Free Online Barcode Generator
Welcome to the most advanced barcode creation tool on the internet. Whether you run an e-shop, manage a warehouse, design product packaging, or need to label company assets, our generator allows you to create a professional code in seconds.
We support all key global standards (EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC, CODE128, CODE-39, ITF-14) and are the only ones to offer unique design options, including gradients and color transitions. All this completely free, without registration, and without watermarks.
Revolutionary Technology: Why generate barcodes with us?
Unlike outdated generators that send your data to a server, our tool uses modern Client-Side Technology.
- 100% Privacy and Security: Code generation takes place exclusively in your browser (using JavaScript). Your SKUs, product numbers, or internal data will never leave your computer.
- Instant Speed: No waiting for server responses. The code renders in real-time as you type.
- High Quality for Print: We generate vector-accurate codes that remain sharp even when resized, which is critical for scanner readability.
Big Comparison: Which barcode type to choose?
The world of barcodes can be confusing. Each standard has its specific use. We have prepared a detailed overview to help you choose the right format for your needs.
| Code Type | Area of Use | What can it encode? | When to choose it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CODE128 | Logistics, Warehouses, E-shops | Numbers, letters (A-Z, a-z), and special ASCII characters. | Best choice for internal labels, package tracking, and inventory management. It has the highest data density (the code is short). |
| EAN-13 | Retail (EU & World) | Numbers only (13 digits). | Essential if you sell goods in brick-and-mortar stores or supermarkets in Europe and most of the world. |
| UPC (UPC-A) | Retail (USA & Canada) | Numbers only (12 digits). | EAN equivalent for the North American market. Necessary for exporting goods to the USA. |
| EAN-8 | Small Products | Numbers only (8 digits). | Used on very small packages (e.g., lipsticks, chewing gum) where a standard EAN-13 physically wouldn’t fit. |
| CODE-39 | Industry, Automotive, Military | Numbers, uppercase letters (A-Z), and characters -. $/+%. | An older, extremely robust standard. The code is wider than CODE128 but very reliable even with poorer printing. |
| ITF-14 | Shipping Cartons | Numbers only (14 digits). | Designed for outer packaging (boxes, pallets). It has a thick protective frame (Bearer Bar) that facilitates printing on corrugated cardboard. |
Guide: How to create a barcode step-by-step
Our generator’s controls are designed to be intuitive for beginners, yet offer enough control for professionals.
1. Selecting the standard and entering data
From the “Barcode type” dropdown, select the desired format.
- Tip: If you are unsure, choose CODE128 – it is the most universal option for most business uses outside of retail.
- Enter text or numbers into the field. If the field highlights red, you have entered a character that the chosen format does not support (e.g., a letter into an EAN code).
2. Setting dimensions (Crucial for printing)
Use the sliders to adjust the code’s geometry:
- Bar width (Scale): Determines the thickness of the thinnest bar. For printing on label printers, we recommend a value of at least 2. Overly thin bars can be unreadable.
- Height: Set the code’s height in pixels. A taller code is easier for manual scanning (the laser hits it more easily).
3. Design and colors
Stand out from the competition. Our editor allows full customization of appearance:
- Barcode Color & Background: Enter your own HEX codes or select from the palette.
- Gradients: Activate Linear or Radial gradient in the “Rendering style” section.
- Rainbow mode: For creative marketing purposes.
- Important: Always ensure high contrast. Dark code on a light background is a sure bet.
4. Download and export
Click the “Download” button. The code will be generated in maximum quality (PNG), ready for insertion into Word, Excel, Photoshop, or directly into printing software.
Practical tips for printing and scanning
Creating a code on screen is only half the battle. For the code to be functional in the real world, follow these rules:
Maintain the “Quiet Zone” Every barcode needs a clear white margin around it. Never print graphics, text, or borders directly next to the vertical bars of the code. The scanner needs this space for calibration.
Beware of resizing (Scaling) If you insert a barcode image into another program, do not change its aspect ratio. If you “squash” or disproportionately stretch the code, you will change the ratio of bar widths and spaces, making it unreadable. Always prefer to generate the code with the exact height and width directly in our tool.
Material and reflections When printing on glossy materials (cans, laminated packaging), reflections can occur, blinding the scanner’s laser. In such cases, it is necessary to print the code larger or use a matte sticker.