Free Barcode Generator: How to Create Barcodes Online

A free barcode generator is an online tool that creates machine-readable barcode graphics from your data, downloadable as SVG, PNG, or PDF files for printing or digital use. To create a barcode, you choose a format (UPC-A for retail, Code 128 for shipping, QR Code for URLs), enter your data, and download the generated graphic. For retail barcodes, you need a GS1-registered product number first; for internal use (inventory, assets, locations), no registration is needed. This guide walks through format selection, data entry, and print-quality best practices.

Step 1: Choose Your Barcode Format

The format depends on what you're encoding and where it'll be used. Here's a quick decision guide:

For Retail Products (Sold in Stores or Marketplaces)

These formats require GS1-registered product numbers. Learn how to get a barcode for your product.

For Shipping and Logistics

For Internal Use (Inventory, Assets, Locations)

No registration required for internal barcodes — use any numbering scheme you like.

For 2D Applications

Not sure which format to choose? Read our barcode type comparison guides or our 1D vs 2D barcode guide.

Step 2: Enter Your Data

Each barcode format has specific data requirements:

Numeric-Only Formats

EAN-13: Enter 12 digits (the generator calculates the 13th check digit) or all 13 digits. Example: 590123412345 → generates 5901234123457.

UPC-A: Enter 11 digits (generator adds check digit) or all 12. Example: 03600029145 → generates 036000291452.

ITF-14: Enter 13 digits (generator adds check digit) or all 14. Must be an even number of digits for ITF encoding.

Alphanumeric Formats

Code 128: Enter any text — letters, numbers, symbols, spaces. The generator automatically selects the optimal encoding subset (A, B, or C) and switches between them to minimize barcode width.

Code 39: Enter uppercase letters, digits, and these characters: space, -, ., $, /, +, %. No lowercase letters in standard mode.

2D Formats

Data Matrix and QR Code generators: Enter any text. These formats encode URLs, plain text, structured data, and binary content.

GS1 formats (GS1-128, GS1 Data Matrix, GS1 QR Code): Enter Application Identifier data — the generator handles FNC1 characters and GS separators automatically.

Data Validation

Our generators validate your input and warn you about:

• Wrong number of digits for fixed-length formats
• Invalid characters for the selected format
• Incorrect check digits (and offer to calculate the correct one)

Step 3: Download Your Barcode

After generating, download in the format that matches your use case:

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

Best for: Print, packaging design, professional applications

SVG files are vector graphics that scale to any size without quality loss. Whether you print the barcode 10mm wide or 100mm wide, it stays sharp. This makes SVG the right choice for:

• Packaging artwork
• Label design software (Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape)
• Any print application where the barcode will be resized

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

Best for: Digital use, basic printing, web display

PNG files are raster images with a fixed resolution. They look good at their generated size but lose quality when scaled up. Use PNG for:

• Quick label printing on office printers
• Digital documents and presentations
• Website or app display
• Situations where SVG isn't supported

For print use, ensure the PNG resolution is at least 300 DPI at the intended print size.

PDF

Best for: Print workflows, sharing with print vendors

PDF files maintain vector quality and are universally supported by print shops and design software. Use PDF when:

• Sending barcodes to a print vendor
• Embedding in documents for printing
• Your workflow requires PDF format

Best Practices for Print-Ready Barcodes

Size and Scaling

Every barcode format has minimum size specifications. Printing below these minimums risks scanning failures.

When using SVG files, resize in your design software while maintaining the aspect ratio. Don't stretch the barcode horizontally or vertically — maintain proportions.

Color and Contrast

• Dark bars on light background: Black on white is the safest choice
• Acceptable alternatives: Dark blue, dark green, or dark brown on white or light yellow
• Avoid: Red bars (invisible to laser scanners), light-colored bars, metallic or reflective backgrounds
• If your packaging is dark: Place the barcode on a white label or print a white background area behind the barcode

Quiet Zones

Every barcode requires blank space (quiet zones) on each side. This space lets the scanner distinguish the barcode from surrounding graphics. Minimum quiet zones vary by format:

• UPC/EAN: 3.63mm left, 2.31mm right
• Code 128: 10X (10 times the narrow bar width) each side
• Data Matrix: 1 module width each side
• QR Code: 4 modules each side

Never place text, graphics, or other barcodes within the quiet zone. Even a thin border line can cause scanning failures.

Testing Before Production

Before committing to a production print run:

1. Print a sample on your actual packaging material at production size
2. Scan test with a handheld scanner and our online scanner
3. Check quiet zones are maintained after trimming and assembly
4. Verify the data — scan and confirm the decoded number matches your intended product code
5. Test multiple scanners if possible — different scanner models may have different tolerances

Common Use Cases

Inventory Labels

For internal inventory tracking, Code 128 is the best default:

1. Define your numbering scheme (e.g., LOC-A001, LOC-A002 for locations)
2. Generate barcodes for each identifier
3. Print on adhesive labels using a thermal or laser printer
4. Apply to shelves, bins, or items

No GS1 registration needed — use any alphanumeric scheme that makes sense for your operations.

Product Packaging

For products sold at retail:

1. Register with GS1 and obtain your company prefix
2. Assign product numbers to each SKU
3. Generate UPC-A or EAN-13 barcodes
4. Provide SVG files to your packaging designer
5. Verify placement meets size and quiet zone requirements

Asset Tags

For tracking equipment, tools, or IT hardware:

1. Choose a prefix for your asset IDs (e.g., "ASSET-")
2. Assign sequential numbers
3. Generate Code 128 barcodes
4. Print on durable adhesive labels (polyester for harsh environments)
5. Apply to each asset and scan into your tracking system

Shipping Labels

For outbound shipments:

1. Determine the data your carriers and recipients need
2. For standard shipping: use Code 128 with tracking numbers
3. For GS1-compliant logistics: use GS1-128 with Application Identifiers
4. For outer cases: use ITF-14 with GTIN-14

Start Generating

Visit our barcode generator to create barcodes in any format. All formats are free to generate and download — no registration, no watermarks, no limits. Choose your format, enter your data, and download print-ready files in seconds.