Free barcode generator
Create a compliant barcode in seconds: choose the symbology, enter the value, Scanou checks the length and calculates the check digit, then you download a crisp file for your label or packaging.
How it works
- 1
Choose the symbology
EAN-13 for a product sold in stores, Code 128 for logistics and internal labels, ITF-14 for cartons: each format is explained in the generator.
- 2
Enter the value
Scanou checks the allowed characters and length, and adds the check digit when it is missing. An invalid value is flagged before generation, not after printing.
- 3
Download
PNG for everyday use, SVG or PDF for your printer: as vectors, the bars stay perfectly sharp at any size.
Which symbology should you choose?
Each barcode family serves a specific purpose. Here are the ones Scanou generates:
- EAN-13: retail products sold in Europe and Africa.
- EAN-8: small packages where an EAN-13 would not fit.
- UPC-A: products sold in North America.
- Code 128: logistics, inventory, internal labels; accepts letters and digits.
- Code 39: industry, automotive, badges; a widely used legacy format.
- ITF-14: cartons and shipping units, not individual items.
- Codabar: laboratories, blood banks, libraries.
- Data Matrix, GS1 Data Matrix, PDF417 and Aztec: two-dimensional symbols for marking small parts, pharmacy, documents and tickets, on the plans that include them.
Barcodes and EAN numbers: what to know before you sell
A generator creates the barcode image, not the number it represents. To sell a product in retail, the GTIN (the number behind an EAN-13) must be assigned by the GS1 organization in your country, which guarantees it is unique worldwide. Scanou then generates the matching barcode, with the right check digit.
For internal use (inventory, stock management, parcel tracking), you are free to number as you like: a Code 128 accepts letters, digits and dashes, for example "STOCK-00125".
Barcodes that read the first time at checkout
A checkout scanner needs three things: sharp contrast (dark bars on a light background), a blank margin on each side of the code, and a sufficient size. Scanou automatically adds the side quiet zone and flags low contrast.
Never stretch or squash a barcode: keep its proportions. For an EAN-13, the nominal size is 37.29 × 25.93 mm, and it can range from 80% to 200%. Use SVG or PDF for your printer.
Generate hundreds of barcodes at once
To label a product range or a stock, bulk generation creates up to several thousand codes from a CSV file or automatic numbering, calculates every check digit and delivers a ZIP of images or a print-ready A4 sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Is the barcode generator free?
Yes, up to 50 codes a month on the free plan, without a watermark. Bulk generation and two-dimensional symbologies are included in the paid plans.
Does Scanou provide official EAN numbers?
No. To sell a product in retail, the GTIN must be assigned by the GS1 organization in your country. Scanou generates the barcode for that number, with the correct check digit.
What is a check digit?
It is the last digit of an EAN, UPC or ITF-14. It is calculated from the other digits and lets the scanner detect a misread. If you enter 12 digits for an EAN-13, Scanou calculates and adds the 13th.
What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
A barcode is linear and mostly holds an identifier of a few digits, read by checkout scanners. A QR code is two-dimensional, holds much more information and is read with a smartphone camera.
Ready to create your codes?
Create a free account in under a minute, no credit card required.
Create my barcode for free