Barcode Types Explained: EAN-13, UPC, Code 128 and When to Use Each

Barcodes look interchangeable, but choosing the wrong format can get your products rejected by a retailer or break your warehouse scanning. Retail, logistics and libraries each rely on different standards, and picking the right one is not complicated once you know what each is for. This guide explains the most common barcode types — EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, ITF-14 and more — and helps you choose the right format for your products with a free generator.

Retail barcodes: EAN-13 and UPC-A

If you sell physical products in shops, you almost certainly need a retail barcode. EAN-13 (European Article Number) is the global standard, encoding a 13-digit product number recognised at checkouts worldwide. UPC-A is its 12-digit North American cousin, standard in the United States and Canada. They are close relatives and most scanners read both, but retailers usually specify which they require. These numbers are issued by GS1, so you buy the number and then generate the barcode image from it.

Code 128: the flexible workhorse

Code 128 is the format to reach for when you control the scanning yourself — internal inventory, shipping labels, asset tags and logistics. It encodes letters and numbers, packs a lot of data into a compact space, and is extremely reliable. Because it is not tied to a retail numbering system, you can encode whatever reference you like: an SKU, an order number, a location code. For most non-retail business uses, Code 128 is the sensible default.

Barcodes for cases and cartons: ITF-14

ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) is designed for the outer packaging — the cartons and cases that products ship in, rather than the individual item. It is robust enough to scan reliably even when printed directly on corrugated cardboard, which is why distribution centres rely on it. If you supply retailers by the case, ITF-14 on the box is often required alongside EAN-13 on each unit.

Other formats worth knowing

• Code 39 — an older alphanumeric format still common in industry and defence.
• EAN-8 / UPC-E — compact versions for very small retail packages.
• ISBN — a specialised EAN-13 for books.
• Codabar — used by libraries and blood banks.
• Pharmacode — used in pharmaceutical packaging control.

Each exists to solve a specific problem, so the right one depends entirely on your industry.

How to choose the right barcode

The decision comes down to a few questions. Are you selling through retailers? Then you need EAN-13 or UPC-A on the product and possibly ITF-14 on the case. Are you tracking items internally or shipping them? Code 128 is ideal. Are you in a specialist field like publishing or libraries? Use the dedicated format. When in doubt, ask the retailer or system you are supplying — they will tell you exactly what they scan.

Generating your barcodes

Once you know the format and have your number, generating the barcode is instant. The free Barcode Generator supports EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, ITF-14, Code 39, ISBN and more, exporting crisp PNG or SVG images. Use SVG for print so barcodes stay sharp and scannable at any size, and always test-scan a sample before a full print run.

Conclusion

Barcodes are simple once you match the format to the job: EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail, Code 128 for internal and shipping use, ITF-14 for cases, and specialist formats for specialist fields. Confirm the requirement, generate the code, and test it. Create standards-compliant barcodes for free with the Barcode Generator and get your products scanning smoothly everywhere they go.

1D barcodes vs QR codes

All the formats above are 1D (linear) barcodes — the familiar pattern of vertical bars that encodes a modest amount of data, usually a number. QR codes are 2D and can hold far more information, including URLs, contact details and WiFi credentials, and are designed to be scanned by phone cameras. The rule of thumb: use a 1D barcode like EAN-13 or Code 128 when a dedicated scanner needs to read a product or tracking number at the point of sale or in a warehouse, and use a QR code when you want a customer's phone to open a link or connect to something. Many products carry both — a retail barcode for the till and a QR code for marketing.

Frequently asked questions

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

EAN-13 is the 13-digit global retail standard, while UPC-A is the 12-digit version used mainly in North America. They are closely related and most scanners read both, but retailers usually specify which they require.

Which barcode should I use for shipping and inventory?

Code 128 is the best choice for internal tracking and shipping. It encodes letters and numbers compactly and reliably, and is not tied to a retail numbering system.

Do I need to buy a barcode number?

For retail EAN-13 and UPC-A codes, the product number is issued by GS1, so you obtain the number and then generate the barcode image from it. For internal Code 128 use, you can choose your own reference.

What format should I export for printing?

Use SVG for print so the barcode stays sharp and scannable at any size, and always test-scan a sample before a full print run.