FindBest Tools

Web Utility

Barcode Generator

Instantly create retail and inventory barcodes. Support for universal formats including CODE128, UPC, EAN, and ITF14. Download the result as a high-resolution PNG.

Common Barcode Types Explained

If you aren't sure which format you need, here is a quick breakdown of the most common standard templates available in our tool:

  • CODE 128: The go-to choice for inventory, shipping, and internal tracking. It supports all alphanumeric characters and symbols, making it incredibly versatile.
  • UPC: Universal Product Code. This is the classic 12-digit barcode used almost exclusively for retail products sold in North America.
  • EAN-13: The European Article Number. This is the international equivalent to UPC and is used on commercial products globally.
  • ITF-14: A 14-digit code used primarily for shipping boxes and warehouse pallets. It is specifically designed to be easily read even when printed on rough corrugated cardboard.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best barcode format to use?

CODE128 is generally the most robust and universal 1D barcode format because it supports all ASCII characters (both letters and numbers) and is highly compact. If you are selling a product in a retail store, you likely need a UPC or EAN-13 barcode.

Do I need to pay for a barcode?

Generating the barcode image here is completely free. However, if you are selling a commercial product in standard retail stores (like Walmart or Target), you must purchase a certified UPC or EAN number from GS1. You can then use this tool to turn that number into a scannable graphic.

Why isn't my barcode generating?

Certain barcode formats have strict requirements. For example, a UPC barcode must be exactly 11 or 12 numbers long. An EAN-13 barcode must be exactly 12 or 13 numbers. If you type letters into a number-only format, the image will fail to render.

Can I customize the barcode colors?

Yes! But please be careful. Standard barcode scanners rely on contrast. The optimal design is always black bars on a pure white background. Using dark backgrounds or light bars may cause laser scanners to fail to read the code.

More utility tools

All utility tools →