How to make a barcode
- Choose a barcode type. Use UPC-A or EAN-13 for retail products, Code 128 for inventory, asset tags and shipping labels, and ITF-14 for shipping cartons. Not sure? Read which barcode do I need.
- Type your number or text. The preview updates as you type. For UPC and EAN you can leave off the last digit and we'll calculate the check digit for you.
- Adjust size and colours if you need to. The defaults work for most labels.
- Download a high-resolution PNG or a vector SVG, or print it straight from your browser.
Selling in stores or on Amazon? This tool draws a barcode for any number you type, but it can't give you an official product number. Retail UPC and EAN numbers come from GS1, and big retailers and marketplaces check codes against GS1's records. See how to get a real UPC code.
Barcode types you can make here
| Type | Encodes | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Retail products in the US and Canada |
| UPC-E | 8 digits | Small retail packages (compressed UPC) |
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Retail products outside North America, books (ISBN) |
| EAN-8 | 8 digits | Very small retail packages |
| Code 128 | Letters, numbers, symbols | Inventory, shipping, asset tags, SKUs |
| Code 39 | A–Z, 0–9, a few symbols | Industrial, automotive, ID badges |
| ITF-14 | 14 digits | Outer cases and shipping cartons |
| ITF | Even number of digits | Warehousing, distribution |
| Codabar | Digits and a few symbols | Libraries, blood banks, older systems |
| MSI Plessey | Digits | Retail shelf labels, warehouse bins |
| Pharmacode | Number 3–131070 | Pharmaceutical packaging control |
Tips for barcodes that scan first time
- Don't shrink it too far. A UPC-A is about 1.5 inches (37 mm) wide at standard size. See the barcode size guide.
- Leave a blank margin (the "quiet zone") on both sides. Text or borders too close to the bars can stop a scan.
- Use dark bars on a light background. Black on white is safest. Most scanners use red light, so red bars can look invisible.
- Print sharp. Use the SVG for design work, or our 4× PNG. Avoid stretching a small image.
- Test before you print a big run. A free phone scanner app is enough for a first check.
Frequently asked questions
Is this barcode generator really free?
Yes. Every tool on this site is free with no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many barcodes you make. You can use the images for commercial products.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No. Barcodes are drawn in your browser with JavaScript. The numbers and text you type never leave your device.
Which format should I download, PNG or SVG?
SVG is a vector file, so it stays perfectly sharp at any size and is best for printing, packaging and design software. PNG is an image that works everywhere; ours are exported at 4× resolution so they print cleanly.
Can I use these barcodes on products I sell?
You can print any barcode you make here. For retail products, though, the number must be an official GTIN from GS1, or stores and marketplaces like Amazon may reject it. The barcode image itself is the same either way. Read how to get one.
Why won't my barcode scan?
The usual causes are printing too small, bars that are too light or coloured red, no blank margin around the code, or a blurry low-resolution image. Use SVG or our high-resolution PNG, print at 100% scale and keep dark bars on a white background.
Can I make many barcodes at once?
Yes. The bulk barcode generator takes one value per line, then lets you print a sheet or download every barcode as PNG and SVG in a ZIP file.