Barcode Generator

Generate 1D and 2D barcodes instantly. Free, no sign-up required.
Most versatile 1D barcode. Encodes full ASCII. Used in shipping and logistics.
Enter content
Download PNG
Download SVG
Customize
Bar width: 2px
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Height: 100px
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Show text below
Foreground
#1F2933
Background
#FFFFFF

How to Generate a Barcode

1
Choose a barcode type
Select from 1D formats (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, ITF-14) or 2D formats (QR Code). Code 128 works for most general-purpose needs. Use EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail products. Choose QR if you need to encode a URL or large text block.
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Enter your content
Type or paste the text, number, or URL you want to encode. Some formats are digit-only (EAN, UPC, ITF-14) — the input automatically enforces this. For EAN-13, enter 12 digits and the check digit is calculated automatically.
3
Customize appearance
Adjust bar width and height to fit your design. Toggle the human-readable text below the barcode on or off. Use the color pickers to change foreground (bar) and background colors — useful for branded packaging.
4
Download in PNG or SVG
Click 'Download PNG' for a high-resolution raster image (good for print at 2× scale). Click 'Download SVG' for a vector file that scales to any size without loss of quality — ideal for professional printing or embedding in design tools like Figma or Illustrator.

Barcode Format Guide

Code 128
Most versatile 1D barcode. Encodes full ASCII. Used in shipping and logistics.
QR Code
2D matrix code. Encodes URLs, text, contact info. Scannable by any smartphone.
EAN-13
Standard retail barcode worldwide. 12 digits + check digit. Used on consumer goods.
EAN-8
Compact retail barcode for small products. 7 digits + check digit.
UPC-A
Standard US retail barcode. 11 digits + check digit. Found on products sold in North America.
Code 39
Legacy industrial barcode. Uppercase letters, digits, and a few symbols. Used in auto industry.
ITF-14
Shipping container barcode. Encodes 14 digits. Used on outer cartons (GS1 standard).
MSI Plessey
Retail shelf barcode. Digits only. Used in North American grocery stores.
Codabar
Blood bank and library barcode. Digits + special chars. Start/stop chars added automatically.

Which Barcode Should I Use?

Choosing the right barcode format depends on your use case. For retail products sold in stores, use EAN-13 (international) or UPC-A (North America) — both require a registered GTIN from GS1. For shipping cartons and outer packaging, use ITF-14, which prints reliably on corrugated cardboard.
For general-purpose labeling — warehouse bins, asset tags, office supplies — Code 128 is the best choice. It encodes the full ASCII character set in a compact symbol and is supported by virtually every barcode scanner. Code 39 is a simpler alternative still used in automotive and defense, but produces longer symbols.
When you need to encode a URL, contact information, or a large block of text, use a QR Code. QR codes are 2D and hold far more data than 1D barcodes. They can be scanned directly by smartphone cameras and are the standard for mobile-first experiences like restaurant menus, event tickets, and digital business cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this barcode generator free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no watermarks, no limits on personal or commercial use. Download as many barcodes as you need.
What is the difference between Code 128 and Code 39?
Code 128 is more compact and can encode the full ASCII character set including lowercase letters. Code 39 is older and only handles uppercase letters, digits, and a few symbols — but is still common in automotive and defense industries due to its simplicity.
How do I generate an EAN-13 barcode?
Select EAN-13, then enter your 12-digit GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). The 13th check digit is calculated and added automatically by the generator. If you need a GTIN for a new product, you can purchase one from GS1.
What image format should I download — PNG or SVG?
Use SVG if you'll be printing at any size (it scales without pixelation). Use PNG if you need a fixed-resolution image for web, email, or software that doesn't support SVG. The PNG export renders at 2× resolution for crisp results.
Can I encode a URL in a QR code?
Yes. Select QR Code and paste any URL. QR codes can encode up to 4,296 characters, so they handle long URLs including tracking parameters. Most smartphone cameras can scan and open the URL without a separate app.
What is ITF-14 used for?
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) encodes a 14-digit GTIN and is printed on the outer shipping carton of retail products. It's designed to be readable even on corrugated cardboard where finer barcodes (like EAN-13) may not scan reliably.
What characters can Code 128 encode?
Code 128 can encode all 128 ASCII characters: uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation, and control characters. It's the most versatile 1D barcode format and the default choice for most applications.
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