How it works
The Barcode Generator creates standard 1D barcodes in multiple formats — Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ITF-14, and others — for product labeling, inventory management, and document tracking, with PNG and SVG download options.
Barcodes are machine-readable representations of numeric or alphanumeric data, used ubiquitously in retail (product identification), logistics (package tracking), healthcare (patient and medication identification), and libraries (item checkout). Each barcode format has specific use cases and encoding rules.
How to use it: select the barcode format, enter the value to encode, adjust width and height, set the display options (show human-readable text below the bars, set quiet zones). The barcode renders live in the preview. Download as PNG for printing or SVG for scalable use.
Format guide: - Code 128: encodes full ASCII, variable length — best for internal barcodes, shipping labels - Code 39: older format, uppercase letters + digits + a few symbols, more tolerant of poor print quality - EAN-13: 13-digit international product code (ISBN books use this), retail products worldwide - UPC-A: 12-digit North American product code, retail products in the US and Canada - EAN-8: 8-digit compressed version for small packages where 13 digits won't fit - ITF-14: used on shipping cartons (outer packaging), 14 digits, robust against poor print quality
Check digit: EAN and UPC formats include a check digit — the last digit calculated from the others. The generator computes and appends the check digit automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Code 128 encodes all 128 ASCII characters and is more compact (fewer bars for the same data). Code 39 is older and simpler, encoding only uppercase letters, digits, and 8 symbols — but is more tolerant of poor print quality and still used in industrial environments and US military applications.
- No. For formats that require a check digit (EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, ITF-14), the generator calculates and appends the check digit automatically. You only need to provide the base digits.
- Code 128 at 100% magnification (X-dimension = 0.33mm) should be at minimum 15mm tall × 50mm wide. Smaller sizes require lower X-dimensions and high-quality printing. The quiet zone (blank space on each side) must be at least 10× the bar width.
- Yes. Standard mobile camera apps can scan Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, and UPC codes. For barcode testing, dedicated apps like Barcode Scanner Pro give more detail about the decoded value and format.