Free Barcode Generator

Create professional barcodes instantly. Download as SVG, PNG, or PDF.

European Article Number - Most common product barcode worldwide

Enter 12 digits (check digit will be calculated)

Examples: 590123412345, 400638133393, 871234567890

Enter 12 digits (check digit will be calculated)

Need to scan a barcode instead? Try our barcode scanner

All Barcode Generators

Choose from our collection of barcode generators for different formats

About Barcode Generator

Our free online barcode generator allows you to create professional-quality barcodes for your products, inventory, documents, and more. All processing happens in your browser - no data is sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy and security.

How to Generate a Barcode

Creating a barcode takes just a few seconds:

  1. Pick your barcode format from the dropdown — EAN-13 and QR Code are the most popular choices for retail and marketing.
  2. Type or paste your data into the input field. The generator validates your input in real time and calculates check digits automatically where needed.
  3. Open advanced options to adjust size, colors, bar height, and other settings to match your label or packaging requirements.
  4. Hit 'Generate Barcode' to preview your code, then download it as SVG (best for print), PNG (best for screens), or PDF (best for direct printing).

Key Features

  • 15+ Barcode Formats: Support for EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, QR Code, Data Matrix, Code 128, Code 39, PDF417, Aztec Code, and many more.
  • Multiple Export Options: Download your barcodes as high-quality SVG (vector), PNG (multiple resolutions), or PDF formats.
  • Real-time Validation: Automatic input validation with check digit calculation for EAN, UPC, and ISBN codes.
  • Customizable Design: Adjust size, colors, height, margins, and other options to match your requirements.
  • 100% Privacy Focused: All barcode generation happens locally in your browser. No data is ever sent to our servers.

Choosing the Right Barcode Format

With 15+ formats available, picking the right one matters. Here is a quick guide to help you decide:

For Retail Products

Use EAN-13 (global) or UPC-A (North America) for items sold in stores. Use EAN-8 or UPC-E when space on packaging is limited.

For Shipping & Logistics

Code 128 handles most shipping label needs. ITF-14 is designed for outer cartons. GS1-128 adds supply chain data like batch numbers and expiry dates.

For Marketing & Mobile

QR Code is the universal choice for URLs, menus, WiFi credentials, and contactless payments. Aztec Code appears on airline boarding passes and train tickets.

For Healthcare & Manufacturing

Data Matrix and GS1 Data Matrix are standard for pharmaceutical serialization and medical device labeling. PDF417 is used on driver's licenses and government IDs.

Common Use Cases

Perfect for:

  • Retail products and inventory management (EAN-13, UPC-A)
  • Books and publications (ISBN barcodes)
  • Marketing materials and QR codes (QR Code, Aztec)
  • Shipping labels and logistics (Code 128, ITF-14)
  • Document tracking and identification (Data Matrix, PDF417)

Tips for Creating Better Barcodes

A few things to keep in mind when generating barcodes:

  • Always test your barcode with a real scanner before printing in bulk. Our free scanner on the homepage can verify any code you create here.
  • Use SVG format for anything that goes to print — it stays crisp at any size, from tiny product labels to large shipping cartons.
  • Stick to high-contrast colors. Black bars on a white background gives the most reliable scanning across all reader types. Avoid red bars — most laser scanners cannot read them.
  • Leave enough white space (quiet zones) around the barcode. Cutting margins too tight is the most common reason barcodes fail to scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this barcode generator really free?

Yes — completely free with no limits, no sign-up, and no watermarks. You can generate as many barcodes as you need and download them in SVG, PNG, or PDF. Everything runs locally in your browser, so your data stays on your device.

Which barcode format should I use?

It depends on your use case. EAN-13 or UPC-A are standard for retail products sold in stores. QR Code works well for marketing, menus, and links. Code 128 is the go-to for shipping labels and internal logistics. Data Matrix is common in healthcare and manufacturing. If you are unsure, start with EAN-13 for products or QR Code for everything else.

Do the barcodes I create here actually scan?

Yes. The generator follows the official specification for each barcode format, including proper encoding, check digit calculation, and quiet zones. You can verify any barcode you create by using our free barcode scanner on the homepage.

Can I use these barcodes commercially?

The barcode images you generate are yours to use however you like — commercially, personally, or for testing. However, for retail product barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A), the numbers themselves must come from GS1 to be accepted by stores and e-commerce platforms.

What is the difference between SVG, PNG, and PDF downloads?

SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without losing quality — ideal for product packaging and professional printing. PNG is a raster image best suited for screens, websites, and email. PDF is ready for direct printing on label sheets. For most print applications, SVG gives the best results.

Is my data sent to a server?

No. All barcode generation happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, stored, or tracked. Your data never leaves your device, making this generator safe for sensitive or proprietary information.