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Free Barcode Generator — All Major Formats

Create scannable barcodes and QR codes for free. This tool supports the most widely used barcode formats for retail, shipping, inventory, and general-purpose encoding — all processed locally in your browser.

Supported Barcode Formats

Code 128 — the most versatile 1D barcode, encoding the full ASCII character set. Used for shipping labels (GS1-128), inventory management, and general applications. EAN-13 — the international standard for retail products. Used worldwide on books (ISBN), magazines (ISSN), and consumer goods. UPC-A — the US and Canadian retail standard. Found on virtually every product sold in North American stores. Code 39 — alphanumeric barcode used in military (LOGMARS), automotive (AIAG), and healthcare applications. ITF-14 — designed for shipping cartons and outer packaging in the supply chain. QR Code — 2D barcode that stores URLs, text, contact info, Wi-Fi credentials, and more.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Choose a format — Select Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, ITF-14, or QR Code based on your use case.
  2. Enter your data — Type or paste the text, numbers, or URL you want to encode. The tool validates your input automatically.
  3. Customize appearance — Adjust colors, bar width, height, and whether to show human-readable text below the barcode.
  4. Download or copy — Export as PNG for web use or SVG for print. SVG files scale to any size without losing quality.

Tips for Reliable Scanning

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Code 128 and Code 39?+
Code 128 is more compact and encodes the full ASCII character set (128 characters), while Code 39 is limited to uppercase letters, digits, and a few special characters. Code 128 barcodes are shorter for the same data, making them better for space-constrained labels. Code 39 is simpler and self-checking, making it popular in environments where older scanners are used.
What is a check digit?+
A check digit is the last digit in formats like EAN-13, UPC-A, and ITF-14, calculated from the other digits using a mathematical formula. It allows scanners to verify the barcode was read correctly. This tool calculates check digits automatically — just enter the data digits.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?+
Yes. The barcodes generated by this tool are standard-compliant and free to use for any purpose — commercial, personal, or educational. For retail product barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A), you'll need to obtain a GS1 company prefix to get legitimate product numbers.
What QR code error correction level should I use?+
For most uses, Medium (M) is the best balance of size and reliability. Use High (H) if the QR code will be printed on surfaces that might get damaged (packaging, outdoor signs). Use Low (L) if you need maximum data capacity in the smallest QR code.

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Related Article Complete Guide to Barcode Types & When to Use Each →

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