How to Make a Free Barcode Online — And Which Format to Pick
Generate a scannable barcode in seconds — the part that actually trips people up is picking the right format for the job, not the generating itself.
A barcode encodes a short piece of data — typically a number or product code — as a pattern of parallel lines that a scanner reads in one direction. It's a much older format than a QR code, but it's still the standard for retail products, inventory tracking, and shipping labels, precisely because scanning hardware built for it is everywhere and the format itself is simple and reliable.
What a Barcode Encodes, and How It Differs From a QR Code
A traditional barcode reads left to right and typically holds a short numeric or alphanumeric code — a product ID, a batch number, a tracking code. A QR code stores data across two dimensions instead of one, which lets it hold far more — a full URL or paragraph of text — in the same physical space. If you just need to encode a product SKU or inventory number for a scanner that expects a traditional barcode, a QR code isn't a substitute; retail and logistics hardware is usually built around reading one specific barcode format.
How to Generate One, Step by Step
- Open the Barcode Generator.
- Choose the format that matches your use case (see the breakdown below).
- Type in the value you want encoded — the barcode updates live as you type.
- If the value doesn't fit the selected format's rules, an error tells you exactly why rather than producing a broken code silently.
- Download as PNG for general use, or SVG if you plan to print it at a larger size.
Which Format to Pick for Your Use Case
CODE128 — general purpose
Accepts nearly any letters, numbers, and symbols. The safest default when you're not encoding a retail product and just need a flexible, reliable code.
EAN-13 / UPC-A — retail products
The standard format printed on packaged goods worldwide. Requires an exact digit count (12-13 for EAN-13, 11-12 for UPC-A) with a built-in checksum digit.
CODE39 — logistics and asset tags
Common on internal inventory and equipment labels. Supports letters, numbers, and a limited set of symbols.
ITF-14 — shipping cartons
Used specifically for carton-level shipping labels rather than individual products, requiring 13-14 digits.
MSI — warehouse shelf labels
A numeric-only format still used in some warehouse and shelf-labeling systems.
Common Mistakes That Produce an Unscannable Barcode
- Wrong digit count for EAN-13 or UPC — these formats validate against a specific length; a value that's too short or too long won't generate a valid code.
- Printing too small — very narrow bars become unreliable to scan at low print resolution, especially with cheaper scanners.
- Using letters in a numeric-only format — MSI and EAN-13/UPC-A only accept digits; CODE128 or CODE39 are needed for alphanumeric values.
- Low contrast printing — a barcode printed in a light color, or on a textured/colored background, reduces scan reliability significantly.
- Assuming any format works for retail — retail point-of-sale systems expect EAN-13 or UPC-A specifically, not CODE128 or CODE39.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a barcode I generate here for an actual retail product?
The EAN-13/UPC-A codes follow the correct standard format, but official commercial retail use typically requires a registered code from GS1 or a similar body — check your specific retail platform's requirements before using a self-generated code commercially.
Is my data uploaded anywhere when I generate a barcode?
No — the barcode is rendered entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server.
Why did my EAN-13 value get rejected?
EAN-13 requires exactly 12 or 13 digits, including a checksum digit. A different length, or any non-numeric character, will fail validation.
PNG or SVG — which should I download?
PNG works fine for screens and most printing. SVG is vector-based and stays sharp at any size, which matters if you're printing the barcode larger than a small label.
Should I use a barcode or a QR code for my product?
If your scanning hardware or point-of-sale system expects a specific barcode format (common in retail), use that format. QR codes are better suited when you need to encode more data, like a full URL.
Related Tools
- QR Code Generator — for encoding URLs, Wi-Fi credentials, or contact cards instead of a short numeric code.
- Slug Generator — create a clean identifier string before encoding it as a CODE128 barcode.
- Character Counter — check your value's length before encoding it as EAN-13 or UPC-A.
Ready to make your barcode?
Try the Barcode Generator Free →