EAN-13 and UPC barcode generator

Make a retail barcode from your GTIN in your browser. Pick EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8 or ISBN, check the preview, and download a PNG for your packaging.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • Check digit validated before you download
  • Need lots of labels? Use the label generator

Pro Tip

Need hundreds of barcodes? The QR code label generator turns a spreadsheet into print-ready Code 128 or QR labels.

See the label generator →

Generated locally with high precision

EAN-13 or UPC-A: which do you need?

Selling mainly in the US or Canada? Use UPC-A. Selling elsewhere, use EAN-13. Both encode the same kind of number, a GTIN, and US checkouts read both.

FormatLengthUse it for
UPC-A12 digitsRetail products sold in the US and Canada.
EAN-1313 digitsRetail products sold outside North America. US scanners read it too.
UPC-E8 digitsA compressed UPC for small packages, when the number allows it.
EAN-88 digitsSmall packages outside North America.
ISBN13 digitsBooks, using the 978 or 979 Bookland prefix.

Where the barcode number comes from

The digits in a retail barcode are a GTIN, issued by GS1 US in the United States. Retailers and marketplaces check that the number is registered to your brand, so a made-up number can get a product rejected.

This tool draws the barcode for a number you already have. It doesn't issue or register numbers.

Print it so it scans

  • Print at 100% scale. Shrinking a retail barcode below its standard size is the most common reason it won't scan at checkout.
  • Keep the white space on both sides of the bars clear of text and graphics.
  • Use dark bars on a light background. Black on white is safest; red bars don't scan.
  • Test a printed sample with a phone and, if you can, a store scanner before a full run.

The same GTIN, in a QR code

A GS1 Digital Link QR code carries your product's GTIN like a UPC does, and also opens a page with product details, instructions or a verification check. Retailers are preparing checkouts to scan 2D codes, so brands are starting to print both.

GS1 Digital Link guide GS1 Digital Link vs a regular QR code

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?
UPC-A is the 12-digit retail barcode used in the US and Canada. EAN-13 is the 13-digit version used in most other countries. A UPC-A number is an EAN-13 number with a leading zero, and scanners at US checkouts read both.
Where do I get a barcode number?
From GS1, the not-for-profit body that issues GTINs, the numbers inside retail barcodes. In the US that's GS1 US, which sells single GTINs as well as company prefixes. This tool draws the barcode for a number you already have; it doesn't issue numbers.
Is this barcode generator free?
Yes. Enter your number, check the preview and download a PNG. No sign-up.
Does the tool calculate the check digit?
It validates the number for the format you choose, including the check digit. If a digit is wrong, you'll see an error instead of a barcode, so fix the number before printing.
Can I use a QR code instead of a UPC barcode?
A GS1 Digital Link QR code carries the same GTIN as your UPC, plus a link to product information, and retailers are preparing their checkouts to read 2D codes. Most products today still print the UPC alongside it. Read the GS1 Digital Link guide.
I need hundreds of barcodes. What should I use?
Use the QR code label generator. It turns a spreadsheet into print-ready Code 128 or QR labels with names, SKUs and prices, on Avery sheets or thermal rolls.