Free Barcode Image API

What is a Barcode Image API?

A Barcode Image API, takes a raw barcode value and converts it into a barcode image that can printed, added to labels, and scanned using a barcode scanner. The free barcode image API makes it easy to add the ability to generate barcodes to your applications using a single URL.

What can I do with the Barcode Image API?

You can encode pretty much any data into a barcode, so there are many potential applications. Here are a few examples:

• Add the ability to generate barcodes to your apps
• Generate barcodes in Google Sheets
• Add a barcode generator to your website

How do I generate a QR code?

You can use the following steps to create a QR code:

1. Visit barcode.orcascan.com/?data=Hello World
2. Replace Hello World with the value you wish to encode
3. Press enter to load the image
4. Right click and save the image

How do I generate a Data Matrix barcode?

You can use the following steps to create a Data Matrix barcode:

1. Visit barcode.orcascan.com/?type=datamatrix&data=Hello
2. Replace Hello in the URL with the value you wish to encode
3. Press enter to load the image
4. Right click and save the image

How do I generate a Code 128 barcode?

You can use the following steps to create a Code 128 barcode:

1. Visit barcode.orcascan.com/?type=code128&data=Hello World
2. Replace Hello World in the URL with the value you wish to encode
3. Press enter to load the image
4. Right click and save the image

What types of barcodes can I generate?

You can generate the following barcode types by setting the type query string parameter of the Barcode Image URL. If no type is specified qr is assumed:

Note: some barcodes require a specific type of data. If you provide invalid data, the image returned will explain the issue, for example barcode.orcascan.com/?type=upca&data=hello produces:

What types of images does the API support?

The Barcode Image API supports the following image types, which you can set using the format query string parameter. If no format is provided, svg is assumed:

You can change the format by appending &format=png to your Barcode Image API, for example, https://barcode.orcascan.com/?data=Hello World&format=png.

Need another format? let us know → hello@orcascan.com

Is it possible to add text to the Barcode Image?

Yes, add the text query string parameter with the value you would like to be appear below the barcode. For example barcode.orcascan.com/?data=Hello World&text=Hello World produces:

Is it possible to change the font size?

Yes, you can change the font size by adding the fontsize query string param with a value in pixels, for example barcode.orcascan.com/?data=Hello&text=World&fontsize=100 produces:

If no font size is provided fontsize=fit is assumed, which automatically selects a font size that ensures the text does not breach the width of the barcode image.

How do I convert a spreadsheet of barcodes into images?

You can use the Orca Scan web app to convert a spreadsheet of barcodes into barcode images using the following steps:

1. Register for an Orca Scan account at cloud.orcascan.com
2. Create a sheet using the Blank Canvas template
3. Upload your spreadsheet of barcodes
4. Select the range of barcodes you would like to print
5. Open the barcode preview on the left of the screen
6. Select the barcode type you would like to generate
7. Click download images

You will then have a zip file containing the barcode images.

Do I need to provide an API key?

No, Orca Scans goal is to simplify barcode tracking and make the technology available to all. Because of that, you don’t need to provide an API key.

Do I have to pay to use the Barcode API?

No, using our Barcode Image API is free with attribution. All that we ask is that you link back to orcascan.com from your website using <a href="https://orcascan.com">Barcodes provided by Orca Scan</a>

What is the rate limit?

You can send a maximum of 15 requests per second, exceeding this limit will result in a HTTP 503 Service Unavailable response.

Barcode Image API questions?

As with everything at Orca Scan, our Barcode Image API will evolve based on your feedback. So if you have any issues, or need help, chat with us live or drop us an email hello@orcascan.com