Barcode Generator
Create barcodes in 10 formats with this free online barcode generator. Generate single barcodes or up to 2,000 from CSV and Excel, then export as PNG, SVG, or PDF.
Presets
Barcode Types
Barcode Data
Supports alphanumeric data (letters, numbers, and symbols)
Live Preview
Enter data to generate a barcode
What Is a Barcode Generator?
A barcode generator converts data such as product codes, serial numbers, inventory IDs, or other alphanumeric values into a machine-readable barcode that scanners can read. This free online barcode generator lets you create barcodes in 10 supported formats, validate your data against format rules, customize size, colors, and text, and export as PNG, SVG, or print-ready PDF.
For larger projects, upload a CSV or Excel file and generate up to 2,000 barcodes in a single batch, with automatic format detection, row-by-row validation, and automatic addition of missing check digits for supported formats. All generation happens locally inside your browser, so your data is not sent to a server as part of the generation process.
Whether you need a single barcode for a product label, a batch of asset tags, or a print-ready Avery label sheet, this tool supports the workflow from data entry and validation to download.
Supported Barcode Formats
This generator supports 10 barcode formats, each with its own character set, length rules, and typical use cases. Choose the format that matches your data and scanning requirements.
| Format | Best suited for | Key characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | General-purpose identification | Compact and supports the full ASCII character set |
| EAN-13 | International retail products | 13-digit retail identifier |
| UPC-A | North American retail products | 12-digit retail identifier |
| Code 39 | Inventory, ID, and asset tracking | Alphanumeric and widely used for identification |
| ITF-14 | Shipping cartons and logistics | Commonly used to encode 14-digit GTIN-14 data |
| GS1-128 | Supply chain and regulated goods | Uses GS1 Application Identifiers |
| EAN-8 | Small retail packaging | Compact 8-digit EAN format |
| UPC-E | Very small retail items | Compressed UPC format |
| Codabar | Blood banks, libraries, and courier applications | Uses A–D as start/stop characters |
| Interleaved 2 of 5 | Warehouse bins and internal tags | Numeric-only format with an even number of digits |
Best for: General-purpose identification
Key trait: Full ASCII character set
Best for: International retail products
Key trait: 13-digit retail identifier
Best for: North American retail products
Key trait: 12-digit retail identifier
Best for: Inventory / asset tracking
Key trait: Alphanumeric
Best for: Shipping cartons and logistics
Key trait: 14-digit GTIN-14 data
Best for: Supply chain and regulated goods
Key trait: GS1 Application Identifiers
Best for: Small retail packaging
Key trait: Compact 8-digit EAN
Best for: Very small retail items
Key trait: Compressed UPC format
Best for: Blood banks, libraries, and couriers
Key trait: Uses A–D as start/stop characters
Best for: Warehouse bins and internal tags
Key trait: Numeric-only, even digit count
Create a Barcode in 3 Simple Steps
Your barcode updates in real time as you type, so you can review the result immediately.
Choose a Format
Choose one of the supported formats, or let the format suggestion feature recommend one based on your data.
Enter Your Data
Enter your value. The tool validates it against the format rules and automatically adds missing check digits where applicable.
Download Your Barcode
Review your barcode, then download it as PNG or SVG, or generate a print-ready PDF.
Customize Your Barcode
Customize your barcode size, text, colors, and output settings to match your label, packaging, or printing needs.
Dimensions
- Bar width: 1–3 px
- Height: 60–200 px
- Margin: 0–20 px around the barcode
Human-readable Text
- Show or hide the barcode value below the barcode
- Adjustable font size: 8–24 px
Colors
- Bar color
- Background color
- Transparent background for design and layout work
Output Format
- PNG: 1x, 2x, or 4x resolution
- SVG: scalable output for flexible sizing
- Copy the image or SVG directly to your clipboard
Bulk Barcode Generator
For multiple barcodes, bulk mode lets you upload a CSV, XLSX, or XLS file and generate barcodes in one batch, with the workflow handled from column detection and validation to ZIP or PDF export.
How the Bulk Workflow Works
- 1.Upload — Upload a CSV, XLSX, or XLS file. The tool reads the first worksheet.
- 2.Detect — The tool looks for a column named "value". If it isn't found, a single-column file is automatically detected and used.
- 3.Validate — Each row is checked against the character rules and length requirements of its detected format.
- 4.Add Check Digits — Missing check digits for EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14, and EAN-8 are calculated and added automatically.
- 5.Preview — A table shows each row with its detected format, validity status, and a preview.
- 6.Download — Save all generated barcodes as a ZIP of PNG files, or generate a multi-page PDF with the label layout builder.
Accepted file formats
CSV, XLSX, XLS
Batch limit
Up to 2,000 barcodes
Export options
ZIP of PNGs or PDF
About the 2,000-Barcode Limit
Bulk generation and PDF export support up to 2,000 valid rows per batch. Files that exceed this limit can still be loaded and validated, but automatic generation is disabled to help keep the page responsive. You can trigger generation manually. PDF export is unavailable above 2,000 rows.
Create Printable Barcode Labels and PDFs
The built-in barcode label builder lets you arrange barcodes on a sheet, choose a paper size, add optional text, and generate a print-ready PDF without leaving the tool.
Label Templates
- Avery 5160 (3 × 10 address labels)
- Avery 5162 (2 × 7 address labels)
- Avery 5163 (2 × 5 shipping labels)
- 4 × 6 thermal label
Paper and Layout
- A4, Letter, 4 × 6, or custom size in millimeters
- Portrait or landscape orientation
- Custom page margins
- Columns, rows, and spacing controls
Label Content
- Show the barcode value on the label
- Static text above each barcode
- Static text below each barcode
- Font size and text alignment
Styling and Print Quality
- No border, thin line, or dashed border
- Rounded corners (0–20 mm)
- Optional dotted cut lines
- 1x, 2x, or 4x print quality
The label builder generates a multi-page PDF with your barcodes arranged according to the selected paper size, margins, and grid settings.
How to Choose the Right Barcode Format
There isn't a single "best" barcode format. The right choice depends on how and where the barcode will be used. Use the guide below to narrow down your options, then confirm the requirements of the specific standard or industry involved.
Selling Products in Retail Stores
EAN-13 for international retail or UPC-A for the US and Canada.
For products sold through retail channels, use a properly assigned GTIN that follows applicable GS1 rules.
Shipping Cartons and Outer Packaging
ITF-14 for GTIN-14 data.
Commonly used for distribution, shipping cartons, and warehouse scanning.
General-Purpose Identification, Inventory, or Asset Tracking
Code 128
Flexible, compact, and supports alphanumeric data.
Regulated Supply Chain
GS1-128
Used for supply chain applications and supports standardized GS1 Application Identifiers.
Small Retail Packaging With Limited Space
EAN-8 or UPC-E
Compact alternatives to their full-length counterparts for supported retail applications.
Internal Tracking With Simple, Manually Readable Labels
Code 39
Commonly used for inventory, asset tracking, and other internal identification.
Blood Banks, Libraries, or Courier Documents
Codabar
A compact format that uses A–D as start/stop characters.
The descriptions above are general guidance. For regulated industries and product identification, refer to the standard or industry requirements that apply to your specific use case.
Barcode Types Explained
Here is a short overview of each barcode format supported by the tool, including what it is, the data it can encode, and where it is commonly used.
Code 128
A high-density linear barcode that can encode letters, numbers, symbols, and control characters across the ASCII character set. It is commonly used for logistics, shipping, warehousing, and inventory management because it can encode substantial data in a relatively small space.
GS1-128
A standardized application of Code 128 that uses GS1 Application Identifiers to structure supply chain data. It can encode information such as GTINs, batch numbers, expiry dates, and SSCCs. GS1-128 is used in supply chain environments where encoded data needs to follow GS1 rules.
EAN-13
A 13-digit barcode widely used for retail product identification. EAN-13 is commonly found on consumer products sold through retail channels around the world.
UPC-A
A 12-digit barcode widely used for retail product identification, particularly in the United States and Canada. UPC-A is part of the EAN/UPC family and is primarily used for retail point-of-sale identification.
Code 39
An alphanumeric, variable-length barcode that supports uppercase letters, digits, and a limited set of symbols, including hyphen, period, dollar sign, slash, plus sign, percent sign, and space. It is commonly used for asset tags, identification labels, and internal tracking.
ITF-14
A 14-digit interleaved barcode commonly used for outer cases and packaging in distribution and warehouse environments. Within the GS1 system, ITF-14 is used to encode GTIN information and is well suited to printing on materials such as corrugated packaging.
EAN-8
A compact 8-digit barcode used for smaller retail products where there is not enough space for an EAN-13 symbol. It is part of the EAN/UPC family and is primarily used for retail point-of-sale identification.
UPC-E
A compact UPC format designed for smaller retail items where space is limited. It represents UPC information in a compressed form and can be used where a full UPC-A symbol would take up more space.
Codabar
A numeric barcode format that uses A–D as start and stop characters. Codabar has been used in applications such as blood banks, libraries, and courier services, including certain airbill formats.
Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2OF5)
A numeric-only barcode that encodes digits in pairs and therefore requires an even number of digits. I2OF5 is compact and is commonly used for warehouse bins, carton identification, and internal tracking where only numeric data is required.
How to Create a Scannable Barcode
Generating a barcode image is one thing. Making sure it scans reliably is another. The factors below can affect how well a barcode reads on a scanner. None of them can guarantee successful scanning in every environment, but following good barcode-quality practices can reduce common problems.
- Use the right format. Choose a barcode format that matches your use case. Different symbologies have different data rules and scanning requirements.
- Keep the data valid. Make sure the barcode data follows the character and length rules of the selected format. Invalid or incorrectly structured data can prevent reliable scanning.
- Leave enough quiet zone. Keep blank space around the barcode and avoid placing text, graphics, or other elements too close to the symbol. The required quiet zone depends on the barcode format and its application.
- Keep the barcode large enough. Very small symbols can be harder to read reliably, particularly on curved, reflective, or poorly printed surfaces.
- Use sufficient contrast. Strong contrast between the bars and background improves readability. Black bars on a white background provide a strong contrast combination for most scanning situations.
- Choose an appropriate output resolution. For printed barcodes, consider using the 2x or 4x output setting when your printing workflow benefits from a higher-resolution image.
- Test with a real scanner. Test the barcode before a large print run. A barcode that looks correct on screen may behave differently after printing.
- Check the printed result. Ink spread, printer resolution, label material, surface conditions, and positioning can all affect barcode readability.
Is This Barcode Generator Safe?
100% SECUREAll barcodes are generated locally in your browser. Your data is never sent to our servers.
Common Uses for Barcodes
Barcodes are commonly used to identify products, inventory, shipments, assets, and other physical items so information can be captured quickly by a scanner. Below are some common situations where a barcode generator can be useful.
Retail Product Labels
EAN-13 or UPC-A can be used on product packaging for scanning at retail points of sale.
Inventory Tracking
Code 128 or Interleaved 2 of 5 can be used on bins, shelves, SKU labels, and inventory tags for faster stock identification and counting.
Warehouse Identification
Code 128 or ITF-14 can be used on cartons, cases, pallets, and other warehouse items.
Shipping and Logistics
ITF-14 or GS1-128 can be used on cartons, cases, and logistic units for identification and tracking through distribution workflows.
Asset Identification
Code 39 or Code 128 can be used on tags for tracking equipment, tools, IT hardware, and other assets.
Event Tickets
Barcodes can be used on event tickets to identify tickets and support entry and check-in workflows.
Library Labels
Barcodes can be used on book labels, membership cards, and other library materials for identification and checkout workflows.
E-commerce Fulfillment
Barcode labels can be used on inventory, packing workflows, shipping cartons, and other fulfillment materials.