Barcode Generator – Create Code 128, EAN-13 and UPC-A Barcodes
Create Code 128, EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes in seconds. The check digit is calculated for you, and you can download a sharp SVG or PNG for printing.
Choose the barcode type, type your number or text and download the image. Use Code 128 for internal labels (letters and numbers), EAN-13 for retail products outside North America and UPC-A for products sold in the US and Canada.
How to use Barcode Generator
- Choose the barcode type: Code 128, EAN-13 or UPC-A.
- Type the content. For EAN-13 enter 12 digits and for UPC-A 11 digits — the check digit is added automatically.
- Adjust the height and bar width, and choose whether to show the text under the bars.
- Download the barcode as SVG (best for printing and design apps) or PNG.
Which barcode type do you need?
| Type | Content | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Letters, numbers and symbols (ASCII) | Shipping labels, inventory, asset tags |
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Retail products worldwide (outside North America) |
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Retail products in the US and Canada |
Code 128 is compact and can hold any standard keyboard character, so it is ideal for your own stock numbers, library cards or shipping references. The generator switches between Code 128 character sets automatically to keep long numbers short.
EAN-13 and UPC-A are retail barcodes. They only contain digits and end with a check digit that scanners use to catch reading errors.
How the check digit works
For EAN-13, the first 12 digits are multiplied alternately by 1 and 3 and added up. The check digit is the number you must add to reach the next multiple of 10. For example, 590123412345 gives a sum of 83, so the check digit is 7 and the full code is 5901234123457. If you type all 13 digits, the generator checks that the last one is correct.
Important: numbers for products in stores
Anyone can draw an EAN or UPC barcode, but the number inside it must be unique worldwide. To sell products through retailers or marketplaces you need numbers licensed from GS1, the organisation that manages them. For internal use — your own shelves, events or tests — any number works.
Printing tips
- Download SVG for print and labels: it stays sharp at any size.
- Keep a white quiet zone on both sides; the generator adds one automatically.
- Print black bars on a white background. Coloured or low-contrast barcodes often fail to scan.
- Test the printed barcode with a phone scanner app before printing a large batch.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this barcode generator free?
Yes. You can create and download as many barcodes as you like, with no watermark and no sign-up.
Can I use these barcodes on products I sell?
The barcode images are fine, but retail EAN and UPC numbers must be licensed from GS1 so that they are unique. For internal labels you can use any number.
What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?
UPC-A has 12 digits and is used mainly in North America. EAN-13 has 13 digits and is used worldwide. A UPC-A code is an EAN-13 code with a leading zero.
Why does my EAN-13 show an error?
EAN-13 accepts only digits: 12 without the check digit or 13 with it. If you type 13 digits and the last one is wrong, the tool tells you the correct check digit.
Which format should I download?
SVG for printing and design software, because it is a vector and never gets blurry. PNG for documents, websites and quick sharing.
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