Instantly generate and download high-resolution barcodes for retail products, inventory management, and shipping. Supports UPC, EAN, and Code 128 formats.
Barcode Generator
Instantly generate verifiable, high-resolution retail barcodes locally. Download locally with zero server-side tracking.
Encoder Settings
Locally Generated
Your data sequences are converted directly inside your browser visually. No backend server ever reads or stores your inventory SKU values.
Live Preview Render
Understanding Barcode Formats
Not all barcodes are created equal. The specific pattern of black and white vertical lines you need depends entirely on where and how your product is being sold or tracked. Our free generator supports the big three industry standards:
Code 128
The logistics standard. Unlike retail codes, Code 128 is high-density and supports both numbers and letters. It is exclusively used for internal inventory tracking, shipping labels, and warehouse management.
UPC-A
The North American retail standard. If you are selling a product in a physical store in the USA or Canada, you must use a rigid 12-digit numeric UPC barcode. No letters allowed.
EAN-13
The Global retail standard. Used primarily in Europe and outside of North America. It operates identically to a UPC but requires a strict 13-digit numeric structure.
Getting a GS1 Company Prefix
It is critical to note that while our tool will freely generate the visual graphic of a barcode, you cannot simply invent a random 12-digit number and put it on a product to sell at Target or Walmart.
To sell in major retail supply chains, you are legally required to purchase a unique "Company Prefix" directly from GS1 (Globe Standard 1). This ensures your product's barcode doesn't accidentally overlap with a can of Coca-Cola in the global database.
How Do Scanners Work?
A barcode scanner doesn't take a "picture" of the lines. Instead, it emits a red laser. The black lines absorb the laser light, and the white negative spaces reflect the laser back into the scanner's sensor.
This rapid sequence of absorption and reflection is instantly translated into binary code (1s and 0s) which the Point of Sale (POS) system matches to an internal database identifying the item and its price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put letters into my barcode?
Yes, but only if you use the Code 128 format. Retail barcodes (UPC and EAN) are strictly mathematical algorithms that only accept numbers. Code 128 accepts the entire ASCII character set, making it perfect for custom internal SKU naming conventions (e.g. "SHOE-RED-XL").
Are generated barcodes completely free to use?
Yes. Once you have your valid numerical sequence (either a GS1 sequence you purchased, or an internal string you invented for your own warehouse), using this framework to actually generate the high-resolution visualization block and downloading the PNG is 100% free with no royalties or limits.
The tools and calculators provided on The Simple Toolbox are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice. While we strive to keep calculations accurate, numbers are based on user inputs and standard assumptions that may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a certified professional (such as a CPA, financial advisor, or attorney) before making significant financial or business decisions.
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