Barcode Generator
A Barcode Generator creates the familiar black-and-white striped codes used on products, library books, warehouse boxes, and event tickets. Small shops use them for stock labels, sellers use them to organise inventory, and developers use them to test scanners and point-of-sale software without printing a real product. This tool builds three of the most common formats in your browser and lets you download the result as a clear PNG image.
Choosing the right format matters. CODE128 accepts letters and numbers and suits internal labels. EAN-13 is the retail standard outside North America and needs twelve or thirteen digits, including a check digit that the tool validates. UPC is the North American retail format with eleven or twelve digits. If your value does not match the rules for the format you pick, the tool shows the validation error plainly instead of producing a broken code that a scanner would reject.
How to use
- Select the barcode format that matches how you plan to use the code.
- Enter the exact value, watching the digit count for EAN-13 and UPC formats.
- Click Generate Barcode and read any validation message if the value is rejected.
- Check that the numbers printed under the bars match what you typed.
- Click Download PNG and print the image at a reasonable size for scanning tests.
Frequently asked questions
What is a check digit?
The last digit of an EAN or UPC code is calculated from the other digits. Scanners use it to confirm the code was read correctly. If you enter thirteen digits and the last one does not match the calculation, the generator reports an error rather than making an invalid barcode.
Can I sell products with a barcode made here?
For real retail sales, product barcodes normally must be registered through GS1 so the number is unique worldwide. Codes made here are excellent for internal labels, training, mock-ups, and testing, but a shop should register official numbers before packaging goods for other retailers.
Why will my scanner not read the PNG?
Printed codes need quiet white space around the bars and enough size and contrast. Avoid shrinking the image too far, printing on coloured paper, or stretching it. Test on screen first, because most phone scanner apps can read a clear barcode directly from a monitor.
Is my data stored anywhere?
No. The barcode is drawn locally in your browser from the value you type. Nothing is uploaded, logged, or saved by this page, so internal stock codes and draft product numbers remain private to your device.