Free Barcode Generator
Make printable barcodes for inventory, labels and products. Supports Code 128 for any text plus EAN-13 and UPC-A retail codes with automatic check digits, as a crisp PNG or SVG.
How to make a barcode
- Choose a barcode type. Use Code 128 for internal labels, asset tags and shipping references; use EAN-13 or UPC-A only for retail product numbers.
- Type the data. For EAN-13 and UPC-A, enter the digits without the last one and the check digit is added for you, or enter the full code and it will be validated.
- Adjust height and bar width, then download a PNG for documents or an SVG for print and label software.
Which barcode should you use?
Code 128 is the workhorse of logistics and inventory. It encodes all letters, numbers and common symbols in a compact barcode and includes its own check character, so scanners catch misreads. It is the right choice for asset tags, bin labels, order numbers, library cards and anything used inside your own business. This generator automatically switches to Code 128's compact numeric mode for runs of digits, which keeps long numbers short.
UPC-A (12 digits, North America) and EAN-13 (13 digits, worldwide) are the retail product codes you see on packaging. The final digit is a check digit calculated from the others. You can generate the barcode image for any number here, but to sell through major retailers the number itself must come from GS1, the organization that issues company prefixes; making up a number risks clashing with another product.
For reliable scanning, print at a size where each bar module is at least about 0.25 mm (roughly 2–3 px at typical print resolutions), keep a clear margin (the quiet zone) on both sides, and use dark bars on a light background. The SVG download stays perfectly sharp at any size, which makes it the best choice for label printers and design software.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use these barcodes on products I sell?
The barcode images are free to use. For retail, though, UPC and EAN numbers should come from GS1 so they are unique to your company and product.
What is a check digit?
The last digit of a UPC or EAN code, calculated from the other digits so a scanner can detect misreads. Leave it off and it is calculated for you.
What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
A barcode stores a short line of data in one dimension; a QR code is two-dimensional and can hold URLs and much more. Use our QR code generator for links.
Which format should I download?
SVG for printing, labels and design tools since it scales without blurring; PNG for documents, spreadsheets and web pages.