📊 Barcode Generator
Create a scannable barcode from any text or number, in several common formats, and download it as PNG or SVG.
About Barcode Generator
This tool creates scannable barcodes in five widely used formats — CODE128, EAN-13, UPC, CODE39, and ITF-14 — from any text or number you enter. It's built for people who need a quick barcode for inventory labels, asset tags, internal tracking sheets, or testing a point-of-sale system, without needing barcode design software or a subscription service.
Barcodes are rendered using the JsBarcode library, which draws directly to an SVG element in your browser, so nothing is uploaded to a server. Each format follows its own published specification: EAN-13 and UPC are retail standards administered by GS1 with a fixed number of digits and a calculated check digit, CODE39 is a self-checking alphanumeric format common in logistics and government use, and CODE128 is a flexible, high-density format that accepts the full ASCII range.
For retail barcodes, digit count matters: UPC-A needs 11 or 12 digits (the 12th being a checksum) and EAN-13 needs 12 or 13 — enter the wrong length and the generator flags it rather than silently producing something that won't scan at a register. If you're printing barcodes rather than displaying them on screen, download the SVG rather than PNG — it won't blur or pixelate when scaled to fit your label size.
Frequently asked questions
Which format should I use?
CODE128 works for almost any text or number and is the most flexible. EAN-13 and UPC are for retail products and require specific digit lengths. CODE39 is common in logistics and inventory.
Why does my EAN-13/UPC value show an error?
These formats require an exact number of digits (12 for UPC, 12-13 for EAN-13) — the last digit is usually a checksum.
What is ITF-14 used for?
ITF-14 encodes 14 digits and is used on shipping cartons and pallets in the GS1 logistics system — it's not intended for retail point-of-sale scanning the way UPC and EAN-13 are.
Can CODE128 encode letters, not just numbers?
Yes — CODE128 supports the full ASCII character set, including letters, punctuation, and control characters, unlike EAN-13 and UPC, which are numeric-only.
How wide should a barcode be to scan reliably?
As a rule of thumb, keep it at least an inch wide when printed. Very small or heavily scaled-down barcodes are the most common cause of failed scans at checkout.