Barcode Generator
Part of Network & Web Tools
Generate barcodes in multiple formats including CODE128, EAN13, UPC, CODE39, ITF, and more with custom text and sizing options.
What are Barcodes?
Barcodes are machine-readable symbols that represent data in a visual, scannable format using patterns of parallel lines, dots, or other geometric shapes. Traditional one-dimensional (1D) barcodes encode data horizontally using varying widths and spacings of parallel lines. Barcode scanners use light sensors to read these patterns and decode them back into the original data. Barcodes revolutionized inventory management, point-of-sale systems, and product tracking across retail, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare industries. For two-dimensional codes that store more data, try our QR Code Generator.
Different barcode formats (symbologies) serve different purposes and have specific characteristics. Some support only numeric data, while others handle alphanumeric characters. Each format has rules about data length, check digits, and allowed characters. Choosing the right barcode format depends on your application, the type of data you need to encode, industry standards, and scanning equipment compatibility.
How to Use This Barcode Generator
- Enter your data: Type the value you want to encode. Different formats accept different data types (numeric, alphanumeric, etc.).
- Select format: Choose the barcode format that matches your needs and industry standards (CODE128, EAN13, UPC, etc.).
- Customize appearance: Adjust the width (line thickness) and height of the barcode. Toggle text display on or off.
- Generate: Click "Generate Barcode" to create your barcode with the specified settings.
- Download: Save the barcode as PNG (raster image) or SVG (vector graphic) for printing or digital use.
- Test: Always test your generated barcodes with a scanner to ensure they work correctly before mass printing.
Barcode Format Guide
CODE128: The most versatile format supporting all ASCII characters (letters, numbers, symbols). Widely used for shipping, inventory, and general applications. Variable length, compact, and highly reliable.
EAN13: International retail product barcode standard. Requires exactly 13 digits. Used for consumer products worldwide. Includes country code and manufacturer identification.
UPC (UPC-A): North American retail standard requiring 12 digits. Common on products sold in the US and Canada. Similar to EAN13 but with different structure.
CODE39: Alphanumeric format supporting uppercase letters, numbers, and some special characters. Widely used in automotive, defense, and healthcare. Less compact than CODE128.
EAN8: Compact version of EAN13 with 8 digits. Used for small product packaging where space is limited.
ITF14: Used for cartons, cases, and pallets in logistics. Encodes 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Designed for damaged or rough surfaces.
Barcode Best Practices
Format selection: Use industry-standard formats for your application (EAN/UPC for retail, CODE128 for shipping, CODE39 for internal inventory).
Print quality: Ensure high contrast (black bars on white background) and sufficient resolution. Poor printing quality leads to scanning failures.
Size requirements: Follow minimum size specifications for your barcode format. Barcodes that are too small won't scan reliably.
Quiet zones: Leave adequate white space on both sides of the barcode (typically 10x the width of the narrowest bar).
Testing: Always test barcodes with multiple scanners before production to ensure compatibility and readability.
Check digits: Many formats include automatic check digits for error detection. Don't manually add check digits unless required. For verifying data integrity, see our Checksum Calculator.
Common Applications
Retail: Product identification, pricing, and inventory management using EAN13, UPC, and other retail-standard formats.
Shipping: Package tracking, logistics, and supply chain management primarily using CODE128 and specialized shipping formats.
Healthcare: Patient identification, medication tracking, and medical equipment management with specialized medical barcodes.
Manufacturing: Asset tracking, work-in-progress monitoring, and quality control using various industrial barcode standards.