Barcodes are essential for retail, inventory management, and asset tracking. Our free online tool lets you generate professional barcodes in multiple formats without specialized software. This guide covers everything from basic UPC codes to advanced 2D barcodes.
The standard barcode for retail products in North America. Contains 12 numerical digits including check digit.
International version of UPC used outside North America. Contains 13 digits with country code prefix.
High-density alphanumeric code capable of encoding all 128 ASCII characters. Ideal for shipping labels.
2D code that can store URLs, contact info, WiFi credentials, and other data types. Scannable by smartphones.
Pro Tip #1: For retail products, verify your barcode with GS1 before printing.
Pro Tip #2: Use high contrast colors (black on white) for best scanner readability.
Pro Tip #3: Test print a sample before large production runs to ensure proper scanning.
Create custom barcodes in seconds with our free online generator!
Generate Barcodes NowA: Yes, all barcodes generated meet industry standards for proper scanning when printed at recommended sizes.
A: For retail products, you'll need to purchase official UPC/EAN codes from GS1. Our generator helps you create the barcode image once you have your licensed numbers.
A: 1D barcodes (like UPC) store data horizontally in parallel lines. 2D barcodes (like QR codes) store data both horizontally and vertically, allowing more information in less space.
A: Minimum size depends on the barcode type and scanner capability. As a general rule, never reduce below 80% of original generated size.