Free Barcode Generator

QR Code

A QR Code can store up to 3,000 characters, including URLs. Widely used in digital marketing, it allows quick access to information via smartphone camera scanning without an app. The QR Code was invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota.

DataMatrix

A DataMatrix barcode encodes up to 2,335 characters in a compact, square format. Ideal for small items, it's commonly used in electronics, manufacturing, and healthcare. RVSI Acuity CiMatrix developed this 2D barcode in 1989.

UPC-A

Universal Product Code - A is mainly used in the North American retail industry for checkouts and inventory tracking. It works by encoding a unique 12-digit number to identify each item. It was introduced by IBM in 1973.

UPC-E

A UPC-E barcode is a compressed form of UPC-A that encodes the 12-digit identifier into six digits. It is used in North American retail but on smaller items with limited packaging space. IBM also developed UPC-E in 1973.

EAN-13

The European Article Number - 13 (EAN-13) is similar to UPC-A but is used for sales and inventory worldwide, not just in North America. The EAN-13 barcode uniquely identifies products with a 13-digit code and was established by GS1 in 1973.

EAN-8

The EAN-8 barcode is a compact version of EAN-13. It is designed for items with limited labelling space, as it encodes the information into an 8-digit code. It is globally recognised and was first introduced by GS1 in 1970.

Code 128

Code 128 barcodes encode 128 ASCII characters. This alphanumeric barcode is versatile and widely used in packaging and shipping due to its high data density. Computer Identics Corp created Code 128 in 1981.

Code 39

Code 39 barcodes encode letters, numbers, and special characters, up to 43 characters. Known as "Alpha39" or "Code 3 of 9", it's popular in the automotive industry and for warehouse labelling. Intermec Corp invented Code 39 in 1974.

Code 93

Code 93 barcodes encode extended ASCII characters, up to 84 characters, providing higher data density. Similar to Code 39, it's often used in logistics and inventory management and was created by Intermec Corp in 1982.

PDF417

Portable Data File 417 (PDF417) barcodes store large data volumes, up to 1850 characters, including text and images. PDF417 was invented by Symbol Technologies in 1991 and is typically used on government IDs and documents due to its high capacity and security features.

ITF

The Interleaved Two of Five (ITF) barcodes encode up to 14 digits. It is a numeric-only barcode introduced by GS1 in the 1960s; it’s used mainly in logistics and packaging.

Aztec

Aztec Code barcodes store up to 3000 characters in a dense 2D matrix. Recognisable by its central bullseye, it's often used for tickets in transportation, such as airline boarding passes. It was invented in 1995 by Andrew Longacre and Robert Hussey.

Import a spreadsheet of barcode data

To generate barcodes from a spreadsheet of data:

1. Create a free Orca Scan account
2. Import your spreadsheet of barcodes
3. Select the barcodes you wish to generate
4. Open the Barcode Preview on the left
5. Select the Barcode Type
6. Click Download or Print

Scan barcodes on existing products

To generate barcode images for existing products:

1. Scan your products using the Orca Scan mobile app
2. Login to the Orca Scan web app
3. Select the barcodes you wish to generate
4. Open the Barcode Preview on the left
5. Select the Barcode Type
6. Click Download or Print