Barcode generator (EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128)

Which barcode type to choose

• EAN-13: the retail product standard. It has 13 digits.
• UPC-A: the equivalent used in the United States and Canada, with 12 digits.
• EAN-8: a short version, with 8 digits, for small packages.
• Code 128: accepts letters, numbers and symbols. Widely used in logistics, inventory and internal codes.
• Code 39: accepts capital letters, numbers and a few symbols. Common on badges and inventory.

How to generate a barcode

1. Choose the barcode type.
2. Enter the number (or the text, for Code 128 and Code 39). For EAN and UPC, enter it without the last digit and the check digit is calculated.
3. Adjust the size and whether the number appears under the bars.
4. Download it as PNG, to use in documents, or as SVG, to print at any size without losing sharpness.

What the check digit is

In EAN and UPC, the last digit is a check digit: it is calculated from the previous ones so the scanner can notice a mistyped number. In the tool, if you enter the number without that digit, it is calculated and added; if you enter the full number, the tool checks whether the check digit is right.

Product numbers are not made up

This tool draws the code from the number you enter, but it does not issue or register numbers. Product numbers (GTINs, shown as EAN or UPC) are licensed by GS1; to sell in retail and marketplaces, use a number obtained through it. For internal use (inventory, orders, assets), Code 128 and Code 39 accept any allowed text.

Before you print

• Keep a blank margin on both sides of the bars (the tool already includes it).
• Print with contrast: black bars on a white background.
• Avoid shrinking it too much: very thin bars make the code hard to read.
• Test the scan with a scanner or a phone before printing in quantity.

What this tool does not do

• It does not issue, reserve or validate a product number with GS1: it only draws the code.
• It generates one code at a time, as PNG and SVG (no batch generation or PDF).
• It does not generate 2D codes (QR code, Data Matrix): for QR codes, use the QR code generator.

How do I generate an EAN-13 barcode?

To generate an EAN-13 barcode, choose EAN-13, enter the first 12 digits (or all 13) and download the result. If you enter 12 digits, the check digit is calculated and added.

Is the barcode generated here valid to sell in stores or marketplaces?

The tool draws the code from the number you enter. To sell in retail or marketplaces, the EAN/UPC number (GTIN) must be obtained from GS1; any number, even with the right check digit, is not a registered product.

What is the barcode check digit?

It is the last digit of EAN and UPC, calculated from the previous ones to catch typing errors. The tool calculates it when you enter the number without it.

What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?

EAN-13 has 13 digits and is the product standard almost worldwide; UPC-A has 12 digits and is used in the United States and Canada. A UPC-A is an EAN-13 with a leading zero.

What is Code 128 used for?

Code 128 encodes letters, numbers and symbols in little space. It is widely used in logistics, inventory, order labels and internal codes, where a GS1 product number is not needed.

Which barcode type should I choose?

To sell a product at retail, EAN-13 (or UPC-A for the US). For inventory, orders and internal labels, Code 128. For badges and inventory that already use Code 39, Code 39.

Should I download PNG or SVG?

SVG is vector and keeps sharpness at any size, the best for printing. PNG is an image and works for pasting into documents and presentations.

What size should the barcode be when printed?

Print with contrast and avoid shrinking it too much: bars that are too thin become unreadable. The tool offers three sizes; test the scan with a scanner or a phone before printing in quantity.

Can I generate several barcodes at once?

Not in this version: the tool generates one code at a time, as PNG and SVG.

Is the number I type sent to a server?

No. The barcode is generated in your browser and the number is not sent to any server.