Barcode Generator
Type text or numbers to generate a real, scannable barcode — choose CODE128 for general text, or EAN-13/UPC for retail product codes.
Choosing a format
CODE128 can encode any letters, numbers, and most symbols, making it the flexible general-purpose choice. EAN-13 and UPC-A are fixed-length numeric formats specifically for retail product identification — EAN-13 (13 digits) is the international standard, while UPC-A (12 digits) is the US/Canada equivalent — both include a checksum digit, so not every 12 or 13-digit number is valid for these formats.
Common uses
- Generating a barcode for an inventory or asset tracking system (CODE128)
- Creating a product barcode from an assigned EAN/UPC code
- Encoding an ID, reference number, or short piece of text as a scannable barcode
Frequently asked questions
Why did my EAN-13 or UPC barcode fail to generate?
EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits and UPC-A requires exactly 12, each ending in a valid checksum digit — if your number doesn't match that length or checksum, generation will fail. For arbitrary text or numbers without those constraints, use CODE128 instead.
What's the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
A barcode (like CODE128 or EAN-13) is a 1D format storing a relatively short string of characters, read left to right. A QR code is 2D and can store much more data, including URLs — use this Barcode Generator for retail/inventory codes, and the QR Code Generator elsewhere on this site for links or larger text.
Can I use a barcode generated here for real retail products?
If you have an officially assigned EAN or UPC number (from GS1 or a similar body), this tool can render it as a scannable barcode image. It doesn't assign or register barcode numbers — you'd need to obtain an official number separately for real retail use.
Is my barcode data uploaded anywhere?
No — barcodes are generated entirely in your browser using a JavaScript library. Nothing you type is sent to a server.