Barcode Tools
Barcode Generator
Create barcodes in 8 popular formats - Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, ITF-14, MSI and Codabar. Customize size, colors and download as PNG or SVG instantly in your browser.
Full ASCII printable characters supported.
Customize barcode
🔒 All barcode generation happens locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
How to Generate Barcodes
- 1. Choose a barcode format from the dropdown.
- 2. Enter the value to encode - the hint below the field shows what characters are allowed.
- 3. Optionally expand Customize barcode to adjust width, height, colors and text.
- 4. Click Generate Barcode and download as PNG or SVG.
Supported Barcode Formats
Code 128
Full ASCII, variable length. Widely used in shipping and logistics.
Code 39
Uppercase A-Z, digits, and special chars. Common in manufacturing.
EAN-13
13-digit European Article Number. Used on retail products globally.
EAN-8
8-digit compact EAN for small packages.
UPC-A
12-digit Universal Product Code. Standard for North American retail.
ITF-14
14-digit format for outer cartons and shipping containers.
MSI
Digits only. Used in library and inventory systems.
Codabar
Used in blood banks, FedEx and libraries. Alphanumeric with start/stop.
Linear Symbologies & Optical Scanning Standards
One-dimensional (1D) barcodes represent data through alternating parallel black bars and white spaces of varying widths. When scanned by laser or CCD optical readers, the reflected light patterns are translated into binary signals that match standardized lookup tables. Choosing the correct symbology ensures high read rates across handheld scanners, automated conveyor belt sorters, and mobile optical cameras.
Quiet Zones & Contrast Ratio
Every standard linear barcode requires an unprinted margin (the "quiet zone") on both the left and right edges. Maintaining a minimum quiet zone equal to at least 10 times the width of the narrowest bar prevents scanner timing errors and misreads.
Mathematical Check Digits
Retail and industrial symbologies (including EAN-13, UPC-A, and Code 128) feature mandatory modulo-10 or modulo-103 check digits. Our generator automatically computes and verifies these checksums, ensuring your barcodes never fail validation at point-of-sale terminals.
Barcode Generator Frequently Asked Questions
Which barcode format should I choose for retail products?
For North American retail, use UPC-A (12 digits). For international retail outside North America, use EAN-13. Both are recognized globally by modern POS systems.
Which barcode is best for inventory, warehousing, and shipping?
Code 128 is the industry gold standard for logistics and internal tracking because it encodes full ASCII text, numbers, and symbols in a compact footprint.
Can I download vector barcodes for commercial printing?
Yes. Click 'Download SVG' for an infinitely scalable vector graphic that maintains razor-sharp line precision at any DPI print setting.
Does this barcode generator upload my product SKU numbers to a server?
No. All barcode rasterization and SVG vector drawing execute locally in your web browser memory. No data is stored or tracked.
1D Barcode Symbologies & Scanning Standards
Linear 1D barcodes encode alphanumeric data using alternating parallel lines and spaces with standardized width ratios. Choosing the appropriate symbology-such as Code 128 for variable-length logistics labels, EAN-13 for global retail products, or UPC-A for North American point-of-sale systems-ensures seamless optical recognition across laser scanners, CCD readers, and camera-based mobile apps.
Quiet Zones & Contrast
Maintain a solid unprinted margin (the quiet zone) of at least 10 times the narrowest bar width on both ends. Ensure high optical contrast-dark bars on a clean white background-to prevent scanner read failures under warehouse and retail lighting.
Vector Print & Privacy Security
Export your finished code in SVG vector format for crisp, infinite scalability on large signage, product packaging, and business cards without pixelation. All generation and camera decoding executes 100% locally in your browser memory-no private credentials, URLs, or scans are ever uploaded to a server.
Additional Technical FAQs
What is the minimum recommended print size for reliable scanning?
For standard smartphone camera scanning at close range (0.3–0.5 meters), print QR codes at a minimum size of 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches). For posters and billboards, use a 10:1 distance-to-size ratio (e.g., a code scanned from 2 meters away should be at least 20 cm wide).
Are generated codes permanent, and do they ever expire?
All codes generated on BeYourTools are static and permanent. The encoded data (such as your URL, text, or barcode number) is directly baked into the graphical modules with zero server redirection, meaning they will function forever without expiration.