Read the guide
Which barcode type do you need
Pick between EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39, ITF-14, and QR by what the code is for, then make it with the right check digit.
Barcode Generator
Create barcodes in 12 formats, including Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, ISBN, Code 39, and ITF-14. Check digits are calculated or verified for you, and you can download the barcode as SVG or PNG.
Drawn in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use the Barcode Generator
- Pick the Format and type the Value. For EAN, UPC, and ITF-14 you can leave out the last digit and it is calculated.
- Adjust the Bar width, Height, Show text, and colors.
- Press Download SVG for print or Download PNG for documents.
How it works
Barcodes are drawn as SVG by JsBarcode. EAN, UPC, ISBN, and ITF-14 end with a GS1 check digit:
- Starting from the rightmost data digit, multiply the digits alternately by 3 and 1.
- Add the results.
- The check digit is the number that brings the sum up to the next multiple of 10.
A wrong check digit is reported with the correct one. A UPC-E check digit is worked out from the full UPC-A number the short code stands for. An ISBN-10 is turned into an ISBN-13 by putting 978 in front of its first 9 digits and calculating a new check digit. Code 39 and Code 93 accept A-Z, 0-9, space, and - . $ / + %; lowercase is converted. Interleaved 2 of 5 needs an even number of digits, Codabar gets the start and stop letter A when you leave them out, and MSI adds its own Mod 10 digit. Code 128 accepts any ASCII text.
Examples
- UPC-A
03600029145: 0×3 + 3×1 + 6×3 + 0 + 0×3 + 0 + 2×3 + 9 + 1×3 + 4 + 5×3 = 58 → check digit 2, giving036000291452. - EAN-13
400638133393→ check digit 1, giving4006381333931. - ITF-14
1234567890123→ check digit 1.
Which barcode to use
| Format | Content | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 12 digits + check | Retail products worldwide |
| UPC-A | 11 digits + check | Retail products in the US and Canada |
| UPC-E | Number system 0 or 1, 6 digits, check | Small packs in the US and Canada |
| EAN-8 | 7 digits + check | Small retail packs |
| ISBN-13 | 978 or 979, 9 digits, check | Books |
| ITF-14 | 13 digits + check | Shipping cartons |
| Interleaved 2 of 5 | An even number of digits | Warehouses and cartons |
| Code 128 | Any ASCII text | Shipping labels, internal IDs |
| Code 39 | A-Z, 0-9, a few symbols | Industry, ID badges, older systems |
| Code 93 | The Code 39 characters, in less space | Logistics and electronics |
| Codabar | Digits and - $ : / . + | Libraries, blood banks, labs |
| MSI | Digits | Shelf labels in stores |
Limitations
- Retail barcodes (EAN, UPC) need a company prefix from GS1 to be valid in stores. Made-up numbers work for testing only.
- Print at a size scanners can read: bars too thin or too short fail. Test with a real scanner before a print run.
- One barcode at a time. For a list of codes or a sheet of labels, use the Bulk Barcode Generator.
- 2D codes are made with the QR Code Generator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?
UPC-A has 12 digits and is used in North America; EAN-13 has 13 and is used worldwide. A UPC-A code is the same as an EAN-13 with a leading 0.
How is a barcode check digit calculated?
For EAN, UPC, and ITF-14, digits are weighted 3 and 1 alternately from the right, summed, and the check digit rounds the sum up to a multiple of 10.
Can I use these barcodes on products I sell?
Only with numbers assigned to your company by GS1. The generator draws any number, but stores and marketplaces check the prefix.
How do I make a barcode from an ISBN-10?
Pick ISBN-13 and type the 10-digit ISBN. It is changed to 978 plus its first 9 digits, with a new check digit at the end.
Related tools
Often used together with Barcode Generator.
Bulk Barcode Generator
Makes up to 500 barcodes from a list and prints them on label sheets as a PDF.
Barcode Scanner
Reads EAN, UPC, Code 128, and other barcodes from images or the camera.
QR Code Generator
Creates QR codes for links, Wi-Fi, contacts, and more, as PNG or SVG.