Skip to main content
Business

Barcode Generator Guide: Create UPC, EAN, Code 128 & More

Learn about different barcode types and create barcodes for free. Perfect for products, inventory, and shipping labels.

January 27, 20268 min readBy Tovlix Team

Understanding Barcodes


Barcodes are machine-readable representations of data. They're essential for retail, inventory management, shipping, and more.


Common Barcode Types


UPC-A (Universal Product Code)

  • Format - 12 digits
  • Used for - Retail products in North America
  • Example - Found on almost every product at grocery stores

  • Structure:

  • First digit: Number system
  • Next 5: Manufacturer code
  • Next 5: Product code
  • Last digit: Check digit

  • EAN-13 (European Article Number)

  • Format - 13 digits
  • Used for - Retail products worldwide
  • Example - International product identification

  • Similar to UPC-A but with:

  • Country code prefix
  • Global compatibility

  • Code 128

  • Format - Variable length alphanumeric
  • Used for - Shipping, logistics, inventory
  • Example - FedEx, UPS tracking labels

  • Advantages:

  • Supports full ASCII
  • High data density
  • Very reliable scanning

  • Code 39

  • Format - Variable length alphanumeric
  • Used for - Industrial, government, healthcare
  • Example - Military, automotive parts

  • Features:

  • Self-checking
  • Wide adoption
  • Easy to implement

  • QR Code

  • Format - 2D matrix
  • Used for - Marketing, mobile payments, links
  • Capacity - Up to 4,296 characters

  • Try our QR Code Generator!


    Generate Barcodes Free


    Use our Barcode Generator to create:

  • UPC-A codes
  • EAN-13 codes
  • Code 128
  • Code 39
  • ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)

  • Features:

  • Instant generation
  • Download as PNG/SVG
  • Print-ready quality
  • No watermarks

  • Choosing the Right Barcode


    For Retail Products

    Use UPC-A (US) or EAN-13 (International)

  • Required by most retailers
  • Scannable at checkout
  • Linked to product databases

  • For Internal Inventory

    Use Code 128 or Code 39

  • Flexible length
  • Alphanumeric support
  • Cost-effective (no registration)

  • For Shipping Labels

    Use Code 128

  • Industry standard
  • High reliability
  • Supports tracking numbers

  • For Consumer Interaction

    Use QR Codes

  • Smartphone scannable
  • Links to websites
  • Marketing campaigns

  • Barcode Registration


    Do You Need to Register?


    Yes, for retail:

  • UPC codes require GS1 membership
  • EAN codes need country-specific registration
  • Prevents duplicate codes

  • No, for internal use:

  • Code 128 for inventory
  • Code 39 for assets
  • No registration needed

  • GS1 Registration

  • US: gs1us.org
  • UK: gs1uk.org
  • Global: gs1.org

  • Best Practices


    Printing Barcodes


    Size matters:

  • UPC-A: Minimum 0.75" x 0.5"
  • Code 128: Minimum 0.5" height
  • Adequate quiet zones (white space)

  • Quality:

  • High resolution (300+ DPI)
  • Good contrast (black on white)
  • No distortion

  • Testing:

  • Always test scan before mass printing
  • Use multiple scanner types
  • Check from various angles

  • Barcode Placement


    On products:

  • Flat surface
  • Not on curves/seams
  • Away from edges

  • On packages:

  • Bottom third
  • Avoid corners
  • One barcode visible at all times

  • Common Mistakes


    1. Wrong Barcode Type

    Using internal codes on retail products won't work at checkout.


    2. Poor Print Quality

    Low resolution or smudged prints won't scan.


    3. No Quiet Zone

    Barcodes need white space around them.


    4. Incorrect Size

    Too small = scanning errors.


    5. Wrong Color

    Use dark bars on light background only.


    Barcode vs QR Code


    FeatureBarcodeQR Code
    Dimensions1D (linear)2D (matrix)
    Data capacity~20-25 characters4,296 characters
    Error correctionNone/limitedBuilt-in
    ScanningLaser scannersCameras
    Best forProducts, shippingMarketing, links

    Complete Barcode Tools


  • Barcode Generator - Create barcodes
  • QR Code Generator - Create QR codes
  • QR WiFi Generator - WiFi QR codes
  • QR vCard Generator - Contact QR codes

  • Industry Applications


    Retail

  • Point of sale scanning
  • Inventory management
  • Price verification

  • Healthcare

  • Patient identification
  • Medication tracking
  • Specimen labeling

  • Logistics

  • Package tracking
  • Warehouse management
  • Shipping labels

  • Manufacturing

  • Part identification
  • Assembly tracking
  • Quality control

  • Conclusion


    Barcodes are essential for modern business operations. Create professional barcodes instantly with our free Barcode Generator - no registration required!


    barcodeupceaninventoryretailshipping

    Try Our Free Tools

    Generate passwords, QR codes, invoices, and 200+ more tools - completely free!

    Explore All Tools