Free Barcode Generator Online — EAN-13, UPC-A, Code128, Code39 & More

Which barcode format do you need?

The right barcode depends entirely on your use case. Retail products sold in stores need a specific format (EAN-13 or UPC-A) so checkout scanners can read them. Internal inventory labels, shipping boxes, and asset tags can use any format — Code128 is the most common choice because it supports all characters and is universally readable.

Barcode format guide

• Code128 — Best all-purpose barcode. Encodes letters, numbers, and symbols. Used in shipping, inventory, and internal labeling.
• EAN-13 — The global retail standard. Found on almost every product sold outside North America. Requires 12 digits (13th is a check digit).
• UPC-A — The North American retail standard. 12-digit product barcode required by US retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
• Code39 — Letters and numbers, widely used in automotive, defense, and government. Older but still supported everywhere.
• ITF-14 — For cartons and outer packaging. Encodes a 14-digit GTIN for pallet-level supply chain tracking.
• EAN-8 — Compact 8-digit barcode for small packaging where EAN-13 is too large.

How to generate a barcode in 3 steps

1. 1Go to safekit.pro/barcode-generator — no account needed.
2. 2Select your barcode format from the dropdown (Code128, EAN-13, UPC-A, etc.), enter your value, and choose colors.
3. 3Download as PNG for digital use or SVG for print-quality output at any size.

For retail products, you must purchase an official GS1 barcode number from gs1.org before using EAN-13 or UPC-A on products sold in stores. SafeKit generates the barcode image — the GS1 number is the actual registered product identifier that retailers require.

PNG vs SVG for barcodes

For digital use (websites, spreadsheets, emails), PNG at 300px width is sufficient. For physical printing on labels, tags, and packaging, always use SVG. SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without pixelation — critical for label printers, which need crisp, razor-sharp lines for reliable scanning. A blurry or pixelated barcode will fail to scan at checkout.

How to create an Amazon FBA barcode

Amazon FBA uses two barcode types: the product's own UPC/EAN barcode, and an Amazon-assigned FNSKU label. For the product barcode (UPC-A or EAN-13), use SafeKit's barcode generator with your registered GS1 number. For FNSKU labels, Amazon generates these in Seller Central — you print and apply them to the product before shipping to the fulfillment center.

Minimum barcode size guidelines for reliable scanning

• Code128: minimum 25mm wide × 10mm tall for handheld scanners
• EAN-13: minimum 37.29mm wide × 26.26mm tall at 100% magnification (GS1 standard)
• UPC-A: minimum 29.83mm wide × 21mm tall
• Code39: minimum 25mm wide, with bar width ratio 2:1 or 3:1
• Always leave at least 3mm of white quiet zone on left and right sides

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