Free ITF-14 Barcode Generator
Create an ITF-14 barcode for outer cartons and cases. Enter your GTIN-14, we add the check digit, and you download PNG or SVG for box printing.
Choose a barcode format
Enter the data
Adjust the appearance
Preview your barcode
Shown on a product label
Overview
What is an ITF-14 barcode?
An ITF-14 barcode marks shipping cartons, cases and trays that contain several units of a product. It encodes a 14-digit GTIN using the Interleaved 2 of 5 symbology, which tolerates rough printing on corrugated cardboard far better than retail barcodes do. Warehouses and distributors scan it to receive, store and pick cases without opening them.
The 14 digits are an indicator digit (1–8, telling which packaging level it is, such as a box of 12 or a case of 48), the first 12 digits of the product’s GTIN-13 or UPC, and a new check digit. So a case of a product whose EAN is 5901234123457 might carry 1 590123412345 and a fresh check digit.
ITF-14 is not scanned at retail checkouts — the individual items inside still carry their own EAN or UPC. The bars only carry the number. For retail and trading partners, the number itself must come from GS1.
Use cases
Where ITF-14 is used
Anything that moves through a warehouse in cases.
Corrugated cartons
Printed directly on brown boxes, where bold bars survive rough printing.
Wholesale supply
Distributors require it before they accept cases into their systems.
Retail distribution centres
Cases are scanned on arrival and sorted to stores.
Inventory counts
Count cases without opening them during stocktakes.
Food and beverage
Trays of cans and bottles carry a case-level code.
E-commerce fulfilment
Warehouses receive inbound cases by scanning the outer code.
How it works
How to create an ITF-14 barcode
Build the GTIN-14 from your product number.
- 1
Build the number
Choose an indicator digit (1–8) for the packaging level, then add the first 12 digits of your product’s EAN-13 or UPC (with a leading 0).
- 2
Enter 13 or 14 digits
Select ITF-14 and type 13 digits to have the check digit added, or 14 to have it verified.
- 3
Download for box printing
Download SVG for printing plates and box artwork, or PNG for printed labels.
Best practices
Tips for carton barcodes
Cardboard is unforgiving; plan for it.
Print it large
ITF-14 is usually printed at 100% or more on cartons, where it is scanned from a distance.
Add a frame on corrugated boxes
A thick border around the code, called bearer bars, protects it from partial scans when printing directly on cardboard. Add it in your box artwork if the printer requires it.
Place it on two sides
Print the code on at least two adjacent sides so it is visible however the case is stacked.
Use a different indicator per pack size
A box of 6 and a box of 24 of the same product need different indicator digits.
Leave wide quiet zones
Interleaved 2 of 5 needs generous blank space on both sides, about ten times the narrowest bar. Box flaps and printed graphics often eat into it.
Keep the digits readable
Warehouse staff type the number when a scan fails. Keep the text line on.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is an ITF-14 barcode?
- An ITF-14 barcode is a 14-digit carton barcode using Interleaved 2 of 5. It identifies cases and trays of products in warehouses and distribution.
What is ITF-14 used for?
- Shipping cartons, cases and trays that contain several units. It is scanned in warehouses, not at retail checkouts.
How do I make an ITF-14 from a UPC barcode?
- Take the 12-digit UPC, add a leading 0 to make 13 digits, drop the last (check) digit, put an indicator digit in front, and let the generator add the new check digit.
How do I create an ITF-14 barcode?
- Select ITF-14 in the generator above, enter 13 digits and download PNG or SVG. The check digit is calculated automatically.
What does the first digit mean?
- It is the indicator digit (1–8) that distinguishes packaging levels of the same product, such as a box of 12 versus a case of 48.
Can ITF-14 be used on retail products?
- No. Retail checkouts expect EAN-13 or UPC-A on each consumer unit. ITF-14 is for outer cases.
Is ITF-14 the same as Interleaved 2 of 5?
- ITF-14 is a specific use of Interleaved 2 of 5 with exactly 14 digits and a GS1 check digit.
What are bearer bars?
- A thick frame or top and bottom bars around the code that protect against partial reads when printed on rough cardboard.
Do I need GS1 for ITF-14?
- Yes, for trading partners. The GTIN-14 is built from your GS1-licensed product number.
Is the ITF-14 generator free?
- Yes. Unlimited barcodes in PNG and SVG, with no watermark or sign-up.
What size should an ITF-14 be?
- At 100% it is about 152 × 41 mm including quiet zones. Many cartons print it at 50–100% depending on the printing method.
Can phones scan ITF-14?
- Many scanner apps can, but warehouses use handheld or fixed laser scanners for speed.
Can I use GS1-128 instead?
- Yes. GS1-128 can carry the same GTIN plus batch, expiry and quantity. Many partners use it on pallet and logistics labels.
Do I need ITF-14 if my cases already show the product barcode?
- Yes, if the case is a separate trade unit. The item barcode identifies one unit; the case needs its own GTIN-14 so warehouses can count and order cases correctly.
Why does my ITF-14 not scan?
- Check the 14-digit count and check digit, the print size, and smudging on corrugated board. Bearer bars and larger size help.