UPC-A Barcode Generator
Generate a UPC-A barcode for products sold in North America from an 11 digit number or a full 12 digit UPC. The tool computes or verifies the check digit and draws the barcode as a PNG image or an SVG file with the number printed in the standard UPC layout. Sellers and packaging designers can set the scale and bar height and add a 2 or 5 digit add-on.
Frequently asked questions
What do I enter in the UPC-A Barcode Generator?
Enter the first 11 digits of the UPC, or all 12 digits including the check digit. Spaces and hyphens are ignored. Letters or a different number of digits are refused with an explanation.
Does the tool check my UPC?
Yes. With 12 digits the last digit is verified with the GS1 modulo 10 method, and a wrong check digit is rejected with the correct one named in the message. With 11 digits the check digit is calculated and added for you.
What is the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13?
UPC-A carries 12 digits and EAN-13 carries 13. A UPC-A number is the same as an EAN-13 number with a leading zero, and scanners worldwide read both. UPC-A is the traditional format in the United States and Canada.
Can I add a price or issue add-on?
Yes. The add-on field accepts 2 or 5 digits and draws the extra symbol to the right of the main barcode. Magazines use 2 digit add-ons for the issue, and some books use 5 digit add-ons for the price.
Should I download the UPC-A 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.
How do scale and bar height work?
The scale from 1 to 10 sets the pixel width of the narrowest bar, with 3 as the default. The optional bar height is in millimeters from 5 to 50; leave it empty for the standard height. Together they decide the size of the image.
Can I turn off the printed digits?
Yes. Turn off the human readable text option to draw only the bars. Most retailers expect the digits beneath the bars, with the first and last digits set apart in the standard UPC layout.
Where do UPC numbers come from?
UPC numbers are issued by GS1 US and the other GS1 offices with a company prefix. This tool can draw any valid number, but stores and marketplaces such as large online retailers verify that the prefix is licensed to your company.
Why does my number start with a 0?
Many UPC-A numbers start with the number system digit 0, which marks regular products. The leading zero is part of the number and must be entered. Dropping it changes the check digit and makes the barcode invalid.
Is my data kept?
No. The number is used only to draw the image you download and is not stored. The image is limited to 4000 pixels on a side, which a UPC-A symbol does not reach within the scale and height limits.