Choose the right format for your application using the reference table below.
| Format | Character Set | Typical Use | Digits / Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Full ASCII (0–127) | Logistics, shipping, serial numbers | Variable |
| Code 39 | A–Z, 0–9, symbols | Automotive, defence, inventory | Variable |
| Code 93 | Full ASCII (compact) | Inventory, complement to Code 39 | Variable |
| Code 11 | 0–9, dash | Telecommunications equipment | Variable |
| Codabar | 0–9, A–D, symbols | Libraries, blood banks, FedEx air bills | Variable |
| MSI / Plessey | 0–9 | Retail shelving, warehouse bins | Variable |
| ITF-14 | 0–9 | Outer packaging, shipping cartons | 14 digits |
| Pharmacode | Numeric | Pharmaceutical packaging | 1–6 digits |
| EAN-13 | 0–9 | Global retail POS, ISBN, ISSN | 13 digits |
| EAN-8 | 0–9 | Small packages, vending machines | 8 digits |
| EAN-2 / EAN-5 | 0–9 | Supplement (price, issue number) | 2 or 5 digits |
| UPC-A | 0–9 | North American retail POS | 12 digits |
| UPC-E | 0–9 | Small packages (compressed UPC) | 8 digits |
| GS1-128 | ASCII + AIs | Healthcare, trade units, traceability | Variable |
| GS1 DataBar | 0–9 | Fresh foods POS, coupons | 14+ digits |
Creating a barcode with this free tool takes just a few seconds:
Select the barcode symbology from the left panel. If you are unsure which to use, Code 128 is the safest general-purpose choice. For retail products use EAN-13 (international) or UPC-A (North America).
Type or paste the barcode content into the Barcode Data field. The barcode updates live as you type. Each format has specific data requirements — the tool will show an error if the input is invalid.
Adjust bar width, height, margin, colors, and text position using the sliders. Changes are reflected in the preview instantly.
Click Download PNG for a raster image or Download SVG for a vector file ideal for print. Both are free with no watermarks.
Yes, completely free. No account required, no watermarks, no limits on the number of barcodes you can generate. Everything runs in your browser. It is one of the free browser-based tools at jasperbernaers.com.
For international retail (Europe, Asia, rest of world) use EAN-13 (13 digits). For North American retail use UPC-A (12 digits). Small packages that can't fit a full-size symbol can use EAN-8 or UPC-E.
Code 128 encodes the full 128-character ASCII set at high density. It is the most versatile linear barcode and is ideal for shipping labels, serial numbers, inventory tracking, and anywhere you need variable-length alphanumeric data.
Yes. The SVG download is a vector file that can be scaled to any size without loss of quality — perfect for print-ready label files, packaging artwork, or large-format printing. The PNG download is rasterized at screen resolution.
EAN-13 has 13 digits and is the international standard used in most countries. UPC-A has 12 digits and is the standard in North America. UPC-A barcodes are technically a subset of EAN-13 (with a leading zero). Most modern scanners read both interchangeably.
Your data never leaves your browser. The barcode is generated entirely client-side using the open-source JsBarcode library. No data is transmitted to any server.
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2-of-5, 14 digits) is used on outer packaging and shipping cartons to encode GTIN-14 product identifiers. It is designed to be readable even on lower-quality corrugated cardboard surfaces.
Pharmacode (Pharmaceutical Binary Code) is a barcode used exclusively in the pharmaceutical industry. It encodes a number from 3 to 131070 and is used on drug packaging to verify products on high-speed packaging lines.