Barcode chooser
Which barcode should I use?
Pick the format from the job, not from the name. A QR code is great for phone scans, EAN and UPC are for retail products, and Code 128 is usually the practical choice for internal labels.
I want people to scan a link
Use a QR Code
Best for URLs, menus, forms, instructions, contact cards, event pages and anything scanned with a phone.
Open generatorI need a retail product barcode
Use EAN-13 or UPC-A
EAN-13 is common internationally. UPC-A is common in North America. For real retail products, use an official GS1 number.
Open generatorI need internal inventory labels
Use Code 128
Code 128 is compact, flexible and good for product IDs, location labels, bins, assets and operational workflows.
Open generatorI need outer cartons or cases
Use ITF-14
ITF-14 is often used on shipping cartons and trade item packaging that will be scanned in warehouses or distribution.
Open generatorI need a dense code on a small item
Use Data Matrix
Data Matrix can hold more information in a small square symbol and is common in manufacturing, healthcare and parts marking.
Open generatorI need an ID card or document code
Use PDF417
PDF417 is a stacked 2D barcode used on IDs, forms, transport documents and places where more structured data is needed.
Open generatorQuick comparisons
EAN-13 or UPC-A?
Use EAN-13 for most international retail packaging. Use UPC-A when a North American retailer, marketplace or label spec asks for UPC.
QR Code or Data Matrix?
Use QR when people scan with phones. Use Data Matrix when the code is part of an industrial, healthcare or product-marking workflow.
Code 128 or Code 39?
Use Code 128 for most new internal labels. Use Code 39 only when an older scanner, label template or system specifically expects it.
Can I use any number for an EAN or UPC barcode?
You can generate a barcode image from valid digits, but retail products usually need a unique GS1 GTIN assigned to your company or product.
Which barcode is best for printing?
The barcode type depends on the use case. For the file format, SVG is usually safest for print because it stays sharp at any size.
Which barcode works with phones?
QR codes are the safest choice for phone scanning. They are widely supported by camera apps and can open URLs directly.