Barcodes that scan the first time
Make EAN-13, UPC, Code 128, GS1-128, Data Matrix and 8 more barcode types. We add the check digits, size them in millimetres, and test-scan every barcode before you download it.
1. Content
2. Size and style
Bulk barcodes PRO
Make up to 500 barcodes in your current type and style. Each one is test-scanned, and the ZIP includes an index.csv with the results.
How to make a barcode
Choose the type
Pick the barcode your retailer, warehouse or scanner expects. Not sure? See the guide below.
Enter your data
We check it as you type, add check digits, and explain anything that won't work.
Size, check and download
Set the bar width and height in millimetres. Once our test scan reads it back, download a PNG, or SVG, PDF and EPS with Pro.
Which barcode do you need?
Each type has its own page with what it's for, the sizes that scan, and answers to common questions.
Built for barcodes that get printed
Check digits done for you
EAN, UPC, ITF-14, GS1 and ISBN check digits are added or checked as you type, with a one-click fix for typos.
Test-scanned after every change
A real decoder reads your barcode back and compares it with what you typed.
Real print sizes
Set the module width and bar height in millimetres, see the printed size, and get warnings outside the standard range.
Vector files for print
SVG, PDF and EPS with sharp bars and outlined text, in RGB or CMYK.
Bulk barcodes
Turn a list, a CSV or a number sequence into up to 500 barcodes in one ZIP, each one test-scanned.
Saved to your dashboard
Keep your barcodes in your account to download again in any format.
Tips for barcodes that scan
Dark on light
Black bars on a white background scan best. Red, orange and yellow bars vanish under the red light of laser scanners.
Leave the quiet zone
Scanners need blank space on both sides of a linear barcode, usually 10 times the narrowest bar or more.
Size for the scanner
Bigger bars read from further away. Keep the narrowest bar at 0.25 mm or more for label printers.
Print whole dots
Pick a module width that's a whole number of printer dots so every bar prints evenly. The size readout shows the pixels per bar.
Use a vector file for print
SVG, PDF and EPS stay sharp at any size, so packaging designers and print shops prefer them. For PNG, download at your printer's resolution and place it at 100%.
Test the real thing
Print a sample on the final material at the final size, and scan it with the scanner or app that will be used. Glossy film, curved bottles and corrugated board all behave differently.
Barcode generator questions
Is the barcode generator free?
Yes. Every barcode type, all settings, and PNG, JPG and WebP downloads at any resolution are free, with no watermark. Vector files (SVG, PDF and EPS) and bulk ZIPs are part of Pro. Saving barcodes to your dashboard needs a free account, which keeps 20.
Do I need to register my barcode?
The barcode itself isn't registered; the number in it is. To sell in shops or on marketplaces, get GTINs from GS1. For your own stock, labels or tickets, any number you choose works.
How do you check that my barcode scans?
After every change we read the barcode with ZXing, an open-source decoder used in many scanning apps, and compare what it reads with what you entered. You see Verified only when they match. Always test a printed sample with your own scanner as well.
Which barcode type should I use?
For retail products, the type your retailers ask for: EAN-13 worldwide or UPC-A in North America. For your own labels and inventory, Code 128. For cartons, ITF-14 or GS1-128. For tiny parts or lots of data, Data Matrix. For links people scan with a phone, use a QR code.
What size should I print my barcode?
Retail barcodes have a standard size (an EAN-13 at 100% is 37.29 × 25.93 mm) and can be scaled from 80% to 200%. For other types, make the narrowest bar at least 0.25 mm on label printers and keep the quiet zone. Set the module width and bar height in mm, and download at your printer's resolution.
Can I change the colors?
Yes, but keep the bars dark and the background light. Red, orange and yellow bars are invisible to laser scanners, which use red light. We warn you when colors could cause trouble.
What's the difference between PNG, SVG, PDF and EPS?
PNG, JPG and WebP are pixel images: fine for documents and labels at the size you download. SVG, PDF and EPS are vector files that stay sharp at any size, which printers and packaging designers prefer.
Do barcodes expire?
No. A barcode is just the number or text it encodes, so it works for as long as the system reading it knows that number.
Need a QR code instead?
For links, WiFi, menus or contact cards that people scan with a phone, a QR code works better than a barcode.