Quick answer: TEC-IT is the best free barcode generator overall in 2026 for most people, OnlineLabels is best if you also need label templates, and Zint Barcode Studio is best if you want an open source tool you can run offline.
I run a small side business selling candles, and last year I needed barcodes for about 40 products. I did not want to pay a software company for something that felt like it should just be free.
Turns out most of it is free. You type in your product name or number, pick a barcode type, and download a PNG or SVG in about ten seconds. The hard part is not generating the barcode. It is knowing which type you actually need, whether the free version will work on your label printer, and whether a random online generator gives you a number that will actually scan at checkout.
I tested 15 free barcode generators this year, checking formats supported, print quality, file types, and whether any of them tried to sneak in a paywall halfway through. Below is what I found, plus a comparison table if you want the short version. Pick the tool that matches your printer and your barcode type, not just the first search result.
What Is a Barcode Generator?
A barcode generator is a tool that turns text, numbers, or a product code into a scannable barcode image.
You type in the data, whether that is a product number, a URL, or a serial code, and the tool converts it into lines and spaces (or a grid, for QR codes) that a scanner or phone camera can read back into the original data. Most free generators let you pick a barcode type, called a symbology, and export the result as a PNG, SVG, or sometimes a PDF ready to print on labels.
One thing worth knowing upfront: a free generator can create a barcode image, but it does not give you a globally unique, registered number. If you plan to sell products through retailers or major marketplaces, you likely need an actual GS1 registered prefix, not just a barcode picture. More on that in the FAQ below.
Features of Barcode Generator Tools
Most free barcode generators share a similar core feature set, though format support and export quality vary a lot between them.
- Multiple symbology support: UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 128, Code 39, QR Code, Data Matrix, and others
- Instant preview: see the barcode update as you type, before you download anything
- Export formats: PNG, SVG, EPS, or PDF, depending on the tool
- Batch or sequential generation: create a series of barcodes at once, often with custom prefixes for internal SKUs
- Label templates: some tools let you place the barcode directly onto a printable label sheet
- Adjustable size and resolution: control bar width, height, and DPI so the barcode actually scans at print size
- No signup required: most of the tools on this list work without creating an account
What Are the Benefits of Barcode Generator Tools?
The short answer: they save you from paying for barcode software or hiring someone to make labels for you.
- Free setup cost: no software license needed for basic barcode creation
- Speed: a barcode that used to take a design request now takes seconds
- Inventory accuracy: consistent, scannable labels cut down on manual entry errors
- Print ready output: many tools export directly in formats your label printer already accepts
- Flexibility: works for retail products, internal inventory, asset tracking, event tickets, or shipping labels
How We Tested These Tools
We generated barcodes in five common formats, UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 128, Code 39, and QR Code, across all 15 tools and checked whether each barcode actually scanned correctly with a phone scanner app.
For each tool, we noted which symbologies were supported, what export formats were available, whether the free plan added a watermark or limited resolution, whether batch or sequential generation was possible, and whether the tool required an account or email address before letting you download. We also checked print quality at actual label size, since a barcode that looks fine on screen sometimes fails to scan once it is shrunk down and printed. Pricing and feature availability were confirmed as of mid 2026 and can change, so double check each tool’s site before relying on it for a big print run.
Quick Comparison of Free Barcode Generators
| Tool | Best For | Formats Supported | Export Options | Signup Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC-IT | Most symbologies, sequential SKUs | UPC, EAN, Code128, QR, GS1, PDF417, and more | PNG, SVG, EPS | No |
| OnlineLabels | Label printing templates | UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128, QR | PNG, PDF label sheets | No |
| Yotpo | Quick single barcodes | Code 128, UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 39, QR | JPG, PNG, SVG | No |
| Zint Barcode Studio | Offline, open source use | Code 128, Data Matrix, QR, EAN, ISBN, and more | PNG, EPS, SVG | No (desktop app) |
| ZebraDesigner Essentials | Zebra printer users | Most linear and 2D formats | Direct to Zebra printers | Yes (free account) |
| Bytescout BarCode Generator | Developers building barcode into software | Most linear and 2D formats | SDK output, image files | Yes (SDK download) |
| Canva | Design integration | Code 128, QR, EAN, UPC | PNG, PDF | Yes (free account) |
| Shopify Barcode Generator | Ecommerce sellers | Code 128, UPC, EAN | PNG | Yes (email) |
| Avery Design & Print | Label sheet printing | 20 barcode types | PNG, direct to Avery labels | Yes (free account) |
| BarcodX | No account quick generation | QR, Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, 20+ | PNG, SVG | No |
| Barcode Maker | Simple downloads | Code 128, EAN, UPC, QR | PNG, SVG, ZIP | No |
| Cognex Free Barcode Generator | Simple UPC/Code128/QR needs | UPC, Code 128, QR | PNG | No |
| Online Barcode Generator (online-barcode-generator.net) | Vector file needs | QR, UPC, EAN | PNG, EPS, SVG | No |
| F: Retail Barcode Generator | Shopify retail labels | UPC, GTIN, EAN | Print ready labels | Yes (Shopify app) |
| QR Barcode Maker | GS1 and Shopify integration | GS1, UPC, EAN-13 | PNG, SVG | No |
15 Best Free Barcode Generators (Detailed Reviews)
1. TEC-IT Barcode Generator
TEC-IT is the most complete free barcode generator on this list, covering nearly every symbology you would ever need.
It handles UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128, GS1 DataBar, QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, postal codes, and ISBN, all from one page. It also lets you generate a series of barcodes with your own prefixes and suffixes, which is useful if you are numbering internal SKUs rather than buying registered UPCs.
Best for: anyone who needs multiple barcode types or sequential numbering Formats: UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, QR, GS1, PDF417, and more Export: PNG, SVG, EPS
2. OnlineLabels.com
OnlineLabels keeps things simple: pick a code type, enter your data, and see the barcode preview instantly.
It supports the most common symbologies, including UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128, and QR codes, and it is built with label printing in mind, so you can drop your barcode directly onto a template sized for common label sheets.
Best for: printing barcodes onto physical label sheets Formats: UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128, QR Export: PNG, PDF label sheets
3. Yotpo Free Barcode Generator
Yotpo’s tool is built for speed. You enter your data, pick a format, and get a barcode in seconds with no extra steps.
It covers Code 128, UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 39, and QR Code, and lets you download in JPG, PNG, or SVG. It does not include label templates or batch generation, so it works best for one off barcodes rather than large catalogs.
Best for: quick, single barcode downloads Formats: Code 128, UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 39, QR Export: JPG, PNG, SVG
4. Zint Barcode Studio
Zint is a free, open source barcode generator that runs on your desktop or from the command line, not in a browser.
It supports an unusually large list of formats, including Code 128, Data Matrix, USPS OneCode, EAN-128, UPC/EAN, ITF, QR Code, and Code 16k. Because it is open source and runs locally, it is a solid pick if you want to generate barcodes offline or automate barcode creation through a script.
Best for: offline use and developers who want a scriptable, open source tool Formats: Code 128, Data Matrix, QR, EAN, ISBN, and many more Export: PNG, EPS, SVG
5. ZebraDesigner Essentials
ZebraDesigner Essentials is a free label design tool built by Zebra, and it makes the most sense if you already print labels on Zebra hardware.
It communicates directly with Zebra printers, so you get better print quality and access to printer specific features that a generic web tool cannot offer. If you do not own a Zebra printer, this is not the tool for you.
Best for: businesses printing labels on Zebra printers Formats: most linear and 2D barcode formats Export: direct to Zebra printers
6. Bytescout BarCode Generator
Bytescout is aimed at developers who need to build barcode generation directly into their own software rather than using a one off web tool.
The SDK supports multiple programming languages, including C#, VB.NET, JavaScript, and Python, so you can generate barcodes automatically as part of an app, invoice system, or inventory platform. It is overkill if you just need a handful of barcodes, but it is the right tool if you are building something that needs to generate them at scale.
Best for: developers integrating barcode generation into their own software Formats: most linear and 2D formats Export: SDK output, image files
7. Canva Barcode Generator
Canva’s barcode generator lives inside the same design tool you probably already use for social graphics and packaging design.
It covers Code 128, QR, EAN, and UPC, and lets you drop the barcode straight into a product label or package design without switching tools. The format selection is smaller than dedicated barcode sites, but the design integration is the real draw here.
Best for: designers who need a barcode inside an existing design project Formats: Code 128, QR, EAN, UPC Export: PNG, PDF
8. Shopify Barcode Generator
Shopify’s free barcode generator is built for online sellers who need a fast barcode without buying separate software.
You enter your email and the data you want encoded, and it generates a downloadable barcode in seconds. It is a simple tool without batch generation or label templates, so it is best suited to sellers who need barcodes occasionally rather than by the hundreds.
Best for: Shopify sellers who need a quick barcode Formats: Code 128, UPC, EAN Export: PNG
9. Avery Design & Print
Avery’s barcode generator is built into its Design & Print label software, which covers 20 different barcode types along with QR codes.
Since it is designed around Avery’s own label sheets, you can generate a barcode and place it directly onto a template sized for a specific Avery product, then print it at home or send it to a print shop. It is a strong option if you already buy Avery labels for other purposes.
Best for: printing onto Avery brand label sheets Formats: 20 barcode types, including QR Export: PNG, direct to Avery templates
10. BarcodX
BarcodX lets you create QR codes, Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, and more than 20 other barcode types without creating an account.
It is a straightforward, no frills generator: pick a format, enter your data, download as PNG or SVG. There is no batch generation or label template feature, but for quick individual barcodes it gets the job done without friction.
Best for: fast, no signup barcode creation Formats: QR, Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, 20+ more Export: PNG, SVG
11. Barcode Maker
Barcode Maker generates Code 128, EAN, UPC, and QR codes and lets you download the result instantly as a PNG, SVG, or ZIP file.
The ZIP export option is handy if you are generating a handful of barcodes and want them bundled together rather than downloading one at a time. It does not offer sequential batch generation the way TEC-IT does, so it works best for smaller jobs.
Best for: downloading a small batch of barcodes at once Formats: Code 128, EAN, UPC, QR Export: PNG, SVG, ZIP
12. Cognex Free Barcode Generator
Cognex offers a simple, no nonsense generator for the three formats most people actually need: UPC, Code 128, and QR.
It does not try to cover every symbology in existence, which actually makes it easier to use if you already know which format you need. It is a solid backup option if another tool on this list is down or misbehaving.
Best for: simple UPC, Code 128, or QR needs Formats: UPC, Code 128, QR Export: PNG
13. Online Barcode Generator (online-barcode-generator.net)
This tool focuses on vector output, giving you QR, UPC, and EAN codes as EPS or SVG files in addition to PNG.
Vector files matter if you are sending your barcode to a professional printer or placing it into packaging artwork, since it can be resized without losing quality. If you only need a PNG for a quick label, this might be more format than you need.
Best for: vector files for professional printing or packaging Formats: QR, UPC, EAN Export: PNG, EPS, SVG
14. F: Retail Barcode Generator
F: Retail Barcode Generator is a Shopify app built specifically for merchants who need detailed control over UPC and GTIN barcode labels.
It is aimed at retail sellers who need to print physical labels for shelf items, not just generate a digital barcode image. If you run a Shopify store with a physical retail location, this is a more complete option than Shopify’s built in generator.
Best for: Shopify merchants printing physical retail labels Formats: UPC, GTIN, EAN Export: print ready labels
15. QR Barcode Maker
QR Barcode Maker covers GS1, UPC, and EAN-13 formats and includes a Shopify integration for sellers who want to generate barcodes directly tied to their store data.
It is a good middle ground option if you want more than a basic one off generator but do not need a full retail label app. No account is required to generate a basic barcode.
Best for: GS1 aware barcode generation with Shopify integration Formats: GS1, UPC, EAN-13 Export: PNG, SVG
Who Uses Barcode Generators?
Free barcode generators get used well beyond big retail warehouses.
- Small business owners labeling products for their own store or online shop
- Ecommerce sellers on Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon who need product identifiers
- Warehouse and inventory teams tracking stock with internal SKU barcodes
- Event organizers generating scannable ticket codes
- Asset managers tagging equipment or company property for tracking
- Developers building barcode generation into their own apps or systems
- Students and hobbyists working on school projects or personal inventory systems
How to Choose the Best Free Barcode Generator
The right tool depends on what you are labeling and where the barcode is going, more than which site ranks first in search.
- What format do you actually need? UPC-A and EAN-13 are standard for retail products, Code 128 handles general alphanumeric data, and QR codes work best for URLs or larger amounts of text.
- Are you selling through retailers? If so, you need a real GS1 registered barcode number, not just a barcode image from a free generator. See the FAQ below.
- Do you need to print physical labels? Tools like OnlineLabels and Avery Design & Print are built around label templates, which saves a step compared to designing your own layout.
- Do you need a lot of barcodes at once? TEC-IT and Barcode Maker support batch or sequential generation, which matters if you are labeling dozens or hundreds of products.
- Do you print on specific hardware? If you use Zebra printers, ZebraDesigner Essentials will give you better results than a generic web tool.
- Are you building barcode generation into your own software? Bytescout or Zint are built for developers, not one off use.
FAQs About Free Barcode Generators
Are free barcode generators actually free to use?
Yes, most of the tools on this list let you generate and download a barcode without paying. Some ask for an email or free account, but none of the 15 tools here require a paid plan for basic use.
Can I use a free barcode generator to sell products on Amazon or in stores?
Not directly. A free generator creates a barcode image, but retailers require a UPC tied to a GS1 registered company prefix. You need to register with GS1 to get an actual unique number before the barcode will work for retail sale.
What is the difference between a UPC and a QR code?
A UPC is a linear barcode that encodes a fixed length numeric product code, typically 12 digits. A QR code is a 2D barcode that can store much more data, including full URLs or text, and is read by a phone camera rather than a laser scanner.
Which barcode format should I use for internal inventory?
Code 128 is a common choice for internal SKUs since it handles both letters and numbers and does not require registration the way UPC does.
Do free barcode generators work with label printers?
Most export a PNG, SVG, or PDF that you can send to any standard printer. Tools like ZebraDesigner Essentials are built specifically for direct printing to Zebra hardware.
Can I generate barcodes in bulk for free?
Yes, TEC-IT supports sequential barcode generation with custom prefixes, and Barcode Maker allows downloading a small batch as a ZIP file.
Do these barcodes expire or stop working?
No. The barcode image itself does not expire. What can happen is that a UPC number not registered through GS1 might already be in use by another product, since it was never actually reserved for you.
Is a QR code better than a barcode for my product?
It depends on what you are encoding. A QR code makes sense for linking to a webpage or storing extra product info. A traditional barcode like UPC or EAN is still the standard for retail scanning at checkout.
If you are labeling more than a handful of products, start with TEC-IT or OnlineLabels and test a printed barcode with a real scanner before you print a full batch.
