Barcode Generator (Free, No Watermark)
Create scannable 1D barcodes instantly: Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, ITF-14 and more — with live preview and free SVG + PNG downloads, all in your browser.
SVG export is free here — no watermark, no paywall. (TEC-IT charges for SVG downloads.)
#000000#ffffffBatch generator
One code per line — each gets its own PNG / SVG download, using the symbology selected above.
Free barcode generator online (no watermark, no signup)
A barcode generator creates scannable 1D barcodes — the striped labels on products, parcels, and warehouse shelves. Pick a symbology, type your text or number, and the barcode renders instantly in your browser. Download it as a crisp PNG or as infinitely scalable SVG, both completely free and watermark-free. Your SKUs and product codes never leave your device.
TL;DR
- Code 128 for general/shipping use, EAN-13 for retail products worldwide, UPC-A for US/Canada retail.
- Enter 12 digits for EAN-13 and the check digit is calculated automatically.
- Download SVG for print (stays sharp at any size), PNG for screens.
- Generators draw the bars — real retail product numbers must be licensed from GS1.
Which symbology should you use?
| Symbology | Best for | Characters | Typical length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Shipping, logistics, general use | Full ASCII | Any |
| EAN-13 | Retail products (worldwide) | Digits | 13 (12 + check) |
| EAN-8 | Small retail packages | Digits | 8 (7 + check) |
| UPC-A | Retail products (US/Canada) | Digits | 12 (11 + check) |
| UPC-E | Small US retail items | Digits | 6–8 |
| Code 39 | Industrial, automotive, defense | A–Z, 0–9, - . space $ / + % | Any |
| ITF-14 | Shipping cartons & cases | Digits (even count) | 14 |
| Codabar | Libraries, blood banks, parcels | Digits + - $ : / . + | Any |
| MSI Plessey | Inventory, warehouse shelves | Digits | Any |
| Pharmacode | Pharmaceutical packaging | Number 3–131070 | — |
How the EAN-13 check digit works (worked example)
Take the first 12 digits, for example 590123412345. Add the digits in the odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th…): 5 + 0 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 4 = 17. Add the digits in the even positions and multiply by three: (9 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 5) × 3 = 66. Total: 17 + 66 = 83. The check digit is what brings 83 up to the next multiple of 10 — that is 7. So the complete barcode number is 5901234123457. Enter just the first 12 digits above and this tool does the math for you.
Barcode vs QR code
Barcodes and QR codes solve different problems. A barcode is one-dimensional: information lives only in the widths of vertical bars, so it holds a short identifier — a SKU, a tracking number, a product code. Scanners at checkouts and warehouses read them with cheap laser readers. A QR code is two-dimensional: it stores data both horizontally and vertically, so it can hold URLs, WiFi passwords, or contact cards that any phone camera can open. Rule of thumb: numbering things → barcode; linking phones to something → QR code.
A note on “real” product numbers
This generator draws perfect bars for any valid number — but it does not issue product numbers. The EAN/UPC numbers that ring up at real checkouts come from GS1, the global standards body: you license a company prefix from GS1 and assign product numbers under it, which guarantees no two products on earth share a number. For internal use (warehouse labels, asset tags, event tickets) any number you invent is fine; for retail sale, get a GS1 prefix first.
This generator vs TEC-IT
| Property | This generator | TEC-IT |
|---|---|---|
| Watermark on downloads | None — ever | None on PNG; SVG behind paywall |
| Free SVG export | Yes | Paid |
| Your codes leave the browser | Never — 100% local | Uploaded to their server |
| Check-digit auto-calculation | Yes, with explanation | Yes |
| Batch generation | Yes — one code per line | Limited |
Related image tools
For 2D codes, use ToolsOfWeb's QR Code Generator — free, no watermark, no signup. For print-ready graphics also see the SVG to PNG Converter and the Favicon Generator.
FAQs
How do I generate a barcode for free?+
Pick a symbology above (Code 128 works for most general uses, EAN-13 for retail products), type the text or number, and the barcode renders instantly. Download it as PNG for documents or SVG for print — both are free, with no watermark and no signup.
What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?+
A barcode is one-dimensional: it stores data in the widths of vertical bars and typically holds a short number or SKU (up to a few dozen characters). A QR code is two-dimensional and can hold URLs, WiFi credentials, or paragraphs of text. Use barcodes for product and inventory numbering, QR codes for anything a phone camera should open.
EAN-13 vs UPC-A: which one do I need?+
EAN-13 (13 digits) is the retail standard in Europe, Asia, and most of the world; UPC-A (12 digits) is the standard in the US and Canada. They are compatible — a UPC-A is an EAN-13 with a leading zero. If you sell internationally, use EAN-13.
What is Code 128 and when should I use it?+
Code 128 is a high-density alphanumeric symbology that can encode all 128 ASCII characters. It is the default choice for shipping labels, warehouse management, and general-purpose barcodes when you are not locked into a retail standard like EAN-13.
Is there really no watermark on the downloads?+
Correct — PNG and SVG downloads are completely clean. Some well-known generators (like TEC-IT) put SVG export behind a paywall; here it is free.
More free tools
Want guides and tips? Visit the ToolsOfWeb blog or go back to the homepage.