Barcode Generator — Create Code 128, EAN-13 & UPC Barcodes Online
A barcode is a machine-readable pattern of parallel lines that encodes a number or short string of text. Unlike QR codes, which store data in two dimensions, traditional 1D barcodes are the format used on retail products, shipping labels, inventory tags, library books, and warehouse systems worldwide. Each symbology (barcode standard) has its own rules about what characters it can encode.
Our Barcode Generator supports the four most widely used formats. Code 128 is the most flexible — it encodes any letters, numbers, and common symbols, making it ideal for internal SKUs, asset tags, and shipping references. Code 39 is an older standard that handles uppercase letters, digits, and a handful of symbols, still common in industrial and government applications. EAN-13 is the 13-digit standard printed on retail products across most of the world. UPC-A is the 12-digit equivalent used primarily in North America.
The preview updates live as you type, and the tool validates your input against the chosen format in real time. If you enter something that a format cannot encode — for example, letters in an EAN-13 code, or the wrong number of digits — you get an immediate, plain-language explanation instead of a broken image. This makes it easy to spot mistakes before you print a label.
When your barcode is valid, download it as a PNG for quick use or as a scalable SVG that stays perfectly sharp at any size — ideal for professional label printing and design software. You can also toggle whether the human-readable value appears beneath the bars.
Everything is generated in your browser with no data leaving your device, no signup, and no watermarks. Common uses include: creating SKUs for a small shop or warehouse, labeling assets and equipment, printing product barcodes for retail, generating shipping and inventory tags, and producing barcodes to import into label-design software.
How to use the Barcode Generator
- Choose a barcode format (Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, or UPC).
- Enter your value — the hint under the field shows what each format accepts.
- Check the live preview; an inline message appears if the value is invalid for that format.
- Toggle "Show value text" on or off as needed.
- Click "Download PNG" or "Download SVG" to save your barcode.