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Barcode Generator

Generate barcodes in Code128, EAN, UPC, and more formats. Free and instant.

Settings

High-density format for logistics, shipping labels, and general use. Supports all ASCII characters.

Accepted: Any ASCII text

Preview

Enter data to generate a barcode

Barcode Format Comparison

FormatCharactersLengthBest For
Code 128All ASCIIVariableShipping, logistics, general
Code 39A-Z, 0-9, symbolsVariableAutomotive, defense, ID badges
EAN-13Digits only12-13International retail products
EAN-8Digits only7-8Small retail packaging
UPC-ADigits only11-12US/Canada retail products
ITFDigits onlyEven countShipping cartons, warehouses
CodabarDigits, symbolsVariableLibraries, blood banks
PharmacodeDigits only3-131070Pharmaceutical packaging

Barcodes generated via BarcodeAPI.org

Barcode Types Explained

Barcodes come in many formats, each designed for specific industries and data types. Code 128 is the most versatile, supporting all 128 ASCII characters and commonly used for shipping labels, inventory tracking, and logistics. Code 39 is an older but widely adopted format used in automotive, defense, and government applications. It supports uppercase letters, numbers, and a handful of special characters.

EAN-13 and EAN-8 are the international standards for retail product identification. Every product you see on a store shelf has an EAN or UPC barcode. UPC-A is the North American variant, using 12 digits to identify products. ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) is a compact numeric-only format popular for shipping cartons. Codabar is used in libraries, blood banks, and parcel delivery. Pharmacode is a specialized format used exclusively in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Barcodes in Retail and Inventory Management

Barcodes are the backbone of modern retail and supply chain operations. When a cashier scans a product at checkout, the barcode identifies the item, pulls up pricing information, and adjusts inventory counts in real time. This automation reduces human error, speeds up transactions, and gives businesses accurate stock data.

In warehouses, barcodes track products from receiving through storage to shipping. Workers scan items at each stage, creating a digital trail that managers can monitor. This visibility helps prevent stockouts, reduces shrinkage, and streamlines order fulfillment. Small businesses benefit just as much as large enterprises - a simple barcode system can replace manual counting and spreadsheet tracking with automated, reliable inventory management.

Choosing the Right Barcode Format

The right barcode format depends on what you are encoding and where it will be used. For general-purpose labeling with text and numbers, Code 128 is the best choice due to its compact size and full ASCII support. If you need to encode only numbers for retail products, use EAN-13 (international) or UPC-A (North America).

For small packages where space is tight, EAN-8 provides a compact alternative. If you are in the automotive or defense industry, Code 39 may be required by your supply chain partners. For shipping cartons, ITF is the standard. Always check with your industry or trading partners to confirm which format they require before printing barcodes at scale.

Barcode vs QR Code - When to Use Each

Traditional 1D barcodes and 2D QR codes serve different purposes. Barcodes store data in a single row of bars and spaces, holding up to about 80 characters depending on the format. They are ideal for product identification, inventory tracking, and point-of-sale scanning where you need a simple numeric or short text identifier.

QR codes store data in a two-dimensional grid of squares, holding up to 4,296 characters. They are better for encoding URLs, contact information, WiFi credentials, or any data that exceeds what a 1D barcode can hold. QR codes can also be scanned from any angle and at greater distances. Use barcodes when you need industry-standard product identification, and QR codes when you need to encode more data or want end users to scan with a smartphone camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this barcode generator free to use?

Yes, completely free with no limits. This tool uses the BarcodeAPI.org public API to generate barcodes instantly. There is no sign-up required, no watermark, and no limit on how many barcodes you can generate. The resulting images are yours to use for any purpose.

Which barcode format should I use for retail products?

For retail products sold internationally, use EAN-13. For products sold in the United States or Canada, use UPC-A. Both formats are numeric-only and encode a product identifier that links to pricing and inventory data in point-of-sale systems. If you are selling on Amazon, eBay, or in physical stores, you will need a registered EAN or UPC number from GS1.

Can I print these barcodes for commercial use?

Yes, the generated barcode images can be printed and used commercially. However, for retail product barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A), you need a valid GS1 company prefix and registered product numbers. The barcode itself is just a visual representation of your number. Make sure to test your printed barcodes with a scanner before mass printing to confirm readability.

What is the difference between Code 128 and Code 39?

Code 128 supports all 128 ASCII characters and produces more compact barcodes, making it ideal for shipping labels and modern applications. Code 39 only supports uppercase letters, digits, and a few special characters, but it is self-checking (no check digit required) and widely accepted in automotive and defense industries. If you have no specific format requirement, Code 128 is the better choice.

Why is my barcode not generating?

Each barcode format has specific data requirements. EAN-13 needs exactly 12 or 13 digits, EAN-8 needs 7 or 8 digits, UPC-A needs 11 or 12 digits, and Code 39 only accepts uppercase letters and certain symbols. Check the format description and input hint below the data field to see what characters and lengths are accepted for your selected format.

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