1. Choose format: EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39, ITF-14, or others.
2. Enter data: Type your product code, SKU, or identifier.
3. Customize: Adjust size, show/hide text, and set margins.
4. Preview: See your barcode update in real-time.
5. Download: Get PNG for labels or SVG for professional printing.

Why use barcodes?

• Speed: Scan products instantly instead of manual entry.
• Accuracy: Eliminate human error in data entry.
• Inventory control: Track stock levels automatically.
• Point of sale: Fast checkout and price lookup.
• Shipping: Track packages through logistics networks.
• Asset management: Label equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Compliance: Meet retail and industry standards (GS1, ISBN).

Barcode formats explained

EAN-13 (European Article Number)

• Length: 13 digits
• Use case: Retail products worldwide (except USA/Canada)
• Example: 5901234123457
• Standard: GS1 international
• Includes: Country code, manufacturer, product, check digit

UPC-A (Universal Product Code)

• Length: 12 digits
• Use case: Retail products in USA and Canada
• Example: 012345678905
• Standard: GS1 US
• Similar to: EAN-13 but one digit shorter

Code 128

• Length: Variable (alphanumeric)
• Use case: Shipping, logistics, inventory
• Example: ABC-123-XYZ
• Supports: Letters, numbers, symbols
• Density: High — fits more data in less space

Code 39

• Length: Variable (alphanumeric)
• Use case: Non-retail, industrial, military
• Example: *CODE39*
• Supports: A-Z, 0-9, and some symbols
• Advantage: Easy to print and scan

ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5)

• Length: 14 digits
• Use case: Cartons and cases (outer packaging)
• Example: 12345678901231
• Standard: GS1 for shipping containers
• Note: Not for individual retail items

Codabar

• Length: Variable (numeric)
• Use case: Libraries, blood banks, logistics
• Example: A123456B
• Supports: 0-9 and start/stop characters
• Legacy: Older format still used in specific industries

EAN-8

• Length: 8 digits
• Use case: Small products with limited space
• Example: 12345670
• Standard: GS1 short version of EAN-13

Customization options

Size

• Small: Labels, tags, small packaging
• Medium: Standard product labels
• Large: Posters, banners, warehouse signs
• SVG: Scalable for any size without quality loss

Text display

• Show text: Display the code below the barcode (recommended)
• Hide text: Clean look for design purposes
• Font size: Adjust readability for different label sizes

Margins

• Quiet zone: White space around barcode (required for scanning)
• Standard: 10 modules (recommended)
• Tight: Minimal space for small labels
• Wide: Extra space for design flexibility

Colors

• Black bars on white: Standard and most reliable
• Custom colors: Possible but test thoroughly
• Contrast rule: Dark bars on light background (avoid low contrast)

Best practices

Data accuracy

• Verify numbers: Double-check before printing — barcodes can't be edited
• Check digits: Most formats auto-calculate check digits
• Valid format: Ensure your data matches the barcode type (e.g., EAN-13 needs exactly 13 digits)
• No spaces: Remove spaces and special characters unless supported

Print quality

• High resolution: Use 300 DPI or higher for printing
• Test scan: Always test a printed sample before mass production
• Sharp edges: Ensure bars are crisp, not blurry or pixelated
• Proper size: Too small = hard to scan, too large = wasted space
• Flat surface: Avoid curved or textured materials when possible

Scanner compatibility

• Standard formats: Stick to common formats (EAN, UPC, Code 128)
• Test devices: Verify with your actual scanners before deployment
• Lighting: Ensure labels will be scanned in good lighting
• Orientation: Most scanners read horizontal barcodes best

Label placement

• Accessible: Easy to reach and scan
• Flat area: Avoid seams, folds, or curves
• Protected: Won't wear off or get damaged
• Visible: Not hidden by other labels or packaging

Common use cases

Retail: Product labels, price tags, shelf tags, and inventory management.

Warehousing: Pallet labels, bin locations, and picking lists.

Shipping: Package tracking, shipping labels, and logistics.

Libraries: Book identification, checkout systems, and cataloging.

Healthcare: Patient wristbands, medication tracking, and equipment.

Manufacturing: Work-in-progress tracking, quality control, and assembly.

Events: Tickets, badges, and access control.

Asset tracking: Equipment, tools, and IT inventory.

File formats

PNG (Raster)

• Best for: Labels, stickers, digital use
• Pros: Universal support, small file size
• Cons: Pixelated when scaled up
• Recommended: 300 DPI for printing

SVG (Vector)

• Best for: Professional printing, large formats
• Pros: Infinite scalability, always crisp
• Cons: Needs design software to edit
• Use case: Large labels, signage, packaging design

GS1 standards & registration

If you're selling products in retail stores, you need official GS1 barcodes:

• Get a GS1 Company Prefix: Register at gs1.org
• Assign product numbers: Create unique codes for each product
• Generate barcodes: Use your assigned numbers with this tool
• Compliance: Retailers require valid GS1 barcodes

Note: This tool generates the barcode image — you must obtain valid numbers from GS1 first.

Testing your barcode

Before printing thousands of labels:

1. Print a test: Use your actual printer and label material
2. Scan it: Test with your actual scanner hardware
3. Check readability: Ensure it scans from various angles and distances
4. Verify data: Confirm the scanned data matches your input
5. Test durability: Ensure labels survive handling and environment

Troubleshooting

Barcode won't scan:

• Check contrast (black on white works best)
• Ensure bars are sharp, not blurry
• Verify quiet zone (white space) around barcode
• Test with different scanners
• Increase size if too small

Wrong data scanned:

• Verify input data is correct
• Check for extra characters or spaces
• Ensure format matches your data type
• Recalculate check digit if manual

Print quality issues:

• Use 300 DPI or higher
• Choose high-quality label material
• Calibrate printer settings
• Use vector (SVG) for large sizes

Final thoughts

Barcodes are the backbone of modern commerce and logistics. With Barcode Generator, you can create professional, standards-compliant barcodes in seconds — no expensive software needed. Whether you're launching a product, organizing inventory, or tracking assets, this tool makes it fast and simple.