Barcode Generator — Free Online
100% Private — files never leave your device
How to Generate a Barcode
Vizua is a free barcode generator that creates scannable barcodes directly in your browser. Enter any text, product code, or number, select your preferred format, and download the result as a high-resolution PNG. No account required, no watermarks, completely free.
To generate a barcode, type your content into the input field and choose from three industry-standard formats: Code128 for general-purpose encoding, EAN-13 for international retail products, or UPC-A for North American retail. The barcode is rendered instantly using advanced encoding algorithms.
Barcode Formats Explained
- Code128 — The most versatile format. Encodes letters, numbers, and special characters. Perfect for shipping labels, inventory management, and asset tracking. No digit restrictions.
- EAN-13 — The global standard for retail products. Requires exactly 13 digits (or 12 + auto-calculated check digit). Used on groceries, books (ISBN), and consumer goods worldwide.
- UPC-A — The North American retail standard. Requires 12 digits (or 11 + check digit). Found on virtually every product sold in the US and Canada.
Printing Your Barcode
For reliable scanning, print barcodes at 300 DPI or higher. Maintain adequate "quiet zones" (white space) on both sides of the barcode — at least 10 times the narrowest bar width. Avoid scaling barcodes smaller than their minimum size, as narrow bars may blend together and become unscannable. Vizua generates high-resolution PNGs suitable for professional printing.
100% Private — Browser-Based
Your data stays on your device. Vizua generates barcodes entirely in your browser — no text, product codes, or numbers are ever sent to a server. The tool works offline after the initial page load, making it safe for sensitive inventory data or proprietary product codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What barcode formats are supported?
Vizua supports Code128 (alphanumeric, most versatile), EAN-13 (13-digit retail barcodes used worldwide), and UPC-A (12-digit barcodes used in North America). Code128 accepts any text or number, while EAN-13 and UPC-A require specific digit counts with valid check digits.
How do I generate a barcode for free?
Type your text or number in the input field, choose a format (Code128 for general use, EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail), and click Generate. Your barcode is created instantly in the browser and can be downloaded as a high-resolution PNG. No account or payment required.
Can I use these barcodes for commercial products?
The barcode image itself is free to use commercially. However, for retail products you need a valid GS1 company prefix to generate legitimate EAN-13 or UPC-A codes. Code128 barcodes can be used freely for internal inventory, shipping labels, and asset tracking.
What is the difference between Code128 and EAN-13?
Code128 encodes any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols — ideal for shipping labels and internal use. EAN-13 is a fixed 13-digit numeric format used for retail products worldwide (the barcode you see on groceries). UPC-A is similar but uses 12 digits, primarily in North America.
Are the generated barcodes scannable?
Yes. Vizua generates standard-compliant barcodes that work with any barcode scanner, smartphone camera app, or point-of-sale system. The output PNG is high-resolution and print-ready. For best results, print at 300 DPI or higher and ensure adequate quiet zones around the barcode.