Free Barcode Generator
Generate retail and internal barcodes with check-digit validation, labels and batch SVG or PNG export.
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How to generate retail and internal-use barcodes
Choose a barcode standard appropriate for your scanner and business workflow. Retail identifiers must already be assigned appropriately; drawing a barcode does not register a product.
- Choose the barcode standard and enter up to thirty values, one per line.
- For retail formats, supply the full number or omit its final check digit for calculation.
- Set bar height, scale, dark bar color and readable labels.
- Generate and inspect the previews, download SVG or PNG and test with the destination scanner.
Who needs a quick barcode generator
A small shop that already owns its GS1 numbers often needs printable artwork for new packaging. A warehouse team may want shelf or bin labels that a handheld scanner can read. A teacher running a library corner may want simple codes for book loans. This tool covers all three with six symbologies: Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and ITF-14.
Code 128 suits internal labels because it accepts any printable ASCII text, including lowercase letters and symbols. Code 39 is older and limited to uppercase A to Z, digits, space and the characters . $ / + % and the hyphen. The four numeric retail and carton formats follow fixed lengths, so the tool checks them before drawing anything.
Batch work is supported. You can paste up to 30 values at once, one per line, and each value can be up to 100 characters long.
Worked example: completing an EAN-13 and a UPC-A
Choose EAN-13 and type the first 12 digits, 590123412345. The tool calculates the thirteenth digit for you. Starting from the right, it multiplies the digits alternately by 3 and 1 and adds them up. The total here is 83. The next multiple of ten is 90, so the check digit is 90 minus 83, which is 7. The barcode is drawn for 5901234123457.
Switch to UPC-A and enter the 11 digits 03600029145. The same weighting gives a check digit of 2, so the finished code reads 036000291452. If you had typed all 12 digits with a wrong final digit, the tool would stop with the message that the supplied check digit is incorrect instead of printing a code that fails at the register.
How the settings shape the printed result
Rendering scale runs from 1x to 4x and controls how wide each module, the thinnest bar, is drawn. Bar height can be set from 8 to 60 millimeters. The readable text line under the bars can be switched on or off. The bar color picker changes both the bars and the text, while the background always stays white.
Every image includes padding around the code so scanners find a clean quiet zone. SVG keeps lines perfectly sharp at any print size, which makes it the better choice for packaging files. PNG is a fixed raster image that works well in documents and label software. You can download each barcode on its own or grab the whole batch as one ZIP file named barcodes.zip.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not invent retail numbers. A drawn EAN or UPC only works in stores when the number was properly assigned to your company. Do not choose light bar colors such as yellow or pale gray, because scanners need strong contrast against the white background.
Avoid stretching an exported image in one direction only, since that changes the bar width ratios. Also remember that Code 39 rejects lowercase letters, so convert text to uppercase or use Code 128. Finally, print one test label at its real size and scan it before ordering a full run.
Useful tips and limitations
- Keep quiet margins and print without stretching bars disproportionately.
- Use SVG for sharp print output. Test colors and final physical dimensions with your scanner.
- Use the Load sample values button after choosing a format to see exactly how many digits that standard expects.
- Keep a spreadsheet of the values you generated so each label can be traced back to its product or location.
Common questions
Does generating a barcode assign me a GS1 number?
No. This tool renders and checks values you provide. Obtain and use identifiers appropriate to your business and marketplace.
Can this tool calculate retail barcode check digits?
Yes. Supported EAN, UPC and ITF-14 formats calculate an omitted final check digit or validate a supplied one.
Which barcode type should I use for shipping cartons?
ITF-14 is the carton format offered here. Enter 13 digits to have the fourteenth check digit calculated, or enter all 14 digits to validate them.
Can I put lowercase letters in a barcode?
Yes, with Code 128, which accepts printable ASCII text. Code 39 only accepts uppercase letters, digits, spaces and a few symbols.
Why did the tool say my barcode is too large?
Very long values at a high scale can exceed the size limit. Shorten the value or choose a smaller rendering scale and generate again.
Barcode values and generated images are processed in your browser without an account.