Type the value to encode — barcodes are generated locally in your browser and never sent anywhere.
How it works
- Code 39 is the simplest and most widely supported format, but only handles uppercase letters, digits, and a few symbols.
- Code 128 encodes the full ASCII range in a much more compact barcode — the modern default for shipping and logistics.
- EAN-13 and UPC-A are the retail product barcodes you see on packaging. They require exactly 12 or 11 digits of input — the final check digit is calculated automatically for you.
- Bar width matters for scannability: too thin and cheap scanners struggle. Keep strong contrast between bar and background colors.
- Always test with your actual scanner before relying on this for production or commercial use.
Generate common 1D barcodes — Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39 and more — from your data, and download them as PNG or SVG. Created entirely in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Which barcode types are supported?
Popular retail and logistics symbologies including Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A and Code 39. Pick the one your scanner or system expects.
What's the difference between EAN-13 and Code 128?
EAN-13 and UPC-A are fixed-length retail product codes; Code 128 is a flexible, high-density format for any alphanumeric data such as SKUs and tracking numbers.
Can I download a print-quality barcode?
Yes — download as SVG for crisp printing at any size, or PNG for quick use. Keep a quiet zone (blank margin) around it so scanners read reliably.
Do you need a QR code instead?
If you need to encode URLs, WiFi or contact details, use a QR code (2D) rather than a 1D barcode — try our QR generator for that.
From manual checkout to machine-readable products
The UPC became a major retail shift in the 1970s. The first commercial UPC checkout scan took place on 26 June 1974 at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio. Barcodes helped connect physical products with computer records.
Why bars do not contain the whole product description
A retail barcode normally represents an identifier. The scanner reads that identifier and another system looks up associated information such as the product record. This separation lets a compact printed symbol refer to much richer data.