Free Barcode Generator
8 formats · Custom colours · PNG & SVG download · Free · No signup · Runs in browser
Universal — any ASCII text or numbers · e.g. ClickyFix-001
Preview
PNG is 2× resolution for crisp print output.
Which Barcode Format Should I Use?
| Format | Characters | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Any ASCII (text + numbers) | Logistics, warehousing, shipping labels, internal tracking |
| EAN-13 | 12 digits (13th is check digit) | Retail product packaging worldwide — supermarkets, shops |
| EAN-8 | 7 digits (8th is check digit) | Small retail items where space is limited |
| UPC-A | 11 digits (12th is check digit) | North American retail — US and Canadian products |
| Code 39 | A–Z, 0–9, - . $ / + % space | Industrial, automotive, US government, healthcare |
| ITF-14 | 13 digits (14th is check digit) | Outer shipping cartons — GS1 standard |
| MSI | Numbers only | Retail shelf labels, warehouse inventory |
| Pharmacode | Number 3–131070 | Pharmaceutical packaging |
Barcode Design Tips
✓ Always use PNG for print, SVG for web
PNG at 2× resolution prints sharply at up to 300 DPI on most label stock. SVG scales to any size without quality loss — ideal for websites, HTML email, or digital displays.
✓ Keep high contrast between bars and background
Black bars on a white background are scanned most reliably. If you use a coloured background, ensure the bar colour still has strong contrast — scanners read light-dark transitions, not colour.
✓ Don't resize barcodes below minimum scan size
Code 128 should be at least 15mm wide to scan reliably from a handheld scanner. EAN-13 has a minimum size of 37.29mm wide. Avoid reducing barcodes in your design software after generating.
✓ Test with a scanner before printing in bulk
Use your phone camera or a barcode scanning app to verify the generated barcode decodes correctly before ordering label stock. Errors are easy to fix now and costly after printing.
✓ For retail products, register an official barcode
If you are adding a barcode to a product for sale in shops, obtain an official GS1 barcode (EAN-13 or UPC-A) from GS1. Randomly generated EANs are fine for internal use but not for retail distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this barcode generator free?
Yes — completely free, no account required, no watermark, unlimited barcodes. Everything runs in your browser.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Barcodes are generated entirely in your browser using the JsBarcode library. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
What's the difference between PNG and SVG download?
PNG is a raster image at 2× resolution — ideal for printing labels and documents. SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without quality loss — best for websites, Word documents, or design software.
Why is my EAN-13 barcode invalid?
EAN-13 requires exactly 12 digits — the 13th check digit is calculated and added automatically. If you enter a 13-digit number with an incorrect check digit, the barcode will be invalid. Use 12 digits and let the generator compute the check digit.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?
The generated barcode image itself has no licence restrictions. However, for retail product barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A) sold in shops, you should obtain an officially registered GS1 number. For internal use, warehouse tracking, or event tickets, any generated barcode is fine.
What is Code 128 and when should I use it?
Code 128 is the most versatile 1D barcode format — it encodes any ASCII character including letters, numbers, and symbols. If you are unsure which format to use, Code 128 is the right default for internal labels, shipping, and tracking.