Best Barcode Generators in June 2022

A barcode generator is a digital tool that produces barcodes, which are unique scannable identifiers for a product or item. Barcodes and barcode generators are widely used in the retail industry to track inventory, streamline processes and generate reports. Some bulk barcode generators also have additional features, like creating QR codes and item labels.

Most free barcode generators have the following features:

Generate Different Types of Barcodes

Aside from 1D or 2D barcode generators, you can also get a 128 barcode generator, GS1 barcode generator, Cognex barcode generator, UPC barcode generator and more.

Customized Barcodes

Set the height, width, color, dimensions and various other settings.

Multiple Export Formats

Export your barcodes as vector or image files, PDFs, Word files and more, so you can easily integrate them in photo-editing applications or product packaging designs.

Paid versions of barcode generators offer these additional features:

Generate Multiple Barcodes

Create unlimited barcodes in bulk by uploading an Excel sheet of the data you want to encode in them.

Multiple Print Formats

Create barcodes that are compatible with all kinds of printers. This is useful when printing on surfaces like ceramic or fabric. There are also preview options, so you know precisely how your barcode will turn out.

1D Barcode Generator

This generates the zebra-line barcodes widely used in retail. You can only encode simple data in them, like numbers or short tags; they are also not ideal for inventories that undergo regular wear and tear. The upside is you can make a lot of barcodes in a short amount of time.

2D Barcode Generator

This generates square barcodes containing dots, rectangles, or squares, like QR codes. This is ideal if you want to encode more information like URLs and contact details, or if you are using the barcodes for very small items that are difficult to mark with lines. You can also configure the barcode so they can be scanned by anyone with a decent smartphone camera and QR code scanner.

Before you start, know the barcode type that matches your industry or data requirements, as well as the number of barcodes to generate. This will help you find the best barcode generator software for your needs.

Step 1:

Choose a barcode generator from the list above and create a user account on their website.

Step 2:

After logging in, choose the barcode type to be generated.

Step 3:

On the ‘Data’ field, enter the information to be encoded on the barcode. If you are generating barcodes in bulk (often a paid feature), you can upload an Excel file of your data.

Step 4:

Choose the barcode’s output size and file format, or customize its look and dimensions according to your needs.

Step 5:

Click ‘Generate Barcode’, then ‘Download’ to save the barcode files on your computer.