Free online barcode generator. Create Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39, and ITF barcodes instantly. Download as SVG or PNG — no signup, 100% browser-based.
EAN-13: 13 digits (check digit auto-calculated from first 12)
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ValidCode 128
Encodes full ASCII (0–9, A–Z, a–z, symbols). Used in shipping, supply chain, and general-purpose labeling.
Barcode Generator is a free, browser-based tool that creates barcodes in all major linear symbologies — Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39, ITF-14, MSI Plessey, and Pharmacode. Barcodes are rendered as crisp, scalable SVG graphics using JsBarcode, and can be downloaded as SVG (for professional printing at any size) or high-resolution PNG (for digital use and screen display). All processing happens in your browser — no data is transmitted to any server, no account is required, and there are no usage limits.
Code 128 — The most versatile linear barcode. Encodes the full ASCII character set (letters, numbers, symbols). Use for shipping labels, asset tracking, inventory management, and any application that needs to encode alphanumeric data. Supported by virtually all barcode scanners.
EAN-13 / UPC-A — Required for retail products sold through major retailers. EAN-13 is the worldwide standard (13 digits); UPC-A is the North American variant (12 digits). You need a GS1 company prefix for official product identification. For internal use, any valid digit string works.
Code 39 — Widely used in government, military (LOGMARS), automotive (AIAG), and healthcare. Supports uppercase A–Z, digits 0–9, and seven special characters. Self-checking (single character errors are always detected).
ITF-14 — Designed for shipping cartons and outer packaging. Encodes 14 digits (GTIN-14). The thick bars and wide tolerances make it readable even through shrink wrap on rough corrugated cardboard.
Essential terms and definitions related to Barcode Generator.
A high-density linear barcode symbology capable of encoding all 128 ASCII characters. It uses three subsets (A, B, C) that can be combined within a single barcode for optimal density. Code 128 is one of the most versatile barcodes, widely used in shipping, logistics, healthcare, and retail for its ability to encode variable-length alphanumeric data.
A 13-digit barcode standard maintained by GS1, used for retail product identification worldwide. The 13 digits encode a GS1 company prefix (3–8 digits), item reference, and check digit. The first two or three digits indicate the country's GS1 member organization, not the country of origin. EAN-13 is the international standard; UPC-A (12 digits) is its North American predecessor.
A digit appended to barcode data that allows scanners to verify the integrity of the scanned data. It is calculated from the preceding digits using a modulo algorithm. If a scanner reads a barcode and the check digit calculation does not match, the scan is rejected. This prevents misreads caused by partial scans, damaged barcodes, or label printing errors.
Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode that can encode the full ASCII character set — it is used in shipping labels, supply chain management, and general-purpose applications. EAN-13 (European Article Number) is the international standard for retail product identification, encoding a 13-digit number including country code, manufacturer code, and product code. UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is the North American retail standard, encoding 12 digits. EAN-13 is essentially a superset of UPC-A. Choose Code 128 for logistics and internal tracking; EAN/UPC for retail products.
Yes. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) download is the recommended format because barcodes scale to any size without pixelation — critical for printing. PNG download is also available at specified resolutions. For professional printing, always use SVG or high-resolution PNG (300 DPI equivalent). Low-resolution barcodes can fail to scan on barcode readers.
Code 128 supports all 128 ASCII characters including uppercase, lowercase, digits, and symbols. Code 39 supports 43 characters: A–Z uppercase, 0–9, and seven special characters (-, ., $, /, +, %, space). EAN-13 and EAN-8 encode only digits. UPC-A encodes only digits. ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) encodes only even-count digit strings. Select your barcode type based on what data you need to encode.
For official retail products sold through major retailers, you need a legitimate GS1 company prefix obtained from GS1 (the standards body). This ensures your EAN/UPC numbers are globally unique. However, for internal use — warehouse tracking, event tickets, library systems, internal inventory — you can use any valid number without registration. This generator creates the barcode visual from any digit string you provide.
Common scanning failures result from: insufficient contrast (ensure black bars on white background, not gray-on-gray), too small print size (minimum 25mm wide for EAN-13), digital display reflections (glossy screens can confuse optical scanners — print for reliable scanning), invalid data (EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits with valid check digit), and printer/display resolution below 150 DPI. This generator validates data format and check digits automatically.
Common errors developers encounter and how to resolve them.
EAN-13 barcode shows an error about invalid data EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits (0–9 only). The 13th digit is a check digit calculated from the first 12. If you enter 12 digits, the generator automatically appends the correct check digit. If you enter all 13 digits, the check digit must be mathematically valid. No letters, spaces, or symbols are allowed in EAN-13.
Generated barcode does not scan with my phone Ensure sufficient contrast and size. For screen scanning, increase the barcode scale to maximum and turn up screen brightness. Avoid scanning through screen protectors with high reflectivity. Most phone camera barcode apps require the barcode to occupy at least 20% of the camera frame. Code 128 and QR codes generally scan more reliably from screens than EAN/UPC formats.