How to make a barcode
- Choose a barcode type: Code 128 for your own labels, or EAN-13, UPC-A or EAN-8 for product numbers.
- Enter your text or digits. For EAN-13, type 12 digits and the check digit is added, or 13 to have it checked.
- Adjust the bar height and width until it suits your label.
- Download as SVG for printing, or PNG for documents and screens.
A barcode image is not a product number
This tool draws the barcode for whatever number you give it. It does not give you a registered number. If you want to sell through UK supermarkets, chains or most online marketplaces, you will normally need barcode numbers licensed to your business by GS1 UK, the body that manages them here. Made up EAN numbers can clash with real products and are likely to be rejected.
Once GS1 has given you your numbers, you can use this generator to produce the artwork. For anything that stays inside your business, such as stock locations, asset tags, library cards or parcel labels, Code 128 is the better choice and needs no registration.
Which barcode type to use
- Code 128: letters, numbers and symbols in a compact barcode, used for shipping labels, stock and asset tags
- EAN-13: the 13 digit number on most retail products in the UK and Europe
- UPC-A: the 12 digit version used mainly in the US and Canada
- EAN-8: a shorter 8 digit code for small packs where EAN-13 will not fit
For print, download the SVG. It stays sharp at any size, while a PNG can blur when stretched, and a blurry edge is a common reason scanners fail. Leave a clear white margin either side of the bars and print dark bars on a light background.
How the EAN-13 check digit works
The last digit is a check that catches most typing and scanning mistakes. Take the first 12 digits and multiply them by 1 and 3 alternately, starting with 1 on the left. Add the results, then find the number you would need to add to reach the next multiple of 10. That is the check digit, and it is 0 if the total is already a multiple of 10.
For 400638133393 the weighted total is 89, so the check digit is 1 and the full number is 4006381333931.
Questions people ask
Can I sell products using a barcode from this tool?
Only if the number itself is yours. Retailers normally expect numbers licensed from GS1 UK. The tool makes the image, not the registration.
Should I download PNG or SVG?
SVG for anything printed, because it scales without blurring. PNG is fine for putting into a document or on screen.
Why does my EAN-13 say the check digit is wrong?
If you enter 13 digits, the tool checks the last one against the other 12. A mismatch usually means a digit has been mistyped or swapped.
What can Code 128 hold?
Upper and lower case letters, numbers and common symbols, so it suits references like SKU-0042 or an asset number.
Why will my printed barcode not scan?
Common causes are bars printed too small or blurry, too little white space either side, or low contrast. Try printing larger from the SVG.