Barcode Generator

Generate Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A and Code 39 barcodes instantly — download as PNG.

What is it?

A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data encoded as a series of parallel lines and spaces of varying widths. Barcodes are fundamental to modern commerce, logistics, and inventory management — from supermarket shelves to warehouse conveyor belts. Different barcode formats (also called symbologies) are designed for different use cases, each with its own encoding rules and industry applications. This free barcode generator online supports four of the most widely used formats. Code 128 is a high-density, variable-length symbology capable of encoding the full ASCII character set. It is the format of choice for shipping labels, inventory tracking, and logistics across industries worldwide. EAN-13 (International Article Number) encodes exactly 13 digits and is the global standard for retail product labeling — the barcode you see on virtually every product sold in European and international markets. UPC-A (Universal Product Code) encodes 12 digits and is the equivalent standard for North American retail, used on the majority of products sold in the United States and Canada. Code 39 is an older, alphanumeric symbology that encodes uppercase letters, digits, and a small set of special characters; it remains popular in industrial, automotive, and government settings because it is simple to print and scan without specialized equipment. All barcode generation happens entirely in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server — the barcode is rendered directly on an HTML Canvas element and exported as a PNG file from your device. This means your product codes, internal SKUs, and sensitive inventory data stay completely private.

How to use it

Choose your barcode format from the dropdown menu: Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, or Code 39.
Enter the value you want to encode in the text field. Use digits only for EAN-13 (12 digits) and UPC-A (11 or 12 digits). Code 128 and Code 39 accept alphanumeric characters.
Adjust the bar width, height, and foreground/background colors using the available controls to match your branding or label requirements.
The barcode preview updates in real time as you type or change any setting.
Click "Download PNG" to save the finished barcode to your device, ready to use in documents, labels, or packaging artwork.

Why use this tool

Dedicated barcode software typically costs hundreds of dollars per year and requires installation. Online alternatives often demand account registration, limit the number of barcodes you can generate, or add a watermark to the output. This barcode generator online requires none of that. Generation is instant — there is no processing delay because everything runs locally in the browser. The tool supports multiple industry-standard formats so you are not locked into a single symbology. Colors are fully customizable, which is useful for branded packaging where the barcode needs to blend with a specific color scheme while remaining scannable. The downloaded PNG is rendered at 2× pixel density, producing crisp output that remains sharp when printed on labels, packing slips, and product packaging. Because no data ever leaves your device, the tool is safe to use with sensitive internal codes, proprietary SKUs, or confidential logistics data.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Code 128 and EAN-13?

Code 128 can encode any ASCII character — letters, digits, and symbols — and is used for shipping labels, inventory management, and logistics. EAN-13 encodes exactly 13 digits and is the international standard for retail product labeling in Europe and globally, identifying the country of origin, manufacturer, and product.

Do I need to include the check digit for EAN-13?

No. Enter all 12 data digits and the tool automatically calculates and appends the correct check digit, giving you a valid 13-digit EAN-13 barcode.

Can I use these barcodes commercially?

Yes. The barcode formats themselves are open standards that anyone can implement. However, if you need officially registered EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes for retail distribution through major retailers or global supply chains, you should register with GS1 to obtain a legitimate company prefix and ensure your codes are globally unique.

What resolution are the downloaded PNGs?

The canvas renders at 2× pixel density, so the exported PNG is twice the displayed size in pixels. This provides crisp, high-resolution output that remains sharp when printed on product labels, shipping labels, and packaging at standard label printer resolutions.