Learn barcodes

Practical answers for people putting a barcode on a real product: where the numbers come from, which format you need, how big to print it, and how to check it before the print run.

Getting started · 7 min
How to get a barcode for your product

Where barcode numbers come from, why you need a GS1 number for retail, the risks of resold barcodes, and how to turn your number into a print-ready barcode.

Formats · 5 min
UPC vs EAN: which barcode do you need?

UPC-A and EAN-13 explained side by side: digits, regions, how one converts to the other, and which to print on your packaging.

Printing · 7 min
Barcode size guide: how big to print it

Standard and minimum print sizes for EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, ITF-14, Code 128 and QR codes, plus quiet zones, colors and PNG resolution.

Tool · 4 min
Check digit calculator for EAN, UPC and ITF-14

Free check digit calculator for GTIN-8, UPC-A (GTIN-12), EAN-13, ITF-14 (GTIN-14) and SSCC. Calculate or validate the last digit and see the calculation.

Formats · 5 min
Code 128 vs Code 39: which one should you use?

Code 128 and Code 39 compared: character sets, barcode width, check characters, and which to choose for inventory, asset tags, shipping and industry labels.

QR codes · 6 min
How to make a QR code with a logo that still scans

How big a logo can be in a QR code, which error correction level to use, color and contrast rules, and how to test a branded QR code before printing.

Books · 6 min
ISBN barcodes: how to make a barcode for your book

How an ISBN becomes an EAN-13 barcode, where to get an ISBN, the 978 and 979 prefixes, the 5-digit price add-on, and where to put the barcode on the cover.

Marketplaces · 6 min
Amazon FNSKU barcodes: what they are and how to label FBA inventory

What an FNSKU is, how it differs from your UPC or EAN, how to print FBA labels, label sizes, and when you can print the FNSKU barcode on your own packaging.