Code Generator Pro

Professional Free Online barcode and QR code generator with advanced features

How Our Barcode & QR Code Generator Works

Our free online code generator makes it simple to create professional barcodes and QR codes in seconds. Whether you need inventory labels, product codes, or marketing materials, our tool provides everything you need.

Instant Generation

Create codes instantly with real-time preview. No waiting, no delays - see your barcode or QR code as you type.

Full Customization

Customize colors, sizes, margins, and text display. Make your codes match your brand perfectly.

Multiple Formats

Download as high-quality PNG or scalable SVG files. Perfect for print and digital use.

100% Free & Secure

No registration required. Your data stays private - everything processes in your browser.

How To Use Step-by-Step Guide :

  1. Choose Your Code Type: Select between barcode or QR code generation
  2. Enter Your Data: Type the text, numbers, or URL you want to encode
  3. Customize Appearance: Adjust colors, size, and formatting options
  4. Generate & Preview: Click generate to see your code instantly
  5. Download: Save as PNG for images or SVG for scalable graphics

Barcode Settings

2
100px

Appearance

10px
Your barcode will appear here

Barcode Format Guide

  • CODE128: Best for alphanumeric data, most versatile
  • EAN13: Standard for retail products (13 digits)
  • UPC: US retail standard (12 digits)
  • CODE39: Simple format, limited character set

QR Code Settings

256px

Appearance

4
Your QR code will appear here

QR Code Templates Available

  • WiFi Network: Auto-connect users to your WiFi with password
  • Contact Card: Share complete contact information (vCard format)
  • Email: Pre-filled email with subject and message
  • SMS: Send pre-written text messages
  • Phone: Direct dial phone numbers
  • Location: GPS coordinates for maps navigation
  • Calendar Event: Add events directly to calendar
  • Website URL: Direct links to websites

Complete Guide to Barcode Formats

Understanding different barcode formats is crucial for choosing the right code for your specific needs. Each format has unique characteristics, data capacity, and industry applications.

CODE128 - The Most Versatile Barcode

CODE128 is the most popular linear barcode format due to its high data density and versatility. It can encode all 128 ASCII characters including letters, numbers, and symbols.

  • Data Capacity: Up to 80 characters (alphanumeric)
  • Character Set: Full ASCII (0-127)
  • Applications: Shipping labels, inventory management, healthcare, logistics
  • Advantages: High data density, excellent error detection, widely supported
  • Industry Use: FedEx, UPS, DHL use CODE128 for tracking numbers

EAN13 - European Article Number

EAN13 is the international standard for retail product identification, used worldwide except in North America where UPC is preferred.

  • Data Capacity: Exactly 13 digits
  • Structure: Country code (2-3 digits) + Company code + Product code + Check digit
  • Applications: Retail products, books (ISBN), magazines
  • Global Usage: Over 150 countries use EAN13 system
  • Check Digit: Built-in error detection using modulo-10 algorithm

UPC (Universal Product Code)

UPC is the North American standard for retail products, similar to EAN13 but with 12 digits instead of 13.

  • Data Capacity: Exactly 12 digits
  • Structure: Company prefix + Item reference + Check digit
  • Applications: US and Canadian retail products
  • Variants: UPC-A (standard) and UPC-E (compressed for small items)
  • Registration: Requires GS1 company prefix for commercial use

CODE39 - Simple and Reliable

CODE39 was the first alphanumeric barcode and remains popular for non-retail applications due to its simplicity.

  • Data Capacity: Variable length, typically 20-25 characters
  • Character Set: 0-9, A-Z, and 7 special characters (- . $ / + % space)
  • Applications: Government, defense, healthcare, automotive
  • Self-Checking: Built-in error detection without check digit
  • Military Use: Standard for US Department of Defense (MIL-STD-1189)

EAN8 - Compact Product Codes

EAN8 is a shortened version of EAN13, designed for small products where space is limited.

  • Data Capacity: Exactly 8 digits
  • Applications: Small products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals
  • Size Advantage: 60% smaller than EAN13
  • Registration: Requires special approval from GS1

ITF14 - Shipping Container Codes

ITF14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) is specifically designed for shipping containers and case-level packaging.

  • Data Capacity: Exactly 14 digits
  • Applications: Shipping containers, wholesale packaging
  • Quiet Zones: Requires large margins for reliable scanning
  • Bearer Bars: Often includes horizontal bars above and below for protection

Understanding QR Code Error Correction

QR codes include sophisticated error correction capabilities using Reed-Solomon error correction codes. This allows QR codes to remain readable even when partially damaged or obscured.

Error Correction Levels Explained

Level L (Low) - 7%

Can recover from up to 7% data loss. Best for clean environments with minimal damage risk. Allows maximum data storage.

Level M (Medium) - 15%

Can recover from up to 15% data loss. Recommended for most applications. Good balance between data capacity and reliability.

Level Q (Quartile) - 25%

Can recover from up to 25% data loss. Suitable for industrial environments or outdoor use where damage is more likely.

Level H (High) - 30%

Can recover from up to 30% data loss. Maximum reliability for harsh environments, but reduces data capacity significantly.

How Error Correction Works

QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction, the same technology used in CDs, DVDs, and satellite communications. The system works by:

  1. Redundant Data: Adding extra correction codewords to the original data
  2. Error Detection: Identifying which parts of the code are damaged or unreadable
  3. Error Correction: Reconstructing the original data using mathematical algorithms
  4. Verification: Confirming the corrected data is accurate

Choosing the Right Error Correction Level

Best Practices

  • Level L: Indoor use, digital displays, clean printed materials
  • Level M: General purpose, business cards, flyers, most applications
  • Level Q: Outdoor signage, industrial labels, packaging
  • Level H: Harsh environments, construction sites, medical equipment

Data Capacity vs Error Correction Trade-off

Higher error correction levels provide better reliability but reduce the amount of data you can store:

  • Level L: Maximum 2,953 bytes of data
  • Level M: Maximum 2,331 bytes of data
  • Level Q: Maximum 1,663 bytes of data
  • Level H: Maximum 1,273 bytes of data

Technical Specifications & Standards

Barcode Standards Compliance

Our generator creates barcodes that comply with international standards:

  • ISO/IEC 15417: CODE128 specification
  • ISO/IEC 15420: EAN/UPC specification
  • ISO/IEC 16388: CODE39 specification
  • GS1 General Specifications: Global standards for barcodes

QR Code Standards

  • ISO/IEC 18004: QR Code bar code symbology specification
  • JIS X 0510: Japanese Industrial Standard for QR codes
  • AIM ITS/04-023: Automatic Identification Manufacturers standard

Print Quality Guidelines

Optimal Printing Specifications

  • Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for professional printing
  • Contrast: Minimum 80% contrast ratio between bars and background
  • Quiet Zone: Minimum 10x bar width for linear barcodes
  • Size: Follow minimum size requirements for reliable scanning
  • Material: Use matte finish to reduce glare and reflection

Why Choose Our Code Generator?

Our barcode and QR code generator stands out with its professional features, ease of use, and reliability. Trusted by businesses worldwide for inventory management, product labeling, marketing campaigns, and more.

No registration or account required
Works on all devices - desktop, tablet, mobile
High-quality output suitable for printing
Real-time preview as you customize
Multiple download formats (PNG, SVG)
Industry-standard code generation
Complies with international standards (ISO/IEC)
Advanced error correction for QR codes

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of barcodes can I generate?

Our generator supports multiple barcode formats including CODE128 (most versatile for alphanumeric data), EAN13 (retail products), UPC (US retail standard), CODE39 (basic format), EAN8 (small products), and ITF14 (shipping containers). Each format is optimized for specific use cases.

Are the generated codes compatible with all scanners?

Yes! Our generator creates industry-standard barcodes and QR codes that work with all modern barcode scanners, smartphone apps, and point-of-sale systems. We follow official specifications to ensure maximum compatibility.

Can I use these codes for commercial purposes?

Absolutely! All codes generated with our tool are free to use for personal and commercial purposes. There are no licensing fees or restrictions. Perfect for businesses, inventory management, product labeling, and marketing campaigns.

What's the difference between PNG and SVG downloads?

PNG files are raster images perfect for digital use, websites, and documents. SVG files are vector graphics that can be scaled to any size without quality loss, making them ideal for printing, large displays, and professional applications.

How do I create a QR code for WiFi access?

Use this format in the QR code content field: WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;; Replace "YourNetworkName" and "YourPassword" with your actual WiFi credentials. Users can scan the code to connect automatically.

Is my data secure when using this generator?

Yes, completely secure! All code generation happens directly in your browser - no data is sent to our servers. Your information never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security for sensitive data.

What's the maximum amount of data I can encode?

QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric characters. Barcodes vary by format - CODE128 can handle about 80 characters, while EAN13 requires exactly 13 digits. The generator will alert you if you exceed limits.

Can I customize the colors of my codes?

Yes! You can customize both foreground and background colors for all code types. Use our color picker or enter hex color codes directly. Ensure sufficient contrast between colors for reliable scanning.