Free Online Barcode Generator
Create professional barcodes instantly with our free online barcode generator. Support for all major barcode formats including CODE 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, CODE 39, ITF-14, and more. Perfect for product labeling, inventory management, shipping, and retail applications. Generate high-quality barcodes and download in PNG or SVG format.
Supported Barcode Formats
CODE 128 - Universal Barcode
CODE 128 is the most versatile barcode format, supporting all 128 ASCII characters including numbers, letters, and symbols. It's compact, efficient, and widely used for shipping labels, inventory management, product identification, and general business applications. CODE 128 automatically selects the best encoding method (A, B, or C) for optimal space efficiency.
EAN-13 - International Product Code
EAN-13 (European Article Number) is the international standard for retail products. This 13-digit barcode is required for selling products in Europe, Asia, and most countries worldwide. The first digits represent the country code, followed by manufacturer code, product code, and check digit. Essential for retail distribution and point-of-sale systems.
UPC-A - North American Standard
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is the 12-digit barcode standard used in the United States and Canada. Required by major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and grocery stores. The barcode includes manufacturer identification, product code, and check digit. UPC-A is managed by GS1 and requires proper registration for commercial use.
CODE 39 - Alphanumeric Barcode
CODE 39 supports uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Widely used in automotive, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. It doesn't require a check digit and can encode variable-length data. Popular for asset tracking, inventory control, and non-retail applications where alphanumeric identification is needed.
ITF-14 - Shipping Container Code
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) is specifically designed for shipping cartons and logistics. This 14-digit barcode is used to identify trade items like cases, pallets, and shipping containers. ITF-14 provides high density encoding and is readable even on corrugated cardboard. Essential for supply chain management and warehouse operations.
EAN-8 - Compact Product Code
EAN-8 is the compact 8-digit version of EAN-13, designed for small products with limited packaging space. Common on items like candy bars, small cosmetics, cigarette packs, and other products where a full EAN-13 barcode won't fit. Maintains international compatibility while saving space.
How to Use the Barcode Generator
- Enter Data: Type your barcode content (numbers or text depending on format)
- Select Format: Choose the appropriate barcode format for your use case
- Customize: Adjust bar width, height, colors, and text display options
- Generate: Click generate to create your barcode instantly
- Download: Save as PNG for printing or SVG for scalability
- Bulk Generate: Use bulk mode to create multiple barcodes at once
Barcode Applications and Use Cases
Retail and E-commerce
Product labeling, point-of-sale scanning, inventory tracking, price management, and retail distribution. EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes are required by major retailers and online marketplaces.
Inventory Management
Track stock levels, warehouse locations, asset identification, and inventory audits. CODE 128 and CODE 39 are popular for internal inventory systems and asset tracking.
Shipping and Logistics
Package tracking, shipping labels, pallet identification, and supply chain management. ITF-14 and CODE 128 are standard for logistics and freight operations.
Manufacturing
Work-in-progress tracking, quality control, component identification, and production management. CODE 39 and CODE 128 support manufacturing workflows and traceability.
Healthcare
Patient identification, medication tracking, specimen labeling, and medical device management. CODE 39, CODE 128, and specialized medical barcodes ensure patient safety.
Libraries and Documents
Book tracking, document management, circulation systems, and archival identification. CODE 39 is widely used in library management systems.
Barcode Best Practices
Choosing the Right Format
Select barcode formats based on your industry standards, data requirements, and scanning environment. Consider whether you need numeric-only, alphanumeric support, or specific industry compliance.
Size and Readability
Maintain proper barcode dimensions for reliable scanning. Minimum bar width depends on your printer resolution and scanning distance. Test barcodes before mass production to ensure readability.
Quiet Zones
Always include clear space (quiet zones) on both sides of the barcode. This margin ensures scanners can properly detect barcode boundaries. Typically requires 10x the bar width on each side.
Print Quality
Use high-quality printers with at least 300 DPI resolution for barcode printing. Poor print quality causes scanning failures. Test printed barcodes with actual scanners before deployment.
Contrast and Colors
Black bars on white background provide optimal scanning. If using colors, ensure high contrast between bars and background. Avoid red bars or backgrounds as many scanners use red lasers.
Download Formats Explained
PNG Format
Raster image format perfect for direct printing, web display, and document embedding. PNG maintains quality and supports transparency. Recommended for most printing and digital applications at 300 DPI or higher.
SVG Format
Vector format that scales infinitely without quality loss. Perfect for professional printing, large format displays, and flexible sizing needs. SVG files can be edited in design software and maintain crisp edges at any size.
Barcode Registration and Standards
GS1 Registration
For commercial retail use of EAN and UPC barcodes, you must register with GS1 to obtain legitimate company prefix and product codes. GS1 is the global standards organization that manages barcode allocation.
Industry Standards
Different industries have specific barcode requirements. Healthcare uses HIBC, automotive uses VIN barcodes, logistics uses SSCC codes. Research your industry standards before implementing barcodes.
Common Barcode Errors and Solutions
Invalid Length
EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits, UPC-A requires 12 digits. Ensure your data matches the format requirements. Use our generator to validate length automatically.
Invalid Characters
Some formats only support numbers (EAN, UPC), while others support letters (CODE 39, CODE 128). Check format specifications before entering data.
Check Digit Errors
EAN and UPC formats require valid check digits. Our generator automatically calculates correct check digits to ensure barcode validity.
Barcode Scanning Technology
Laser Scanners
Traditional barcode readers using laser beams. Excellent for high-speed scanning in retail and warehousing. Require precise alignment but very reliable for standard barcodes.
Image-Based Scanners
Camera-based systems that capture barcode images. Can read damaged or poorly printed barcodes. Support 2D codes and omnidirectional scanning.
Mobile Scanning
Smartphone cameras with barcode scanning apps. Convenient for on-the-go scanning, inventory checks, and consumer applications. Most modern apps support all major formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this barcode generator free?
Yes! Our barcode generator is completely free with no limitations. Generate unlimited barcodes, download in multiple formats, and use for commercial purposes.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?
Yes, but for retail products (EAN/UPC), you need to register with GS1 to obtain valid codes. For internal use (CODE 128, CODE 39), you can generate and use freely.
What's the difference between PNG and SVG?
PNG is a raster image best for web and printing at fixed sizes. SVG is a vector format that scales infinitely without quality loss, ideal for professional printing.
How do I get a UPC code for my product?
Register with GS1 to obtain a company prefix and generate valid UPC codes for your products. You can use our generator to create the barcode image once you have valid codes.
Will these barcodes scan properly?
Yes! Our generator creates standards-compliant barcodes that work with all standard barcode scanners. Always test printed barcodes before mass production.
Can I customize barcode colors?
Yes, but maintain high contrast for reliable scanning. Black bars on white background is most reliable. Test colored barcodes thoroughly before use.
Start Generating Barcodes Now!
Create professional barcodes instantly with our free online generator. Support for all major formats, customizable options, and high-quality downloads. Perfect for retail, inventory, shipping, and business applications. Try it now!