Free UPC-E Barcode Generator
Create a UPC-E barcode for small packs. Enter the 7 or 8-digit code and download a standard-compliant barcode in PNG or SVG.
Choose a barcode format
Enter the data
Adjust the appearance
Preview your barcode
Shown on a product label
Overview
What is a UPC-E barcode?
A UPC-E barcode is a compressed version of the 12-digit UPC-A used in North America. It removes runs of zeros from certain UPC-A numbers so the code fits in about half the width, which is why it appears on cans of soda, gum packs and other small items. When a UPC-E is scanned, the checkout system expands it back to the full UPC-A number.
Only UPC-A numbers with enough zeros in the right places can be compressed, and the UPC-E always starts with number system 0 (or, rarely, 1). The eight digits are the number system, six data digits and the check digit of the original UPC-A. You cannot choose UPC-E freely: it depends on the UPC-A number GS1 assigned to your product.
The generator draws the UPC-E bars to the standard and shows the digits below. The bars only carry the number. For retail and trading partners, the number itself must come from GS1.
Use cases
Where UPC-E appears
Small products sold in the US and Canada.
Beverage cans
Soda and energy-drink cans often use UPC-E to fit the curved label.
Confectionery
Gum, mints and candy bars with narrow wrappers.
Cosmetics
Small bottles, tubes and sample sizes.
Pharmacy items
Small boxes of over-the-counter products.
Hardware
Small packs of screws, batteries and fittings.
Convenience stores
High-volume small items scanned thousands of times a day.
How it works
How to create a UPC-E barcode
Start from the UPC-A number GS1 gave your product.
- 1
Check your number
Your UPC-A must contain the zero patterns that allow compression. Your GS1 account or a UPC-E converter shows the 8-digit UPC-E.
- 2
Enter 7 or 8 digits
Select UPC-E and type the number starting with 0 or 1. The check digit is added or verified.
- 3
Download and test
Download PNG or SVG and scan it with a retail scanner or app to confirm it expands to the right UPC-A.
Best practices
Tips for UPC-E labels
Small codes need careful printing.
Keep 100% size where possible
UPC-E is already small. Shrinking it further makes it hard to scan.
Rotate on cans and bottles
Place the bars perpendicular to the curve so all bars are visible at once.
Leave the quiet zone
Keep clear space on both sides; nearby text and edges cause failed scans.
Use the full UPC-A in your systems
Store the 12-digit UPC-A in your inventory and marketplace listings; the UPC-E is only the printed form.
Keep the digits under the bars
Cashiers type the number when a scan fails. Leave the human-readable digits visible and do not cover them with artwork or price stickers.
Test before print runs
A quick scan confirms the code expands to the right UPC-A before you print thousands of labels.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a UPC-E barcode?
- A UPC-E barcode is a compressed, 8-digit form of a 12-digit UPC-A number, used on small packages in North America.
How do I create a UPC-E barcode?
- Select UPC-E in the generator above, enter the 7 or 8-digit code starting with 0 or 1, and download PNG or SVG.
How do I convert UPC-A to UPC-E?
- Only UPC-A numbers with specific runs of zeros can be compressed. The manufacturer digits and item digits are shortened following GS1 rules; many GS1 tools show the result.
Can every UPC-A be printed as UPC-E?
- No. If your number does not have the required zeros, you must use UPC-A or get a different number.
What is the difference between UPC-A and UPC-E?
- UPC-A shows all 12 digits; UPC-E shows a compressed 8-digit form of the same number. Scanners expand UPC-E to UPC-A.
Do I need GS1 for UPC-E?
- Yes, for retail. The underlying UPC-A must be licensed to your company by GS1.
What do the digits in a UPC-E mean?
- The first digit is the number system (0 or 1), the next six are the compressed data, and the last is the check digit of the full UPC-A.
What size should a UPC-E be?
- About 22 × 26 mm at 100%. Keep it at or above that size whenever the package allows.
Is the UPC-E generator free?
- Yes. Unlimited codes in PNG and SVG, with no watermark or sign-up.
Do Amazon and other marketplaces accept UPC-E?
- They identify products by the full GTIN. Enter the 12-digit UPC-A in listings, even if the package shows UPC-E.
Why does my UPC-E not scan?
- Check the number system digit, the check digit, the print size and contrast. Codes that are not valid compressions are rejected.
Is UPC-E used outside North America?
- Rarely. Elsewhere, small items use EAN-8 instead, although scanners worldwide can still read UPC-E on imported products.
Can I print UPC-E in color?
- Use dark bars on a light background. Red bars and dark backgrounds fail on many scanners.
Should the package show UPC-E or UPC-A?
- Use UPC-E only when the pack is too small for UPC-A. If there is room, printing the full UPC-A avoids any confusion in systems that do not expand UPC-E.
What file format is best?
- SVG for packaging artwork, PNG for labels and documents.