the Print button for a clean single-barcode layout. For production labels, leave adequate quiet zone (margin) around the symbol—scanners need clear white space. Print at 100% scale; avoid stretching a barcode unevenly in Word or design tools.

Frequently Asked Questions