Barcode Generator

What is the Barcode Generator?

This barcode generator turns a number or short string into a scannable 1D barcode, right in your browser. A barcode is a row of parallel bars and spaces of varying width that a laser or camera scanner reads as data — the value behind a product, an asset tag or a shipping carton. This tool supports six of the most widely used symbologies (CODE128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39 and ITF-14), validates your input as you type, and lets you download the result as a PNG image or a sharp SVG vector. Nothing is uploaded.

How to use it

1. Type or paste the data you want to encode into the input box.
2. Choose a format — Code 128 is the flexible default; pick EAN/UPC for retail products or ITF-14 for shipping cartons.
3. The barcode updates live. If the data is not valid for that format, a clear message tells you exactly what to fix.
4. Optionally adjust the bar width, height, colors, and whether the human-readable text shows under the bars.
5. Click Download PNG for an image, or Download SVG for a vector you can scale for print.

That is the whole workflow: type, pick a format, download, done. No account, no email, no paywall.

The method behind it

A 1D barcode encodes characters as a fixed pattern of bars and spaces defined by its symbology standard. CODE128 packs full ASCII into a dense, compact code and is the right choice when you simply need any text or number scannable. The retail formats — EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A — encode a fixed number of digits and end with a modulo-10 check digit so a scanner can catch a misread. ITF-14 encodes 14 digits in an interleaved two-of-five pattern for cases and cartons. Code 39 encodes uppercase letters, digits and a handful of symbols, and is popular for internal asset tags because it needs no check digit.

For the GS1 numeric formats this tool computes the check digit the same way scanners verify it: each digit is multiplied by an alternating weight of 3 and 1 from the right, the weighted values are summed, and the check digit is the amount needed to reach the next multiple of ten. If you type the full code the check digit is verified, and if you leave it off it is calculated and appended for you. All of this runs in JavaScript on your device, which is why the result appears instantly and your data stays private.

Examples

• Internal SKU: encode UTIL-2026-001 as CODE128 and download a PNG for a label sheet.
• Retail UPC: enter the 12 digits 036000291452 to print a North American product barcode.
• EAN-13 with auto check digit: type the first 12 digits and let the tool append the 13th digit.
• Shipping carton: generate an ITF-14 such as 15400141288763 as an SVG for a corrugated box.

Common use cases

• Labeling inventory, stock and shelves in a small shop or warehouse.
• Printing retail product codes (EAN/UPC) for items you sell online or in store.
• Tagging assets, tools and equipment so they can be checked in and out by scan.
• Marking shipping cartons and outer cases with ITF-14 codes.
• Adding a quick scannable reference to a packing slip, form or library item.

Why use this one

Many barcode sites push you to create an account, stamp a watermark on the image, cap how many codes you can make, or charge for the vector download. This one does none of that. Every barcode is generated 100% in your browser, so the value you enter never leaves your machine — you can verify it in the network tab. You get six common formats in a single tool, live check-digit validation so EAN and UPC codes are correct before you print them, and free PNG and SVG downloads with no signup, no watermark and no expiry. Need a 2D code instead? Try the QR Code Generator, mint identifiers with the UUID Generator, or create a strong secret with the Password Generator.

Frequently asked questions