1D and 2D formats, explained
Barcode types — which one do you actually need?
Compare the barcode formats this site generates for free, grouped by linear and 2D symbols. Pick one below to jump straight to its generator.
1D · linear barcodes
One row of bars — the format most people mean by "barcode"
Code 128
High-density alphanumeric — general logistics
Code 39
Simple alphanumeric — legacy inventory systems
EAN-13
Retail point-of-sale — global product ID
UPC-A
North American retail scanning
ITF-14
Case and carton-level shipping
GS1-128
Supply chain data — batch, date, quantity
EAN-8
Compact retail code for small packaging
UPC-E
Zero-suppressed UPC for small packages
Codabar
Legacy code for libraries, blood banks, and logistics
Interleaved 2 of 5
Numeric-only 1D code for legacy cartons and warehouse systems
2D · matrix and stacked barcodes
A grid or stacked rows for larger payloads
Got more than one to make? · free preview live
Any format above, from a spreadsheet or a pasted list
Every generator on this page is free for one barcode at a time. If you're turning a whole product catalog or shipment into barcodes, these are built for that instead.
Bulk Barcode Generator
For recurring, large-scale catalogs
Batch Barcode Generator
For a single, one-off production run
Barcode Generator from Excel
Upload .xlsx directly
Barcode Label Generator
Design labels, not just images
Printable Barcode Generator
Optimized for the printed page
Multiple Barcode Generator
Several barcodes from a pasted list — no spreadsheet needed
Verifying a check digit instead of generating a barcode? Use the check digit calculator.
Pricing
Free today. Pay once to export bulk batches.
No subscriptions, ever. Every format above is free to generate individually — bulk preview and paid export are live now too.
Free lets you preview the first 20 rows of a spreadsheet. One Batch or Pro exports the complete file.
- Unlimited individual generation
- All available barcode formats
- Free PNG, SVG, and PDF downloads
- Bulk preview: up to 20 spreadsheet rows
- No signup, no watermark
Best for one-time use
- Export one CSV/Excel job, up to 20,000 rows
- PNG and SVG ZIP
- Printable label PDF
- Custom filenames
Doing this once? Choose One Batch.
Best if you'll export more than once
- Unlimited bulk exports, up to 20,000 rows each
- SVG and high-res PNG
- ZIP and print-ready PDF
- Custom filename templates
- Saved local presets
- Works on any of your devices
Expect another batch later? Pro pays for itself after 10 exports.
One-time payment, never a subscription. Your license works on any of your devices — enter your license key to unlock. Any applicable tax is calculated at checkout.
FAQ
Barcode type questions
A 1D barcode uses a row of bars, as Code 128 and Interleaved 2 of 5 do. A 2D code uses a matrix or stacked rows to hold more data: Aztec and Data Matrix are matrix symbols, while PDF417 is stacked. A traditional 1D laser scanner cannot read these 2D codes; use a compatible imager.
It depends on what you're identifying and how much data you need to encode. Retail products almost always use EAN-13 or UPC-A. Internal SKUs and warehouse labels commonly use Code 128. Small parts or medical devices with limited label space often use Data Matrix. If you're not sure, Code 128 is the most broadly compatible general-purpose choice.
Yes — every format on this page has a free, unlimited, browser-based generator on this site. Uploading a spreadsheet to generate hundreds or thousands at once, or exporting print-ready label sheets, are the paid features; generating one barcode at a time is free for every format shown here.
No — this generates the barcode image or symbol for a number you already have or supply. Official GTIN/UPC/EAN numbers for retail sale are issued by GS1 or another authorized body, not by encoding a number into a barcode image.
Know which format you need? Generate it free.
Every format above, free and unlimited. Need hundreds or thousands at once? One batch is $4.99, or $49 for unlimited exports.