ITF-14 Barcode Generator
Create ITF-14 barcodes for shipping cartons and containers.
Enter 13 digits (check digit will be calculated)
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What is an ITF-14 Barcode?
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5 with 14 digits) is a barcode symbology used primarily for marking cartons, cases, and other secondary packaging in the supply chain. It encodes 14 digits, typically derived from a GTIN-13 or GTIN-12 with a packaging level indicator. The barcode is surrounded by a bearer bar for improved scanning reliability on corrugated surfaces.
ITF-14 uses Interleaved 2 of 5 encoding, which pairs digits together to produce a compact symbol. The first digit (packaging indicator) tells the supply chain what level of packaging the barcode represents — for example, 1 might be a case of 12 units, while 2 might be a case of 24. This system lets warehouses track the same product at multiple packaging levels without assigning new GTINs.
ITF-14 is typically derived from EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes used on individual products, with an additional packaging indicator digit.
Want to learn more about ITF-14 barcodes? Read our complete guide to ITF-14 for shipping carton identification, warehouse logistics, and GS1 compliance.
How to Use This Generator
Creating an ITF-14 barcode is easy:
- Enter 13 digits (check digit will be calculated automatically) or 14 digits with check digit
- Click 'Generate Barcode' to create your ITF-14 barcode
- The bearer bar is included by default for better scanning reliability (customizable in advanced options)
- Download your barcode as SVG, PNG (multiple resolutions), or PDF
Technical Specifications
Key technical details for ITF-14:
| Data Capacity | Exactly 14 digits (1 packaging indicator + 12 GTIN digits + 1 check digit) |
| Character Set | Numeric only (digits 0–9, encoded in interleaved pairs) |
| Symbol Size | Nominal width of 152.4 mm (including bearer bars and quiet zones) |
| Check Digit | Modulo 10 weighted checksum (calculated automatically) |
| Error Correction | Single check digit plus bearer bars for print tolerance — no Reed-Solomon error correction |
| Standard | ISO/IEC 16390 (GS1 General Specifications) |
Common Use Cases
ITF-14 barcodes are essential for:
- Shipping cartons and outer packaging for retail distribution
- Warehouse and distribution center inventory tracking
- Pallet and case-level identification in supply chain operations
- Multi-pack case labeling for retail distribution centers and big-box stores
- Cross-docking operations where cartons are sorted and redirected without being opened
Tips & Best Practices
Get the most out of your ITF-14 barcodes:
- Always include bearer bars when printing on corrugated cardboard. Ink spread on rough surfaces can widen bars unevenly, and bearer bars help maintain consistent bar widths during scanning.
- Set the first digit (packaging indicator) correctly: use 0 for an unspecified packaging level, 1–8 for defined case configurations, and 9 for variable-measure trade items. An incorrect indicator causes receiving errors at the warehouse.
- Print at a minimum X-dimension of 1.016 mm for corrugated packaging. Smaller sizes are technically possible but cause frequent scan failures on warehouse conveyor belt scanners.
- Test barcodes on the actual packaging material before full production. Corrugated cardboard absorbs ink differently than glossy paper, and what looks perfect on a proof sheet may not scan on the final carton.
Test Your Barcode
After generating your ITF-14 barcode, verify it scans correctly on your packaging material before mass production. Use our free barcode scanner to test your codes instantly - simply scan with your camera or upload an image to ensure proper encoding and readability on corrugated surfaces. Test your barcode with our free scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ITF-14 and EAN-13?
EAN-13 identifies individual retail products and is printed directly on consumer packaging. ITF-14 identifies outer packaging — cartons, cases, and pallets that contain multiple units of a product. ITF-14 uses the same GTIN as the product inside, but adds a packaging indicator digit (1–8) as the first digit. It is not intended for point-of-sale scanning.
What is the bearer bar on an ITF-14 barcode?
Bearer bars are thick borders printed around the ITF-14 barcode symbol. They serve two purposes: they equalize printing pressure across the barcode to prevent ink spread (common on corrugated cardboard), and they give the scanner a defined boundary. GS1 recommends bearer bars on all ITF-14 barcodes, especially when printed on rough or absorbent surfaces like brown cardboard.
Can I use ITF-14 on individual retail products?
No. ITF-14 is reserved for non-retail packaging like outer cartons, shipping cases, and pallet labels. Retail scanners at checkout are not configured to process ITF-14. For products sold to consumers at the point of sale, use EAN-13, UPC-A, or UPC-E instead. ITF-14 is strictly for supply chain and warehouse operations.
How do I calculate the ITF-14 check digit?
ITF-14 uses the same Modulo 10 algorithm as EAN-13 and UPC-A. The 14th digit is computed by alternately multiplying the first 13 digits by 3 and 1, summing the results, and finding the number that rounds up to the next multiple of 10. Our generator handles this automatically — enter 13 digits and the check digit is appended for you.
Is this ITF-14 generator free?
Yes, this ITF-14 generator is completely free with no limits, no sign-up, and no watermarks. Generate as many ITF-14 barcodes as you need and download them in SVG, PNG, or PDF format. All generation happens in your browser, keeping your supply chain data private.