What barcode format does this generate?
CODE128, a widely supported linear barcode format for alphanumeric values.
Image Tools
Generate a CODE128 Barcode
Create a downloadable CODE128 barcode from text or a product code, right in your browser.
What kind of barcode this makes
This generator produces a CODE128 barcode — the common linear (1D) barcode format used for product codes, inventory labels, and tickets — with the entered value printed as visible text beneath the bars. It renders as a PNG with a white background, dark bars, and a margin around the code, ready to download.
A CODE128 barcode is different from a QR code: it typically encodes a shorter alphanumeric value (like a SKU or ID) rather than a full URL, and it needs to be read by a barcode-capable scanner or app rather than a generic camera QR reader, though many modern barcode scanner apps handle both formats.
Workflow at a glance
Use this quick flow to understand where the tool fits in your work and what to review before relying on the output.
Review checklist
Before
Confirm the value's format matches what your point-of-sale or inventory system expects.
After
Scan the downloaded barcode with a real scanner or app before printing it in bulk.
When a barcode is the right choice over a QR code
Use it when you need a scannable code for a product, inventory item, or ticket that's meant to be read by point-of-sale or inventory scanning systems, which are generally built around linear barcodes rather than QR codes.
Who generates barcodes
Small shop owners
Generate barcodes for products or inventory that a point-of-sale scanner can read.
Inventory and warehouse teams
Create scannable labels for stock tracking without a dedicated barcode printer setup.
Event organizers
Generate simple ticket or entry codes for scanning at check-in.
Anyone testing a barcode value
Preview how a code or SKU renders as a scannable barcode before committing to a print run.
What this generator produces
CODE128 format
A widely supported linear barcode format for alphanumeric values.
Visible value beneath the bars
The encoded text displays under the barcode, so it's human-readable as well as scannable.
PNG output with margin
Generates as a white-background PNG with a clear margin around the bars.
Instant generation
The barcode renders as soon as you enter a value, ready to download immediately.
Generating a barcode step by step
- 1Enter the text, code, or SKU the barcode should represent.
- 2Click Process to generate the barcode image.
- 3Download the barcode and place it in your label or document.
- 4Test the barcode with a real scanner or scanning app before printing it widely.
Where linear barcodes get used
Generating a barcode for a small shop's product or inventory item.
Creating scannable labels for stock tracking.
Making simple ticket or entry codes for event check-in.
Previewing how a code or SKU looks as a barcode before a print run.
Where the barcode is generated
The barcode is generated locally in your browser using the JsBarcode library — the value you enter isn't sent anywhere beyond rendering the image.
Getting a barcode that scans
- Test the generated barcode with an actual scanner or scanning app before printing in bulk.
- Keep the encoded value reasonably short and consistent with how your scanning system expects codes to be formatted.
- Print at a size and contrast the scanner will actually be able to read — very small barcodes are harder to scan reliably.
- Use a QR code generator instead if you actually need to encode a URL rather than a short product code.
Barcode mistakes to avoid
Confusing barcode with QR code needs
CODE128 suits short product codes and inventory IDs; a QR code is the better fit for encoding a full URL.
Not testing before a print run
A barcode that displays correctly on screen can still fail to scan depending on print size and contrast.
Printing the barcode too small
Very small or low-contrast barcodes are harder for scanners to read reliably.
Using inconsistent value formats
Match the encoded value to whatever format your point-of-sale or inventory system expects.
Barcode versus QR code
Barcode Generator is built for the classic retail and inventory use case — a scannable linear code with a visible product value. For encoding a URL for mobile scanning, QR Code Generator is the better tool.
Need hands-on help?
Get help with documents, SEO, content, or website fixes
Use this tool for quick work. If you need a real file prepared, a page reviewed, or a website issue fixed, send the URL and describe the problem.
FAQ
Barcode Generator FAQ
Answers for using Barcode Generator on I Love Tool XYZ.
Is this the same as a QR code?
No. This produces a linear barcode meant for product codes and inventory, not a QR code for URLs.
Is the encoded value shown on the barcode?
Yes, the text you enter displays beneath the bars.
Should I test it before printing?
Yes. Always scan the generated barcode with a real scanner or app before a bulk print run.