Barcode Generator

Last updated: April 2026

Generate Code 128, Code 39, EAN, UPC, and ITF barcodes for labels, inventory, packaging, and retail tasks, then download clean output for print.

Best for labels: Use Code 128 or Code 39 for internal labels, EAN or UPC for retail-style numeric codes, and ITF-14 for carton-style packaging IDs.
1

Enter barcode content

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Choose export settings

3

Generate

Enter a value, choose your format, then generate.

Barcodes encode product, inventory, and item data in a scannable format that warehouse scanners, point-of-sale systems, and logistics tools can read in a single pass. Choosing the right barcode format is important because different systems and industries use specific symbologies - a standard supermarket scanner reads EAN-13 and UPC-A but may not read Code 39.

Code 128 is the most versatile format and the right default for most internal use cases. It encodes letters, numbers, and common punctuation, supports strings up to 80 characters, and produces a compact barcode. Use Code 128 for internal item labels, warehouse shelf tags, SKU labels, asset tracking, and any barcode that will only be read by your own systems.

Code 39 is an older, simpler format that is widely supported across legacy industrial and logistics scanners. It only encodes uppercase letters, numbers, and a small set of symbols, and produces longer barcodes than Code 128 for the same data. Use Code 39 when you need compatibility with older scanning equipment.

EAN-13 and UPC-A are retail formats used for consumer products sold through standard retail channels. EAN-13 is the international standard (13 digits), and UPC-A is the North American equivalent (12 digits). These are the barcodes that appear on product packaging and are scanned at supermarket checkouts. EAN-8 is a shorter version for small packaging. ITF-14 is used on outer cartons and shipping cases - it encodes a 14-digit number and is designed to be readable through packaging film.

What to Expect

Generate Code 128, Code 39, EAN, UPC, and ITF barcodes for labels, inventory, packaging, internal tracking, and retail workflows.

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Best for

  • Creating internal SKU labels, shelf tags, and asset stickers with Code 128 or Code 39.
  • Generating retail-ready EAN or UPC codes for packaging mockups or approved product lines.
  • Producing ITF-14 carton labels for outer case and shipping workflows.
  • Testing scanner compatibility across different barcode symbologies before a print run.
  • Generating a single barcode image for labels, packaging, or documentation.

Not ideal for

  • Highly customized brand systems that need a full design tool workflow.
  • Unsupported barcode symbologies outside the listed formats.
  • Messy source sheets where values still need cleanup before batch generation.

What this tool keeps

  • The encoded content you provide, plus optional visible labels where supported.
  • Export options that suit quick print, packaging, or on-screen use.
  • Simple settings for single or batch code generation.

What may need cleanup

  • Source values may need trimming or formatting before bulk generation.
  • Print size and quiet space should still be checked before production use.
  • Very long values can become harder to scan if the code is printed too small.

Common errors

  • Using a value that does not fit the barcode type you selected.
  • Uploading a batch file with the wrong delimiter or missing columns.
  • Choosing export settings that are too small for the scanner or printer.

Example use cases

  • Print shelf labels, product stickers, and stock room barcodes.
  • Create simple scannable codes without dedicated label software.
  • Generate barcode assets for packaging or internal operations.

Sample input

A URL, SKU, stock code, retail code, menu link, or CSV list of values.

Sample output

A single QR/barcode image or a ZIP of print-ready code files.

Who this is for

  • Retail teams, warehouse staff, small businesses, schools, and event admins.

Which barcode format do I need?

  • Code 128: Internal labels, SKUs, asset tags, warehouse items, and any alphanumeric data.
  • Code 39: Legacy industrial systems, government and defense applications, and older scanning equipment.
  • EAN-13: Retail products sold internationally. Requires a GS1 registration for official use.
  • UPC-A: Retail products sold in North America. Also requires GS1 registration.
  • EAN-8: Small retail packaging where a full EAN-13 does not fit.
  • ITF-14: Outer carton and shipping case labeling in retail supply chains.

Do I need to register my barcode?

For internal use - tracking your own inventory or labeling your own items within your warehouse or organization - no registration is required. You can use any Code 128 or Code 39 barcode with any value you choose. For retail products sold to consumers and scanned at point of sale, EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes must be registered through GS1 to ensure global uniqueness. Without registration, your barcode could conflict with another product's code in retail systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which barcode formats are supported?

The generator supports Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ITF-14 for common operational, packaging, and retail-style workflows.

Can I use letters and numbers in every barcode format?

Not in every format. Code 128 supports standard printable ASCII, Code 39 supports uppercase letters and a limited symbol set, and EAN, UPC, or ITF formats are numeric only.

What export format should I choose for barcode labels?

Use PNG for most label printers and web uploads, SVG for scalable vector artwork, and PDF when you need a print-ready document file.

How wide should I make the barcode?

Increase module width for larger physical labels or longer scan distances. For most desktop label printing, the default width works well.

Should I show the barcode value below the bars?

Usually yes. Human-readable text helps with manual entry, label checking, and inventory troubleshooting when a scanner is unavailable.

Can I use this for product labels and inventory tags?

Yes. It is suitable for internal inventory, shelf labels, packaging IDs, shipping bins, and operational barcode workflows.

Will very long values make the barcode harder to use?

Yes. Longer values create wider barcodes. Keep content concise for reliable scanning, and the current limit is 80 characters.

Are generated barcodes stored permanently?

No. Files are processed temporarily to generate your output, then deleted automatically. Tiny File Tools does not require signup for these tools.