Barcode Generator
Generate 1D barcodes in Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, UPC, ITF-14, MSI, Pharmacode, and Codabar formats
Your barcode will appear here.
Type a value and press Enter or click Generate.
About Barcode Generator
The Glutool Barcode Generator creates industry-standard barcodes from numeric or alphanumeric values. It supports popular barcode formats including Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, ITF-14, MSI, Pharmacode, Codabar, and more. Generate barcodes instantly in your browser for labels, inventory systems, product packaging, shipping, and logistics — no software installation or barcode printer required.
Understanding Barcode Formats
Different industries use different barcode symbologies optimized for their specific needs. Code 128 is the most versatile, encoding all 128 ASCII characters and commonly used for shipping labels and logistics. EAN-13 and UPC-A are the standard retail product barcodes found on virtually every product sold in stores worldwide. Code 39 is used in automotive and defense industries. ITF-14 identifies outer cartons and shipping containers. Pharmacode is specific to pharmaceutical packaging. Choosing the right format depends on your industry, data requirements, and scanning equipment.
Supported Barcode Types
- Code 128 — high-density alphanumeric barcode for shipping, logistics, and general-purpose labeling.
- EAN-13 / EAN-8 — European Article Number system used worldwide for retail product identification.
- UPC-A / UPC-E — Universal Product Code used primarily in North America for retail products.
- Code 39 — alphanumeric barcode used in automotive, military, and healthcare industries.
- ITF-14 — 14-digit numeric barcode for identifying trade items at the packaging level.
- MSI / Codabar — numeric barcodes used in inventory, libraries, and blood bank applications.
- Pharmacode — binary barcode used exclusively in pharmaceutical packaging and quality control.
Customization Options
- Bar width — control the width of individual bars for optimal scanner compatibility at your print size.
- Height — adjust barcode height to fit your label dimensions and scanning distance requirements.
- Colors — customize foreground and background colors while maintaining sufficient contrast for scanning.
- Text display — toggle the human-readable value text below the barcode on or off.
- Font size — adjust the size of the text displayed beneath the barcode for readability.
How to Generate a Barcode
- Select format — choose the barcode symbology from the dropdown (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, etc.).
- Enter value — type the numeric or alphanumeric value to encode. Invalid input is flagged instantly.
- Customize — adjust bar width, height, colors, and text display options to match your label requirements.
- Generate — press Enter or click Generate to render the barcode in real-time.
- Export — right-click the SVG barcode to save it as an image, or copy it for use in labels and documents.
Real-World Use Cases
- Generating EAN-13 or UPC-A product barcodes for retail packaging, e-commerce listings, and point-of-sale systems.
- Creating Code 128 barcodes for inventory management, warehouse asset tracking, and shipping labels.
- Producing ITF-14 barcodes for carton identification in logistics and distribution centers.
- Making library book labels, membership cards, or event tickets with scannable Code 39 barcodes.
- Creating internal barcodes for document tracking, equipment tagging, or sample identification in labs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Code 128 and EAN-13?
Code 128 encodes any ASCII character (letters, numbers, symbols) and is used for shipping and logistics. EAN-13 is a 13-digit numeric-only code used internationally for retail product identification.
Can I print these barcodes?
Yes. The SVG output is resolution-independent and prints crisply at any size. Save or copy the SVG for use in label printers, design software, or word processors.
Is this tool free for commercial use?
Yes. Barcodes generated here are free to use for personal and commercial purposes without any restrictions, licensing fees, or attribution requirements.
How do I choose the right barcode format?
Use EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail products, Code 128 for shipping and general labeling, Code 39 for automotive/military, and ITF-14 for outer carton packaging.
What if my input value is invalid?
Each barcode format has specific rules (e.g., EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits). The tool validates your input instantly and displays an error if the value doesn't match the format requirements.