Barcode Generator

Generate scannable Code 128 barcodes from any text — SKUs, product codes, tracking numbers. Preview, resize, and download as PNG. Free, private, no signup.

What is the Barcode Generator?

A barcode is a machine-readable pattern of bars and spaces that encodes text — usually a product code, SKU, or tracking number — so scanners can read it in a fraction of a second. Code 128 is the most widely used 1D barcode format: it is compact, reliable, and readable by virtually every scanner ever made. Our free barcode generator online tool draws Code 128 barcodes directly in your browser from any text you type.

Type your code, pick a size, and the tool renders crisp bars with the human-readable text printed underneath, ready to download as a PNG for labels, packaging, tickets, or documents. Because everything runs locally, your product codes and internal SKUs never leave your device. Code 128 handles uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and common symbols — if you need to encode a website link for phones to scan, a QR code is usually the better choice, and we have a generator for that too.

How to use the Barcode Generator

  1. Type or paste the text, SKU, or product code you want encoded — letters, numbers and common symbols all work.
  2. Choose a bar height and width preset. ‘Medium’ suits screen display; ‘Print’ gives thicker bars for labels.
  3. Click Generate Barcode. The tool draws a scannable Code 128 barcode with a human-readable label underneath.
  4. Test-scan it with your phone’s camera or a scanner app before printing in bulk.
  5. Click Download PNG to save the barcode, then place it on your packaging, label or document.

Barcode Generator use cases

Product and inventory labels

Small sellers on Etsy, eBay or Shopify can generate scannable SKUs for inventory without buying label software. Print on plain stickers and scan with any phone.

Barcode Generator use cases

Shipping and asset tracking

Code 128 is the workhorse of shipping labels, library systems and asset tags. Generate one-off barcodes for boxes, equipment or documents in seconds.

Barcode Generator use cases

Tickets and membership cards

Event tickets, loyalty cards and membership IDs often use 1D barcodes because every scanner reads them. Generate codes per attendee or member instantly.

Barcode Generator use cases

Documents and forms

Add barcodes to invoices, receipts or internal forms so they can be scanned into accounting or warehouse systems instead of typed by hand.

Tips

  • Keep codes short when possible. Shorter data means wider bars at the same image width, which scan more reliably.
  • Print at 100 percent scale. Shrinking a barcode below about 1 inch wide makes bars too thin for many scanners.
  • Leave quiet space (blank margin) on both sides of the bars — scanners need it to find the code’s edges.
  • Code 128 cannot encode every character: stick to letters, digits and common punctuation. Accented characters and emoji will be rejected.

Frequently asked questions

Is this barcode generator really free?
Yes. It is completely free with no signup, no watermark and no limits on how many barcodes you generate. Everything runs in your browser, so your codes never leave your device.
What barcode format does this generate?
Code 128, the most widely supported 1D barcode format. It encodes letters, digits and common symbols, and is readable by virtually all barcode scanners, phones and point-of-sale systems.
What characters can I encode?
Letters (A–Z, a–z), digits (0–9) and common symbols like - . $ / + % and space. Accented characters, emoji and control characters are not supported by Code 128 and will be rejected.
Will my phone scan these barcodes?
Most phone cameras read 1D barcodes through the default camera app or a free scanner app. For guaranteed results, test with the actual scanner hardware you will use before printing hundreds of labels.
Should I use a barcode or a QR code?
For website links, use a QR code instead — phones open them directly. Barcodes are best for short codes like SKUs, IDs and tracking numbers that get scanned into another system.
Can I print these barcodes on labels?
Yes — the download is a high-resolution PNG with thick, clean bars. Print at 100 percent scale (no 'fit to page') and keep the barcode at least 1 inch / 25 mm wide for reliable scanning.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No. The barcode is drawn locally in your browser on your own device. Nothing is uploaded, stored or logged anywhere.