About Barcode Generator

Generate CODE-128 barcode PNGs from any text — client-side canvas. Part of the DevTools Surf developer suite. Browse more tools in the Generators collection.

Use Cases

• Warehouse devs generating asset tracking labels
• Retail teams creating product barcode sheets for inventory
• Event organizers printing scannable ticket barcodes
• Library systems generating book identification labels

Tips

• CODE-128 supports the full ASCII character set (0-127)
• Download barcode PNGs directly for label printing
• Outputs PNG at any resolution — scale for print DPI as needed

Fun Facts

• The first barcode patent was filed in 1952 by Norman Woodland and Bernard Silver, inspired by Morse code — they extended dots and dashes into thin and thick lines.
• The first product scanned with a UPC barcode was a 10-pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio on June 26, 1974.
• CODE-128, created by Computer Identics in 1981, encodes data at the highest density of any 1D barcode — up to 50% more compact than Code 39.

FAQ

What barcode format is used?

CODE-128 — supports the full ASCII character set, compact, and widely scannable. The industry standard for shipping labels, inventory, and documents.

Does it scan on mobile cameras?

Yes — generated barcodes scan reliably on iOS Camera, Android Google Lens, and dedicated barcode apps. Print at 300 DPI for best results.

Can I embed in PDFs?

Yes — download the PNG and drop into a PDF. For SVG (crisp at any print size), toggle the output format. SVG is better for high-resolution printing.

What about other formats like EAN-13 or QR?

CODE-128 here. For EAN-13 (retail products) or QR codes use the QR Code Generator tool. Different formats have different use cases.