Barcode generator
EAN-13 and UPC-A for retail products, EAN-8 for small packs, and Code 128 for anything else. Check digits are added and checked for you.
Your barcode
Your barcode appears here as you type.
Which barcode do I need?
- Selling in shops? Use the EAN-13 (or in the US and Canada, UPC-A) number assigned to your product. Retailers only accept numbers licensed from GS1, the standards body, so you can't make one up. This tool draws the barcode for a number you already have.
- Small packaging, like lipstick or gum, can use the shorter EAN-8, also issued by GS1.
- Anything internal, such as stock labels, asset tags, order numbers, tickets or library cards, should use Code 128. It holds letters, digits and punctuation, and any barcode scanner reads it.
Check digits
The last digit of an EAN or UPC number is a check digit, calculated from the others, so a scanner can tell when it has misread a digit. Type the number without it and it's added for you. Type it with the check digit and it's verified: if it doesn't match, you'll be told what it should be, which usually means a typo somewhere in the number.
Printing tips
- Use dark bars on a light background. Red bars don't scan, because many scanners use red light.
- Keep the blank space either side of the bars. The quiet zone is part of the barcode.
- Use the SVG for print artwork so the bars stay sharp, and don't stretch the image unevenly.
- A retail EAN-13 is normally printed about 37 mm (1.5 in) wide. It can be shrunk to about 80%, but test it.
Questions
Can I make up an EAN or UPC number?
For your own use, yes, but not for selling through retailers: those numbers must be licensed from GS1 so they're unique worldwide. For internal labels, use Code 128.
Why doesn't Code 128 accept my accented letters?
Code 128 covers the standard ASCII characters only, which is what scanners read reliably. For text with accents or other alphabets, use a QR code.
Is it free for commercial use?
Yes. The barcodes you make are yours to use anywhere.