Barcode Generator: Everything You Need to Know

Unlike a QR code, a traditional barcode is a single line of encoded data read by a laser or camera scanner — the format you pick determines what characters it can encode and where it's actually used in practice.

Which format to use

• EAN-13 and UPC-A are the numeric barcodes on retail packaging — use these only if you have an actual assigned product code (GTIN/UPC) from a standards body, since retailers and point-of-sale systems expect a valid, registered number in this format.
• Code128 is the most flexible format, encoding letters, numbers, and symbols at high density — a good general-purpose choice for internal tracking, shipping labels, or inventory that isn't a retail product.
• Code39 is an older, simpler format, widely supported by older scanner hardware, commonly used in internal inventory and asset tracking.
• ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) encodes pairs of digits efficiently and is common on shipping cartons and warehouse logistics labels.
• Codabar is still used in some specific legacy contexts like library systems and blood bank labeling.

Step-by-step: generating a barcode

1. Select the format that matches your use case.
2. Enter the data — note that formats like EAN-13 and UPC-A expect a specific number of digits and will reject input that doesn't fit their structure.
3. Check the live preview to confirm it rendered correctly.
4. Download as PNG for digital use or SVG for print, since SVG stays sharp at any size.

Why your barcode might not scan

A barcode is only readable if it's printed large enough and with enough contrast for the scanner's optics — shrinking a barcode down to fit a small label is one of the most common reasons a barcode that looks fine on screen fails at the register or scanner. When in doubt, test a printed barcode with an actual scanner or a phone scanning app before printing a full batch of labels.

Troubleshooting

• "My EAN-13/UPC-A code won't generate." These formats require an exact digit count and often a valid check digit — double check you're entering a properly formatted, real product code rather than an arbitrary number.
• "The barcode doesn't scan when printed small." Print it larger, or switch to a denser format like Code128 that fits more data in less space.
• "I need this to look sharp on a printed label." Download the SVG version rather than PNG — vector output won't pixelate at print resolution.

Ready to generate one? Open the free Barcode Generator — or if you need a 2D scannable code instead, see the QR Code Generator.