Code 128 supports all ASCII characters. Best for
general use.
3
120px
What Is a Barcode and How It Works
A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data using parallel lines (1D) or patterns (2D). The width and spacing of the bars encode information that scanners can decode instantly.
Barcodes are used worldwide for product identification, inventory tracking, shipping labels, and more. Each format has specific rules for the type and length of data it can encode.
How to Create a Barcode
- Select the barcode format you need (Code 128, EAN-13, etc.)
- Enter the value to encode — follow the format requirements shown below
- Customize colors and size if needed
- Download as PNG for web use or SVG for print
Which Barcode Format Should You Use
- Code 128 — Best for general use. Supports all ASCII characters. Common in shipping and logistics.
- EAN-13 — Standard for retail products in Europe and worldwide. Requires 12 or 13 digits.
- UPC-A — Retail standard in North America. Requires 11 or 12 digits.
- Code 39 — Supports letters, numbers, and symbols. Used in automotive and defense industries.
- ITF-14 — For shipping containers and cartons. Requires 13 or 14 digits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which barcode format should I use?
Code128 is best for general use. EAN-13 is standard for retail
products in Europe. UPC-A is used for retail in North America. Code39 is common in
automotive and defense.
What's the difference between PNG and SVG?
PNG is a raster image suitable for web use. SVG is a vector
format that can be scaled to any size without losing quality, ideal for professional
printing.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?
Yes, all barcodes generated are free to use for any purpose
including commercial applications. For retail products, ensure you have proper GS1
registration for EAN/UPC codes.