How to use the Free Barcode Generator
- Pick a barcode type. Code 128 suits most labels; use EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail products.
- Type the value to encode. For EAN and UPC the check digit is worked out for you.
- Adjust the bar width, height and colors if you need to. Keep dark bars on a light background.
- Download a PNG for documents and labels, or an SVG for print and design tools.
- For many barcodes, tick Make many at once, paste one value per line and download the zip.
Which barcode type should I use?
- Code 128: the all-rounder. Letters, numbers and symbols, compact and very reliable. Great for inventory, asset tags, shipping labels and order numbers.
- EAN-13: the retail barcode used on products in most of the world. 13 digits.
- UPC-A: the retail barcode used in the US and Canada. 12 digits.
- EAN-8: a short retail code for very small packs.
- Code 39: an older format for capital letters and numbers, still common in factories, the military and ID badges.
- ITF-14: for cartons and outer cases that hold retail products, usually printed with a frame (bearer bars).
Do I need to buy barcode numbers?
For your own use, such as stock, assets, library books or event tickets, any number or text works with Code 128 or Code 39. To sell products in shops or on marketplaces like Amazon, you normally need EAN or UPC numbers licensed to your company from GS1, the organisation that runs the system. This tool draws the barcode for any number, but it can't issue official numbers.
Printing tips
- Keep the white margins (quiet zone) on both sides. Scanners need them to find the start and end.
- Black on white scans best. Avoid red bars: most scanners use red light and can't see them.
- Use the SVG for printing. It stays perfectly sharp at any size.
- Always test a printed sample with a scanner or phone app before printing in bulk.
Frequently asked questions
Are these barcodes free to use commercially?
Yes. The images are yours to use anywhere, with no watermark and no attribution needed.
Can I make barcodes in bulk?
Yes. Tick <b>Make many at once</b>, paste one value per line, and download them all as a zip of PNG or SVG files. Invalid lines are skipped and listed.
What is a check digit?
The last digit of EAN, UPC and ITF-14 codes is calculated from the others, so scanners can catch misreads. Enter the digits without it and we'll add it, or enter the full number and we'll verify it.
Why won't my barcode scan?
Usually it's too small, printed too light, has no white margin, or uses colors with low contrast. Try a bigger bar width, black on white, and keep the quiet zone on.
Can I scan these with my phone?
Yes, most phone camera and barcode apps read all of these types.
Is my data uploaded?
No. Barcodes are drawn in your browser and nothing is sent to a server.