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Barcode Generator & Validator

Make a barcode that actually scans at retail.

Generate a print-ready UPC or EAN barcode from scratch — then check it will pass a retail scanner before you commit to print. A wrong check digit or an undersized code means a rejected shipment.

✓ Valid EAN-13 · check digit 9
100%37.3 × 25.9 mm
50 1 0 0 2 90 0 0 0 0 9
Scan-readyMeets GS1 retail specs — safe to print.
✓Check digitvalid · 9
✓Magnification100% (GS1 80–200%)
✓X-dimension0.330 mm (min 0.264)
✓Quiet zones11 + 7 modules · included
✓Printed width37.3 × 25.9 mm

Barcodes render as true black-on-white so they scan when printed — the “label” stays white in dark mode on purpose.

Why it matters

A barcode that fails at the scanner is a rejected shipment.

Retailers reject cases when the barcode won’t scan first-time — most often because it was printed too small, had its quiet zones (the clear margins each side) cropped, or shipped with a wrong check digit. All three are invisible on screen and expensive on the pallet. This tool computes the check digit for you and shows, live, whether your chosen print size still scans.

Enter your number

Type a UPC/EAN — or paste an existing one and we validate its check digit as you type.

Set the print size

Drag the magnification. The verdict updates against GS1’s 80–200% retail range in real time.

Export print-ready

Download crisp vector SVG or a high-resolution PNG with quiet zones intact.

FAQ

Barcode questions, answered

Which barcode do I need for retail?

Products sold in shops need a GTIN encoded as a UPC-A (12 digits, common in North America) or EAN-13 (13 digits, used globally). EAN-8 is the shorter version for very small packs. All three are generated here.

Will this barcode actually scan?

It scans if it’s printed dark-on-light, at a size within GS1’s 80–200% magnification range, with the quiet zones intact and a valid check digit. The verdict panel checks all four for you — that’s the part generic generators skip.

What size should I print it at?

The retail default is 100% magnification (about 37.3 × 25.9 mm for EAN-13). You can go down to 80% for tight packs, but below that most POS scanners struggle. The tool flags it the moment you cross the line.

What is a check digit?

The last digit is a math checksum of the others — it lets a scanner catch a misread. If you paste a number with the wrong final digit, we’ll show the correct one so you don’t print a barcode no scanner will accept.

Is it really free?

Yes — generate, validate and download as many as you like. Enter your email once to unlock the print-ready files. It’s one of GoVisually’s free tools for packaging and print teams.

Checking barcodes across whole artwork files?

GoVisually verifies barcodes, colours and copy across your packaging proofs — and flags what won’t print, before it ships.

Try GoVisually free →