Barcode Generator
Draw barcodes in seven formats, verify the digits, download, print or batch.
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How to use the Barcode Generator
- Choose the format. Code 128 suits most labels; EAN-13 and UPC-A are the retail product formats.
- Type the value. For EAN, UPC and ITF-14 you can leave the check digit out and it is added for you.
- Adjust the bar width, height, text and margin until the preview looks right, then download a PNG or SVG, or print it.
- For many codes at once, switch to Bulk, paste one value per line and download a ZIP of images.
About this tool
A barcode is just a number or a short text written as bars that a scanner can read. This generator draws seven common one-dimensional formats: Code 128 for shipping labels, serial numbers and anything with letters in it; EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A for products on shop shelves; ITF-14 for outer cases and cartons; Code 39 for older industrial and badge systems; and Codabar, still found in libraries, blood banks and photo labs.
Every value is checked before it is drawn, and the message says what to fix rather than just refusing. The retail formats end in a check digit: type the number without it and the right digit is appended, or type the full number and a typing slip is caught. The preview also warns about colours a red-light scanner cannot tell apart and about a quiet zone too narrow for the scanner to find the ends of the code.
Download an SVG for print work, where it stays sharp at any size, or a PNG at two to four times scale for documents and label software. Bulk mode turns a pasted list into a ZIP of images, one per line and named after the value. Remember that a barcode is only a picture of your number: a product number for sale in shops has to be issued by GS1 or your retailer.
Frequently asked questions
Which format should I use?
Code 128 if the value has letters in it or you simply need something compact and reliable. EAN-13 (most of the world) or UPC-A (North America) for products scanned at a checkout. ITF-14 for outer cases. Code 39 and Codabar only when an existing system expects them.
What is the check digit, and do I have to work it out?
The last digit of an EAN, UPC or ITF-14 number is calculated from the other digits so that a scanner can spot a misread. Type the number without it and the generator adds it; type all the digits and it is verified, with the expected digit shown if it is wrong.
Why does the preview warn about my colours?
Most scanners light the code with red light and measure how much bounces back. Red or orange bars reflect that light and look white to the scanner, and a dark background hides the bars. Black on white is the safe choice; dark blue or dark green bars also read well.
Can I make a barcode for a product I want to sell?
You can draw the bars, but the number itself must come from GS1 or from the retailer, otherwise it may clash with another product in the shop's database. EAN-13 numbers starting with 2 are set aside for in-store use, which is why the sample here starts with one.
Are my values uploaded to make the images?
No. The bars are drawn by a script in this page, and the PNG, SVG and ZIP files are put together in your browser. Your list of values never leaves your computer.