Barcode Generator
Generate 16 popular barcode formats including Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, and more. Download or copy barcodes with customizable settings.
Barcode Settings
Generated Barcode
Generated barcode will appear here
Enter a value and click "Generate Barcode" to start
About Barcode Generator
The Barcode Generator is a comprehensive online tool that creates 16 popular barcode formats including both 1D linear barcodes (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14) and 2D matrix codes (QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec Code). Whether you need to generate product barcodes for inventory management, shipping labels, or any tracking application, this tool provides a simple and reliable solution with customizable width, height, and display options.
Why use a Barcode Generator?
Using a professional barcode generator ensures compatibility with standard barcode scanners and systems. Barcodes are essential for inventory management, point-of-sale systems, shipping and logistics, asset tracking, and product identification. This tool generates high-quality, scannable barcodes that comply with industry standards, eliminating the need for expensive barcode generation software.
Who is it for?
This tool is perfect for small business owners setting up inventory systems, e-commerce sellers creating product labels, warehouse managers implementing tracking systems, retail store owners generating price tags, logistics companies creating shipping labels, event organizers generating ticket barcodes, and developers integrating barcode functionality into applications.
How to use the tool
Enter the text or numbers you want to encode in the barcode
Select from 16 barcode formats: 1D formats (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14, etc.) or 2D formats (QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec)
Adjust the barcode width using the slider to control line thickness
Set the barcode height to match your label requirements
Toggle "Display Value" to show or hide the text below the barcode
Click "Generate" to create your barcode
Download the barcode as a PNG image or copy it to clipboard
Use the "Reset" button to clear all inputs and start fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I generate a barcode online?
Enter the data (text, numbers, URL) and choose the barcode format: Code 128 (most common general-purpose), Code 39, EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN, ITF. The tool generates the visual barcode as a downloadable image (PNG, SVG). Configurable size, height, and font. Copy or download the result. Useful for: product labels, inventory tags, asset management, event tickets. Runs entirely in your browser — your data never leaves the device.
What barcode format should I use?
Depends on data and use case. **Code 128**: most versatile — supports any ASCII characters, used in shipping (UPS, FedEx). **Code 39**: alphanumeric only, used in industrial settings. **EAN-13**: 13-digit, retail products in Europe/Asia (replaces UPC for international). **UPC-A**: 12-digit, retail products in US/Canada. **ISBN**: 13-digit book identifier (publishing). **ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)**: numeric, used on shipping cartons. For QR-code-style 2D codes, use a [QR Code Generator](/tools/qr-code-generator/).
Is my data sent to a server?
No — barcode generation runs entirely in your browser via JavaScript libraries (JsBarcode, bwip-js, or similar). Your data never reaches a server, never gets logged. Verify in DevTools' Network tab: zero HTTP requests during generation. Safe for proprietary product codes, internal asset numbers, or sensitive identifiers.
Why does my barcode scanner not read the generated barcode?
Several common causes. (1) Quiet zone — barcodes need empty white space around them (typically 10x the narrowest bar width); cropping too tight breaks scanning. (2) Print resolution — for printed barcodes, use 300+ DPI; lower resolution causes scan failures. (3) Format match — your scanner must support the barcode format you generated. (4) Damage / smudging on the printed code. (5) Insufficient size — very small barcodes (<2cm wide) need higher print resolution. For mission-critical applications, test the generated barcode with a real scanner before mass production.
What's the difference between 1D barcodes and QR codes?
1D barcodes (Code 128, EAN, UPC) are linear — bars of varying widths read horizontally. Store small amounts of data (typically 10-20 characters). QR codes (2D) store much more data (up to 7000 numeric, 4000 alphanumeric, 2900 bytes) in a grid pattern. 1D barcodes are simpler and more compact for short identifiers (product codes, shipping labels); QR codes for URLs, contact cards, complex data. Use [QR Code Generator](/tools/qr-code-generator/) for QR codes.
Can I include text labels under the barcode?
Yes — most barcode generators include the human-readable text below the bars by default. Configurable: hide text, custom text, font choice. The text is for humans (to verify the code matches expected value); the barcode itself is for scanners. For printed labels with branding, you'd composite the barcode with your label design in Photoshop/Illustrator/Canva.
What about EAN-13 check digits?
EAN-13 (and most retail barcodes) include a check digit — the last digit, computed from the preceding 12 digits via a specific algorithm. The check digit lets scanners detect partial mis-reads. This tool typically calculates the check digit automatically when you enter a 12-digit base; if you enter a full 13-digit code, it validates the check digit. For programmatic generation, the algorithm is standard (sum of odd-positioned digits × 1 + even-positioned × 3, mod 10).
Can I generate barcodes for retail products?
For your own products: yes — but you need a registered GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) from GS1 (the global standards body for retail barcodes). GS1 sells GTIN prefixes; you get a block of numbers and assign them to your products. For testing or non-retail use (internal inventory, asset tags), generate freely with any number — they just won't conflict with real retail products. Never use a GTIN that belongs to another company — barcodes are unique identifiers.
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