Barcode Generator
Generate standards-compliant barcodes in 10 formats — Code 128, EAN-13, UPC, Code 39, ITF-14, MSI, Pharmacode, Codabar, and more. SVG or PNG output. Runs in your browser.
Universal — letters + digits + symbols
How barcode generation works
ToolChop uses JsBarcode (MIT license) to encode your text into the chosen barcode format, then renders it as SVG with standards-compliant bar widths and quiet zones. The SVG is downloadable directly (vector, scales infinitely for print) or rasterized at 2× resolution into a PNG for digital embedding.
Why a local barcode generator matters
Barcodes are usually generated for internal organizational use — employee badges, asset tags for company equipment, custom SKU patterns, shipping labels for confidential goods. The contents often reveal naming conventions, internal ID schemas, and inventory patterns competitors would find useful. ToolChop generates everything in your browser so the data never travels.
Format quick reference
- Code 128 — universal, accepts any printable ASCII (default for most use cases)
- Code 39 — letters + digits, common on asset tags and older systems
- EAN-13 — global retail (13 digits with check)
- EAN-8 — short retail (8 digits)
- UPC-A — US retail (12 digits)
- ITF-14 — shipping cartons (GTIN-14)
- MSI — warehouse / inventory (digits only)
- Pharmacode — pharmaceutical packaging (3–131070 numeric)
- Codabar — libraries, blood banks, FedEx
Frequently asked questions
How do I generate a barcode online for free?
Pick a barcode format (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC, etc.), type the data to encode, and the barcode renders in real time. Adjust appearance with the sliders and download as SVG (vector — scales for print) or PNG (raster — easy to embed in emails and docs). No account, no upload, no daily limit.
Does ToolChop send my barcode data to a server?
No. The barcode generator runs entirely in your browser using JsBarcode (MIT license). The data you encode never leaves your device. This matters because the contents of barcodes (employee IDs, internal SKUs, asset tags, custom shipping codes) are often confidential to your organization.
Why is privacy relevant for a barcode generator?
Barcodes are typically generated for internal organizational use: employee badges, asset-tracking labels for company equipment, custom SKU patterns for products, shipping labels for confidential goods. The contents reveal naming conventions, ID schemas, and inventory patterns competitors would find useful. ToolChop generates everything locally so nothing leaks.
Which barcode format should I use?
Code 128 for general-purpose use (universal, accepts letters and digits, the most common modern format). EAN-13 or UPC for retail products. Code 39 for asset tags and old systems that don't read Code 128. ITF-14 for shipping cartons (GTIN-14). MSI for warehouse inventory. Pharmacode for pharmaceutical packaging. Codabar for libraries, blood banks, and FedEx labels.
What formats does ToolChop support?
Ten formats: Code 128 (and variants A/B/C), Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, EAN-5, EAN-2, ITF, ITF-14, MSI (with checksum variants 10/11/1010/1110), Pharmacode, and Codabar. The format selector tells you what each is used for and shows a valid example.
Why does my EAN-13 / UPC code show 'invalid'?
These retail formats require a specific digit count (13 for EAN-13, 12 for UPC) AND a valid check digit computed from the others. If you type random digits, the check fails. Use the 'Use example' button to populate a valid sample, or paste a real EAN/UPC from a product.
SVG or PNG — which should I use?
SVG for print (business cards, labels, shipping documents) — vector scales to any size without pixelation. PNG for digital embedding (emails, slide decks, web pages) — raster but at 2× resolution for crisp rendering on retina displays. Both are downloadable.
Can I customize the colors and dimensions?
Yes. Bar width (1–6 px per narrowest bar), barcode height (30–300 px), margin around the code, bar color, background color, font size, and whether to show the human-readable value text. All settings preview live.
Will the barcode actually scan with a real scanner?
Yes — JsBarcode generates standards-compliant barcodes (ISO/IEC specifications for each format). Standard retail scanners, phone camera apps, and industrial scanners decode them correctly. For best scan reliability, use the default bar width (2) or larger, keep adequate quiet zone (margin), and use high-contrast colors (black on white is most reliable).
Can I encode my company's product SKUs?
Yes — Code 128 accepts any printable ASCII (letters, digits, hyphens, periods, slashes), so custom SKU patterns work directly. For retail-shelf scanning (UPC, EAN) you need to register codes with GS1, but for internal asset tracking, badges, and warehouse use, any Code 128 string works.
Why use ToolChop instead of an online barcode generator that requires sign-up?
Two reasons. First, no sign-up — ToolChop is just a webpage with no account, no daily limit, no watermark on the output. Second, no upload — your barcode data (often a confidential internal ID or SKU pattern) never leaves your browser. Many free barcode sites upload your input to log queries or upsell premium features.
What's the difference between barcodes and QR codes?
Barcodes (this tool) are one-dimensional — vertical bars of varying widths, encoding 8–30 characters depending on format. QR codes (use our QR Code tool) are two-dimensional — square grids encoding much more data (URLs, vCards, Wi-Fi credentials, hundreds of characters). Both have valid use cases; barcodes are still standard for retail and inventory, QR codes for URLs and complex data.