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Free Online EAN-13 Barcode Generator

EAN13 Mode

EAN-13 is the 13-digit retail barcode used on product packaging across much of the world outside North America. Enter the complete number—including the check digit—validate the format, and download a scannable image for labels and proofs.

1. Enter barcode data

0 entries · Blank lines ignored · Duplicate values detected

2. Choose barcode settings

Barcode preview

Download settings

What is an EAN-13 barcode?

EAN-13 (European Article Number) is a 13-digit retail barcode symbology used on consumer product packaging worldwide. The symbol encodes a company prefix, item reference, and modulo-10 check digit in a format recognized by point-of-sale scanners. It is the international counterpart to the 12-digit UPC-A used primarily in the United States and Canada.

This generator validates the full 13-digit string you provide and renders the barcode image for labels, proofs, and internal testing. It does not assign, register, or guarantee an official GTIN. Confirm the numbering scheme with your retailer or data provider before printing sellable packaging.

Recommended generator settings

These defaults work well for preview and download. Adjust to match your label template or scanner tests.

Bar width Start at 2; increase only if scans fail at your print size
Height 100 px preview minimum; follow your label template for print
Quiet zone Keep the default margin unless your spec defines a different quiet zone
Readable text Leave enabled when operators verify values manually
Output format PNG for design files; JPEG for documents and quick sharing

Practical examples

  • 0123456789012
  • 5901234123457
  • 4006381333931
  • 9780201379624

When should you use EAN-13?

  • Product packaging for retail sale in markets that expect EAN-13 symbols
  • Book and publication barcodes derived from ISBN-13 numbers
  • Label proofs and mockups before sending artwork to a print vendor
  • Internal QA checks that a 13-digit value renders a scannable symbol

Limitations and common mistakes

North American mass retail often expects UPC-A (12 digits). Very small packages may use EAN-8 instead. Logistics cartons typically use ITF-14 rather than EAN-13.

  • Including letters or symbols when this format accepts digits only.
  • Using the wrong digit count for this fixed-length symbology.
  • Assuming a generated number is an officially assigned product or case identifier.
  • Trimming quiet zones when cropping the image for a label layout.
  • Scaling the barcode unevenly so bar width ratios no longer match the generated image.

Related formats

EAN-13 vs UPC-A

Format Best for Supported data Key difference
UPC-A Consumer product labels targeting US and Canadian retail chains Exactly 12 digits 12 digits; common on consumer goods in the United States and Canada.
EAN-8 Small retail packages that cannot accommodate a full EAN-13 symbol Exactly 8 digits Fixed-length numeric identifier with check digit.
EAN-5 Magazine and journal covers that pair a supplemental code with EAN-13 Exactly 5 digits Fixed-length numeric add-on data.

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Printing and scanning notes

Printing

  • Print at the size specified by your retailer or print vendor guidelines.
  • Preserve bearer bars and quiet zones; do not crop the left guard pattern.
  • Use matte label stock to reduce glare over the guard bars.

Scanning

  • Most POS scanners read EAN-13 natively, including many configured for UPC.
  • Verify the scanned 13-digit result matches your entered value exactly.
  • Test on the target packaging material; transparent or metallic films affect contrast.

This tool creates a barcode image from the value you provide. It does not issue, register or guarantee an official product identification number.

Frequently asked questions

Enter all 13 digits including the check digit. The validator requires exactly 13 numeric characters.

No. You supply the number; the tool generates the barcode image only. It does not issue or register product identification numbers.

ISBN-13 values are encoded as EAN-13 barcodes on books, typically starting with 978 or 979.

Yes. Leading zeros are significant and must be included in the 13-digit input.

Confirm with your retailer. US/Canada shelf goods often use UPC-A; many international listings expect EAN-13.

The input must be exactly 13 digits with no spaces, letters, or punctuation.

Yes. Enter one 13-digit number per line for batch generation.

The encoder renders the digits you provide. Confirm your check digit is correct before printing production labels.