# Barcode Generator

> Create Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14, Code 39 and other barcodes. Download a sharp PNG or a vector SVG, or paste a list to print a whole label sheet. No sign-up and no watermark.

- Source: https://plugstack.dev/tools/barcode-generator/
- Published by: PlugStack
- Last updated: 2026-09-24

## How to create a barcode

 
1. Pick the barcode type. Not sure? Use **Code 128** for internal codes and **EAN-13 / UPC-A** for retail products.
2. Type the value. For EAN and UPC you can leave off the last (check) digit — it’s added for you.
3. Adjust bar width and height if your labels are small or large.
4. Download a PNG or SVG. For many codes at once, switch to *Bulk*, paste one value per line, then print the sheet or download it as a single SVG.

 

## Barcode types at a glance

 

| Type | Data | Typical use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Retail products worldwide, books (ISBN) |
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Retail products in the US and Canada |
| EAN-8 / UPC-E | 8 / 6–8 digits | Small packages with little label space |
| ITF-14 | 14 digits | Outer cartons and cases (GTIN-14) |
| Code 128 | Any ASCII text | SKUs, shipping labels, inventory, assets |
| Code 39 | Upper-case letters, digits, a few symbols | Industrial, ID badges, older systems |
| Codabar | Digits and a few symbols | Libraries, blood banks, labs |

 

## Printing tips

 
- **Keep the quiet zone.** Leave blank space on both sides of the bars; scanners need it.
- **Dark bars on a light background.** Black on white scans best. Red bars don’t scan with most red-light scanners.
- **Don’t squash it.** Scale width and height together. For retail EAN/UPC, GS1 recommends a nominal size around 37 × 26 mm, and a minimum of about 80%.
- **Test before a big print run** with a phone scanner app and the scanner you’ll really use.

 

## Barcodes for a WooCommerce store

 

WooCommerce has a GTIN/UPC/EAN/ISBN field on products (under Inventory), used for Google product listings. Store the number there and generate the label here. Before you upload a list of GTINs, run it through the [GTIN checker](https://plugstack.dev/tools/gtin-check-digit-calculator/) — one wrong check digit is enough to get a product rejected by Google Merchant Center. Need SKUs first? Use the [SKU generator](https://plugstack.dev/tools/sku-generator/).

## FAQ
### Are barcodes from this generator free to use?
Yes — the images are yours, with no watermark. Note the difference between the image and the number: for retail products sold through stores or marketplaces, the UPC/EAN number itself must be licensed from GS1. The generator draws any number you give it.

### Which barcode type should I use?
Retail products: EAN-13 (worldwide) or UPC-A (US/Canada) with a GS1-issued number. Shipping cartons: ITF-14. Internal stock, SKUs, bin locations and asset tags: Code 128, which encodes letters and numbers compactly.

### Can I make a barcode for my SKU?
Yes. Use Code 128 for SKUs with letters and dashes. These are for your own warehouse and packing — retailers and Amazon need a GTIN (UPC/EAN) instead.

### PNG or SVG?
SVG is vector — it stays sharp at any size and is best for print and label software. The PNG is rendered at 3× resolution, which is fine for most labels and documents.

### Do I need to enter the check digit?
No. For EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8 and ITF-14 you can leave it off and it is calculated for you. If you enter it and it is wrong, the barcode is refused. The GTIN checker explains why.