Free barcode generator

EAN-13 is the 13-digit code on retail products in most of the world. The first digits show the country of the company that registered the code, and the next digits identify the company and the product. The last digit is the check digit, which confirms that the scan is right. In the US and Canada, stores use UPC-A, a 12-digit code that's the same number as an EAN-13 starting with 0.

To calculate the check digit, use the first 12 digits of the code. First, add the digits in odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, and so on). Second, add the digits in even positions and multiply that sum by 3. Third, add the two results and see how much is missing to reach the next multiple of ten, and that number is the check digit. For example, 400638133393 gives 89, and 1 is missing to reach 90. The full code is 4006381333931. The generator does the math for you when you type 12 digits.

EAN-13 takes digits only and always has 13 of them, and it's the standard for retail products. Code 128 takes letters, numbers and symbols at any length. It's used for internal codes, SKUs (internal product codes) and stock or shipping labels. If the product will be sold in other stores, use EAN-13. For internal tracking, either one works.

Yes, if you use the code only in your own store. Codes that start with 2 (20 to 29) are reserved for in-store use, so they don't clash with registered products. Just avoid the range your scale uses for the labels on weighed items. To sell through retail chains or marketplaces that require a barcode, you need a number licensed from GS1 in your country. GS1 assigns your company its own prefix.

Yes, the generator is free and doesn't need an account. You can create as many barcodes as you want and download each one as PNG or SVG. You can also print the label sheet from your browser.

After you generate the code, choose how many labels you want on the sheet and click Print label sheet. The sheet prints on A4 paper in three columns, and you can cut along the dashed lines or use adhesive paper. For labels with the product name and price, use Kyte's label generator.

The standard EAN-13 size is about 37 × 26 mm. You can shrink it to about 80% of that size, or about 30 mm wide, and most scanners will still read it. Print black on white and don't stretch the image. Also keep the white margin on both sides.

In the Kyte app, add the product with its barcode number. When you sell, point your phone camera at the code, and the product goes into the order without a separate scanner.