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Free Online EAN-8 Barcode Generator

EAN8 Mode

EAN-8 compresses retail product identification into eight digits for packages too small to carry a full EAN-13 symbol. Enter the complete 8-digit number, validate it, and export a compact barcode image suitable for tight label layouts.

1. Enter barcode data

0 entries · Blank lines ignored · Duplicate values detected

2. Choose barcode settings

3. Generate

Barcode preview

Download settings

What is an EAN-8 barcode?

EAN-8 is a compact retail barcode symbology with exactly eight digits, including a check digit. It appears on small retail items—such as cosmetics, confectionery, and single-serve packages—where a standard EAN-13 symbol would not fit legibly. Retailers assign EAN-8 numbers through their normal product numbering process; this generator renders the scannable image from the value you provide.

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

  • 07090615
  • 96385074
  • 55123457
  • 40170725

When should you use EAN-8?

  • Small retail packages that cannot accommodate a full EAN-13 symbol
  • Promotional or sample-size products with compact labeling requirements
  • Label artwork proofs before submitting to a packaging vendor
  • Verifying that an assigned 8-digit number produces a valid scannable symbol

Limitations and common mistakes

Standard-sized retail products typically use EAN-13. North American listings may require UPC-A or UPC-E instead. Logistics cases use ITF-14.

  • 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-8 vs EAN-13

Format Best for Supported data Key difference
EAN-13 Product packaging for retail sale in markets that expect EAN-13 symbols Exactly 13 digits Thirteen digits with broader retail prefix structure for standard packages.
UPC-E Very small retail packages where UPC-A will not fit legibly Exactly 6 digits Zero-suppressed representation of eligible UPC-A data.
EAN-5 Magazine and journal covers that pair a supplemental code with EAN-13 Exactly 5 digits Fixed-length numeric add-on data.

Back to the main barcode generator · Compare all barcode types

Printing and scanning notes

Printing

  • Scale the symbol down only within limits your retailer publishes for minimum bar width.
  • Keep left, center, and right guard patterns intact.
  • Print human-readable digits below the bars when required by your style guide.

Scanning

  • Confirm POS systems are configured to accept EAN-8 in your target market.
  • Test scans on the actual package curvature; small labels on cylinders distort bars.
  • Compare scanned output to the full 8-digit string including check digit.

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

When the package surface is too small for a readable EAN-13 symbol and your product numbering scheme provides an 8-digit code.

No. Enter a number you already have; the tool creates the barcode image only.

Yes. The validator expects all 8 digits including the final check character.

Yes. Preserve leading zeros exactly as assigned.

Some retailers accept it, but US/Canada shelves more often use UPC-A or UPC-E. Confirm with your buyer.

Input must be exactly 8 digits with no spaces or letters.

Yes. Place one 8-digit number per line.