Free ITF-14 Barcode Generator for Shipping Cartons and Cases

ITF-14 is the barcode you see on the outside of the cardboard shipping case — the big box that contains 12 or 24 individual retail units. It is scanned at distribution centers, loading docks, and warehouse receiving — not at retail checkout.

If you are shipping products to retailers, Amazon warehouses, or distributors, you may be required to put an ITF-14 on your cases. This free generator creates print-ready ITF-14 barcodes in your browser — no signup, no upload.

What Is ITF-14?

ITF stands for Interleaved 2 of 5. The "14" refers to the 14-digit data it encodes. It was designed specifically for printing on corrugated cardboard, which is too rough for some other barcode formats.

Property	Value
Character set	Digits only
Length	Exactly 14 digits
Checksum	Mandatory (same algorithm as EAN-13)
Bearer bars	Rectangular frame (recommended on corrugated)
Primary use	Shipping cases, outer packaging, pallets

The 14-digit ITF number is constructed from the inner product EAN-13 by prepending a packaging indicator digit (0 for each): if the inner retail barcode is 1234567890128, the ITF-14 is 01234567890128.

How to Build Your ITF-14 Number from an EAN-13

1. Take your inner product EAN-13 (13 digits)
2. Prepend a packaging indicator digit — typically 0 for "each" or numbered 1-8 for different case pack configurations
3. The result is 13 digits — the 14th is the check digit, calculated the same way as EAN-13
4. Enter the first 13 digits into the generator and it calculates the 14th check digit automatically

Example: If your product EAN-13 is 5901234123457, your ITF-14 is 15901234123456 (packaging indicator 1, check digit recalculated).

If your retailer specifies a particular packaging indicator, use that digit. When in doubt, use 0.

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How to Generate an ITF-14 Barcode

1. Open the barcode generator and select ITF14 from the format dropdown
2. Enter your 13-digit number (packaging indicator + first 12 digits of EAN-13)
3. The check digit is calculated and appended automatically
4. Set bar height higher than for retail barcodes — ITF-14 barcodes are typically printed larger (at least 32mm tall)
5. Download as SVG for the sharpest print on label design software

ITF-14 Print Specifications for Corrugated Cartons

GS1 ITF-14 print specifications differ from retail barcodes because corrugated cardboard is a rougher substrate:

Specification	Minimum	Standard
Width	104mm	142mm (at 100% magnification)
Height	32mm	32mm standard, often taller
Bar width	0.635mm	1.016mm at standard
Quiet zones	10x narrow bar on each side	Included in generator output
Bearer bar	Recommended	Mandatory for corrugated

The bearer bar (the rectangular frame around the barcode) prevents scanner misreads caused by corrugated cardboard imperfections. Most ITF-14 implementations include it. This generator includes bearer bars in the ITF-14 output.

Who Requires ITF-14 Barcodes?

Major retailers and distributors often require ITF-14 on case shipments for automated receiving:

• Amazon FBA (case shipments): Amazon requires ITF-14 on cases of 6+ units shipping to FBA warehouses. Their receiving systems scan cases, not individual items, at intake.
• Walmart, Target, Kroger: All require case barcodes for distribution center receiving. Supplier requirements documents specify ITF-14.
• Wholesale distributors (UNFI, KeHE): Require ITF-14 on all case shipments for natural/organic food distribution.

If you are shipping DTC (direct to consumer) only, you do not need ITF-14. It becomes required when you enter wholesale or major retail distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ITF-14 the same as an EAN-14?

Functionally yes — EAN-14 is the data standard (14-digit number), and ITF is the barcode symbology used to encode it. The terms are often used interchangeably in supply chain contexts. Technically an EAN-14 could also be encoded in CODE128, but ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) is the traditional format for corrugated cartons.

Can I generate an ITF-14 for free?

Yes. This tool generates ITF-14 barcodes completely free. Enter your 13-digit number, the check digit is calculated automatically, and you can download the result as PNG or SVG.

Does ITF-14 need a bearer bar?

GS1 strongly recommends bearer bars on corrugated packaging. The bearer bar prevents the scanner from misreading an edge of the barcode as a bar, which happens more often on rough corrugated surfaces than on flat retail packaging. This generator includes bearer bars in ITF-14 output by default.