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Barcode Generator

Generate barcodes such as EAN-13, UPC and Code 128.

Any letters, numbers and symbols on a standard keyboard.

When to use it

Use this tool to create barcodes for labels, stock and asset tags, library cards, event tickets, shipping cartons or school projects. It supports the most common types, shows a live preview, and lets you download a sharp PNG or SVG.

How to use it

  1. Choose the Barcode type, such as Code 128 (letters and numbers) or EAN-13 (retail, 12 or 13 digits).
  2. Type the Content. The hint below explains what the chosen type accepts.
  3. Adjust the Height and Bar width.
  4. Untick Show the text under the bars if you only want the bars.
  5. Check the preview, then click Download PNG or Download SVG.

If the content is not valid for the chosen type, the tool says why, for example that EAN-13 needs digits only.

Worked example

A small office wants to label its laptops. Choose Code 128 and type TOOLWISE-2026. The preview shows a barcode with the text underneath. Download the SVG, place it on a label template, and print a sheet of labels.

For a product prototype, choose EAN-13 and type the 12 digits 590123412345. The tool adds the check digit to make the full 13-digit code, 5901234123457.

Barcode types at a glance

  • Code 128: letters, numbers and symbols. Good for most labels.
  • Code 39: capital letters, numbers and a few symbols. Common in older systems and industry.
  • EAN-13 and UPC-A: retail products in shops. EAN is used worldwide and UPC mainly in the US and Canada.
  • EAN-8: small retail products with little space for a label.
  • ITF-14: outer boxes and shipping cartons.
  • Codabar: libraries, blood banks and some delivery services.

If you need to store a web address or longer text, a QR code is usually a better choice. Make one with the QR Code Generator.

Tips

  • Test before printing. Scan the preview with a phone barcode app to make sure it reads correctly.
  • Leave a quiet zone. Keep a blank space on both sides of the barcode so scanners can find the start and end.
  • Use dark bars on a light background. Black on white is the most reliable.
  • Make bars wider for cheap printers. Wider bars are easier to print and scan.

Common mistakes

  • Using EAN or UPC for internal labels. Code 128 is simpler and has no registration rules.
  • Shrinking the barcode too much. Very small codes may not scan, especially on curved surfaces.
  • Stretching the image unevenly. Change the height and bar width in the tool rather than stretching it in another program.

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode type should I use?

Use Code 128 for most labels, inventory and internal use, since it holds letters, numbers and symbols in a compact barcode. Use EAN-13 or UPC-A only for retail products with a registered GS1 number. ITF-14 is for shipping cartons, and Codabar is used by some libraries and blood banks.

Can I make my own EAN or UPC numbers?

You can create the barcode image, but numbers for products sold in shops must be licensed from GS1. Made-up numbers may clash with real products, so only use them for testing.

What is a check digit?

The last digit of EAN and UPC codes, worked out from the others to catch scanning errors. Enter 12 digits for EAN-13 and the tool adds it for you, or enter all 13 to check them.

PNG or SVG?

SVG is a vector file that stays perfectly sharp at any size, which is best for printing and design software. PNG is an image that works everywhere, such as documents and websites.

Why won't my barcode scan?

Check that it is printed large enough, with good contrast and a blank margin on each side. Thin bars printed on low-quality printers can blur. Increase the bar width and test with a phone before printing many.

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