Barcode Generator

Turning text into a barcode

A barcode encodes a string as a pattern of bars and spaces that a scanner reads back into the original text. Different symbologies suit different data: Code 128 handles arbitrary alphanumeric strings compactly, EAN-13 and UPC are the retail product codes with a fixed length, and Code 39 is older but widely supported. The generator renders your text as an image you can download and print.

When you reach for it

Labeling inventory or assets, generating a product code for a retail item, printing a ticket or shelf tag, or embedding a scannable reference into a document. Choosing the right symbology up front avoids a reprint later.

Example

Code 128 input:  SKU-00492
Encodes any ASCII, variable length.

EAN-13 input:    5901234123457
                            ^ 13th digit is a checksum
Must be exactly 12 data digits + 1 check digit.

Common pitfalls

Symbology constraints bite when you ignore them. EAN-13 is not free-form: it is exactly 13 digits where the last is a checksum computed from the first 12, so feeding it a 13-digit number with a wrong check digit produces a code that scanners reject. Code 39 and some others cannot encode lowercase letters or arbitrary symbols without an extended mode. The other practical trap is the quiet zone, the blank margin on each side of the bars; crop it too tight and scanners fail to lock on. Print size and contrast matter too, since a barcode scaled down past the scanner's resolution or printed in low contrast simply will not read.

FAQ

Why won't my EAN-13 scan? Likely a bad checksum or wrong digit count. EAN-13 needs exactly 12 data digits plus a correct check digit.

Can a barcode hold letters and symbols? Code 128 can encode full ASCII. Retail codes like EAN are digits only, so pick the symbology to match your data.

My printed code fails to read, why? Usually too small, low contrast, or no quiet-zone margin. Enlarge it, print in black on white, and leave blank space around it.