About Barcode Scanner

Simulate barcode scanning and decode UPC/EAN/CODE128. Part of the DevTools Surf developer suite. Browse more tools in the Images collection.

Use Cases

• Verify product barcode integrity before submitting to a retailer system
• Decode unfamiliar barcodes to identify product origins
• Validate check digits on manually entered EAN/UPC codes
• Learn barcode symbology structures for retail/logistics education

Tips

• Select the correct symbology (UPC-A, EAN-13, Code128, QR) before scanning — mismatched symbologies return no result even for valid barcodes
• The simulator decodes the structure of the barcode: for EAN-13, it shows country code, manufacturer, product code, and check digit separately
• Use the check digit validator to verify manually typed barcodes before printing labels

Fun Facts

• The first barcode scanned at a retail checkout was a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum at a Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio, on June 26, 1974. That pack of gum is now in the Smithsonian.
• GS1, the organization that manages global barcode standards, has assigned over 2 million company prefixes worldwide. Each prefix can identify millions of individual products — enabling the global supply chain tracking system.
• QR codes were invented by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave in 1994 specifically to track automotive parts at Toyota factories. The patent was filed in Japan but intentionally not enforced, enabling global adoption.

FAQ

What is the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13?

UPC-A is 12 digits used primarily in the US and Canada. EAN-13 is the international 13-digit standard that includes a country code prefix. UPC-A is technically a subset of EAN-13 with a leading '0'.

What is a check digit and why does it matter?

The last digit of a barcode is calculated from the other digits using a modulo formula. Scanners verify this digit to catch transcription errors or damaged codes. The check digit cannot be guessed — it must be calculated correctly.

Can Code128 encode letters and special characters?

Yes — Code128 encodes all 128 ASCII characters including uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It is the most versatile 1D barcode symbology and is used in shipping labels, ID badges, and warehouse systems.