Barcode Generator

Generate barcodes in multiple formats including Code128, EAN-13, UPC-A, and QR codes

Barcode Settings

Configure your barcode appearance and format

Quick Examples

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About Barcode Generator

A barcode generator is an online tool that creates machine-readable barcodes from text, numbers, or data. Barcodes are visual representations of data that can be quickly scanned by barcode readers, smartphones, or specialized equipment. Our generator supports multiple barcode formats including CODE128, EAN-13, UPC-A, CODE39, and ITF-14, making it perfect for retail, inventory management, shipping, and various business applications.

Supported Barcode Types

  • CODE128: High-density linear barcode that can encode all 128 ASCII characters. Most versatile and widely used for general purposes. Supports alphanumeric characters, making it ideal for product identification, shipping labels, and inventory tracking.
  • EAN-13: European Article Number with 13 digits. Standard barcode for retail products worldwide. Used on consumer goods, books, and magazines. The first 2-3 digits represent the country code, followed by manufacturer and product codes.
  • UPC-A: Universal Product Code used primarily in North America. 12-digit barcode standard for retail products. Similar to EAN-13 but with one less digit. Required for selling products in major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
  • CODE39: Alphanumeric barcode that can encode uppercase letters, numbers, and some special characters. Widely used in logistics, healthcare, and government applications. Easy to print and decode but less dense than CODE128.
  • ITF-14: Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode used for packaging and shipping containers. Encodes 14 digits and is commonly found on corrugated cardboard boxes. Used in distribution and warehouse management.

Barcode Components and Structure

  • Quiet Zone: White space on both sides of the barcode that ensures proper scanning. Essential for barcode readers to detect the start and end of the code.
  • Start/Stop Characters: Special patterns that mark the beginning and end of the barcode data. Help scanners identify barcode boundaries.
  • Data Characters: The encoded information represented by varying widths of bars and spaces. Each character has a unique pattern.
  • Check Digit: A calculated digit used to verify the barcode was scanned correctly. Helps detect scanning errors and ensures data integrity.
  • Human-Readable Text: Optional text displayed below the barcode for manual entry if scanning fails. Useful for backup data entry.

Common Use Cases

  • Retail and Point of Sale: Product identification, price lookup, inventory tracking, and checkout automation. Barcodes speed up transactions and reduce human error.
  • Inventory Management: Track stock levels, manage warehouse operations, conduct inventory audits, and monitor product movement throughout the supply chain.
  • Shipping and Logistics: Package tracking, shipping labels, delivery confirmation, and supply chain management. Enables real-time tracking of shipments.
  • Library Management: Book identification, checkout systems, cataloging, and inventory control. Simplifies borrowing and returning processes.
  • Healthcare: Patient identification, medication tracking, medical equipment management, and specimen labeling. Improves patient safety and reduces errors.
  • Event Management: Ticket validation, access control, attendee tracking, and event analytics. Prevents ticket fraud and streamlines entry.
  • Asset Tracking: Equipment identification, maintenance scheduling, location tracking, and depreciation management.
  • Manufacturing: Work-in-progress tracking, quality control, batch identification, and production line management.

Barcode Scanning Technology

  • Laser Scanners: Use laser beams to read barcodes. Fast and accurate, commonly used in retail environments. Can read barcodes from a distance.
  • CCD Scanners: Charge-Coupled Device scanners use LED lights and sensors. More affordable than laser scanners but require closer proximity.
  • Camera-Based Scanners: Use image capture technology to read barcodes. Can read damaged or poorly printed barcodes. Smartphones use this technology.
  • Smartphone Apps: Modern smartphones can scan barcodes using their cameras. Convenient for consumers and small businesses without dedicated hardware.

Barcode Quality Factors

  • Print Quality: Sharp, clear bars without smudging or bleeding. Poor print quality leads to scanning errors.
  • Contrast: High contrast between bars and background (typically black on white). Low contrast makes scanning difficult.
  • Size: Adequate size for the scanning distance and equipment. Too small may be unreadable, too large wastes space.
  • Quiet Zones: Sufficient white space around the barcode. Inadequate quiet zones cause scanning failures.
  • Bar Width Ratio: Consistent ratio between narrow and wide bars. Inconsistent ratios lead to decoding errors.

Best Practices for Barcode Implementation

  • Choose the appropriate barcode type for your application and industry standards
  • Ensure sufficient contrast between bars and background (minimum 80% contrast ratio)
  • Maintain proper quiet zones (at least 10 times the width of the narrowest bar)
  • Test barcodes with your scanning equipment before mass production
  • Use high-quality printing methods to ensure sharp, clear bars
  • Consider the scanning environment (lighting, distance, angle)
  • Include human-readable text as a backup for manual entry
  • Verify barcode data accuracy before printing
  • Store barcode images in high-resolution formats (PNG or SVG)
  • Implement error checking and validation in your barcode system

Barcode vs QR Code

  • Barcodes: One-dimensional, linear format. Store limited data (typically 20-25 characters). Fast to scan, widely supported, ideal for simple identification.
  • QR Codes: Two-dimensional matrix format. Store much more data (up to 4,000 characters). Can encode URLs, contact information, and complex data. Require camera-based scanners.
  • When to Use Barcodes: Product identification, inventory tracking, point-of-sale systems, simple data encoding.
  • When to Use QR Codes: Marketing campaigns, website links, contact information, complex data, mobile applications.

Industry Standards and Regulations

  • GS1 Standards: Global standards organization for barcodes. Manages UPC, EAN, and other retail barcode systems. Ensures worldwide compatibility.
  • ISO/IEC Standards: International standards for barcode symbologies, print quality, and testing procedures.
  • FDA Requirements: Healthcare barcodes must meet FDA standards for patient safety and medication tracking.
  • Retail Requirements: Major retailers require specific barcode types and quality standards for product acceptance.

Tips for Using This Generator

  • Enter accurate data - barcodes encode exactly what you type
  • Choose the correct barcode type for your industry and application
  • Adjust bar width based on your printing method and scanning distance
  • Use appropriate height for your label size and scanning requirements
  • Ensure sufficient contrast between bar color and background color
  • Enable text display for human readability and backup data entry
  • Test generated barcodes with your scanning equipment before production
  • Download in PNG format for high-quality printing
  • Keep quiet zones clear when placing barcodes on products or labels

Common Barcode Errors and Solutions

  • Won't Scan: Check print quality, contrast, quiet zones, and barcode size. Ensure scanner is compatible with barcode type.
  • Wrong Data: Verify input data is correct. Check for extra spaces or characters. Ensure proper encoding for special characters.
  • Inconsistent Scanning: Improve print quality, increase size, enhance contrast, or adjust scanning angle and distance.
  • Damaged Barcodes: Use protective lamination, avoid folding or creasing, and consider redundant barcodes for critical applications.

Future of Barcodes

While barcodes have been in use since the 1970s, they continue to evolve. Modern developments include 2D barcodes like Data Matrix and PDF417, RFID integration for contactless tracking, and smartphone-based scanning solutions. Despite newer technologies, traditional linear barcodes remain essential due to their simplicity, low cost, and universal compatibility. The combination of traditional barcodes with modern technology creates powerful solutions for inventory management, supply chain optimization, and customer engagement.