EAN-13 is the global retail standard and UPC-A is its North American equivalent. Both encode a fixed-length numeric product code and require a valid check digit.
Barcode content
Code 128 accepts letters, digits and punctuation.
Set to 0 to hide the caption
Blank margin scanners need
Preview
Batch values
Uses the format and styling chosen on the Single barcode tab. Maximum 200 rows per batch.
Choosing the right symbology
Code 128 is the workhorse for internal labels — it is compact and encodes the full ASCII set. ITF-14 is used on shipping cartons, and Code 39 remains common in older industrial systems.
Export SVG whenever the barcode will be printed. Scaling up a PNG softens the bar edges, which is the most common reason a printed barcode fails to scan.
Frequently asked questions
Which barcode format should I use?
For retail products sold in shops, use EAN-13 (or UPC-A in North America) — these require a registered GS1 prefix. For internal inventory, asset tags and anything you control end to end, Code 128 is the best default because it is compact and encodes letters as well as digits.
Why does my EAN-13 show as invalid?
EAN-13 needs exactly 12 or 13 digits. If you enter 12, the check digit is calculated and appended for you. If you enter 13, the last digit must be the correct check digit for the first 12, otherwise scanners will reject it.
Should I download PNG or SVG?
Use SVG for anything that will be printed — it is vector, so it stays razor sharp at any size. Use PNG for screens, documents and systems that cannot import vector files.
Can I generate many barcodes at once?
Yes. Switch to the Batch tab and paste one value per line. Each is rendered and validated separately, and you can download them all as a single ZIP.
Are the barcodes free to use commercially?
The images generated here are yours to use freely. Note, though, that selling products through retailers requires a company prefix registered with GS1 — this tool encodes the number you supply, it does not assign you a legitimate one.