A barcode is the difference between a product that scans at any POS and one that gets typed in by hand — or refused by a distributor. This generator creates print-ready barcodes in the formats Indian retail actually uses: EAN-13 for packaged goods, UPC-A for exports to the US, Code 128 for internal SKUs, cartons and courier AWBs, ITF-14 for outer cases, and Code 39 for older systems. It renders at high resolution as PNG or SVG, in single labels or sheets, with human-readable digits and correct check digits, entirely in your browser.
Which format do you need?
| Format | Use | Digits |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | Retail products sold through modern trade, marketplaces, distributors | 13, with GS1 prefix (890 for India) |
| UPC-A | Products for US retail | 12 |
| Code 128 | Internal SKUs, shelf labels, cartons, AWB numbers, ID cards | Any length, alphanumeric |
| ITF-14 | Shipping cases containing EAN-13 items | 14 |
| Code 39 | Legacy warehouse and inventory systems | Alphanumeric, lower density |
| QR | Links and payments — use the URL QR or UPI tools | — |
A real EAN-13 for sale through Amazon, Flipkart, Reliance or DMart must come from a GS1 India company prefix (₹4,000–12,000 a year plus a one-time fee, depending on the number of codes). For internal use — your own shop's inventory, a Meesho listing without brand registry, a kirana's shelf labels — any unique number encoded as Code 128 or a self-assigned EAN-13 works. The trade-offs and registration steps are in Barcodes for your products: EAN-13 vs Code 128, GS1 India.
How to use the generator
- Choose the format. For EAN-13 enter 12 digits and the tool computes the 13th (check digit), or paste all 13 to validate.
- Set size — width of bars (X-dimension), height, quiet zone — and whether to print the digits beneath.
- Add a product name and price line if you want a full label; for grids, set columns and rows for A4 sheets or 50 × 25 mm thermal labels.
- Download PNG (300 dpi) or SVG (vector, any size) or print directly.
- Scan the printout with the barcode & QR scanner before printing a thousand.
Printing rules that make barcodes scan
- Size: EAN-13 nominal is 37.29 × 25.93 mm; do not go below 80% magnification. Code 128 needs an X-dimension of at least 0.25 mm on office printers.
- Quiet zone: leave at least 10× the X-dimension of blank space on each side; the generator adds it.
- Contrast: black on white or a very light background; never red bars (scanners see red as white).
- Print quality: laser or thermal transfer; inkjet bleeds. Matte labels over glossy.
- Placement: on a flat surface, not across a seam or curve; for pouches, the back lower third.
Labels and compliance
Packaged goods must also carry MRP, net quantity, manufacturer details, date and (for food) FSSAI number and veg/non-veg mark; the barcode is not a legal substitute for any of them. The price tag generator produces the MRP/offer label, and the FSSAI label checklist is in FSSAI rules for small food businesses.
Related tools
- Barcode & QR scanner — verify your printed codes.
- Price tag generator — MRP and offer labels with barcodes.
- Shipping label generator — Code 128 AWB labels for parcels.
- Staff ID card creator — ID barcodes for attendance.
- Seller pricing workflow — before you list the product.