EAN-13 Barcode Generator

Create print-ready EAN-13 barcodes free, directly in your browser. EAN-13 is the global retail standard used on almost every product sold outside North America — groceries, books, electronics, cosmetics, and more. Generate a sharp SVG or PNG in seconds, no sign-up and no watermark.

Open the Barcode Generator → Verify after printing

What Is an EAN-13 Barcode?

EAN-13 (European Article Number) is a 13-digit, 1D barcode managed by GS1. The 13 digits break down into three parts: a 2–3 digit GS1 country prefix, a manufacturer code, a product reference, and a final check digit that the scanner uses to confirm a clean read. It is the worldwide counterpart to the North American UPC-A.

Where EAN-13 Is Used

Retail point of sale — the code rung up at checkout in supermarkets and shops.
Books — the ISBN is encoded as an EAN-13 starting with the 978/979 "Bookland" prefix.
Marketplaces — Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping require a valid GTIN, and EAN-13 is the most common form outside the US.
Inventory & logistics — warehouse systems that key off the manufacturer GTIN.

How to Generate an EAN-13 Code

Open the barcode generator and choose EAN-13 as the format.
Enter the first 12 digits. Our tool calculates the 13th check digit automatically — you can also enter all 13 and we will validate it.
Preview instantly, then download as SVG (best for printing on packaging) or PNG.

Do you need a real GTIN? If you sell products commercially, the number must be licensed from GS1 so it is unique worldwide. This tool produces a valid, scannable barcode image from any number, but it does not assign you ownership of that number. For private inventory or testing, any number works.

Print Tips for Reliable Scanning

Download SVG so bar widths stay mathematically precise at any size.
Keep the printed code at least 80% of nominal size (about 30 mm wide) so checkout lasers read it first time.
Preserve the white quiet zone on both sides — never crop the bars to the edge.
Print solid black on a white background; avoid colored or reflective stock.

EAN-13 vs UPC-A vs Code 128

Choosing a retail format? EAN-13 is the global standard, UPC-A is its 12-digit North American sibling, and Code 128 is the high-density choice for shipping labels and internal SKUs. Read the full breakdown in our retail barcode guide and e-commerce barcode guide.

Open the Barcode Generator → Verify after printing