Most flexible — text, numbers, IMEI, VIN-style strings

Bar width
Height (px)
Margin (px)

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Barcode generator online

Free barcode generator online. Create barcode images (Code 128, UPC-A, EAN, Code 39)—live preview, PNG download, no signup.

What is a barcode generator?

A barcode generator (barcode maker, barcode creator, or UPC generator) turns text or numbers into a scannable barcode image—the familiar 1D bars used on products, packages, and inventory labels. People search for free barcode generator, barcode image, upc barcode generator, and bar code maker when they need a PNG for print or demos. This free online barcode generator supports Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13/8, UPC-A, ITF-14, MSI, and Codabar with live preview. It is not a QR code tool (/qr-code-generator), does not assign official GS1 company prefixes, and does not generate Data Matrix, PDF417, or Aztec symbols.

Barcode generator features

Create barcode images online with common retail and logistics formats.
  • Multiple symbologies

    Code 128, Code 39, EAN, UPC-A, ITF-14, MSI, and Codabar.

  • Live barcode preview

    Barcode picture updates as you change text, type, size, or colors.

  • Human-readable text

    Toggle the digits/text under the bars for print-ready labels.

  • Size controls

    Bar width, height, and quiet-zone margin for scanners and print.

  • Color & transparency

    Custom bar and background colors, optional transparent background.

  • PNG download

    Export a barcode image for documents, stickers, or web use.

How to create a barcode image

Steps to make a barcode online free.
  1. Pick barcode type

    Choose Code 128 for general text, or UPC/EAN for retail-style numbers.

  2. Enter data

    Type the string or digits to encode. Match length rules for EAN/UPC.

  3. Tune appearance

    Set bar width, height, margin, colors, and whether text shows under the bars.

  4. Download PNG

    Save the barcode picture when the preview looks scannable.

Tips for scannable barcodes

Get reliable barcode pictures for print and scanners.
  • 01

    Keep strong contrast

    Dark bars on a light background scan best.

  • 02

    Leave quiet zones

    Keep enough margin so scanners can find the start and end.

  • 03

    Match the format

    EAN/UPC need the right digit length; use Code 128 for free text.

  • 04

    Official product codes

    Retail UPCs for commerce require GS1 assignment—this tool only draws the image.

  • 05

    Test with a phone

    Scan the downloaded PNG before mass printing labels.

  • 06

    QR for URLs

    Long URLs and vCards belong in QR codes, not linear barcodes.

Barcode generator options compared

How this free barcode maker differs from common tools.
  • Ezgif.com barcode generator

    Huge symbology list including many 2D types and batch ZIP. Server-side generation after submit.

  • Barcode.tec-it / commercial label suites

    Enterprise label designers with printers and GS1 workflows; often paid.

  • QR-only free tools

    Great for matrix codes, but they are not linear barcode image makers.

  • This barcode generator

    Free online 1D barcode images in the browser—Code 128, UPC, EAN, and more—live preview, PNG download, no signup.

When to use a barcode maker

Typical uses for a free online barcode generator.
  • Product label drafts

    Mock UPC or EAN barcode images before print runs.

  • Inventory & serials

    Encode SKUs, serial numbers, or IMEI with Code 128.

  • Shipping cartons

    Generate ITF-14 style numeric barcodes for packaging demos.

  • Documents & slides

    Drop a barcode PNG into PDFs, SOPs, or presentations.

  • Library / logistics demos

    Codabar and Code 39 for classic linear barcode workflows.

  • Quick web assets

    Create a barcode image without desktop design software.

Why use this barcode creator

Benefits of a browser-based barcode generator.
  • Free online

    Barcode generator free—no signup, watermark, or install.

  • Private

    Your data stays in the browser while the barcode image is drawn.

  • Retail-ready formats

    UPC generator and EAN options alongside flexible Code 128.

  • Instant preview

    See the barcode picture before you download.

  • Print-friendly PNG

    High-contrast bars with adjustable quiet zones.

  • Pairs with QR

    Need a matrix code instead? Use /qr-code-generator.

Technical details

How client-side barcode generation works.
Engine
JsBarcode renders linear symbologies onto an HTML canvas.
Formats
CODE128, CODE39, EAN13, EAN8, UPC, ITF14, MSI, codabar.
Output
PNG data URL via canvas.toDataURL.
Validation
Format-specific checks (digit length/check digit rules where required).
Privacy
No server upload—generation stays on-device.
Not included
QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, batch ZIP export.

Sources & References

References on barcode symbologies and browser rendering.
  • A barcode or bar code is a method of representing data in a visual, machine-readable form.
    Wikipedia — Barcode

    Barcode: Linear barcodes encode data as varying-width bars and spaces. This generator draws common 1D formats as PNG images. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode

  • The Universal Product Code is a barcode symbology that is widely used in the United States, Canada, and other countries for tracking trade items in stores.
    Wikipedia — Universal Product Code

    Universal Product Code: UPC-A mode produces a classic retail-style barcode image from numeric input for labels and demos. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Product_Code

  • The Canvas API provides a means for drawing graphics via JavaScript and the HTML canvas element.
    MDN Web Docs — Canvas API

    Canvas API: Barcode modules are painted on canvas for live preview and PNG export. developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Canvas_API

  • Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology defined in ISO/IEC 15417:2007.
    Wikipedia — Code 128

    Code 128: Default format for alphanumeric text, serials, and IMEI-style strings in this tool. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_128

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about this tool—open a question to read more.