What are Barcodes?

Barcodes are machine-readable representations of data in a visual format. Linear (1D) barcodes use parallel lines of varying widths and spacings to encode information. They're essential for retail, inventory management, shipping, and asset tracking. Our generator supports the most common barcode standards used worldwide.

Supported Barcode Types

Code 128

The most versatile barcode type, supporting the full ASCII character set (letters, numbers, and symbols). Commonly used in logistics, packaging, and general labeling.

• Characters: Full ASCII (0-127)
• Length: Variable
• Use Cases: Shipping labels, product packaging, asset tracking

Code 39

Simple barcode supporting uppercase letters, numbers, and some special characters. Widely used in non-retail applications.

• Characters: 0-9, A-Z, and 7 special characters (- . $ / + % space)
• Length: Variable
• Use Cases: Manufacturing, healthcare, government applications

EAN-13 (European Article Number)

International retail product barcode standard used worldwide (except North America which uses UPC).

• Characters: 13 digits (12 data + 1 check digit)
• Length: Fixed at 12 digits input
• Use Cases: Retail products, books (ISBN), grocery items
• Example: 590123412345

EAN-8

Shorter version of EAN-13 for small products where space is limited.

• Characters: 8 digits (7 data + 1 check digit)
• Length: Fixed at 7 digits input
• Use Cases: Small retail items, cosmetics, cigarettes
• Example: 9638507

UPC-A (Universal Product Code)

Standard barcode for retail products in the United States and Canada.

• Characters: 12 digits (11 data + 1 check digit)
• Length: Fixed at 11 digits input
• Use Cases: North American retail products
• Example: 01234567890

How to Use This Generator

1. Select Barcode Type: Choose the appropriate barcode standard for your needs
2. Enter Data: Input the data according to the barcode type requirements
3. Generate: Click the button to create your barcode
4. Download: Save the barcode image for printing or digital use
5. Test: Scan the barcode with a scanner to verify it works correctly

Data Format Examples

Common Use Cases

• Retail Products: Price scanning at checkout (EAN, UPC)
• Inventory Management: Track stock levels and locations (Code 128, Code 39)
• Shipping & Logistics: Package tracking and routing (Code 128)
• Asset Tracking: Equipment and tool management (Code 39, Code 128)
• Library Systems: Book cataloging and checkout (Code 39, EAN-13)
• Healthcare: Patient identification and medication tracking (Code 128, Code 39)
• Manufacturing: Part identification and quality control (Code 128, Code 39)
• Ticketing: Event tickets and boarding passes (Code 128)

Printing Best Practices

• Resolution: Print at 300 DPI or higher for optimal scanning
• Size: Minimum height of 1 inch (2.54 cm) recommended
• Contrast: Use black bars on white background for best results
• Quiet Zones: Leave blank space on both sides of barcode (at least 10x bar width)
• Surface: Print on flat, non-reflective surface
• Test Scan: Always test printed barcodes with your scanner before mass production
• Material: Use quality paper or labels to prevent smudging and fading

Getting Product Barcodes

Scanning Barcodes

Barcode Scanners: Dedicated hardware for POS systems and inventory management

Smartphone Apps: Many free apps can scan barcodes using your phone camera

Webcam Scanners: Software solutions for desktop computers with webcams

Check Digits Explained

EAN and UPC barcodes include a check digit calculated from the other digits. This helps detect scanning errors. Our generator automatically calculates and adds the check digit, so you only need to provide the data digits.

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