Free Barcode Generator

Start with the system that will receive the scan

This generator creates images from the data you enter. It does not allocate product identifiers, register products with retailers or produce a carrier-approved shipping label. Before choosing a format, ask what symbol and decoded value the receiving application expects.

Ordinary Code 128 and GS1-128 are different encoding workflows. This tool does not offer a GS1-128 mode: typing parenthesised Application Identifiers into the Code 128 field does not supply the required GS1 control characters. Use a suitable encoder if your customer requests GS1-128. GS1 explains the format.

Make and review your first barcode

1. Choose the required type. Use the format accepted by your application or trading partner, rather than choosing the smallest-looking preview.
2. Enter the approved value. Keep identifiers as text when copying from a spreadsheet so leading zeros survive. For supported numeric types, the tool can calculate a missing final check digit or check a supplied one.
3. Review the result and warnings. Compare the returned data with your source record. Mathematical validity does not establish that a GTIN was allocated to the intended product.
4. Plan the printed dimensions. Select module width, bar height and printer resolution where applicable. Whole-dot rounding can alter the requested dimensions; inspect the resulting size.
5. Export and test the actual use. Check the file’s placement size, print a sample and scan it in the intended application before committing to a batch.

For an unchanged branded product you resell, obtain the identifier from the brand owner or authorised supplier. For a new own-brand product, resolve allocation and product records before creating retail artwork. The product barcode guide explains those separate steps.

Understand what the image and camera checks establish

Scan check passed means the tool decoded a sampled horizontal line through its rendered preview and compared the result with the encoded data. It is a useful digital check, not an assessment of every part of the image or a prediction that all scanners will read a print.

The camera and photo options look for the expected data from the current barcode. Use them as reading aids: test a well-lit, flat sample, then confirm it also works with the device and software that will receive it. A failed camera attempt can reflect focus, glare, orientation or browser limitations as well as a label problem.

Read the status and warnings before exporting: an enabled download button does not itself mean the scan check passed. Neither check assigns a formal print-quality grade, validates product ownership or confirms retailer acceptance. Where a customer requires verification, follow its specified method and obtain the appropriate report.

Choose an export for the next step

• SVG: vector bars with physical dimensions for placement in compatible design software. Keep the intended dimensions and check the receiving application’s import behaviour.
• PDF: a single barcode or repeated copies on A4. Print at Actual size or 100%; fit-to-page can change dimensions. The separate label-sheet panel offers its own A4 and US Letter layouts.
• PNG: a raster image with whole pixels per module and resolution metadata. Rounding can change its physical size relative to the requested module width; inspect the download note.
• JPG: available for workflows that require it. PNG is generally preferable for raster barcode artwork because JPEG compression can introduce artefacts around bar edges.

Increasing image DPI does not improve the native resolution of your printer. For example, at 203 DPI, three printer dots make a module approximately 3 × 25.4 ÷ 203 = 0.375 mm wide. The selected printer’s dot grid and the required symbol specification must both be considered.

Preserve quiet zones, avoid independent width/height stretching and start with black bars on white. Red or orange bars can have poor contrast to red-light scanners. Check the finished material and any curvature or glare. See the size and printing reference for more detail.

Use bulk generation without losing track of the data

The ZIP panel accepts up to 200 values using one selected format and shared settings. Enter one value per line, review the reported count and read report.csv in the ZIP for skipped or failed entries. A batch of retail numbers still needs valid allocation; a numbered sequence does not create that allocation.

For internal equipment, a sequence such as EQ-0001, EQ-0002 and EQ-0003 may suit Code 128 if your application accepts it. Check the proposed range against your existing asset register before applying labels. Leading zeros preserve a numbering style; they do not prevent duplicate assignments.

Test the longest actual value with the chosen dimensions. A short example can look comfortable while later entries produce much wider symbols.

Check label-sheet fitting before printing

The label panel can repeat the current barcode or read rows containing a value, text above and text below. Copy tab-separated columns without a header. The format selected in the main tool applies to the rows; optional captions are not additional encoded data.

Review errors and inspect the exported PDF. The fitting process can narrow the barcode or shorten its bars to make room, long captions can be shortened and unsupported PDF text characters can be replaced. Choose a larger label or remove text if required barcode dimensions cannot be retained.

Print outlines on plain paper first. A consistent offset may respond to Nudge right/down; an error that grows down the sheet calls for a page-scale or template check. Starting at a later label only controls the PDF position. It does not mean a part-used physical sheet is suitable for refeeding: Avery advises against multiple passes. Follow your stock and printer instructions.

Use the label-printing guide for the complete alignment workflow.

Plan the rest of your barcode workflow

• Get a product barcode: allocation, product records and commercial use.
• Compare barcode types: select for the receiving workflow.
• Plan barcode size: module width, height and quiet zones.
• Print barcode labels: sheet setup and test prints.