What is a barcode?

A barcode is a machine-readable pattern of bars and spaces that stands for a short piece of data — usually a product number, inventory code, or tracking ID. A scanner reads the pattern and turns it back into text, which is faster and more reliable than typing the same value by hand.

Most everyday barcodes are one-dimensional (1D): the information is encoded from left to right. Different formats exist because industries standardized on different rules for length, allowed characters, and check digits.

Barcode types explained

CODE 128 — Flexible alphanumeric barcode used in shipping, logistics, and general labeling. A good default when you need letters and numbers.
CODE 39 — Older alphanumeric format still common in industrial and defense labeling. Supports uppercase letters, digits, and a small set of symbols.
EAN-13 / EAN-8 — Retail product codes used worldwide. EAN-13 is the 13-digit store barcode; EAN-8 is a shorter version for small packages.
UPC-A / UPC-E — North American retail codes. UPC-A is 12 digits. UPC-E is a compressed form used when space is tight.
ITF / ITF-14 — Numeric barcodes. ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) needs an even number of digits. ITF-14 is the 14-digit carton code used on outer packaging.
Codabar — Numeric format with start and stop letters (A–D), often used in libraries, blood banks, and some logistics labels.

How to create a barcode

Choose the barcode type that matches what your scanner or printer expects.
Enter the value. If the format needs a fixed length or check digit, follow the hint under the input.
Adjust width, height, colors, and whether the human-readable text is shown.
Download a PNG for documents and labels, an SVG for scaling, or print directly.

If you are labeling a retail product that already has a GTIN from a standards body, use that official number. This tool creates the barcode graphic from the value you provide; it does not issue product identifiers.

Barcode vs QR code

Traditional barcodes (the ones this site generates) store a short string in a single row of bars. They are ideal for SKUs, ISBNs, and checkout scanners that already expect a 1D format.

QR codes are two-dimensional. They can hold longer text, URLs, and structured data, and they are usually read by phone cameras. If you need to encode a website address or a paragraph of text, use a QR generator instead. If you need something a grocery or warehouse scanner will accept, use a 1D barcode type from the list above.

Privacy

Barcode generation and file export run entirely in your browser. The value you type is drawn locally with the bundled open-source library; this site contains no analytics, trackers, database, or barcode API.

There is no account system. A hosting provider may log requests for the page files, as with any static website, but the packaged site does not add barcode values to URLs or send them in network requests. The barcode data stays in the current browser tab.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an account?: No. Open the page, type a value, and generate.
Is this really free?: Yes. There are no paid features, watermarks, or required sign-ups.
Why was my number rejected?: Some formats only accept digits, a fixed length, or a valid check digit. The message under the preview explains the exact rule for the type you selected.
Will the barcode scan?: If the data is valid for the chosen format and you print it large enough with decent contrast, most scanners will read it. Always test with the scanner you actually use.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?: You can generate graphics from your own data. Retail product numbers (EAN/UPC) that go on goods for sale are typically licensed through GS1. Generating a barcode image is not the same as owning a unique product identifier.
Does this work on a phone?: Yes. The layout is built for phones, tablets, and desktops.