A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data using parallel lines of varying widths. Barcodes are used for product identification, inventory management, and point-of-sale systems. Scanners read the barcode and retrieve product information from a database.

What's the difference between UPC and EAN?

UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is used primarily in the US and Canada, containing 12 digits. EAN-13 (European Article Number) is used internationally and contains 13 digits. EAN-13 is essentially UPC-A with an extra digit for country code. Both serve the same purpose — product identification.

Which format should I use?

For US retail products, use UPC-A. For international products, use EAN-13. For small items, use EAN-8. For logistics and shipping, use Code 128 (supports alphanumeric). For inventory and internal use, use Code 39. For packaging and cartons, use ITF.

Do I need to include the check digit?

No. The barcode generator automatically calculates and adds the check digit. For UPC-A, enter 11 digits (12th will be calculated). For EAN-13, enter 12 digits (13th will be calculated). For EAN-8, enter 7 digits (8th will be calculated).

Can I use any characters?

It depends on the format. UPC, EAN, and ITF only accept digits. Code 128 accepts any ASCII characters. Code 39 accepts uppercase letters, digits, and special characters (-. $/+%). Choose the format that supports your data.

Is this suitable for official product barcodes?

For official retail products, you need a GS1 prefix (company prefix) assigned by GS1 organization. This generator creates valid barcode images, but you must use officially assigned numbers for retail products. For internal use, testing, or inventory, you can use any valid number.

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Barcode Generator — Create Barcodes for Products & Inventory

Free barcode generator to create barcodes for products, inventory, and retail. Supports UPC-A, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code128, Code39, and ITF formats. Download barcodes as PNG images. All generation runs locally in your browser.

Features

✓Generate UPC-A barcodes for US products
✓Create EAN-13 barcodes for international products
✓Generate EAN-8 barcodes for small products
✓Create Code 128 barcodes for logistics
✓Generate Code 39 barcodes for inventory
✓Create ITF barcodes for packaging
✓Download barcodes as PNG images
✓Customizable barcode size
✓Display or hide barcode text
✓All generation runs locally in your browser

How to Use

1Select the barcode format (UPC, EAN, Code128, etc.).
2Enter your barcode number or text.
3The barcode generates instantly as you type.
4Adjust width and height if needed.
5Click download to save the barcode as PNG.
6Print or use the barcode for your products.

Frequently Asked Questions

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