Barcode Generator: Create Custom Shipping Barcodes

Generate Code128, UPC-A, EAN-13, and Code39 barcodes instantly. Download as PNG or SVG. Crop and format your shipping labels instantly for free.

Introduction

You need to generate custom barcodes for your shipping labels. Whether you're using Code128, UPC-A, or EAN-13, you need a way to create them without expensive software.

Our free Barcode Generator lets you create professional barcodes in seconds. Choose your format, enter your code, and download as PNG or SVG. No software required.

Barcode Formats (Which One Should You Use?)

Code128 (Most Popular for Shipping) Alphanumeric (letters + numbers). Highest density. Best for custom order numbers. Standard for e-commerce shipping. UPC-A Numeric only, 12 digits. Standard for retail products. Used by Walmart, Best Buy, etc. EAN-13 Numeric only, 13 digits. International standard. Used globally for product barcodes. Code39 Alphanumeric, supports special characters. Less common but flexible. Requires more space.

When to Generate Custom Barcodes

• You have custom order numbering system
• You need barcodes in addition to platform-provided ones
• You want to use your own tracking system
• You need barcodes for non-standard shipping scenarios
• You want to generate bulk barcodes for batch orders

How to Use Barcode Generator

1. Choose format - Select Code128
2. UPC-A
3. EAN-13
4. or Code39
5. Enter code - Type your barcode value (alphanumeric for Code128
6. numeric for UPC-A/EAN-13)
7. Generate - System creates barcode instantly
8. Download - Get as PNG (raster) or SVG (vector). PNG for immediate use
9. SVG for scaling

Barcode Format Details

• Supports: 0-9, A-Z, a-z, special characters
• Length: Variable (typically 10-20 characters)
• Example: ORDER_12345_ABC
• Best for: Custom order codes

• Supports: 0-9 only (12 digits)
• Length: Must be exactly 12 digits
• Example: 012345678905
• Best for: Retail products

• Supports: 0-9 only (13 digits)
• Length: Must be exactly 13 digits
• Example: 5901234123457
• Best for: International product codes

Code128

UPC-A

EAN-13

Download Formats (PNG vs SVG)

PNG (Raster) Jpg image format. Ready to print. Fixed size. Use for immediate printing. SVG (Vector) Scalable format. Resize without quality loss. Use if you need to adjust size or import into design tools.

Best Practices for Custom Barcodes

• Use Code128 for shipping—it is the standard
• Print at 203+ DPI for thermal printers
• Size minimum 2\×1\ (width × height)
• Add 0.1\ quiet zone (blank space) around barcode, Use pure black & white (no colors), Test one barcode before printing batch, Verify it scans with actual barcode scanner,

Common Barcode Generation Mistakes

Mistake 1: Wrong format for use case

Mistake 2: Too-small barcode

Mistake 3: Not testing before bulk printing

Mistake 4: Using wrong quantity of digits

Don't use EAN-13 for custom order codes. Use Code128 instead. EAN-13 is for product codes.

Minimum 2"×1". Smaller barcodes often fail scanning. Use larger if possible.

Always print and scan 5-10 test barcodes. Verify they scan before printing 500+.

UPC-A must be exactly 12 digits. EAN-13 must be exactly 13 digits. System will reject incorrect lengths.

Integration: Using Barcodes in Your Labels

• Barcode Generator with this tool
• Download PNG or SVG
• Import into your label template
• Position correctly (top-right typical)
• Add quiet zone around barcode
• Print test batch
• Use Barcode Readability tool to validate quality
• If score >90%, print full batch

FAQ

Q: Can I use the same barcode on multiple labels?

Q: What if I need to generate 1000 barcodes?

Q: Can I print these barcodes directly?

Q: What barcode scanner apps work with these barcodes?

Yes, but not recommended for tracking. Each shipment should have unique code. For testing, reusing is fine.

This tool generates one at a time. For bulk generation, use our eLabelCropper product which has batch barcode generation.

Yes. Download as PNG, insert into your label design, print normally.

Any standard barcode scanner (hardware or smartphone app) that supports the format you used. Code128 works with all professional scanners.

Free Barcode Generator

Conclusion

"I was paying $50/month for barcode software. Now I use this free tool for all my custom barcode needs."

Creating custom barcodes doesn't require expensive software. Our generator lets you create professional, scannable barcodes in seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of barcodes can I create with this barcode generator for shipping labels?

  You can create Code128, UPC-A, and EAN-13 barcodes. Code128 is ideal for shipping labels due to its high density and support for alphanumeric data, while UPC-A and EAN-13 are standard for retail products.

• How do I generate a custom shipping barcode for my specific needs?

  Simply input your desired data (e.g., tracking number or product code) into the generator, select the barcode type (Code128, UPC-A, or EAN-13), and customize dimensions or colors if needed. The tool will output a high-resolution barcode image ready for printing.

• Can I use these barcodes for international shipping labels?

  Yes, Code128 is widely used for international shipping as it supports various characters and is compatible with most global carriers. EAN-13 is also recognized internationally for retail products, making it suitable for cross-border shipments.

• What is the difference between Code128, UPC-A, and EAN-13 barcodes?

  Code128 is a high-density alphanumeric barcode used for logistics and shipping. UPC-A is a 12-digit numeric barcode for US retail products, while EAN-13 is a 13-digit variant used internationally. For shipping labels, Code128 is recommended for its flexibility.

• Are there any size or resolution requirements for printing shipping barcodes?

  For reliable scanning, ensure the barcode is at least 1.5 inches wide and has a resolution of 300 DPI or higher. The generator allows you to adjust dimensions, but avoid scaling down too much to prevent scanning errors.