Guides

Barcode types explained: EAN-13, UPC-A and Code 128

Updated 23 October 2026

Tool for this guide: Barcode generator

Short answer: use EAN-13 for retail products sold worldwide, UPC-A for products sold in the US and Canada, and Code 128 for your own labels such as stock, shipping and asset tags. Make any of them free with the barcode generator and download PNG or SVG.

Which barcode?

Check digits

The last digit of an EAN or UPC is a check digit that lets scanners catch misreads. It's worked out from the other digits, so in the generator you can type just 12 digits for EAN-13 (or 11 for UPC-A) and the last one is added. If you type the full number, it's checked.

Getting a product barcode number

Shops only accept product barcodes registered with GS1, the organisation that issues unique numbers in each country. Buy a GS1 company prefix, then make the barcode images here. For your own internal labels, use Code 128 with any code you like.

Printing barcodes that scan

• Dark bars on white. Black on white is safest; avoid red bars.
• Keep the white space (quiet zone) on both sides.
• Don't shrink too far. A standard EAN-13 is about 37 × 26 mm; much smaller may not scan.
• Use SVG for packaging so the bars stay sharp at any size.
• Test it with a phone or the QR and barcode scanner before printing a batch.

Questions

Is the barcode generator free?

Yes, with no watermark or limit.

Can a barcode hold a website address?

Code 128 can, but a QR code is better for links because phones scan it with their camera app.