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Barcode Generator for Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A and More

Type a number or text, pick a format, then download the barcode as a PNG or SVG or print it. Check digits are calculated for you.

Private by design — your data stays on your device.

Barcode

Letters, digits and symbols (printable ASCII), up to 60 characters.

Encoding: HELLO-1234.

Making a barcode image does not register the number. For products sold through shops or marketplaces, EAN and UPC numbers are issued by GS1, so don’t invent them for retail products. Use this tool for internal codes, inventory, tickets and numbers you were assigned.

Appearance

Preview

HELLO-1234

308 × 160 px. Test a scan with your scanner or phone before you print many.

What does the barcode generator do?

This barcode generator turns a number or short text into a scannable barcode in Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39 or ITF-14. For the numeric formats you can enter the number with or without its check digit, and the generator calculates or checks it for you. Making a barcode image does not register the number, and numbers for products sold in shops or on marketplaces come from GS1, so use this for internal codes and numbers you have been assigned.

How to use the barcode generator

  1. Pick a barcode type. Code 128 suits internal labels and text, while EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and ITF-14 are for numbers.
  2. Type or paste the content. The page shows what each format accepts and which check digit it used.
  3. Adjust the bar width, height, margin, text and colours. Dark bars on a light background scan best.
  4. Download a PNG or SVG, or print the barcode, and test a scan before you use it widely.

Your privacy

Barcodes are generated in your browser. What you type is not sent to MyToolsLab or stored, and the PNG and SVG files are created on your device.

Read how MyToolsLab handles privacy

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode type should I choose?

Code 128 is a flexible choice for internal labels, inventory and shipping because it holds letters, digits and symbols. EAN-13 and UPC-A are the formats for retail products, EAN-8 is used on very small packages, ITF-14 on outer cartons for 14-digit trade item numbers, and Code 39 is an older format for simple labels. Check what your scanner, courier or marketplace asks for.

Does generating a barcode register it or make it valid for sale?

No. This tool only draws the barcode for the number you give it. EAN and UPC numbers for products sold through shops and marketplaces are assigned through GS1, so don’t make up numbers for retail products, because they could clash with someone else’s product. For internal use, Code 128 or Code 39 with your own numbers needs no GS1 number.

How is the check digit calculated?

For EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and ITF-14, the digits are multiplied by 3 and 1 in turn, starting with 3 on the digit next to the check digit and working left. The products are added up, and the check digit is whatever brings the total to a multiple of 10. For 400638133393 the total is 89, so the check digit is 1. If you enter the check digit yourself, the generator checks it and tells you the right one if it differs.

Why won’t my barcode scan?

The usual causes are low contrast, light bars on a dark background, bars too narrow for the printer, or no blank margin around the code. Use dark bars on a white background, keep the margin, make the bars wide enough for your printer’s resolution, and test with the scanner or phone you will actually use before printing many.

What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?

A barcode like these is one-dimensional: it holds a short number or text and is read by a scanner or a phone camera. A QR code is two-dimensional and can hold links, Wi-Fi details and longer text. If you need to open a web page, use the QR code generator instead.