An online barcode generator lets you create professional barcodes for products, inventory, assets, or events in seconds - no specialized software required. Our free tool supports the most common barcode formats including EAN-13, CODE128, UPC-A, and CODE39, and lets you download the barcode as a PNG image.
What is a Barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data, typically encoded as a series of parallel lines of varying widths and spacings. When scanned by a barcode reader or smartphone camera, the pattern is decoded back into a string of numbers or letters.
The most common barcode symbologies (formats) include:
- EAN-13 - the standard retail product barcode used worldwide (13 digits). Required for selling products in most retail stores.
- EAN-8 - a shorter version for small packages.
- UPC-A - the standard US retail barcode (12 digits). Similar to EAN-13 but without the leading country digit.
- CODE128 - a high-density barcode for alphanumeric data. Used in shipping, logistics, and inventory.
- CODE39 - an older but widely supported format for alphanumeric data. Used in automotive and government sectors.
- ITF-14 - used for shipping cartons and cases in supply chains.
How to Use the Barcode Generator
- Enter the value - type the number or text you want to encode. For EAN-13, enter 12 digits (the check digit is calculated automatically). For CODE128, you can enter letters and numbers.
- Choose the format - select the barcode symbology that matches your use case from the dropdown menu.
- Download the PNG - the barcode image is generated instantly in your browser. Click the download button to save a high-quality PNG file.
Common Use Cases
- Creating product barcodes for small businesses selling at retail or online marketplaces
- Generating asset management barcodes for office equipment, tools, or inventory
- Making event ticket barcodes for small events
- Producing barcodes for library books or internal document tracking
- Generating CODE128 barcodes for shipping labels and logistics
- Testing barcode scanner systems and POS software
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a barcode for retail use? For international retail, EAN-13 barcodes require a unique company prefix issued by GS1, the international barcode standards organization. Self-generated barcodes without a registered prefix may conflict with existing products. For internal use, no registration is needed.
What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?
UPC-A (12 digits) is used primarily in North America. EAN-13 (13 digits) is the international standard. An EAN-13 can be created from a UPC-A by prepending a 0, making them compatible with most modern scanners.
Can I use a barcode generated here for retail products? For genuine retail use at major stores, you need an officially registered GS1 number. For small craft markets, Etsy shops, or internal systems, a generated barcode works fine.
What resolution is the downloaded PNG? The PNG is generated at a resolution suitable for printing on standard label sizes. For high-volume printing or very small labels, a dedicated label design tool with vector output may be more appropriate.
Use the Barcode Generator free, no sign-up required.