# EAN-8 Barcode Generator

Generate an EAN-8 barcode for small retail packages from a 7 digit number or a full 8 digit GTIN-8. The tool adds the check digit or verifies yours, then draws the short barcode as a PNG image or an SVG file. It suits cosmetics, confectionery and other packs too small for EAN-13, with controls for the scale, the bar height and the printed digits.

## Frequently asked questions

### What do I enter in the EAN-8 Barcode Generator?

Enter the 7 digits of the EAN-8 number, or all 8 digits including the check digit. Spaces and hyphens are removed before the number is checked. Any other length or character is rejected with a message.

### How is the EAN-8 check digit calculated?

The check digit uses the GS1 modulo 10 method: digits are weighted 3 and 1 alternately from the right, summed, and the check digit brings the sum up to the next multiple of 10. With 7 digits the tool adds it for you, and with 8 digits it refuses a wrong one and shows the correct digit.

### When should I use EAN-8 instead of EAN-13?

EAN-8 is meant for packages whose printable area is too small for an EAN-13 symbol, such as lipsticks or chewing gum. GS1 issues EAN-8 numbers individually and only when an EAN-13 really does not fit. If you have room, EAN-13 is the usual choice.

### Should I download the EAN-8 barcode as PNG or SVG?

Choose SVG for print work, packaging artwork and anything you scale later, because the bars stay sharp at every size. Choose PNG for documents, web pages and label software that only accept raster images. The PNG has a white background and the SVG draws a white background rectangle, so both scan on any page color.

### What does the scale setting change?

The scale sets the width in pixels of the narrowest bar, from 1 to 10, and 3 is the default. At scale 3 the EAN-8 symbol is about 260 pixels wide with its margin. Raise it for large labels and lower it for screens.

### Can I set the bar height?

Yes, from 5 to 50 millimeters. Leave the field empty to use the standard EAN-8 bar height. Keep the bars tall enough for handheld scanners if you shorten them to fit a small pack.

### Can I print the barcode without digits?

Yes. Turn off the human readable text option and only the bars are drawn. Retail practice is to keep the digits so the number can be typed at the till when a scan fails.

### Does the EAN-8 generator support add-ons?

No. Add-on symbols are used with EAN-13, UPC-A and UPC-E for periodicals and books, and this tool draws EAN-8 without them. Use the EAN-13 or UPC generators if you need a 2 or 5 digit add-on.

### Can I use any 8 digit number?

The tool draws any 8 digit number whose check digit is correct, so you can test layouts freely. For products sold in stores the number must be assigned to you by GS1, because retailers reject numbers they cannot trace to a company.

### Is there a size limit?

The output may be at most 4000 pixels on a side, which the EAN-8 symbol never reaches within the scale and height limits. Your number is used only to render the image and is not stored.

Your ad here?

[Email us](mailto:hi@dennn.is?subject=Advertising%20on%20OneClick%20Pro)

[Ad The agent-ready plugin suite for WordPress.](https://sleekwp.com/?ref=oneclickpro)