How to make a barcode
A barcode is just data drawn as bars — you need the right format for your use case, and a generator. Code 128 handles arbitrary text; EAN-13 and UPC are for retail products.
Steps
- Open the barcode generator and pick a format (Code 128 is the safe default for internal use).
- Type the data — text, SKU or number. Retail formats validate digit count and checksum automatically.
- Download as PNG for documents or SVG for print-quality scaling.
Which format do you need?
| Format | Data | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Any text/numbers | Internal tracking, logistics, IDs |
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Retail products (worldwide) |
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Retail products (US/Canada) |
| Code 39 | A–Z, 0–9 | Legacy industrial systems |
| ITF-14 | 14 digits | Carton/case packaging |
Selling products? One caveat
You can generate an EAN/UPC image for free, but the number itself must be assigned by GS1 if the product sells in real stores — retailers scan against the GS1 registry. For internal inventory, any number you invent works fine.
Tools used in this guide
Related guides
How to make a barcode — FAQ
Yes — generating the image is free in your browser. Only official retail numbers (EAN/UPC) require a paid GS1 registration.