Barcode Generator — CODE128, EAN-13, QR & More
Generate barcodes in CODE128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC, CODE39, and more formats. Download as SVG or PNG.
About Barcode Generator — CODE128, EAN-13, QR & More
Barcode Generator is a free browser-based tool that instantly creates CODE128, EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-A barcodes from any text or number. Download as SVG (vector, perfect for printing) or PNG. No sign-up required, no data uploaded, commercially usable.
How to Use
- 1Select the barcode type — CODE128 for general use, EAN-13/JAN for retail products, EAN-8 for small products, UPC-A for North American retail.
- 2Enter the value: any text for CODE128, or 12–13 digits for EAN-13. The check digit is calculated automatically.
- 3Adjust scale, bar color, and background color as needed, then download as SVG or PNG.
Features
- Supports CODE128, EAN-13 (JAN), EAN-8, and UPC-A barcode formats
- SVG download for crisp, scalable print-quality barcodes
- Check digit calculated automatically for EAN and UPC barcodes
- Fully client-side — your data never leaves your browser
- Free with no watermark, no registration, commercial use allowed
Barcode Types: When to Use Which
Choosing the right barcode format is essential for compatibility with scanners and downstream systems.
CODE128 — The Universal Barcode
CODE128 can encode all 128 ASCII characters including letters, numbers, and symbols. It is the most flexible format and is widely used in logistics, warehousing, shipping labels, event tickets, and internal inventory systems. Use CODE128 when your data includes letters or you need maximum flexibility.
EAN-13 / JAN — Retail & Point-of-Sale
EAN-13 (European Article Number) is the global standard for retail product barcodes. In Japan it is called JAN (Japanese Article Number). It encodes 13 digits, with the first two or three digits representing the country code. Registration with GS1 is required for commercial distribution.
EAN-8 & UPC-A — Compact and North American
EAN-8 is the compact 8-digit variant of EAN-13, used when product packaging is too small for a standard barcode. UPC-A is the 12-digit format used across the United States and Canada. Both can be scanned by the same readers that handle EAN-13.
Technical Best Practices for Barcodes
Follow these guidelines to ensure your barcodes scan reliably in production environments.
Always Use SVG for Print
Barcode readability depends on sharp, precise line edges. SVG is a vector format — it prints at any resolution without blurring or aliasing. PNG bitmaps can become blocky or blurry when scaled up, leading to scan failures. For labels and packaging, always export SVG.
Quiet Zone (Whitespace Margins)
Barcodes require a clear whitespace area (called the quiet zone) on the left and right sides. Without sufficient margin, scanners may fail to detect the start and stop patterns. This tool automatically adds quiet zones; make sure surrounding elements in your design do not cover them.
Contrast and Colors
The default black-on-white combination provides maximum contrast. Avoid low-contrast combinations (e.g., dark blue on black, light grey on white). For special materials (metallic, transparent, dark), test scanning thoroughly before committing to a large print run.
Real-World Barcode Use Cases
Barcodes are not limited to retail — they power efficiency across many business processes.
Inventory & Asset Management
Attach CODE128 labels to equipment, office assets, or warehouse stock. Scan with a handheld reader to instantly record check-ins, check-outs, and locations. This is far faster and more accurate than manual entry.
Event Ticketing & Access Control
Print or display barcodes on tickets, wristbands, or ID cards. Scan at the door to validate entry. CODE128 encodes booking IDs or unique tokens, and can be verified against a back-end database in real time.
E-Commerce & Shipping Labels
Shipping labels use CODE128 to encode tracking numbers, postal codes, and routing information. Carriers like FedEx, UPS, and Japan Post all rely on CODE128 (or its derivative GS1-128) for automated sorting and delivery confirmation scanning.
FAQ
- What is the difference between CODE128 and EAN-13?
- CODE128 encodes any ASCII character (letters, numbers, symbols) and is used in logistics, inventory, and internal tracking. EAN-13 encodes 13 digits and is the international standard for retail product barcodes (also known as JAN code in Japan).
- What is a JAN code and how do I generate one?
- JAN (Japanese Article Number) codes follow the EAN-13 standard. Select EAN-13 and enter your 12-digit GS1 number — the tool calculates the check digit and generates the barcode automatically.
- How many digits does EAN-13 require?
- EAN-13 requires 13 digits. You can enter 12 digits and the tool will append the check digit automatically. If you enter all 13, the tool uses your value directly.
- Can the generated barcodes be scanned by real scanners?
- Yes. Barcodes are generated to ISO/IEC standards and can be read by standard barcode scanners and smartphone scanner apps. For printed barcodes, use SVG to ensure sharp lines at any print size.
- Which format should I use for printing — SVG or PNG?
- Use SVG for any print-quality output (packaging, labels, stickers). SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without pixelation. Use PNG for screen display or when SVG is not supported.
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