A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data, typically encoded as parallel lines (1D barcodes) or a matrix pattern (2D barcodes like QR codes). Scanners read barcodes to retrieve product IDs, URLs, serial numbers, or any encoded text.

What file formats can I download the barcode in?

You can download barcodes as PNG (raster image, ideal for print and web) or SVG (vector, scales without quality loss). Both formats are supported for all 1D barcode types.

What is Code128 used for?

Code128 is a high-density linear barcode that can encode all 128 ASCII characters. It is widely used in shipping labels, logistics, inventory management, and supply chains. It is the most versatile 1D barcode format and the recommended default for most use cases.

Free Barcode Generator Online | Create QR, EAN, UPC, Code128 Barcodes

Name: Free Barcode Generator
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (2103 reviews)
Author: WebToolOcean

Step by Step

How to Generate a Barcode

Creating a print-ready or scan-ready barcode takes less than 30 seconds — no software or account needed.

1

📋

Choose a Format

Select the barcode type that matches your use case — Code128 for general use, EAN-13 for retail, QR for URLs, and so on.

2

⌨️

Enter Your Data

Type or paste the number, text, or URL to encode. The tool validates data format requirements in real time.

3

🎨

Customize

Adjust bar width, height, colors, quiet zone margin, and whether to show the human-readable text below the bars.

4

💾

Download or Copy

Click Generate, then download as PNG (for print and web) or SVG (for vector graphics), or copy directly to your clipboard.

Supported Formats

Which Barcode Format Should You Use?

Different industries and use cases require different barcode standards. Here's a quick guide to the most common ones.

Most Versatile

Code128

Encodes all 128 ASCII characters. The go-to standard for shipping labels, logistics, inventory, and any general-purpose 1D barcode need.

Retail – International

EAN-13

The global retail standard for product packaging. Encodes exactly 13 digits and is required for products sold internationally or in Europe.

Retail – USA & Canada

UPC-A

The standard barcode for US and Canadian retail. Encodes exactly 12 digits. Required by most major US retailers and point-of-sale systems.

2D / Mobile

QR Code

Stores URLs, contact cards, text, Wi-Fi credentials, and more. Readable by any smartphone camera without a dedicated scanner app.

Industrial & Inventory

Code39

Encodes uppercase letters, digits, and a handful of symbols. Widely used in automotive, defense, and industrial inventory tracking systems.

Shipping Cartons

ITF-14

The standard barcode for outer packaging and shipping cartons. Encodes 14 digits and is required by many retailers for case-level identification.

Pharmaceutical

Pharmacode

Used in pharmaceutical packaging. Encodes a numeric value from 3 to 131070. Optimized for high-speed printing on medication packaging lines.

Warehouse & Retail

MSI Plessey

Used primarily in warehouse shelf labeling and retail inventory management. Encodes numeric data with built-in check digit verification.

Library & Medical

Codabar

Used in libraries, blood banks, and medical records systems. Encodes digits and a limited set of symbols. Start and stop characters are required.

Best Practices

Tips for Scannable, Print-Ready Barcodes

A few simple choices make the difference between a barcode that scans reliably and one that fails at the checkout.

Setting	Recommendation	Importance	Notes
Color Contrast	Dark bars on a white or light background	🟢 Critical	Low contrast is the #1 reason barcodes fail to scan
Quiet Zone	At least 10px margin on all sides	🟢 Critical	Scanners need blank space before and after the bars to read correctly
Bar Width	Use Normal (2) or Wide (3) for print	🟡 Important	Narrow bars can bleed together in low-resolution prints
Format Match	Match the format to your industry standard	🟢 Critical	Using the wrong format (e.g. Code128 for retail) will be rejected by scanner systems
File Format	SVG for print, PNG for web and labels	🟡 Important	SVG scales infinitely without blurring; PNG is better for direct placement in label templates
Data Validity	EAN-13: exactly 12 digits (check digit auto-added). UPC-A: exactly 11 digits	🟢 Critical	Invalid data lengths cause generation to fail; a check digit is automatically calculated

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Barcodes

Everything you need to know about generating barcodes with WebToolOcean.

What is a barcode?

A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data — typically a product ID, serial number, or URL. Linear (1D) barcodes use parallel bars of varying widths; matrix (2D) barcodes like QR codes use a grid of dots or squares. Scanners and camera apps decode them in milliseconds.

Which barcode format should I use?

Use Code128 for general-purpose logistics and shipping. Use EAN-13 for products sold in Europe and internationally. Use UPC-A for US and Canadian retail. Use QR Code for URLs, contact information, or any text that needs to be scanned by a phone. Use ITF-14 for shipping cartons and outer packaging.

Are my barcodes uploaded to a server?

No. All barcode generation happens entirely inside your browser using JavaScript. Your data is never sent to or stored on any server — it stays completely private on your device.

What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?

EAN-13 encodes 13 digits and is the global retail standard used in most countries worldwide. UPC-A encodes 12 digits and is primarily used in the United States and Canada. A UPC-A barcode is technically a subset of EAN-13 with a leading zero prepended, so all UPC-A scanners can also read EAN-13.

What file formats can I download?

You can download barcodes as PNG (a raster image, ideal for printing labels or embedding in documents) or SVG (a scalable vector format that remains crisp at any size, ideal for print design and professional packaging).

Can I change the barcode color?

Yes. Use the bar color and background color pickers to fully customize the appearance. Always ensure high contrast between the bar and background colors — low contrast is the most common reason barcodes fail to scan reliably.

Why did my EAN-13 barcode fail to generate?

EAN-13 requires exactly 12 or 13 numeric digits. If you enter letters or the wrong number of digits, the barcode cannot be generated. Enter your 12-digit number (the 13th check digit is calculated and appended automatically) and make sure there are no spaces or non-numeric characters.

Is this barcode generator free forever?

Yes, completely free — no hidden charges, no subscription, no credit card, and no limit on the number of barcodes you generate. Every feature, including PNG and SVG download, is permanently free.

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