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Free Barcode Generator

Generate professional 1D barcodes for products, inventory management, and shipping labels. Supports Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, and UPC formats. Download high-quality PNG images instantly.

Last Updated: 15 Jan 2026

Supports alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9).

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Note: This tool generates visual barcodes for mockups and design. For industrial scanning, verify with your specific hardware constraints.

Understanding Barcode Formats

Barcodes are machine-readable representations of data that enable quick and accurate product identification, inventory tracking, and point-of-sale transactions. Different barcode formats (symbologies) are optimized for specific industries and use cases.

Choosing the right barcode format is crucial for compatibility with your scanning equipment and industry requirements. Our generator supports the most widely-used 1D barcode formats, ensuring compatibility with standard barcode scanners worldwide.

Barcode Format Comparison

Code 128

Best for: Shipping, logistics, inventory

Compact, high-density barcode that encodes all 128 ASCII characters. Most efficient for alphanumeric data. Widely used in supply chain and package tracking.

Code 39

Best for: Automotive, healthcare, government

Simple, reliable barcode supporting uppercase letters, numbers, and some symbols. Widely supported by older scanners. Used in non-retail applications.

EAN-13

Best for: Retail products (international)

Global standard for retail product identification. Requires 13-digit number (12 digits + check digit). Used worldwide except North America.

UPC-A

Best for: Retail products (North America)

Standard barcode for retail in USA and Canada. Requires 12-digit number. Subset of EAN-13 with leading zero.

Common Barcode Use Cases

Product Labeling & Retail

Use EAN-13 or UPC barcodes for retail products. Encode product SKUs, prices, or inventory codes for point-of-sale systems and stock management.

Shipping & Logistics

Code 128 is ideal for shipping labels, tracking numbers, and package identification. Compact format saves label space while encoding detailed information.

Inventory Management

Generate barcodes for internal inventory tracking, asset management, and warehouse organization. Code 128 or Code 39 work well for these applications.

Document Tracking

Add barcodes to documents, files, or records for quick retrieval and tracking in libraries, archives, or office management systems.

Barcode Printing Best Practices

✓Print at high resolution: Use 300 DPI minimum for reliable scanning. Low-resolution prints may not scan properly.
✓Ensure sufficient size: Minimum 1 inch (25mm) wide for Code 128/39. Larger barcodes scan more reliably.
✓Maintain high contrast: Black bars on white background provide best results. Avoid colored backgrounds or low-contrast combinations.
✓Leave quiet zones: Ensure blank space (quiet zones) on both sides of the barcode for proper scanner recognition.
✓Test before mass printing: Always test scan your barcode before printing large quantities to ensure readability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What barcode formats are supported?

Our barcode generator supports the most common 1D barcode formats including Code 128 (alphanumeric), Code 39 (alphanumeric), EAN-13 (retail products), and UPC-A (North American retail). Each format has specific use cases and character limitations.

Can I use these barcodes for retail products?

Yes, you can generate EAN-13 and UPC barcodes for retail products. However, for official retail distribution, you need to obtain registered UPC/EAN numbers from GS1. Our tool is perfect for internal inventory, shipping labels, and non-retail applications where registration isn't required.

What's the difference between Code 128 and Code 39?

Code 128 is more compact and can encode all 128 ASCII characters, making it ideal for shipping labels and inventory. Code 39 is simpler, more widely supported by older scanners, and commonly used in automotive and healthcare industries. Code 128 is generally preferred for new applications due to its efficiency.

Are the generated barcodes scannable?

Yes, all barcodes generated by our tool are fully compliant with industry standards and scannable by standard barcode readers. For best results, print barcodes at sufficient size (minimum 1 inch wide for Code 128/39) and ensure high contrast between bars and background.