Last updated: March 2026
What Is a Barcode Generator?
A barcode generator creates scannable barcode images from your data. Enter a number or text, select a format, and get a barcode you can print on labels, packaging, inventory tags, or documents. This tool supports the six most common barcode formats used worldwide.
Over 5 billion barcode scans occur daily worldwide. UPC barcodes, introduced in 1974, are used on virtually every retail product sold in North America.
All barcodes are generated entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server. Download as PNG (for printing at 150, 300, or 600 DPI) or SVG (vector format that scales perfectly for any size). Customize bar width, height, colors, and text display.
Barcode Types Explained
UPC-A is the 12-digit barcode on every product in US retail stores. EAN-13 is the 13-digit international equivalent used worldwide. Both include a check digit for error detection. ISBN is a subset of EAN-13 used specifically for books, always starting with 978 or 979.
Code 128 is the most versatile format — it encodes any ASCII character and is used for shipping labels, logistics, and inventory. Code 39 is an older format still widely used in military, healthcare, and automotive industries. ITF-14 encodes 14 digits and is standard for shipping cartons and outer packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do barcodes work?
Barcodes encode data as a series of parallel bars and spaces of varying widths. A barcode scanner reads the pattern of light and dark bars using a laser or camera, then decodes the pattern back into the original data (usually a number or text string). Different barcode formats use different encoding schemes.
What barcode format do I need?
For US retail products: UPC-A. For international retail: EAN-13. For shipping cartons: ITF-14. For books: ISBN (which is a subset of EAN-13). For internal inventory, logistics, or labels with alphanumeric data: Code 128 (most versatile) or Code 39 (widely compatible with older systems).
What is a UPC code?
UPC (Universal Product Code) is the standard barcode format for retail products in the US and Canada. UPC-A consists of 12 digits: a company prefix (assigned by GS1), an item reference number (assigned by the company), and a check digit. Every product sold at a US retail store needs a unique UPC.
What's the difference between UPC and EAN?
UPC-A has 12 digits and is used primarily in North America. EAN-13 has 13 digits and is the international standard. A UPC-A code can be converted to EAN-13 by adding a leading zero. Most modern scanners read both formats. If you sell internationally, EAN-13 is preferred.
How do I get a UPC for my product?
To get official UPC codes, join GS1 (gs1us.org). They assign a company prefix, and you assign item numbers. Membership costs $250/year for up to 10 barcodes or $750/year for up to 100. Some resellers offer individual UPC codes, but GS1-issued codes are the only ones guaranteed to be unique and accepted by all retailers.
Can I make my own barcodes for free?
Yes — for internal use. This tool generates valid barcodes you can use for internal inventory, asset tracking, warehouse management, and events. For retail products sold in stores, you need official UPC/EAN numbers from GS1, but the barcode image itself can be generated with tools like this one.