Barcode generator

A one-dimensional (1D) barcode encodes data in the widths of parallel bars and spaces. They are read by inexpensive laser and camera scanners and are still the standard for retail products, shipping labels, inventory tags and library books. This generator creates the most common symbologies and exports scalable SVG files that print sharply at any size.

How to use it

1. Choose the barcode format.
2. Enter the data. Each format has its own rules, described below.
3. Adjust bar width, height and whether to show the human-readable text.
4. Download the SVG and place it in your label or packaging design.

Which format should I use?

• CODE128: encodes all 128 ASCII characters and is compact. Best general choice for internal labels, shipping and asset tags.
• EAN-13: 13 digits, the international retail product code. The last digit is a check digit.
• UPC-A: 12 digits, used for retail products in North America.
• CODE39: uppercase letters, digits and a few symbols. Older, wider, but supported by almost every scanner.

Example

For EAN-13, enter the first 12 digits, such as 590123412345. The check digit is calculated with alternating weights of 1 and 3: the result is 5901234123457. Note that retail EAN and UPC numbers must be licensed from GS1; making up a number is fine for testing but not for products sold in shops.

Printing tips

• Keep a quiet zone (blank margin) on both sides of the barcode.
• Print dark bars on a light background; red bars are invisible to many laser scanners.
• Test the printed barcode with a real scanner or phone app before a large print run.