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Barcode Generator | Data Matrix

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Barcode Generator

Generate barcodes in a wide range of symbologies — EAN, UPC, Code 128, ITF, MSI, pharmacode, and many more. Set the dimensions, choose your own colors, and download the result as SVG, which stays sharp at any print size. Enter several lines to produce a batch of barcodes and download them together. Everything is rendered in your browser.

Configuration Options

Option	Description
Barcode type	Defines the type of barcode to generate. Example Data Matrix
Auto resize	If enabled, the barcode will be resized automatically to fit the content.
Barcode width	An integer in interval [10..1024] defines the width of the barcode. Example 256
Barcode height	An integer in interval [10..1024] defines the height of the barcode. Example 256
Zoom factor	A float in interval [0..64] defines the zoom factor of the barcode. Example 1.2
Include text	If enabled, the barcode will include text.
Text X align	Defines the horizontal alignment of the text. Example center
Text Y align	Defines the vertical alignment of the text. Example below
Text size	An integer in interval [1..128] defines the size of the text. Example 12
Text X offset	An integer in interval [-128..128] defines the horizontal offset of the text. Example 0
Text Y offset	An integer in interval [-128..128] defines the vertical offset of the text. Example 0
Rotate	Defines the rotation of the barcode. Example Left
Padding	An integer in interval [0..128] defines the padding of the barcode. Example 4
Dark color	Defines the color of the dark module (foreground) Example #000000
Light color	Defines the color of the light module (background) Example #ffffff
Text color	Defines the color of the text Example #000000

Supported Barcode Types

Option	Description
AusPost 4 State Customer Code	Used by Australia Post for encoding customer information.
Aztec Code	A 2D barcode that can encode large amounts of data in a small space.
Compact Aztec Code	A smaller version of the Aztec Code for encoding less data.
Aztec Runes	A variant of the Aztec Code used for specific applications.
BC412	A barcode symbology used in various industries.
Channel Code	A barcode used for encoding data in a compact format.
Codablock F	A stacked barcode symbology that can encode large amounts of data.
Code 11	A barcode symbology used primarily in telecommunications.
Code 128	A high-density linear barcode symbology used in logistics and transportation.
Code 16K	A stacked barcode symbology that can encode large amounts of data.
Code 25	A linear barcode symbology used in various industries.
Italian Pharmacode	A barcode used in the pharmaceutical industry in Italy.
Code 39	A widely used linear barcode symbology that can encode alphanumeric data.
Code 39 Extended	An extended version of Code 39 that can encode additional characters.
Code 49	A stacked barcode symbology that can encode large amounts of data.
Code 93	A high-density linear barcode symbology used in various industries.
Code 93 Extended	An extended version of Code 93 that can encode additional characters.
Code One	A 2D barcode symbology used in various applications.
COOP 2 of 5	A linear barcode symbology used in the retail industry.
Custom 4 state symbology	A custom barcode symbology used for specific applications.
GS1 DataBar Expanded	A barcode used for encoding large amounts of data in a compact format.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked	A stacked version of the GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1 DataBar Limited	A barcode used for encoding limited amounts of data in a compact format.
GS1 DataBar Limited Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional	A barcode used for encoding data in a format that can be read from any direction.
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1 DataBar Stacked	A stacked version of the GS1 DataBar barcode.
GS1 DataBar Stacked Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional	A stacked version of the GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional barcode.
GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1 DataBar Truncated	A truncated version of the GS1 DataBar barcode.
GS1 DataBar Truncated Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
Datalogic 2 of 5	A linear barcode symbology used in various industries.
Data Matrix	A 2D barcode that can encode large amounts of data in a small space.
Data Matrix Rectangular	A rectangular version of the Data Matrix barcode.
Data Matrix Rectangular Extension	An extended version of the Data Matrix Rectangular barcode.
DotCode	A 2D barcode used for encoding data in a dot pattern.
EAN-13	A linear barcode used for encoding 13-digit Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).
EAN-13 Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1-14	A linear barcode used for encoding 14-digit Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).
EAN-2 (2 digit addon)	A 2-digit addon barcode used with EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes.
EAN-5 (5 digit addon)	A 5-digit addon barcode used with EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes.
EAN-8	A linear barcode used for encoding 8-digit Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).
EAN-8 Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
Flattermarken	A barcode used in the printing industry for controlling the sequence of pages.
GS1-128	A linear barcode used for encoding GS1 data.
GS1-128 Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
GS1 Composite 2D Component	A 2D component of a GS1 composite barcode.
GS1 Data Matrix	A Data Matrix barcode used for encoding GS1 data.
GS1 Data Matrix Rectangular	A rectangular version of the GS1 Data Matrix barcode.
GS1 Digital Link Data Matrix	A Data Matrix barcode used for encoding GS1 Digital Link data.
GS1 Digital Link QR Code	A QR Code used for encoding GS1 Digital Link data.
GS1 DotCode	A DotCode barcode used for encoding GS1 data.
GS1 North American Coupon	A barcode used for encoding coupon data in North America.
GS1 QR Code	A QR Code used for encoding GS1 data.
Han Xin Code	A 2D barcode used in China for encoding large amounts of data.
HIBC Aztec Code	An Aztec Code used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
HIBC Codablock F	A Codablock F barcode used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
HIBC Code 128	A Code 128 barcode used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
HIBC Code 39	A Code 39 barcode used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
HIBC Data Matrix	A Data Matrix barcode used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
HIBC Data Matrix Rectangular	A rectangular version of the HIBC Data Matrix barcode.
HIBC MicroPDF417	A MicroPDF417 barcode used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
HIBC PDF417	A PDF417 barcode used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
HIBC QR Code	A QR Code used for encoding Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) data.
IATA 2 of 5	A linear barcode used by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for encoding data.
Deutsche Post Identcode	A barcode used by Deutsche Post for encoding customer information.
Industrial 2 of 5	A linear barcode used in various industries.
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)	A linear barcode used for encoding pairs of digits.
ISBN	A barcode used for encoding International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs).
ISMN	A barcode used for encoding International Standard Music Numbers (ISMN).
ISSN	A barcode used for encoding International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN).
ITF-14	A linear barcode used for encoding 14-digit Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).
Japan Post 4 State Customer Code	A barcode used by Japan Post for encoding customer information.
Royal Dutch TPG Post KIX	A barcode used by Royal Dutch TPG Post for encoding customer information.
Deutsche Post Leitcode	A barcode used by Deutsche Post for encoding routing information.
Royal Mail Mailmark	A barcode used by Royal Mail for encoding customer information.
Marks & Spencer	A barcode used by Marks & Spencer for encoding product information.
Matrix 2 of 5	A linear barcode used in various industries.
MaxiCode	A 2D barcode used by United Parcel Service (UPS) for encoding package information.
MicroPDF417	A smaller version of the PDF417 barcode used for encoding less data.
Micro QR Code	A smaller version of the QR Code used for encoding less data.
MSI Modified Plessey	A linear barcode used in various industries.
USPS Intelligent Mail	A barcode used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for encoding mail information.
PDF417	A 2D barcode used for encoding large amounts of data.
Compact PDF417	A smaller version of the PDF417 barcode used for encoding less data.
Pharmaceutical Binary Code	A barcode used in the pharmaceutical industry for encoding product information.
Two-track Pharmacode	A barcode used in the pharmaceutical industry for encoding product information.
USPS PLANET	A barcode used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for encoding mail information.
Plessey UK	A linear barcode used in various industries.
PosiCode	A barcode used in the retail industry for encoding product information.
USPS POSTNET	A barcode used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for encoding mail information.
Pharmazentralnummer (PZN)	A barcode used in the pharmaceutical industry in Germany for encoding product information.
QR Code	A 2D barcode used for encoding large amounts of data in a small space.
Codabar	A linear barcode used in various industries.
Custom 1D symbology	A custom barcode symbology used for specific applications.
Rectangular Micro QR Code	A rectangular version of the Micro QR Code.
Royal Mail 4 State Customer Code	A barcode used by Royal Mail for encoding customer information.
SSCC-18	A linear barcode used for encoding Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCCs).
Swiss QR Code	A QR Code used in Switzerland for encoding payment information.
Miscellaneous symbols	A barcode used for encoding various symbols.
Telepen	A linear barcode used in various industries.
Telepen Numeric	A numeric version of the Telepen barcode.
Ultracode	A 2D barcode used for encoding large amounts of data.
UPC-A	A linear barcode used for encoding 12-digit Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).
UPC-A Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.
UPC-E	A linear barcode used for encoding 6-digit Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).
UPC-E Composite	A composite barcode that includes both linear and 2D components.

How Barcodes Work

A linear barcode encodes data in the widths of its bars and the spaces between them, read along a single axis. A scanner sweeps across it, measures the pattern of light and dark, and decodes the sequence. The height carries no information at all — it exists purely so the scanner still finds a readable path if the beam crosses at a slight angle.

That one-dimensional nature is the main limit. A linear barcode typically holds between 8 and 30 characters, where a QR code can hold thousands, because it uses both dimensions. Barcodes persist because they are fast, cheap to print, and read reliably by inexpensive laser scanners.

Choosing a Symbology

The symbology is the encoding scheme, and picking the right one matters more than any other setting — each was designed for a particular industry with its own constraints.

Retail products

EAN-13 is the global standard for retail, and UPC-A is its 12-digit North American counterpart. EAN-8 and UPC-E are compressed forms for packages too small for the full symbol. These require registered company prefixes if the product is to be sold through retail channels — you cannot simply invent a number.

General purpose

Code 128 is the usual choice for anything not sold at retail. It encodes the full ASCII set, is compact, and handles letters as well as digits. Code 39 is older and less dense but remains common in defense and automotive contexts.

Logistics

Interleaved 2 of 5 encodes digit pairs efficiently and is used on shipping cartons. ITF-14 is the standard for shipping container labels, encoding the case-level identifier for a product.

Specialist

MSI Modified Plessey appears in inventory and shelf labeling. Pharmacode is used in pharmaceutical packaging, where it was designed to be readable even when printed with poor contrast on a production line.

Check Digits

Most retail and logistics symbologies include a check digit — a final digit calculated from the preceding ones. The scanner recomputes it and rejects the read if it does not match.

This is why a misread barcode almost always produces no result rather than the wrong result, which matters a great deal at a checkout. It also means an invented number will often simply fail to encode: the check digit has to be arithmetically correct, not merely present.

Printing Barcodes That Scan

Keep the quiet zone. The blank margin either side of the symbol tells the scanner where the code begins and ends. Cropping it is the most frequent cause of failure.
Use maximum contrast. Black on white is ideal. Red bars are effectively invisible to a red laser scanner, so avoid inverted or low-contrast color schemes.
Do not scale non-uniformly. Stretching horizontally distorts the bar-width ratios the decoder depends on. Scale both axes together, or adjust height separately.
Prefer SVG for print. Because it is vector output, it stays crisp at any size — bar edges remain sharp where a scaled-up raster image would blur them.
Mind the substrate. Glossy, reflective, or curved surfaces scatter the beam. Matte labels read far more reliably.
Test before a print run. Scan the actual printed output, not the screen, with the equipment that will be used in practice.

Common Uses

Retail products — EAN and UPC codes for items sold through stores.
Inventory and asset tracking — Code 128 labels linking physical items to database records.
Shipping and warehousing — ITF-14 and Code 128 on cartons and pallets.
Libraries and archives — item identifiers for lending systems.
Manufacturing — serial numbers and batch codes for traceability.
Pharmaceuticals — pharmacode on packaging for automated verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my own retail barcode?

Not for products sold through retail channels. EAN and UPC numbers are issued through GS1, and retailers require a registered prefix so the code is globally unique. For internal use — your own inventory or asset tags — you can number things however you like, typically with Code 128.

Which symbology should I pick?

Code 128 for general use: it handles letters and digits, is compact, and is widely supported. Use EAN-13 or UPC-A only for retail products with a properly assigned number, and match whatever your industry specifies for logistics.

Why won't my barcode encode?

Usually the data does not fit the symbology's rules. EAN-13 requires exactly 13 digits with a valid check digit, ITF requires an even number of digits, and numeric-only symbologies reject letters entirely. Check the requirements for the type you selected.

Barcode or QR code?

Use a barcode for short identifiers scanned by dedicated hardware, which is faster and cheaper at a checkout or in a warehouse. Use a QR code when you need to hold more data, or when the thing scanning it will be a phone.

Does the height matter?

Not for the data, since all the information is in the bar widths. Height only affects how easily a scanner can find a clean path across the symbol, so taller codes are more forgiving of angle and hand movement.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. Barcodes are rendered entirely in your browser, so the values you encode — product codes, serial numbers, internal identifiers — never leave your device.