utils.directory

Barcode Generator

Create linear barcodes (CODE128, EAN-13, UPC, CODE39) and download them as PNG.

How to use barcode generator

  1. Type the text or digits you want to encode into the input field.
  2. Choose a format: CODE128 for general text, EAN-13 or UPC for retail product codes, CODE39 for badges and labels.
  3. The barcode renders live as you type; if the value doesn’t fit the format, an error message explains what is wrong.
  4. Click Download PNG to save a high-resolution image you can print or embed.

Examples

Generate an EAN-13 product code

A valid 13-digit article number renders instantly as a retail-ready EAN-13 symbol. Enter 12 digits and the check digit is calculated for you.

Label an asset with CODE128

CODE128 encodes letters and digits compactly, which is why shipping carriers use it. The default text "TOOLPAD-2026" is a typical internal asset label.

Make a UPC for a US retail item

UPC codes use 11 or 12 digits and are scanned at American and Canadian checkouts. This example shows a 12-digit UPC-A symbol.

What is Barcode?

A linear (1D) barcode is a pattern of parallel lines that encodes a short string of digits or characters for laser scanners — the stripes on a cereal box, a library book or a warehouse bin. They are the older, simpler siblings of square QR codes: they hold far less data, but they scan in a fraction of a second with cheap hardware and print legibly at tiny sizes.

The four formats here cover most real-world uses. EAN-13 is the global retail standard — a 13-digit number on virtually every packaged product sold outside North America. UPC is its 12-digit North American equivalent. CODE39 is the veteran of logistics: its wide, forgiving bars tolerate rough printing, so it still appears on ID badges, asset tags and industrial labels. CODE128 is the all-rounder that encodes any ASCII text compactly, which makes it the default for shipping labels and parcel tracking.

Print quality is what makes a barcode actually scan. Bars must stay crisp when scaled, and a quiet zone of blank space is needed on both sides. That is why the PNG download here is rendered at three times the on-screen size on a white background — it stays sharp when dropped into a document or sent to a printer. Everything is generated locally in your browser; your data is never sent anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode format do I need for retail?

EAN-13 is the standard for products sold outside North America, and UPC (UPC-A) is used in the United States and Canada. Both encode a numeric article number; selling through major retailers officially requires a number issued by GS1.

Why is my EAN-13 barcode rejected?

EAN-13 only accepts 12 or 13 digits — no letters, spaces or punctuation. Type 12 digits and the 13th check digit is computed automatically; type 13 and the check digit is validated. The same idea applies to UPC, which takes 11 or 12 digits.

Can I download the barcode as a PNG?

Yes. The Download PNG button rasterizes the barcode at three times the on-screen resolution on a white background, so it prints and scales without blurring the bars.

Is my data uploaded anywhere?

No. The barcode is generated entirely in your browser with JavaScript. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and it still works.

What is the difference between these barcodes and a QR code?

These are linear (1D) barcodes: they encode a short number or text string and are scanned with a single sweep of a laser. QR codes are two-dimensional and can hold much more data, such as URLs, but need a camera-based scanner.