Barcode Generator
Generate barcodes in CODE128, EAN-13, UPC-A, CODE39, and ITF-14 formats. Download as PNG. Free online tool, runs 100% in your browser.
Reference
What is a barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data using patterns of parallel lines (1D barcodes) or geometric shapes (2D codes like QR). Linear barcodes encode data in the widths and spacings of parallel lines, read by laser or camera scanners. They are governed by international standards managed by GS1 and are used on virtually every retail product, shipping label, and inventory system worldwide.
Supported barcode formats
CODE128: High-density alphanumeric barcode supporting the full ASCII character set (128 characters). The most versatile format — standard for shipping labels, warehouse systems, and any application needing compact encoding of mixed data. EAN-13: 13-digit product identifier used worldwide in retail (European Article Number). Every product at a supermarket checkout uses EAN-13. The last digit is a check digit calculated automatically. UPC-A: 12-digit code standard in North American retail — functionally similar to EAN-13 (a UPC-A is an EAN-13 with a leading zero). CODE39: Alphanumeric barcode supporting A–Z, 0–9, and special characters. Self-checking (no check digit required), making it simple to implement. ITF-14: 14-digit barcode using interleaved 2-of-5 encoding, designed for outer cartons and pallets where scanning conditions are less precise.
Which barcode format should I use?
Retail (point of sale): Use EAN-13 (worldwide) or UPC-A (North America) — these are required by most retailers and must be registered through GS1 for commercial products. Shipping & logistics: Use CODE128 — it supports alphanumeric data with high density, making it the standard for GS1-128 shipping labels and warehouse management systems. Automotive & defense: Use CODE39 — mandated by the U.S. Department of Defense (MIL-STD-1189) and widely adopted in automotive and healthcare industries. Outer cartons & pallets: Use ITF-14 — designed specifically for packaging identification where scanners read at a distance through shrink wrap.
Privacy
Barcodes are generated 100% in your browser. No data is sent to any server.