Free Barcode Generator & QR Code Tools
Make a barcode or a QR code in a few seconds, then download or print it. It all happens in your browser, so there's no account to create and nothing gets uploaded.
Letters, numbers and standard symbols. Up to 80 characters.
Your barcode will appear here.
Your barcode data is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to our server.
Size and appearance
The blank margin (quiet zone) is never smaller than 10 times the bar width, so the barcode stays scannable.
What is a barcode?
A barcode is a pattern of bars and spaces that a scanner can read in a split second. What it holds is usually just a number or a short bit of text, like a product code or a tracking reference.
They save time and cut out typing mistakes. The barcode is only a label, really: the scanner reads the number, and software does the rest, looking up the product, price or parcel it belongs to.
How does a barcode work?
Each character is drawn as its own sequence of dark bars and light gaps. The scanner sweeps a beam of light across them, notes where light bounces back and where it's absorbed, and turns the widths of the bars and gaps back into characters.
Most formats also carry a check digit worked out from the rest of the number. If a scan or a typed number doesn't match it, it's rejected rather than quietly giving you a wrong answer.
How to create a barcode
- Pick a barcode type. The generator shows what each type accepts.
- Enter your data. You'll see the barcode update as you type, and clear messages if something needs fixing.
- Adjust the size or colours if needed. Open “Size and appearance” to change bar width, height, margin or colours.
- Download or print. Choose PNG, SVG or Print. Scan a test print before you use it at volume.
Want more detail on the options? The full barcode generator page explains sizing, printing and file formats. Need a QR code instead? Try the QR code generator.
Barcode types
Seven formats are available, each with its own validation and check-digit rules.
- Code 128 GeneratorFlexible barcode for shipping, logistics and inventory.
- EAN-13 GeneratorThe standard 13-digit barcode for retail products.
- EAN-8 GeneratorA short 8-digit barcode for small retail packages.
- UPC-A Generator12-digit retail barcode used mainly in North America.
- UPC-E GeneratorA compact version of UPC-A for very small packages.
- Code 39 GeneratorSimple letters-and-numbers barcode for industrial labels.
- ITF-14 Generator14-digit barcode for cartons, cases and shipping packaging.
Which barcode should I use?
Use whichever format your retailer, courier or software asks for. If nobody has told you, this table shows the usual choices.
| Barcode | Common use | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Logistics, shipping, inventory and asset tags | Letters, digits and symbols |
| EAN-13 | Retail products, books | 13 digits |
| EAN-8 | Small retail packages | 8 digits |
| UPC-A | Retail products, mainly in North America | 12 digits |
| UPC-E | Very small retail packages in North America | 6 compressed digits |
| Code 39 | Industrial labels, ID badges, older systems | Capital letters, digits and a few symbols |
| ITF-14 | Cartons, cases and shipping packaging | 14 digits |
For your own stock, labels or documents, a Code 128 barcode is a flexible default. For retail products, the numbers must be issued to your business (see the FAQ below).
QR code tools
Make a QR code for a link, some text, your Wi-Fi, a contact card, an email or a WhatsApp chat. Or scan one with your camera.
- QR Code Generator GeneratorCustom QR codes for links, Wi-Fi, contacts and more, with colours, logos and stickers.
- URL QR Code GeneratorTurn any web address into a QR code.
- Wi-Fi QR Code GeneratorLet guests join your Wi-Fi by scanning a code.
- vCard QR Code GeneratorShare your contact details with one scan.
- Text QR Code GeneratorEncode plain text, notes or codes in a QR code.
- Email QR Code GeneratorOpen a ready-to-send email with a scan.
- WhatsApp QR Code GeneratorStart a WhatsApp chat with a scan.
- QR Code ScannerScan a QR code with your camera or from an image.
Barcode or QR code?
Barcodes are usually one-dimensional: the data runs along a single line of bars. They're compact, quick to scan and the standard for products, stock and shipping. A typical one holds a short number or a few characters.
QR codes are two-dimensional: the data sits in a square grid of tiny blocks. They can hold longer things like web addresses and contact details, and they scan from any angle.
Neither one wins every time. If a system expects a product number, use the matching barcode. If you want people to open a link or join your Wi-Fi from their phone, a QR code makes more sense.
Related tools
Explore the dedicated generator pages or jump straight to a popular tool.
- Barcode GeneratorCreate, preview and download barcodes in seven formats.
- QR Code Generator GeneratorCustom QR codes for links, Wi-Fi, contacts and more, with colours, logos and stickers.
- EAN-13 GeneratorThe standard 13-digit barcode for retail products.
- Wi-Fi QR Code GeneratorLet guests join your Wi-Fi by scanning a code.
Frequently asked questions
What is a barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable pattern of bars and spaces that represents data such as a product number or a tracking code. A scanner reads the pattern and passes the data to a computer system.
Which barcode should I use?
It depends on what you are labelling. Retail products use EAN-13 or UPC-A; shipping, inventory and tags usually use Code 128; cartons use ITF-14. The table above summarises each format.
Is the barcode generator free?
Yes. The generator is free to use, with no sign-up and no watermark on the barcodes you download. You can read more about the site.
Can I download my barcode?
Yes. You can download a barcode as a PNG image or as an SVG vector file. SVG stays sharp at any size, which makes it a good choice for professional printing.
Can I print the barcode?
Yes. Use the Print button below the preview. For the best results, print at 100% scale without “fit to page” and use black bars on a white background.
Can I also create QR codes?
Yes. The QR code generator makes codes for web links, text, Wi-Fi, contacts, email and WhatsApp, and the QR code scanner reads codes from your camera or an image.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no registration or login, and the generator works in your browser. Our privacy policy explains what information the site handles.
Does generating a barcode give me an official product number?
No. The site creates the barcode image only. It does not issue or register GTIN, UPC or EAN numbers. If you need official product identifiers for retail, obtain them from GS1 through its local member organisation.