Barcode Generator - Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A & More
Generate barcodes in 6 formats: Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ITF. Auto check digit, live preview, PNG and SVG download. Free, runs in your browser.
ASCII 32-127
Free Barcode Generator - 6 Formats, Auto Check Digit, SVG & PNG
This tool generates barcodes in six industry-standard formats: Code 128 for general-purpose use (shipping labels, inventory, asset tracking), Code 39 for alphanumeric encoding in military and healthcare settings, EAN-13 for European retail products, EAN-8 for small product packaging, UPC-A for North American retail, and ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) for distribution and warehousing.
Select your barcode format, enter your data, and see a live preview update as you type. For EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-A, the check digit is automatically calculated and displayed - enter only the data digits and the tool appends the correct check digit. Size controls let you adjust bar width and height for your specific label or packaging dimensions.
Choosing the right format matters. EAN-13 is required for products sold in European retail stores and scanned at checkout. UPC-A serves the same purpose in North America. If you only need internal tracking - warehouse bins, equipment labels, library books - Code 128 is the best choice because it supports letters, numbers, and symbols without GS1 registration. Code 39 is standard in US military (MIL-STD-1189) and healthcare (HIBC). ITF is used on outer shipping cartons and distribution packaging.
Download your barcode as PNG for digital use or SVG for print. SVG files scale to any size without losing sharpness - essential for professional label printing. PNG works well for on-screen display, web pages, and quick tests. Both formats are generated entirely in your browser with no server upload.
For two-dimensional codes that store URLs, WiFi credentials, or larger data payloads, try our QR Code Generator. Need to validate bank account numbers? Check our IBAN Validator.
How the Barcode Generator Works
- 01Choose your barcode format: Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, or ITF
- 02Enter the data to encode - the tool validates input for each format automatically
- 03See a live preview that updates as you type, with auto-calculated check digits for EAN and UPC
- 04Adjust bar width and height to match your label dimensions
- 05Download as PNG for digital use or SVG for scalable print labels
Barcode Formats Explained
This tool supports six barcode formats. Code 128 encodes the full ASCII character set and is the standard for shipping labels (GS1-128), inventory, and logistics. Code 39 is alphanumeric and widely used in US military (MIL-STD-1189) and healthcare (HIBC). EAN-13 is the international retail product standard used in Europe and most of the world. EAN-8 is a compact version for small products. UPC-A is the North American retail standard. ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) encodes numeric data efficiently and is used on outer shipping cartons and distribution packaging. For EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-A, a check digit is automatically calculated using the standard modulo-10 algorithm.
When to Use Each Barcode Format
Use EAN-13 for products sold in European or international retail stores. Use UPC-A for products sold in North American retail. Use EAN-8 for very small product packaging where EAN-13 does not fit. Use Code 128 for shipping labels, inventory tracking, asset management, library books, or any application needing letters and numbers. Use Code 39 in military, healthcare, and automotive supply chains. Use ITF for outer cartons and distribution packaging. Note: retail barcodes (EAN/UPC) require a GS1 Company Prefix - the numbers are not arbitrary.
Common Use Cases
- Generate EAN-13 barcodes for retail products sold in European stores
- Create UPC-A barcodes for products sold in North American retail
- Print Code 128 labels for warehouse inventory and asset tracking
- Generate Code 39 barcodes for military or healthcare ID labels
- Create ITF barcodes for outer shipping cartons and distribution boxes
- Label library books, equipment, and supplies with scannable identification codes → Free QR Code Generator
Expert Tips
- Use SVG format for print - it scales to any size without pixelation. PNG is fine for screen display and quick tests.
- Leave adequate quiet zones (white space) around the barcode - at least 10 times the narrowest bar width on each side. Without quiet zones, scanners may fail to read the barcode.
- Test your printed barcodes with a real scanner before mass production. Ink spread during printing can make bars wider than intended.
- For pure numeric data, EAN/UPC and ITF are more space-efficient than Code 128 because they pack digits more densely.
- Adjust the bar width to match your printing resolution. A module width of 1px works for screen display, but for thermal label printers, 2-3px produces more reliable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which barcode format should I choose?→
Do I need a GS1 registration for retail barcodes?→
How does the check digit work?→
Should I download PNG or SVG?→
Will the generated barcode scan correctly?→
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