Understanding Barcode Types and Applications
Selecting the correct barcode format depends on your industry, the item being labeled, and where the barcode will be scanned. This generator supports nine distinct barcode types, each suited to specific operational requirements:
- Code 128: A highly versatile format that encodes any letters, digits, or symbols. It is ideal for general-purpose tracking, including SKUs, tracking numbers, and asset IDs. It is best kept short to maintain scannability.
- EAN-13: The standard 13-digit retail barcode used globally on consumer products.
- EAN-8: A shorter 8-digit retail barcode designed specifically for small retail packaging where a full EAN-13 code does not fit.
- UPC-A: The standard 12-digit barcode used for retail products in North America.
- Code 39: A format that encodes capital letters, digits, and a limited set of symbols (
-,.,$,/,+,%, or space). It is commonly used for asset tags and does not require a check digit. - ITF-14: A 14-digit barcode used on shipping cartons and outer transit cases.
- Codabar: A specialized format encoding digits and symbols (
-,$,:,/,.,+) wrapped in start and stop letters A–D (for example,A40156B). It is primarily used by libraries and blood banks. - MSI: A numeric-only format used widely for warehouse and inventory shelf labels.
- Pharmacode: A specialized format that encodes a whole number from 3 to 131070, used exclusively on pharmaceutical and medicine packaging.
Input Specifications and Validation Rules
To generate a valid barcode, your input data must conform to the strict rules of the selected format. The maximum input length for any barcode generated by this tool is 256 characters.
| Barcode Type | Allowed Characters | Length Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | Any letters, digits, or symbols | Up to 256 characters (best kept short) |
| EAN-13 | Digits only | 12 digits (check digit calculated) or 13 digits |
| EAN-8 | Digits only | 7 digits (check digit calculated) or 8 digits |
| UPC-A | Digits only | 11 digits (check digit calculated) or 12 digits |
| Code 39 | Capital letters, digits, -, ., $, /, +, %, space |
Up to 256 characters |
| ITF-14 | Digits only | 13 digits (check digit calculated) or 14 digits |
| Codabar | Digits, -, $, :, /, ., +, wrapped in start/stop letters A–D |
Up to 256 characters |
| MSI | Digits only | Up to 256 characters |
| Pharmacode | Whole numbers only | A value from 3 to 131070 |
If you switch barcode types while the data field is empty, the tool automatically populates the field with an example value for the newly selected format. If you enter data that is too long, the interface displays the error message: "That is too long for a scannable barcode. Keep it under {max} characters.". If the input data contains invalid characters or violates the format rules, the tool displays: "That is not a valid {format} value — check the format hint above.". Any empty, excessively long, or invalid data will immediately clear the barcode preview and disable the download buttons.
The Role of Check Digits in Barcode Accuracy
For the EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ITF-14 formats, accuracy is maintained through a trailing check digit. This tool simplifies the creation process by handling this calculation automatically.
You can input just the core data digits (12 digits for EAN-13, 7 digits for EAN-8, 11 digits for UPC-A, or 13 digits for ITF-14), and the tool calculates and appends the correct check digit for you. Alternatively, if you enter the full-length code including your own check digit, the tool verifies the digit against the standard calculation formula rather than recalculating it. This ensures that any pre-existing codes are validated for accuracy before you print them.
Customizing Barcode Appearance
You can modify the visual properties of your barcode to match your labeling requirements:
- Bar color: Accepts hex color codes in the
#RRGGBBformat. - Background: Accepts hex color codes in the
#RRGGBBformat. If an invalid color value is entered, the tool automatically reverts to standard black for the bars and white for the background. - Bar width: Adjusts the thickness of the individual bars using a scale from 1 to 4.
- Height: Sets the vertical dimension of the bars from 40 to 200 pixels.
- Show text under the bars: A toggle switch that allows you to display or hide the human-readable text representation beneath the barcode.
Choosing Between SVG and PNG Formats
When your barcode is generated, you can download it in two different file formats depending on your final application:
- SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): This is a vector format, meaning the image is defined by mathematical lines rather than pixels. It can be scaled to any size without losing sharpness or clarity. SVG is the recommended format for physical printing, as it ensures the bars remain perfectly crisp at any print resolution.
- PNG (Portable Network Graphics): This is a raster image format best suited for digital screens, web pages, and standard office documents. To prevent pixelation and ensure scannability when placed in documents, the tool renders PNG downloads at three times the displayed preview size.
Browser-Based Processing and Privacy
This tool runs entirely within your web browser. When you enter data and customize the appearance, the conversion into a barcode image happens locally on your device. No data is uploaded to BroBroGo, ensuring your information remains private and never leaves your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which barcode type should I pick? Code 128 handles any short code — SKUs, tracking or asset numbers. EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A are for retail products. ITF-14 goes on shipping cartons, Code 39 on asset tags, Codabar in libraries and blood banks, MSI on warehouse shelf labels, and Pharmacode on medicine packaging.
Do I have to work out the check digit? No. For EAN, UPC and ITF-14 you can type just the data digits and the final check digit is calculated for you. Enter the full-length code instead and it is verified rather than recalculated.
Will these barcodes actually scan? Yes, as long as you keep good contrast, leave the quiet space either side, and do not shrink them too far. Download SVG for print so the bars stay crisp at any size; PNG is fine for screens and documents.