What does the Barcode Generator do?
Enter text or digits, choose a barcode type and generate a black-on-white barcode in your browser. Export a scalable SVG or a PNG. EAN-13 and UPC-A accept a complete code or compute the final check digit when it is omitted.
When should you use this tool?
Use this tool for one-dimensional labels and test fixtures. Use QR Code Generator for Unicode text and URLs. For production product labels, confirm identifier assignment, required symbol dimensions and scanning quality separately.
How do you use it?
- Choose the barcode type and enter text, or select Sample for a suitable value.
- Select Run and check the encoded text and barcode preview; keep leading zeroes in product codes.
- Download SVG or PNG. Preserve the white quiet zones and test a printed sample with the intended scanner.
Worked example
Complete an EAN-13 check digit
Input
Type: EAN-13
Digits: 590123412345Output
Encoded digits: 5901234123457
SVG and PNG barcodeThe final 7 is computed from the first 12 digits. Supplying a complete 13-digit code with a wrong check digit produces an error instead of silently changing it.
Common errors and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The product code is rejected. | The digit count or supplied check digit does not match EAN-13 or UPC-A. | Use 12/13 digits for EAN-13 or 11/12 for UPC-A. Keep leading zeroes and remove separators. |
| Text is rejected or a printed barcode does not scan. | Each symbology has a limited character set, and scanning depends on size, contrast and margins. | Use uppercase for Code 39 and printable ASCII for Code 128. Keep the margins and avoid stretching or low-resolution printing. |
Supported behavior and limitations
Maximum 128 characters. Code 128 accepts printable ASCII only; Code 39 accepts uppercase letters, digits, spaces and - . $ / + %. EAN/UPC are digits only. A correct check digit does not prove a product identifier has been assigned or registered. This tool does not certify GS1 compliance, scanner compatibility or print quality. SVG uses vector paths; PNG is a raster export at the generated size.
Standards and implementation references
- bwip-js official repository (opens in a new tab)Local encoders and SVG drawing; MIT library and bundled font/component notices are included in the site license file.
Frequently asked questions about Barcode Generator
Is my input uploaded?
No. Processing happens in a browser Worker. Engine files load from this website; tool input, output, and filenames are not sent to a processing API.
Do I need an account or API key?
No account, API key, or backend processing service is needed.
How do I save a result?
Review the result, then use the Copy or Download control available for that output. Modifying input clears stale results.
What are the limits?
Maximum 128 characters. Code 128 accepts printable ASCII only; Code 39 accepts uppercase letters, digits, spaces and - . $ / + %. EAN/UPC are digits only. A correct check digit does not prove a product identifier has been assigned or registered. This tool does not certify GS1 compliance, scanner compatibility or print quality. SVG uses vector paths; PNG is a raster export at the generated size.
What changed?
Added local processing, explicit size limits, cancellation, worked examples, error explanations, and downloadable results.