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Free Online Barcode Generator

Generate retail and logistics barcodes - EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39, ITF, Data Matrix, and PDF417 - with automatic checksums, custom colors, and PNG or SVG download.

  • 100% free
  • No signup
  • Runs in your browser

Generating…

Barcode Format Guide

FormatUse caseData type
EAN-13Retail products (global)12 digits
UPC-ARetail products (US)11 digits
Code 128Shipping, logisticsAny ASCII
Code 39Automotive, defenseAlphanumeric
QR CodeMarketing, mobileAny data
PDF417ID cards, boarding passLarge data

How to Generate a Barcode

  1. Pick a format - choose EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, QR-style 2D codes, or any of the supported types from the dropdown.
  2. Enter your data - type the digits or text to encode. Checksums for EAN and UPC are calculated automatically.
  3. Customize - set bar width, height, colors, and whether to show the human-readable text.
  4. Download - preview instantly and save as a crisp PNG or scalable SVG.
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Features

  • ✔ Free and easy to use - no learning curve.
  • ✔ No registration, sign-up, or watermarks.
  • ✔ Supports 9 barcode formats, 1D and 2D.
  • ✔ Automatic checksum calculation.
  • ✔ Custom size, colors, and text display.
  • ✔ Download as PNG or print-ready SVG.

Why Use Barcodes

Barcodes turn manual data entry into a single scan. Across retail, warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare they cut errors and speed up everyday work:

  • Streamline operations - scan instead of typing SKUs, prices, or tracking numbers.
  • Better inventory - track stock levels accurately and reorder before you run out.
  • Faster checkout & tracking - speed up sales and trace shipments end to end.

Start Generating

Whether you need a single retail EAN-13 or a batch of shipping labels, this free tool produces scannable barcodes in seconds - no account, no cost. Pick a format and download your barcode now.

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Guide

What is a barcode?

A barcode is a machine-readable pattern of bars and spaces (or squares, for 2D codes) that encodes data such as a product number. A scanner reads the pattern and looks the number up in a database. This generator creates the common retail and logistics formats, including EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39, ITF, Data Matrix, and PDF417, with automatic checksums and PNG or SVG download.

Choosing the right format

  • EAN-13 / UPC-A: retail product codes. UPC-A (12 digits) is used in North America; EAN-13 (13 digits) is the international standard. They are essentially the same system.
  • Code 128: a compact, high-density format for shipping and logistics that encodes letters and numbers.
  • Code 39: an older alphanumeric format common in industrial and ID applications.
  • Data Matrix / PDF417: 2D codes that pack much more data into a small space, used on labels, IDs, and tickets.

What is a checksum digit?

Many barcodes include a final check digit calculated from the other digits. The scanner recomputes it and compares, so a misread is caught rather than silently accepted. This tool calculates the correct checksum automatically, so the codes you generate are valid and scannable.

Getting an official product barcode

This tool draws a valid barcode for any number you enter, which is perfect for internal use, testing, labelling, and inventory. However, to sell a product through retailers you need a globally unique number issued by GS1, the organisation that licenses official UPC and EAN numbers. Generate freely for your own systems, but obtain a registered number before listing a product for retail sale.

Last updated: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data using parallel lines (1D) or patterns (2D). Barcode scanners read these patterns to instantly retrieve information like product prices, shipping details, or URLs.
What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?
EAN-13 is a 13-digit international barcode standard used worldwide for retail products. UPC-A is a 12-digit standard used primarily in the United States and Canada. EAN-13 scanners can also read UPC-A codes.
What barcode format should I use for my product?
Use EAN-13 for products sold globally, UPC-A for US/Canada retail, Code 128 for shipping labels and logistics, and QR codes for marketing materials that link to URLs or other digital content.
How do I get an official barcode for my product?
Official EAN/UPC barcodes for retail products must be purchased through GS1, the global standards organization. Barcodes generated here are for testing and non-retail purposes unless you own the number range.
What is a checksum digit?
A checksum digit is the final digit in EAN and UPC barcodes, calculated from the other digits. It allows scanners to verify the barcode was scanned correctly. This generator calculates it automatically.
What types of barcodes can I generate?
You can generate 1D barcodes (EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, ITF) and 2D barcodes (Data Matrix, PDF417). Each format suits a different use case - retail, shipping, logistics, ID cards, and more.
Is the barcode generator free to use?
Yes. The barcode generator is completely free with no registration, sign-up, or watermarks. Generate and download as many barcodes as you need.
Can I customize the barcode size and colors?
Yes. You can set the bar width and height in pixels, toggle the human-readable text below the barcode, and choose custom foreground and background colors before downloading as PNG or SVG.