UPC for retail
To sell in stores or on Amazon, Walmart and other marketplaces, you need official GS1 numbers, licensed from GS1 US. Made-up numbers can collide with other products. Once you have your number, the generator creates the matching barcode image.
Code 128 for inventory
Code 128 handles letters, digits and symbols. It is ideal for warehouse locations, inventory and asset tags, serial numbers, file folders and library labels. Using your own numbers is no problem here.
Print it right
Dark bars on a light background, a clear margin on the left and right, and not too small. SVG is ideal for print shops and label printers because the bars stay perfectly sharp.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make up my own UPC number?
Not for retail. Stores and marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart require official GS1 numbers, which you license from GS1 US. This generator creates the barcode image for a number you already have. For internal use such as inventory or asset tags, you can use your own numbers, ideally with Code 128.
Which format should I choose?
UPC-A for retail products in the US and Canada, EAN-13 for products sold in Europe and most other countries, ITF-14 for shipping cartons, and Code 128 for inventory, asset tags and shipping labels with letters and digits.
How big should a barcode be printed?
A UPC-A barcode is about 1.47 × 1.02 inches at 100 % size. Do not print it smaller than 80 %. Keep a light quiet zone on the left and right, and print dark bars on a light background.
What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
A barcode stores a short number and is read by checkout scanners. A QR code stores links, WiFi details or contacts and is scanned with a phone camera. For customers, a QR code is usually the better choice.