Barcode generator
Turn a value into a scannable barcode.
Barcode generator turns a text or numeric value into a scannable barcode image in your chosen format, downloadable as a PNG — useful for labeling, inventory, or any workflow that needs a printable barcode.
How to use
- Type the value you want to encode.
- Choose a barcode format (e.g. CODE128 accepts any text; EAN-13/UPC need specific digit counts).
- Click "Generate & download" to save it as a PNG.
Common use scenarios
- Generating a barcode for a small business's inventory or product labeling.
- Creating a barcode for a library, event, or membership card system.
- Producing a barcode to test a scanner or point-of-sale system.
- Generating a barcode label for a package or shipment.
✓Content & verification reviewed: 2026-08-25
How we verify Barcode generator
How to confirm the generated barcode is valid and will scan correctly.
Format determines what values are valid
Different barcode formats accept different value types — CODE128 accepts almost any text, while EAN-13 and UPC require a specific number of digits. If generation fails, check that your value matches your chosen format's requirements.
Test-scan before relying on it
After generating, scan the downloaded barcode with an actual barcode scanner or a phone scanning app to confirm it reads back the correct value before using it in a real workflow.
Print size and contrast matter for scanning
A barcode that's printed too small, too low-contrast, or on glossy paper that causes glare can fail to scan even if the underlying image is technically valid — test under your actual printing and scanning conditions.
Before you rely on the result
- The value you entered matches the requirements of your chosen barcode format (e.g., exact digit count for EAN-13/UPC).
- You've generated the barcode successfully without an error message.
- You've test-scanned the result with a real scanner or phone app to confirm it decodes correctly.
- The print size and contrast are sufficient for reliable scanning in your actual use case.
Who this is for
- Small business owners labeling inventory or products with barcodes.
- Organizers creating barcode-based membership or event tickets.
- Developers testing a barcode scanner or point-of-sale integration.
- Anyone who needs a printable barcode for shipping or package labeling.
Real-world examples
Labeling small-business inventory
A small shop owner generates CODE128 barcodes for products that don't have a manufacturer barcode, printing labels to track stock with a handheld scanner.
Testing a new point-of-sale system
A developer generates a handful of test barcodes in different formats to verify a new point-of-sale system's scanner correctly reads each format.
Creating event entry tickets
An event organizer generates a unique barcode for each attendee's ticket, printed for scanning at check-in.
Limitations
- Formats like EAN-13/UPC only accept a specific number of digits — CODE128 is the most flexible choice.
Frequently asked questions
Why did barcode generation fail for my value?
Some formats have strict requirements — EAN-13 and UPC need an exact number of digits, for example. If generation fails, check the error message and try CODE128 instead, which accepts almost any text.
Which barcode format should I use?
If you don't have a specific requirement (like a retail product needing EAN-13/UPC), CODE128 is the most flexible choice since it accepts a wide range of text and numbers.
Will this barcode work with retail scanners at stores?
Retail point-of-sale systems typically expect standard product barcode formats like EAN-13 or UPC with officially registered numbers — a barcode you generate yourself is best for internal or custom use, not for real retail products sold through third-party stores.
Can I resize the barcode after generating it?
The download is a PNG image, so you can resize it using an image editor or the Resize image tool, though scaling it down too much can make it harder to scan reliably.
🔒 Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded. Results are for reference only; see the disclaimer. Last updated: 2026-08-25
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