Barcode Generator – Create Barcodes Instantly

Barcode Generator: Create the Right Barcode Format for Your Product

Not every barcode is the same, and using the wrong format can mean a scanner — or a retailer's system — simply rejects it. A barcode generator that supports multiple formats lets you pick the one that actually matches your use case, whether that's a retail product, a shipping carton, or internal inventory tracking.

Which Barcode Format Should You Use?

• Code 128 — supports any ASCII character at any length. The most flexible option, commonly used for shipping labels, inventory, and internal tracking where you're not selling through retail.
• EAN-13 — the international standard for retail products, used on packaging sold in stores globally. Requires exactly 12 or 13 digits.
• EAN-8 — a shorter version of EAN-13 for small packaging where space is limited (7–8 digits).
• UPC-A — the North American retail standard, requiring 11–12 digits, functionally similar to EAN-13.
• Code 39 — uppercase letters, digits, and a limited set of symbols, commonly used in industrial and inventory settings rather than retail.
• ITF-14 — used specifically for shipping cartons and outer packaging, requiring exactly 14 digits.

Why Retail Barcodes (EAN, UPC) Need a Real Check Digit

Retail formats like EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-A include a check digit — a final digit calculated from the others using a specific formula — which lets scanners detect a misread instantly. This tool calculates that check digit automatically from the digits you enter, so you don't need to compute it by hand.

Using Your Own Barcode Number vs Registering One

This tool generates a technically valid barcode from any number you enter, but there's an important distinction for retail use: a barcode is only globally unique — and accepted by retailers — if the underlying number was registered through GS1, the organization that issues company prefixes for EAN and UPC codes. If you're making barcodes for internal tracking or a closed system, this doesn't matter. If you plan to sell a product through retailers who scan EAN-13 or UPC-A codes at checkout, you'll need a registered GS1 prefix, not just any valid-looking number.

SVG vs PNG: Which Download Format to Use

SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without losing sharpness, making it the better choice for printing on labels or packaging at various sizes. PNG is a fixed-resolution raster image, better suited for digital use like websites or documents where the barcode won't be resized larger than its original dimensions.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• A barcode generated here is technically valid and scannable, but for retail sales, only a number obtained through a registered GS1 company prefix will be accepted as globally unique by store checkout systems.
• Each format has strict input rules (exact digit counts for EAN/UPC/ITF, a limited character set for Code 39) — the tool validates your input and explains the specific requirement if it doesn't match.
• Barcode generation happens directly in your browser using JavaScript, so there's no need to send your data to a server to get a result.

Related Tools You Might Need

If you're labeling digital content instead of a physical product, the QR Code Generator is a better fit for linking to a URL or contact info. For preparing product data or matching a brand color to your label design, the Color Code Converter can help convert between HEX and RGB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a barcode from this generator to sell products in stores?

Only if the underlying number comes from a registered GS1 company prefix. A barcode generated from an arbitrary number will scan correctly but won't be recognized as globally unique by retail systems, which require GS1-issued codes for products sold in stores.

What's the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?

They're functionally similar retail barcode standards using the same underlying check-digit logic. EAN-13 (13 digits) is used internationally, while UPC-A (12 digits) is the North American standard. Many modern scanners read both interchangeably.

Why does my EAN-13 input need exactly 12 or 13 digits?

If you enter 12 digits, the tool automatically calculates and appends the 13th check digit for you. If you already have the full 13-digit code including its check digit, you can enter that directly.

Should I use Code 128 or Code 39 for inventory tracking?

Code 128 is generally preferable since it supports more characters and produces a more compact barcode for the same data. Code 39 remains common mainly due to legacy scanner compatibility in some older industrial systems.