Free Barcode Generator — Create UPC, EAN & Code 128 Barcodes Online

You need a barcode on your product label, shipping box, or inventory tag — and you need it now. A browser-based barcode generator creates scannable barcodes in seconds. Pick your format, enter your data, download a PNG. No account, no watermark, no software to install.

Barcode Formats Explained — Which One Do You Need?

Format	Digits/Characters	Used For	Example
UPC-A	12 digits	US retail products (Amazon, Walmart, grocery)	012345678905
EAN-13	13 digits	International retail products (Europe, Asia)	4006381333931
Code 128	Any length (alphanumeric)	Shipping labels, logistics, FBA labels	SHIP-2026-0042
Code 39	Alphanumeric + symbols	Warehouse, military, government IDs	WH-RACK-A14
ITF-14	14 digits	Outer shipping cartons (cases of product)	10012345678902
MSI	Digits only	Store shelves, inventory tracking	123456
Pharmacode	Numeric (3-131070)	Pharmaceutical packaging	12345
Codabar	Digits + A-D start/stop	Libraries, blood banks, FedEx airbills	A12345B

How to Generate a Barcode — 3 Steps

1. Open Barcode Generator
2. Select your format (UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 128, etc.), enter your data
3. Download the barcode as PNG — ready for labels, packaging, or documents

No account. No watermark. No limit on how many barcodes you generate.

Real Scenarios: Who Needs What

• Etsy seller expanding to Amazon: You need an official UPC-A number from GS1 ($250 initial). Once you have the 12-digit number, generate the barcode image here and add it to your packaging.
• Small bakery labeling products: If selling in your own shop only, you can use Code 128 with your own internal numbering (no GS1 needed). If selling in grocery stores, you need an official UPC from GS1.
• Library cataloging books: Use Codabar or Code 39 with your internal catalog number. Libraries have their own numbering systems — no GS1 required.
• Warehouse tracking assets: Code 128 or Code 39 with your asset ID. Internal use only — create any numbering scheme that works for your operation.
• Shipping department: Code 128 for shipping labels. Supports the full alphanumeric character set needed for tracking numbers and order IDs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	What Happens	How to Fix
Wrong digit count for UPC-A	Barcode won't generate or won't scan	UPC-A requires exactly 12 digits (including check digit)
Using UPC-A for internal tracking	Wasting money on GS1 registration	Use Code 128 for internal use — free, no registration
Buying cheap UPC numbers from resellers	Numbers get revoked, products delisted	Only buy from GS1 directly (gs1.org)
Printing barcode too small	Scanner can't read it	Print at minimum 80% of default size
No quiet zone around barcode	Scanner misreads or fails	Leave white space on both sides of the barcode
Low contrast printing	Scanner can't distinguish bars	Black bars on white background, avoid colored bars

After Generating: Complete Workflow

• Need a QR code too? — QR Code Generator for URLs, menus, contact cards
• Scan and verify your barcode: — QR & Barcode Scanner to test it works
• Resize for your label: — Image Resizer to adjust dimensions
• Compress for email/web: — Image Compressor to reduce file size
• Create product labels: — Invoice Generator for professional documents
• Generate unique IDs: — UUID Generator for system identifiers

What This Tool Does NOT Do

Transparency matters. This barcode generator:

• Does not assign UPC numbers — you need GS1 for official retail UPC/EAN numbers
• Does not generate QR codes — use our separate QR code generator
• Does not create bulk batches — generates one barcode at a time
• Does not print directly — download the PNG and print from any application