Free Online Barcode Generator
Create UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, ITF-14, GS1-128, ISBN and Data Matrix barcodes in seconds. Our barcode generator is free, needs no sign-up and exports print-ready PNG and SVG.
Choose a barcode format
Enter the data
Adjust the appearance
Preview your barcode
Shown on a product label
Overview
What is a barcode generator?
A barcode generator turns a number or text into the pattern of bars and spaces that scanners read. Each symbology — UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39 and others — follows its own rules for which characters it accepts, how long it can be and how the check digit is calculated. A good barcode generator applies those rules for you, so the result scans at the first try.
This barcode generator supports ten formats used in retail, logistics, warehouses, libraries and publishing. Pick a format, type the value, adjust bar color, height and the human-readable text, and download a crisp PNG for labels or an SVG vector for packaging artwork. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is stored.
Use cases
What people make with it
From a single shelf label to a full product range, the right format depends on where the code will be scanned.
Retail products
UPC-A in North America and EAN-13 elsewhere identify products at the checkout.
Shipping and cartons
ITF-14 and GS1-128 label cases, pallets and shipments for distributors and warehouses.
Inventory and assets
Code 128 and Code 39 tag stock, tools, equipment and files for internal tracking.
Books and libraries
ISBN barcodes go on book covers; libraries use Code 39 or Code 128 for their own labels.
Small parts and healthcare
Data Matrix fits a lot of data into a tiny square for electronics, medical devices and pharma.
Tickets and events
Code 128 or Data Matrix on badges and tickets speeds up entry and check-in.
How it works
How to create a barcode
Three steps in the barcode generator, the same for every format.
- 1
Choose the format
Select UPC or EAN for retail, ITF-14 or GS1-128 for cartons, Code 128 or Code 39 for internal use, ISBN for books, or Data Matrix for small parts.
- 2
Enter the value
Type the number or text. The rules for the selected format appear under the field, and check digits are added automatically where required.
- 3
Style and download
Set bar color, background, height and the text below the bars, then download PNG for labels or SVG for print artwork.
Best practices
Tips for barcodes that scan
Most scanning problems come from printing, not from the barcode generator or the code itself.
Keep strong contrast
Dark bars on a white or light background scan best. Avoid red bars — many laser scanners cannot see red.
Respect the quiet zone
Leave empty space to the left and right of the bars. Text or borders too close make scans fail.
Use vector for print
SVG stays sharp at any size, so bar widths stay exact on packaging and labels.
Get official numbers for retail
Retail barcodes need a number that belongs to you. Our tool draws the bars; the number itself must come from GS1 or your book’s ISBN agency.
Test before a big print run
Print one label, scan it with the scanner your customers or staff will use, and only then order thousands. Our barcode generator gives exact bars, but paper, ink and size still decide the result.
Pick one format per job
Mixing formats on the same shelf or carton confuses staff and scanners. Choose the format your partner expects and use the barcode generator to keep every label consistent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I generate a barcode for free?
- Choose a format in the barcode generator above, type your number or text and download PNG or SVG. It is free, has no watermark and needs no account.
Which barcode format should I use?
- Use UPC-A or EAN-13 for products sold in stores, ITF-14 for shipping cartons, Code 128 for internal labels and logistics, ISBN for books and Data Matrix when space is tight.
How do I generate a barcode for a product?
- Get a GTIN from GS1 for your company, then enter it in the UPC-A or EAN-13 format here. The generator adds the check digit and draws the bars to the standard.
Can I make a UPC barcode without GS1?
- You can draw any number, but major retailers and marketplaces check that the number is registered to your company. For selling in stores, license numbers from GS1.
How are barcodes generated?
- Each character is converted to a fixed pattern of bars and spaces defined by the symbology, a check digit is added for error detection, and start and stop patterns tell the scanner where the code begins and ends.
Can I generate barcodes in Excel or Word?
- You can install barcode fonts, but fonts do not calculate check digits. It is easier to create the image here and insert the PNG or SVG into your document.
What file format should I download?
- SVG for printing and design tools because it never blurs; PNG for labels, documents and websites. Download at a large size if you will print with PNG.
Is a QR code a barcode?
- Yes, a two-dimensional one. For links, WiFi or contact cards, switch to the QR Codes tab; for products and logistics, linear barcodes are still the standard.
Why does my barcode not scan?
- Check contrast, size and the quiet zone first. Then confirm the value follows the format rules, such as the right number of digits for UPC or EAN.
Can I change the barcode color?
- Yes. Pick any bar and background colors, but keep the bars dark and the background light. Low contrast or red bars are the most common cause of failed scans.
Do I need an account to use the barcode generator?
- No. Barcodes are created in your browser and downloaded directly. Nothing is uploaded or stored on our servers.
Can I generate barcodes in bulk?
- Bulk generation from a spreadsheet is on our roadmap. For now, each barcode is created one at a time, which takes only a few seconds.
Is this barcode generator safe for business use?
- Yes. The barcode generator runs in your browser, follows the published symbology rules and adds check digits automatically, so the files are fit for labels, packaging and documents.
What is the best free barcode generator?
- Look for one that supports the format you need, exports vector files, adds check digits and does not watermark the result. This barcode generator does all four and stays free.