Barcode Generator

Barcode generator — free and private

Create scannable linear barcodes right in your browser. Pick a barcode type, type in the data, and a preview appears instantly; then save it as a crisp PNG image or a vector SVG, or share it straight from your phone. It supports the common retail and logistics formats — Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39, and ITF-14 — and everything is generated locally, so nothing you enter is uploaded.

Whether you're labelling products, organising inventory, or printing asset tags, the generator gives you a clean, standards-compliant barcode without any sign-up or software to install.

Barcode types and where they're used

Different jobs call for different symbologies. Here's what each supported type is for:

• Code 128 — the most versatile choice. It encodes any letters, numbers, and symbols, and packs data densely, which makes it the default for shipping labels, internal tracking, and general use.
• EAN-13 — the 13-digit retail barcode used on products worldwide outside North America. You provide 12 digits and the final check digit is added automatically.
• EAN-8— a shorter 8-digit version of EAN for small items where a full EAN-13 won't fit, like sweets or cosmetics.
• UPC-A — the 12-digit retail barcode standard in the United States and Canada. Provide 11 digits and the check digit is calculated.
• Code 39 — an older alphanumeric format still common in industrial, automotive, and defence contexts. It encodes uppercase letters, digits, and a handful of symbols.
• ITF-14 — the 14-digit Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode used on shipping cartons and cases to encode the packaging level of a product.

Check digits and validation

The retail and logistics formats (EAN, UPC, ITF-14) are fixed-length and end in a check digit — a number calculated from the others that lets a scanner catch a misread. This generator handles that for you: enter the base digits and it computes the check digit, or paste the full code and it verifies it. If the data doesn't fit the chosen format — too few digits, letters where only numbers are allowed — you get a clear message explaining what's needed instead of a broken, unscannable barcode. Code 128 and Code 39 are more flexible about length and content.

How a barcode differs from a QR code

The barcodes here are linear, or 1D: a row of parallel bars and spaces of varying width, read left to right by a laser or camera scanner. They hold a modest amount of data — typically a product or tracking number — and are the standard at retail checkouts and in warehouses. A QR code is two-dimensional: a grid of squares that stores far more data (URLs, contact cards, WiFi details) and can be read from any angle by a phone camera. If you need a QR code instead of a linear barcode, use the QR Code Generator. Rule of thumb: a number that a scanner looks up in a database is a job for a barcode; a link or rich data you want people to scan with a phone is a job for a QR code.

Saving and sharing

Once your barcode looks right, you can download it as a PNG for documents and labels, or as an SVG — a vector file that stays razor-sharp at any print size, which matters when a barcode has to scan reliably. On a phone, the Share button hands the image straight to your printing app, AirDrop, or a message. You can also adjust the bar width, height, colours, and whether the human- readable text shows under the bars, so it fits your label.

Works on your phone

The generator is built mobile-first. The type menu uses the native dropdown, the data field opens the right keyboard (numeric for the digit-only formats), and the preview sits at the top so you see the result immediately. Sharing or saving is a single tap. Because everything runs locally, the barcode updates instantly with no connection needed.

Privacy: your data never leaves your device

The barcode is drawn entirely in your browser. The data you enter is never uploaded, nothing is stored on a server, and there is no account to create. When you close the page it's gone, because it was never sent anywhere in the first place — useful when the code encodes an internal SKU or reference.

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode types are supported?

Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39, and ITF-14 — covering general use, retail, and shipping. Each shows a hint for what data it expects.

What's the difference between a barcode and a QR code?

A barcode is linear (1D) and holds a short number or code, read at checkouts and in warehouses. A QR code is 2D and holds much more, like links and contact details. For QR codes, use the QR Code Generator.

Why won't my data generate a barcode?

The retail formats require a specific number of digits and reject letters. If the data doesn't fit the selected type, the tool tells you what's needed — for example, EAN-13 needs 12 or 13 digits. Code 128 accepts almost any text.

Is my data uploaded to a server?

No. Everything runs in your browser — the data you enter never leaves your device, and nothing is stored or sent anywhere.