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Barcode Generator

Choose a barcode format, enter your value, and download the barcode as a PNG or SVG file. Supports CODE128, CODE39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ITF-14. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.

No signupRuns in your browserFormula explained belowGeneral information only

How to use this tool

  1. 1Select the barcode format from the dropdown. Use CODE128 for internal labels and inventory. Use EAN-13, EAN-8, or UPC-A only if you have GS1-registered numbers for retail use.
  2. 2Enter your barcode value in the input field. The barcode updates automatically. If an error appears, check the format requirements (EAN-13 needs exactly 13 digits, etc.).
  3. 3Preview the barcode and confirm it looks correct before downloading.
  4. 4Click 'Download PNG' for a high-resolution raster image, or 'Download SVG' for a scalable vector file. Use SVG for professional print work.

Example

Internal inventory barcode with CODE128

Format: CODE128. Value: STOCK-2024-001. CODE128 accepts any mix of letters, numbers, and common symbols, so you can use your own reference codes. Download as SVG for clean, scalable labels.

EAN-13 barcode for a product

Format: EAN-13. Value: 5901234123457 (13 digits including check digit). EAN-13 is the standard for retail products sold in Europe. The first 2-3 digits indicate the country, and the number must be officially registered with GS1 for real retail use.

Common use cases

  • Creating CODE128 barcodes for internal inventory labels and warehouse management
  • Generating barcode labels for a small shop's own products without GS1 registration
  • Adding a barcode to an asset tag for tracking office equipment
  • Prototyping retail packaging with placeholder EAN or UPC barcodes before registering official numbers
  • Generating ITF-14 shipping carton barcodes for pallet-level logistics tracking

Common mistakes

  • Using EAN or UPC formats with unregistered numbers for real retail - scanners in retail checkouts compare barcodes against a product database. An unregistered number will fail or pull up the wrong product.
  • Entering the wrong number of digits for the format - EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits, EAN-8 requires 8, UPC-A requires 12. The tool will show an error if the count is wrong.
  • Printing barcodes too small to scan - barcode scanners need adequate width. A CODE128 barcode should be at least 25mm wide for handheld scanner use.
  • Downloading PNG at low resolution for print - use SVG for print applications. SVG is vector-based and scales to any size without quality loss.

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode format should I use?

CODE128 is the most versatile - it supports letters, numbers, and symbols and is used widely for internal inventory and shipping labels. EAN-13 and UPC-A are for retail products sold at checkouts, but require numbers officially registered with GS1.

Why is my barcode showing an error?

Each format has strict rules. EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits, EAN-8 requires 8, UPC-A requires 12, and ITF-14 requires 14 digits. The check digit at the end must also be correct - the tool validates this automatically.

Can I use these barcodes in a retail shop?

For internal tracking and stock management, yes. For scanning at retail checkouts or listing on retail platforms (Amazon, supermarkets), EAN and UPC barcodes must come from officially registered GS1 numbers. This tool generates the image from any number you provide.

What is the difference between PNG and SVG download?

PNG is a raster image suitable for general use, screens, and basic printing. SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without quality loss - use SVG for professional label printing or large-format applications.

What is CODE128 and when should I use it?

CODE128 is a high-density linear barcode that encodes all 128 ASCII characters. It is the most common format for shipping labels, internal inventory, and document tracking because it handles mixed text and numbers without length restrictions.

What is the check digit and do I need to calculate it?

The check digit is the last digit in EAN and UPC barcodes. It is calculated from the other digits and lets scanners detect errors. You do not calculate it manually - enter the full barcode number including the check digit, or check a GS1 tool if you need to verify your number.

Is there a minimum print size for barcodes to scan?

Yes. The minimum recommended width for a CODE128 barcode is 25 mm for handheld scanners. EAN-13 has a standard height of 25.93 mm at 100% scale. Always print at the right size and test with a real scanner before mass production.

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