Barcode Generator & Scanner: Create & Decode Barcodes Online
Generate commercial-grade Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, and Code 39 barcodes in vector SVG or PNG. Scan physical barcodes in real time using your phone or laptop camera with zero ads.
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How to Generate & Scan Barcodes in 3 Steps
Choose Your Barcode Format
Select Code 128 for general inventory/shipping, EAN-13 for international retail products, or UPC-A for USA/Canada items.
Enter Product SKU or Number
Type your product code. The generator calculates mandatory checksum digits automatically and updates the vector barcode live.
Download Vector SVG or Scan
Download infinite-resolution vector SVGs for commercial packaging, or switch tabs to scan physical barcodes with your camera.
The Complete Technical Guide to Barcode Symbologies
Barcodes are the foundation of modern supply chains, point-of-sale systems, and warehouse logistics. Selecting the proper barcode format ensures universal scanner readability across all retail and industrial equipment.
Code 128: The Modern Logistics Standard
Code 128 is one of the most flexible and dense linear 1D barcodes in existence. It can encode all 128 ASCII characters (including lowercase letters, uppercase letters, punctuation, and numbers). It automatically switches between three internal character sets (A, B, and C) to achieve optimal compactness, making it the primary standard for GS1-128 shipping container labels and Amazon FNSKU inventory.
EAN-13 and UPC-A: Consumer Retail Barcodes
Retail point-of-sale scanners require fixed-length, globally unique GTIN numbers:
- EAN-13 (European Article Number): Used everywhere outside North America. Comprises a 2-to-3 digit country prefix, a manufacturer code, product number, and a final Modulo-10 checksum digit.
- UPC-A (Universal Product Code): The standard 12-digit barcode in the United States and Canada. An EAN-13 scanner can read UPC-A by prepending a leading zero.
- ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5): Encodes 14 digits with thick black outer bearer bars. Specifically designed for corrugated cardboard master cartons where printing ink might bleed.
Why Vector SVG is Essential for Commercial Barcode Printing
Raster image formats (like low-DPI JPEGs or small PNGs) suffer from antialiasing and blurred pixel edges. When printed at retail size, blurred bar edges cause scanners to reject the code. Our generator exports clean, mathematical Vector SVG barcodes with razor-sharp vector lines that scale cleanly from small medicine vials to giant master freight pallets.
Barcode Symbology Comparison & Specification Matrix
Review character limits, checksums, and typical use cases for each supported barcode format:
| Symbology | Data Type | Length | Checksum | Primary Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Full ASCII (Letters, Numbers, Symbols) | Variable | Modulo 103 (Automatic) | Logistics, Shipping, Amazon FBA, Inventory |
| EAN-13 | Numeric digits only | 12 + 1 check digit | Modulo 10 | Global Retail, Supermarkets, POS |
| UPC-A | Numeric digits only | 11 + 1 check digit | Modulo 10 | North America Retail Products |
| Code 39 | Alphanumeric (A-Z, 0-9, space, -.$/+%) | Variable | Optional Modulo 43 | Automotive, US Department of Defense |
| ITF-14 | Numeric digits only | 14 digits | Modulo 10 | Corrugated Cardboard Master Shipping Cases |
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are selling products in major retail stores (like Walmart, Target, or supermarkets) or major e-commerce platforms, you must obtain an authorized GS1 Company Prefix to license official UPC/EAN numbers. For internal inventory, asset tags, or warehouse racking, you can freely generate any Code 128 or Code 39 number at no cost.
EAN-13 requires strictly 12 or 13 numeric digits. If you enter 12 digits, our tool automatically calculates and appends the mandatory 13th Modulo-10 checksum digit. Letters or symbols will trigger an invalid data notice.
Click the "Download PNG" or "Print Label" button. In your printer settings, select 100% scale (disable "fit to page") to ensure the exact black bar dimensions match your thermal printer's native resolution.
Yes! Our scanner leverages the modern browser MediaDevices API and native BarcodeDetector. When prompted, allow camera permissions and point your phone at any barcode label.