Barcode Generator

How to use Barcode Generator

1. Choose the barcode type that matches your use, for example EAN-13 for retail products or Code 128 for internal labels.
2. Enter the value. For EAN, UPC and ITF types you can leave off the last digit and the check digit is added automatically.
3. Adjust bar height, bar width and whether the readable text is shown under the bars.
4. Download the PNG for documents and screens, or the SVG for sharp printing at any size.

What a barcode actually encodes

A linear barcode is a pattern of bars and gaps of different widths that represents characters. A scanner measures the widths, converts them back into characters and checks the result. The pattern itself carries only an identifier, such as a product number. Details like price or name are looked up in a database by whoever scans it.

Different standards exist because they solve different problems. EAN-13 and UPC-A are numeric and standardised for retail checkout. Code 128 can encode all printable ASCII characters and packs digits efficiently. Code 39 uses capital letters, digits and a few symbols. ITF-14 is a bold, forgiving format intended for printing on corrugated cartons.

Check digits explained

EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and ITF-14 all end with a check digit, which is calculated from the other digits with a weighted sum. Its job is to catch typing errors and misreads. This generator calculates it when you enter one digit fewer than the full length. If you enter the full length it verifies the last digit and tells you the correct value when it does not match.

Code 128 includes its own internal checksum that the generator handles for you. You do not need to supply one.

Tips for printing and using barcodes

• Keep a blank margin of at least a few millimetres on the left and right of the bars.
• Use black bars on a white or very light background. Coloured bars or dark backgrounds often fail.
• Do not resize an image by changing only the width or only the height. Scale proportionally, or use the SVG.
• For small labels, increase the bar width setting rather than shrinking the image.
• Test every new label design with the actual scanner or phone app before printing a large batch.

Limits

This tool draws one-dimensional barcodes only. QR codes and other two-dimensional codes are different formats. The tool does not register numbers with any authority, so a valid-looking EAN or UPC is not proof that you own it.

Why use this barcode generator tool

• Six common standards. Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39 and ITF-14 cover most retail, warehouse and shipping needs.
• Check digit help. Digit-based formats are validated, and a missing check digit is calculated for you with a clear message if yours is wrong.
• PNG and SVG export. The PNG is exported at double resolution, and the SVG stays perfectly sharp when scaled.
• Private by design. The barcode is drawn in your browser. The values you type are never uploaded.

Frequently asked questions

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