Create scannable barcodes — CODE128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC, CODE39, and ITF-14 — with automatic check digits and instant validation. Download as PNG. Free, no APIs, no signup.
Any text, numbers, or symbols — the most versatile format.
CODE128 is the right answer for most internal uses — asset tags, inventory bins, order numbers, member cards — because it encodes any text compactly and every modern scanner reads it. EAN-13 (and UPC-A in the US) is the retail standard printed on product packaging; note that putting a product in actual retail stores requires officially licensed GS1 numbers — you can't just invent one, though generated EANs are fine for internal stock systems. ITF-14 is for outer shipping cartons, and CODE39 survives in older industrial and government systems.
Check digits are computed automatically: enter the first 12 digits of an EAN-13 and the tool appends the correct 13th; enter all 13 and it validates them, rejecting typos on the spot. Print at least 3 cm wide with clear space either side, and always test-scan one before printing a thousand labels.
A barcode generator converts text or numbers into a scannable 1D barcode image — the line-pattern codes used on retail packaging, shipping cartons, and inventory labels. Different formats suit different purposes: CODE128 encodes any text compactly for internal tracking, while EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-A are the standardised numeric formats read by retail point-of-sale scanners worldwide.
This tool validates input against each format's exact rules and computes check digits automatically, so a barcode either generates correctly or tells you precisely what's wrong — no silent errors that only surface when a scanner rejects a printed label.
| Format | Input | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CODE128 | Any text, numbers, symbols | Internal inventory, asset tags, order numbers |
| EAN-13 / EAN-8 | 12–13 / 7–8 digits | Retail products (international standard) |
| UPC-A | 11–12 digits | Retail products (US standard) |
| CODE39 | A–Z, 0–9, - . $ / + % space | Industrial, government, VIN labelling |
| ITF-14 | 13–14 digits | Shipping cartons and outer packaging |
| Who | Common Use |
|---|---|
| 📦 Small retailers | Generate EAN/UPC barcodes for licensed product numbers |
| 🏭 Warehouses & inventory managers | CODE128 labels for internal stock tracking and asset tags |
| 👕 Garment & apparel businesses | Price and stock labels for internal use |
| 🚚 Shipping & logistics | ITF-14 codes for outer carton labelling |
| 🚗 Vehicle & parts dealers | CODE39 barcodes for VIN and parts labelling |
Which format should I use for internal inventory?
CODE128. It encodes letters, numbers, and symbols, stays compact, and every phone app and USB scanner reads it. Reserve EAN/UPC for actual retail packaging.
Can I sell products in shops with a barcode I generate here?
The barcode itself will scan perfectly, but retail stores require EAN/UPC numbers licensed through GS1 so they're globally unique. Generate freely for internal use; get GS1 numbers before approaching retailers.
What is the check digit?
The last digit of EAN/UPC codes is calculated from the others so scanners can detect misreads. Enter 12 digits for EAN-13 and the tool computes the 13th automatically — or enter all 13 and it verifies them.
Why won't my input generate?
Number-based formats are strict: EAN-13 needs exactly 12 or 13 digits, EAN-8 needs 7 or 8, UPC needs 11 or 12, and a 13-digit entry must have a correct check digit. The hint under the format menu shows the rule; CODE128 accepts anything.
Is anything sent to a server?
No — the barcode is drawn on your device by an open-source library hosted on this site. No APIs, no tracking of what you encode.
How do I read or scan a barcode?
Any smartphone camera with a barcode-scanning app, or a dedicated USB/handheld barcode scanner, can read the barcodes this tool generates. CODE128 and CODE39 are readable by virtually all general-purpose scanners; EAN/UPC formats are what retail point-of-sale scanners are built around.
Can I generate barcode labels for retail or garment packaging?
You can generate the barcode image itself for any packaging or label, but for actual retail shelf sale you need a real, licensed EAN/UPC number from GS1 so it's globally unique and not already assigned to another product. For internal garment tagging, price labels, or stock control, CODE128 works without any licensing.
What is a VIN barcode?
Vehicle Identification Numbers are commonly encoded as CODE39 barcodes on vehicle documentation and parts. Select CODE39 as the format and enter the 17-character VIN to generate one — CODE39 supports uppercase letters and numbers, matching the VIN character set.