Which format should I use for products in stores?

EAN-13 is the standard for retail products in most countries, EAN-8 is for very small packages, and UPC-A is common in the United States and Canada.

What is a check digit and do I need to calculate it?

It is the last digit of a retail barcode, computed from the others so scanners can catch reading errors. You do not need to calculate it: type the digits without it and the tool adds it.

Why can't I type more characters?

Each format has a length limit: up to 40 characters for Code 128, 30 for Code 39 and Codabar, and a fixed number of digits for EAN, UPC and ITF-14. Longer values would make the barcode too wide to scan.

What is the best format for printing labels?

SVG or PDF keep the bars perfectly sharp at any size, which matters for barcodes. PNG works well for documents and label software that needs an image.

Is the value I enter uploaded anywhere?

No. The barcode is generated in your browser. Only if you choose to put it on an existing PDF is that PDF uploaded to vupdf's servers, and it is deleted after the result is delivered.

Generate Barcode – Free Online

All Tools

Scan difficultyEasy

Print it at least 35 mm wide.

What Generate Barcode does

Generate Barcode turns a number or a short piece of text into a one-dimensional barcode that handheld and checkout scanners can read. It covers seven common symbologies: EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A for retail products, ITF-14 for cartons, Code 128 and Code 39 for labels and inventory, and Codabar for libraries and parcels. Small producers labeling their goods, warehouse staff printing shelf tags and teachers making library cards can all use it without installing label software.

The barcode is drawn in your browser as you type, and the tool checks the value against the rules of the chosen format. For EAN, UPC and ITF-14 it calculates the check digit for you, and if you paste a full code with a wrong last digit, it tells you which digit is expected. It also shows how wide the barcode needs to be printed to scan reliably.

How to use Generate Barcode

Open Generate Barcode and choose a Format, such as EAN-13 or Code 128.
Type the Value; follow the hint under the field for the allowed characters and length.
Use Fix it if a check digit is wrong, or switch formats when the tool suggests one that suits your value better.
Set the Appearance: Small, Medium or Large size, whether to show the value under the bars, and the colors.
Click Finish the barcode, then download it as PNG, JPG, WEBP, SVG or PDF, copy it, or place it on a blank or existing PDF.

Features and options

Seven barcode formats: Retail formats accept digits only in fixed lengths, Code 128 takes letters, digits and symbols up to 40 characters, Code 39 takes capitals, digits and a few symbols up to 30, and Codabar allows optional A–D start and stop letters.
Automatic check digits: Enter 12 digits for EAN-13, 7 for EAN-8, 11 for UPC-A or 13 for ITF-14 and the final check digit is added. If you type the full number and its last digit is wrong, the tool shows the correct one and fixes it with one click.
Format suggestions: When a value looks like a retail product code but another format is selected, the tool points out that shop scanners expect the retail format and offers to switch.
Print-size guidance: A density card shows how easy the barcode is to scan and the minimum width in millimeters for printing. If the value would make the barcode impractically wide, you are asked to shorten it.
Colors and transparency: Set the bar and background colors or make the background transparent for placing on colored packaging. A warning appears when contrast is too low or the colors are inverted, which many scanners cannot read.

When it helps

A home bakery that already has registered EAN numbers prints product labels for jars sold in a local shop.
A warehouse assistant creates Code 128 labels for shelf locations and lays out a full sheet of them on a blank PDF with cutting lines.
A school librarian makes Codabar labels for a small book collection and prints them on sticker paper.

Tips and limits

This tool draws barcodes; it does not issue product numbers. To sell through retailers you need official EAN/UPC numbers registered with GS1 for your company.
Code 128 accepts standard keyboard characters only, so letters such as ş, ğ or é are not allowed. Code 39 and Codabar turn lowercase letters into capitals.
Print dark bars on a light background and keep clear space on both sides of the barcode; scanners need that quiet zone.
For QR-style codes that hold links or Wi-Fi details, use Generate QR Code instead. A linear barcode is meant for short IDs.

Frequently asked questions

Which format should I use for products in stores?: EAN-13 is the standard for retail products in most countries, EAN-8 is for very small packages, and UPC-A is common in the United States and Canada.
What is a check digit and do I need to calculate it?: It is the last digit of a retail barcode, computed from the others so scanners can catch reading errors. You do not need to calculate it: type the digits without it and the tool adds it.
Why can't I type more characters?: Each format has a length limit: up to 40 characters for Code 128, 30 for Code 39 and Codabar, and a fixed number of digits for EAN, UPC and ITF-14. Longer values would make the barcode too wide to scan.
What is the best format for printing labels?: SVG or PDF keep the bars perfectly sharp at any size, which matters for barcodes. PNG works well for documents and label software that needs an image.
Is the value I enter uploaded anywhere?: No. The barcode is generated in your browser. Only if you choose to put it on an existing PDF is that PDF uploaded to vupdf's servers, and it is deleted after the result is delivered.

Related guides

EAN-13, UPC, Code 128 and More: Choosing the Right Barcode