EAN and UPC Barcode Generator

The EAN and UPC barcode generator is a free tool that runs entirely in your browser, with no data ever sent to a server. Create an EAN-13, EAN-8 or UPC-A barcode and export it.

Picking the right format

EAN-13 is the standard for products sold in Europe: thirteen digits, the first two or three naming the body that issued the prefix. EAN-8 is shorter and reserved for packaging too small to carry a full code. UPC-A, with twelve digits, is its North American counterpart: technically, it is an EAN-13 starting with a zero.

What the check digit is for

The last digit is computed from all the others. A scanner that misreads a bar gets an inconsistent check digit and refuses the read rather than returning the wrong product. That is what makes checkout reliable, even on a creased label.

Printing a readable code

A barcode needs a white margin on each side, or the scanner cannot find where it starts. Keep strong contrast, black bars on a white background, and avoid shrinking a module below 0.26 mm in print. Prefer the SVG format: it stays sharp at every size.

What this tool does not do

This tool only produces numeric codes from the EAN and UPC family. It generates neither Code 128, nor Code 39, nor QR codes, nor Data Matrix. It also assigns no prefix: a code meant for retail must come from the GS1 body in your country.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make up a barcode for my product?

For internal use, yes: stock labelling, inventory, workshop sheets. For selling in shops, no: the prefix has to be issued by GS1, otherwise your code may clash with another manufacturer’s.

Why is my code rejected?

Most often a digit is missing, or the check digit you typed does not match. The tool reports both cases under the field. Also make sure the chosen format matches the length of your code.

Is my data sent to a server?

No: the text you type or paste is processed entirely in your browser, on your device. It is never transmitted to a server.

Do I need an account or an install?

No: the tool works directly on this page, with no sign-up and no installation.