Barcode Generator: Create EAN-13, UPC, and Code 128

Generate print-ready barcodes instantly. Perfect for retail products, inventory management, and shipping labels.

Free EAN code generator and standard barcode maker (CODE128, EAN-13, UPC).

Generate scannable barcodes for product labels, inventory, shipping, and retail workflows. Supports EAN-13, UPC, CODE128, and instant PNG download directly in your browser.

How this page is maintained

  • Steps and copy are checked against the current tool behavior.
  • Browser limits, file-size constraints, or compatibility gaps are documented when relevant.
  • Unless a page explicitly says otherwise, files and text stay in the browser during processing.

Choose the Right Barcode Before You Print

The most common barcode mistake is not poor image quality. It is choosing the wrong standard for the job. This generator is useful because it lets you create several major formats quickly, but you still need to know which family your workflow expects.

Format Typical use
EAN-13 Retail products in many international markets
UPC-A Retail packaging, especially in North America
CODE128 Internal inventory, shipping, asset labels, and flexible alphanumeric data
CODE39 Older industrial and asset workflows
ITF-14 Cartons and outer packaging

If you are labeling a store shelf product, use the retail format your channel expects. If you are labeling internal stock bins or warehouse assets, CODE128 is often the safer choice.

A Better Barcode Workflow

  1. Confirm the format required by your retailer, shipping workflow, or scanner.
  2. Enter the value carefully and verify the human-readable number.
  3. Download the PNG.
  4. Print one sample label first.
  5. Scan it with the device that will actually be used in production.

Why Barcodes Fail To Scan

  • not enough white space around the code
  • bars printed too small for the scanner distance
  • low contrast, especially colored bars on tinted backgrounds
  • numbers that do not match the required format length or checksum rules
  • using a retail format without a properly assigned number source

What This Tool Does and Does Not Do

This page does generate clean barcode artwork locally and let you export it immediately. It does not register numbers with GS1, assign official retail identifiers for you, or guarantee that a marketplace will accept an arbitrary code you typed manually. For commercial retail use, always confirm the numbering rules of your sales channel.

Good Uses for This Page

  • testing label layouts before a full print run
  • creating internal shelf or inventory labels
  • generating prototype packaging artwork
  • producing scannable codes for small operational workflows without installing desktop software

Privacy and Local Generation

Generation happens in the browser, which is useful when product SKUs, internal item codes, or prototype packaging data should stay off third-party servers. This page is maintained to answer the practical questions around barcode choice and print readiness, not just to draw black bars on a canvas.

Key features

  • Multiple formats: Supports CODE128, EAN-13, UPC, CODE39, ITF-14, MSI, and Pharmacode—covering most retail and logistics needs.
  • Print-ready output: Adjust bar width and height to match your label printer specifications.
  • Instant generation: See your barcode rendered in real-time as you type.

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode format should I use?

CODE128 is versatile for general use. EAN-13 and UPC are standard for retail products. Choose based on your industry requirements.

Can I use these barcodes commercially?

Yes, but ensure your barcode numbers are properly registered with GS1 or the relevant authority for retail products.

Why won't my barcode scan?

Ensure there is high contrast (black on white is best) and sufficient "quiet zone" (white space) around the code. Also, check if your scanner supports the specific format.

Can I change the barcode color?

While you can technically change colors, we recommend sticking to black bars on a white background for maximum scanner compatibility.

What is the "Quiet Zone"?

It is the empty white margin on both sides of the barcode. Without it, scanners cannot tell where the code begins and ends.

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