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Guide
About the Barcode Generator
Pick the kind of barcode, type the number, and download it. For product codes (EAN, UPC and ITF-14) the last digit is a check digit: type the number without it and it is added, or type the whole number and it is checked, so a typo is caught before it is printed on a thousand boxes.
Paste a list to make many codes at once, each with its own name if you like, and download them as a ZIP or as a PDF sheet ready to print on sticker labels. Everything is drawn in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Which barcode do I need?
For products sold in shops, use the number your GS1 office gave you: EAN-13 almost everywhere, UPC-A in the US and Canada, EAN-8 for very small packs, and ITF-14 on the outer cartons. For anything inside your own business, such as stock numbers, shelf labels, parcels or equipment, use Code 128: it holds letters as well as digits and needs no registration. Code 39 is older and wider, but some systems still ask for it.
Where do product numbers come from?
Shops and marketplaces only accept EAN and UPC numbers that belong to you, issued by GS1 (in Egypt, GS1 Egypt). The first digits identify your company, so a made-up number may belong to someone else. This tool draws the barcode for a number you already have; it does not issue numbers.
Printing barcodes that scan
Print dark bars on a light background: black on white is best. Red bars do not scan, because scanners read with red light. Keep the clear space at each side, and do not shrink retail codes much below 80% of their standard size. Use the SVG or PDF for printing, and print at 100% rather than “fit to page”.
How to use it
- 1Choose the type of barcode.
- 2Type the number or text; the check digit is added for you.
- 3Set the size, bar height and colours, and add a name above it if you like.
- 4Download SVG, PNG or PDF, or paste a list to make a sheet of labels.
Frequently asked questions
Is this barcode generator free?
Yes, with no sign-up and no watermark. The barcodes are drawn in your browser and are yours to use, including on products you sell.
What is a check digit?
The last digit of an EAN, UPC or ITF-14 number, worked out from the others, so a scanner can tell when a code has been misread. Type the number without it to have it added, or with it to have it checked.
Can I make a barcode for my products without GS1?
You can draw any number, but shops and marketplaces such as Amazon check that EAN and UPC numbers are registered to you with GS1. For your own stock, shelves and internal labels, use Code 128 with any numbering you like.
What size should a product barcode be?
EAN-13 and UPC-A are about 37 × 26 mm at 100%, their standard size. Between 80% and 200% scans well; smaller codes need a very good print. Keep the bars full height if you can.
How do I print a sheet of labels?
Paste your codes under Many barcodes at once, one per line, optionally followed by a comma and a name. Set the columns and rows of your sticker sheet, download the label sheet PDF, and print it at actual size.
Which file should I give my printer?
The PDF or SVG. Both are vector, so the bars stay perfectly sharp at any size. PNG is for documents and websites.
Can a barcode hold Arabic text?
No. These barcodes hold digits (EAN, UPC, ITF-14) or plain ASCII letters and symbols (Code 128 and 39). For Arabic text, a link or contact details, use a QR code.