UPC-A Barcode Generator
Generate free, print-ready UPC-A barcodes online. UPC-A is the 12-digit retail standard scanned at checkout across the United States and Canada. Create a crisp SVG or PNG instantly — no account, no watermark, no limits.
Open the Barcode Generator → Verify after printing
What Is a UPC-A Barcode?
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit, 1D barcode administered by GS1 US. It encodes a number-system digit, a manufacturer identification number, a product number, and a final check digit. UPC-A is the North American equivalent of the global EAN-13 standard — in fact, a UPC-A code is simply an EAN-13 with a leading zero.
Where UPC-A Is Used
- US & Canadian retail — Walmart, Target, Kroger, and virtually every grocery and big-box chain.
- Amazon & Walmart Marketplace — a valid UPC is required to create most product listings.
- Consumer packaged goods — food, beverages, household products, and electronics.
How to Generate a UPC-A Code
- Open the barcode generator and select UPC-A.
- Type the first 11 digits — the 12th check digit is computed for you automatically.
- Preview and download as SVG for packaging or PNG for digital use.
UPC-A Print Guidelines
- Use SVG output for razor-sharp bars at every print size.
- Do not shrink below ~80% of nominal (roughly 29 mm wide) or scanners may struggle.
- Leave the white quiet zone intact on both ends of the symbol.
- High-contrast black-on-white only — sample a few prints with our scanner before a full run.
UPC-A or EAN-13?
If you sell only in North America, UPC-A is conventional. If you sell internationally, use EAN-13 — modern scanners read both. For shipping cartons and warehouse SKUs, reach for Code 128 instead. The full comparison is in QR codes vs. barcodes and our retail barcode guide.