Which symbology should I pick?

Use Code 128 for general alphanumeric SKUs, UPC-A for North American retail cartons, and EAN-13 for global retail items. The wrong symbology will fail at the register or scanner.

What print resolution do I need?

Target at least 300 DPI for labels smaller than two inches, and verify module width against your printer dots. Low resolution causes misreads at checkout.

How far away will scanners read?

Read range grows with bar height and module width. For handheld users, test the finished label at the distance cashiers or pickers will actually use.

What is a quiet zone?

Quiet zones are blank margins before and after the bars. Trimming them off in design tools is a common reason scanners fail — keep margins intact.

Can I colour the bars?

High contrast matters more than hue. Use dark bars on a light background; avoid reversed colours unless your scanner vendor confirms support.

Does this replace GS1 registration?

No. Retail GTINs must be allocated through GS1; this tool only renders the bars for a number you already own.

Are barcodes unique forever?

Uniqueness is a business rule: assign codes from your authoritative system. Regenerating the same value reproduces the same bars.

Rendering happens in your browser; values are not sent to QuickCalci servers.

Barcode Generator

Generate Live

Generate Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A and other 1D barcodes.

About this tool

Barcode Generator — Generate Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A and other 1D barcodes. Free, fast and private. Runs entirely in your browser at Quick Calci Tools.

Examples

Common scenarios for the Barcode Generator.

Code 128 for SKU

symbology: code128
value: SKU-40912

Scannable linear barcode for warehouse labels.

EAN-13 retail

symbology: ean13
value: 5901234123457

GTIN-style barcode for packaging artwork.

Who uses the Barcode Generator?

Common scenarios and audiences for this tool.

Small retailers

Produce UPC or EAN artwork for private-label goods before sending files to a print shop.

Warehouse teams

Print Code 128 labels for totes, pallets, and return merchandise authorizations.

Event staff

Encode short ticket tokens or batch IDs for badge printers that only read 1D symbologies.

Hardware makers

Embed serial numbers in quick reference cards shipped with devices.

Students & makers

Learn how module patterns map to ASCII payloads without installing desktop barcode suites.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the Barcode Generator.