Selenic Systems

Free barcode generator

Every common barcode type, from Code 128 to EAN-13 and Data Matrix. Download print-quality files, or print a sheet of labels.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • No watermark
  • Codes never expire
  • Made in your browser

Need a different barcode for every item on a list? Use the bulk generator Need an Android sales app for taking orders on the road or at trade shows? See Selenic Orders.

Letters, numbers and symbols. The best all-rounder for labels.

Style
Your barcode
Download

PNG suits documents, slides and websites.

Print a sheet

Each label is about 9.3 × 3.6 cm. Print at 100% scale (turn off “fit to page”). To save a PDF instead, choose “Save as PDF” as the printer.

Supported barcode types

QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ISBN (books), Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Codabar, GS1-128, ITF-14, Interleaved 2 of 5, MSI Plessey, Pharmacode, Royal Mail 4-State (RM4SCC).

Choosing a type

  • Code 128 is the best general choice for labels you make yourself. It’s compact and takes any keyboard character.
  • EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E are for retail products. The check digit is worked out for you, or you can work it out with the check digit calculator.
  • ISBN is for books. The ISBN barcode generator checks your ISBN and adds a price add-on if you need one.
  • ITF-14 and GS1-128 are used on shipping cartons and pallets. The GS1-128 generator builds the data from simple fields, such as batch and expiry date.
  • Data Matrix, QR, Aztec and PDF417 are 2D codes. They hold more data in less space, but need an imaging scanner or a phone camera.

Printing tips

  • Keep dark bars on a light background. Most laser scanners can’t read light bars on a dark background.
  • Leave the white margins either side of the bars. Scanners need them to find the start and end.
  • Print at 100% scale. Stretching a barcode to fit can make it unreadable.
  • Choose SVG for print shops and label software. It stays sharp at any size.

Need a different barcode for every item? The bulk generator takes a pasted list, or two columns from a spreadsheet, and prints a label for each. Making codes for links, Wi-Fi or contact cards? The QR code generator has forms for each.

Frequently asked questions

Which barcode type should I use?

For your own labels (stock, shelves, asset tags, files) use Code 128. It takes letters, numbers and symbols and every scanner reads it. For products sold in shops, retailers expect EAN-13 (or UPC-A in North America). For small items or lots of data, a 2D code like Data Matrix or QR is more compact.

Can I make an EAN or UPC barcode to sell products in shops?

This tool will draw any valid EAN or UPC number, but the number itself has to be licensed from GS1, the organisation that issues retail barcodes. Retailers check that numbers are registered, so don’t make one up for a product you plan to sell.

Is it free for business use?

Yes. There’s no sign-up, no watermark and no limit, and you can use the barcodes for anything, including commercial use.

Why does it say my value is invalid?

Each barcode type only accepts certain characters and lengths. For example, EAN-13 takes 12 or 13 digits and Code 39 takes only capital letters, digits and a few symbols. The hint under the value box explains what the selected type needs.

How small can I print a barcode?

Keep the bars at least 0.25 mm wide for ordinary laser or inkjet printers. In practice that means leaving a linear barcode at least 3 to 4 cm wide for short values. Always keep the white margin on either side, and test a printed copy with your scanner.

Is what I type sent anywhere?

No. Barcodes are drawn in your browser and nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.