What is an online barcode generator?

An online barcode generator is a web tool that converts your text or numeric data into a barcode image such as EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, Code 128, QR code or Data Matrix. You enter the data, choose the symbology and download the barcode as PNG, SVG or PDF for printing and packaging.

Which barcode type should I choose: EAN-13, UPC, Code 39, Code 128, or QR?

EAN-13 and UPC-A are usually used for retail products that need a GTIN from GS1. Code 39 is common in internal logistics and simple asset labels. Code 128 is compact, supports the full ASCII set and is ideal for shipping labels and inventory barcodes. QR codes and Data Matrix store more data and work well for URLs, manuals and tracking links.

Are free barcode generators safe for commercial use?

Most free barcode generators are safe to use, but you must check each site’s licensing terms. The generated barcode image itself is usually free to print, however the number encoded must follow GS1 rules if you want to sell in retail. Always test your barcode with a scanner before large-scale printing.

Barcode Generator — Best Free Online Tools for EAN-13, UPC, Code 128 & QR

Compare the most useful barcode generator websites for EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, Code 128, ITF-14, QR codes, Data Matrix and more. Filter by 1D / 2D symbology, label templates, bulk creation and download formats (PNG, SVG, PDF) before you generate and print.

EAN-13 / UPC-A Code 39 & Code 128 QR / Data Matrix GS1 & Shipping Labels Free Barcode Generator

Prepare Your Barcode Images for Web & Print

After using a free barcode generator, optimize the images: remove background, compress PNGs and convert to WebP or JPG for faster ecommerce pages, labels and packing slips.

Use ImageConver Tools

Editor’s Top Picks

TEC-IT Online Barcode Generator

1D 2D GS1

Very complete barcode generator for EAN-13, UPC, Code 39, Code 128, ITF-14, GS1-128, QR, Data Matrix and PDF417 with many layout options.

Open

OnlineLabels Barcode Generator

1D Label Templates

Ideal for printing barcodes directly onto label sheets for products, storage bins and shipping boxes.

Open

BarcodesInc Free Barcode Generator

1D Free

Simple online barcode generator focused on Code 39, Code 128, UPC, EAN and common logistics barcodes.

Open

Full Directory of Barcode Generators

Filter by: 1D · 2D · Labels · API · Free

TEC-IT Online Barcode Generator

1D 2D GS1

Supports almost every symbology: EAN-13, UPC, Code 39, Code 128, ITF-14, GS1-128, QR, Data Matrix and PDF417 with printable output.

Open

Aspose Free Barcode Generator

1D 2D API

Browser-based generator plus APIs for .NET and Java; supports EAN, UPC, Code 128, QR, Data Matrix, PDF417 and more.

Open

Barcode-Generator.org

1D 2D Free

Straightforward barcode generator with PNG/SVG output for multiple linear and 2D codes including QR and Data Matrix.

Open

Terry Burton Online Barcode Writer

1D 2D Free

A technical generator based on the Zint library with many niche linear and 2D barcode symbologies supported.

Open

Scandit Barcode Generator

1D 2D API / SDK

Demo generator tied to the Scandit SDK; useful for testing barcodes that will be scanned with enterprise mobile apps.

Open

Scanbot Barcode Generator

1D 2D API / SDK

Web generator designed to showcase Scanbot’s scanning SDK with common retail and logistics codes.

Open

Orca Scan Free Barcode Generator

1D 2D Free Asset Labels

Generate barcodes for asset tracking and pair them with the Orca Scan app for live scanning and spreadsheets.

Open

Morovia Free Online Barcode Generator

1D 2D Free

Focused on Code 128, Code 39, EAN/UPC and several 2D codes, with decent control over size and resolution.

Open

Loftware (NiceLabel) Free Barcode Generator

1D 2D Label Free

Web barcode generator from a label-printing vendor, suitable for compliance labels and shipping stickers.

Open

OnBarcode Online Barcode Generator

1D Dev Tools

Developer-oriented barcode generator plus libraries for adding barcodes into .NET, Java and reporting tools.

Open

Zint Online Barcode Generator

1D 2D Free

Open-source barcode engine with a web UI; useful if you also want to run Zint locally for offline barcode creation.

Open

QRcode Monkey

2D (QR) Free

Specialized QR code generator with custom colors, logos and high resolution downloads for packaging and posters.

Open

Symbology support, size limits and license terms vary by site. Always test generated barcodes with a scanner before printing large batches for retail or logistics.

Quick Compare: Popular Barcode Generators

Site	Symbologies	2D Codes	Label / Bulk	Typical Output
TEC-IT	Most 1D (EAN, UPC, Code 39, Code 128, ITF-14, GS1)	QR, Data Matrix, PDF417	Excel / GS1 options	PNG, SVG, others
OnlineLabels	Common retail & logistics 1D	QR (limited)	Label templates	Print-ready PDFs
BarcodesInc	EAN, UPC, Code 39, Code 128	QR (separate tool)	Single codes	PNG
Aspose	Wide 1D set	QR, Data Matrix, PDF417	API & SDK	PNG, SVG, PDF
Barcode-Generator.org	Core 1D types	QR, some 2D	Single codes	PNG / SVG

Key Features to Look for in an Online Barcode Generator

Symbology coverage: Make sure your barcode generator supports the codes you need: EAN-13 and UPC-A for retail, Code 39 and Code 128 for inventory and shipping, ITF-14 and GS1-128 for cartons, QR code and Data Matrix for 2D data.
Data validation: For retail barcodes, the tool should validate check digits and length so your GTIN, SSCC or GS1 application identifiers are encoded correctly.
Output quality and formats: For packaging and labels, vector formats (SVG, EPS, PDF) produce crisp lines. For ecommerce and web, transparent PNG or WebP images are usually enough.
Label and bulk options: If you generate many barcodes at once, look for CSV import, sequence generation and label templates (A4, Avery, shipping labels).
Integration / API: Developers may prefer an API-driven barcode generator that connects directly to ERP, WMS or ecommerce platforms and creates barcodes automatically.

Applications of Barcode Generators

A flexible barcode generator is used across many industries, from small shops to global supply chains:

Retail & ecommerce: EAN-13 and UPC-A for product packaging, shelf labels and online listings.
Warehousing & logistics: Code 128, ITF-14 and GS1-128 for pallets, cartons, pick lists and shipping labels.
Manufacturing: Work-in-progress labels, serial numbers and component tracking with Code 39 or Data Matrix.
Healthcare & labs: 2D barcodes for sample tubes, medication packs and patient wristbands.
Asset management: QR codes or Code 128 for equipment tags, tools, rental items and IT hardware.
Documents & tickets: PDF417 and QR codes for boarding passes, event tickets and PDF documents.

How to Use an Online Barcode Generator Step by Step

Select the required barcode symbology (for example EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, Code 128 or QR).
Enter the data to encode. For GS1 barcodes, follow the formatted structure and include any necessary check digits.
Adjust size, resolution, quiet zone and orientation so the barcode will fit your label or packaging layout.
Generate a preview and scan the barcode on screen with a hardware scanner or mobile app to confirm readability.
Download the barcode image in PNG, SVG or PDF. Use ImageConver to compress, crop or convert the file if needed.
Place the barcode into your design software or label template and print test samples before full production.

FAQ about Barcode Generators

Do I need permission from GS1 before generating retail barcodes?

Yes. To sell products in retail channels, you normally need a licensed company prefix from GS1 or a reseller. An online barcode generator can draw the symbol, but the GTIN itself must be valid and registered for your brand.

Is there a difference between a barcode image and a barcode font?

Image-based barcode generators output ready-to-print graphics (PNG, SVG, PDF). Barcode fonts convert characters into bars inside text editors, but you must format the data correctly. For most users, an image-based online barcode generator is simpler.

How large should a barcode be for reliable scanning?

Each symbology has recommended dimensions, but in general you should keep bars sharp, avoid excessive scaling and maintain a clear quiet zone around the symbol. Always print a test sheet and verify with the scanners used in your warehouse or store.

List last reviewed: Dec 2025. Always confirm symbology and GS1 rules with your local standards body.