How to Create a Barcode
To create a barcode with using the free barcode generator, pick a symbology, enter your item number and export the image.
There are four simple steps:
- Choose a symbology: Use Code 128 or Code 39 for internal inventory, because both encode any letters and numbers you assign.
- Enter your data: Type the SKU, asset ID or location code you want the barcode to hold.
- Export the image: Download an SVG for print or a PNG for screens. SVG stays sharp at any label size, which matters for warehouse racks and bulk runs.
- Print, apply and scan: Print the barcode on a durable label, apply it to the item, then scan it into your inventory or asset-tracking system to link the item to its record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Camcode’s barcode generator is free with no account and no watermark. You can create and download unlimited barcodes in 27 formats. Registration is only ever needed with GS1, and only if you are creating retail UPC or EAN numbers that scan at a store checkout.
Our free barcode generator supports 27 formats spanning both 1D (linear) and 2D symbologies. Common 1D options include UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, Codabar and ITF, which are widely used for retail products, inventory, and logistics. On the 2D side, you can generate QR codes, Data Matrix and PDF417, which pack far more data into a smaller space and are common in manufacturing, healthcare, and shipping.
Once you’ve generated your barcode, you can download it as a PNG, SVG, or PDF for printing or digital use.
Yes, but with limits. Excel doesn’t generate barcodes on its own, you either install a barcode font (which works for simple linear types like Code 39 but requires manually adding start/stop characters and often breaks with formats that need a checksum), or you build a formula/macro workaround.
Neither reliably handles 2D codes like QR or Data Matrix, and results can vary by printer and scanner. If you just need a clean, scannable barcode without the setup, it’s faster to use our free barcode generator: type in your data, pick a format, and download it as a PNG, SVG, or PDF you can drop straight into Excel, Word or a label template.
Amazon FBA accepts either an FNSKU label from Seller Central or a manufacturer barcode (UPC/EAN) tied to a GS1 number. You can generate the Code 128 FNSKU or the UPC here once you have the number from Amazon or GS1. Amazon does not accept made-up UPCs for new listings.
You can download every barcode as a PNG, SVG or PDF. Use SVG for print and label artwork, because it stays sharp at any size. Use PNG for screens, slides or email. Use PDF when you need a ready-to-print page.
You can create your own barcodes for internal use, for asset tags, inventory, equipment and location labels. To do so, encode any number or ID you choose into a symbology like Code 128 or Code 39. Our free barcode generator lets you enter your own data and produce a scannable code in seconds.
The one exception is retail: UPC and EAN codes sold through stores must use a company prefix registered with GS1, so those can’t simply be made up. For everything inside your own operation, though, you’re free to define your own numbering scheme and generate matching barcodes.
Use UPC or EAN barcodes when products sell through retail and need a globally unique GS1 number. Use QR codes or Data Matrix when you need to store more than a product number, such as a URL, batch, serial or maintenance record.
A UPC-A barcode holds 12 digits and scans fast at a point of sale. A QR code holds thousands of characters and scans from a phone camera at any angle, which suits asset tags, equipment labels and work-order links.
For internal inventory that never touches a retail checkout, Code 128 is often the better linear choice, because it packs more data into less width than UPC.
Our online barcode generator is free. This barcode generator creates unlimited UPC, EAN, Code 128, QR and Data Matrix codes at no cost, with no account. Cost only enters when you register retail numbers or buy label software.
A single GS1 GTIN (one retail UPC or EAN number) is a $30 one-time license, and a GS1 Company Prefix for up to 10 products starts at $250 plus a $50 annual renewal. Desktop label software such as BarTender or NiceLabel runs from about $199 to $450+ for advanced, regulated printing.
For internal asset, equipment and inventory labels you assign your own numbers and pay nothing.
To assign barcode numbers for internal use, choose a numbering scheme and encode each number into Code 128 or Code 39. For assets and equipment, use a sequential asset ID or an existing SKU.
For retail products that scan at a store checkout, you cannot make up the number: buy a GS1 company prefix and assign each product a unique UPC or EAN within that prefix.
For everything inside your own warehouse or facility, you are free to define your own numbers and generate matching barcodes.
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