Barcode Generator — Create Code128, EAN, UPC & ISBN Barcodes Free
Jun 23, 2026
Whether you're selling products, managing inventory, or publishing a book, there are times when you need to create a barcode quickly — without installing software or paying for a subscription. With the FreeSign Barcode Generator, just enter your value, pick a format, and download the PNG immediately. Code128, EAN-13, UPC-A, and ISBN are all supported, completely free with no sign-up required.
Enter a value, choose a format, and download your barcode image instantly. Free, no install, no sign-up.
Generate Barcode →Barcode Formats — Which One Do You Need?
Different barcodes serve different purposes. Use the table below to find the right format for your situation.
| Format | Common Use | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Code128 | Logistics, inventory, internal tracking | Encodes digits, letters, and special characters. No length limit — the most versatile general-purpose format. |
| EAN-13 | Retail products (international) | The global retail standard. 13-digit number. Required for products sold in supermarkets and convenience stores worldwide. |
| UPC-A | Retail products (US & Canada) | The North American retail standard. 12-digit number. Essential for products exported to the US. |
| ISBN | Books and publications | The unique identifier for books. Rendered as an EAN-13 barcode using the ISBN-13 number. |
How to Create a Barcode — 2 Steps
- Enter your value and choose a format — Go to the Barcode Generator, type in the number or text you want to encode, and select the format: Code128, EAN-13, UPC-A, or ISBN.
- Download the PNG — Preview the barcode, then click download. The image is ready to print or drop into your design file.
How to Choose the Right Format
When in doubt, use these guidelines:
- Selling in retail stores internationally — EAN-13. Register with GS1 to obtain an official product code, then enter that number.
- Exporting to the US or Canada — UPC-A. Requires a GS1 US code.
- Books and publications — ISBN. Use the ISBN-13 number assigned by your publisher or national ISBN agency.
- Internal use: inventory, shipping labels, asset tracking — Code128. Define your own numbering scheme and use it freely.
Pair It with These Tools
If you need to encode a URL, contact details, or any text that users will scan with a smartphone, a QR code is a better fit than a barcode. A good workflow is to use barcodes for physical products and inventory, and QR codes for posters, business cards, and marketing materials. For a full walkthrough on creating QR codes, see our QR Code Generator guide.
Code128 · EAN · UPC · ISBN. Free, no sign-up required.
Create Barcode Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
A barcode uses a pattern of horizontal lines to encode numbers and is typically read by dedicated scanners or smartphone cameras. A QR code is a two-dimensional matrix that can store much more data — URLs, text, contact info, and more. Barcodes are standard for retail and logistics; QR codes are better for linking to digital content.
Q. Where do I get an EAN-13 product code?
EAN-13 codes are issued by GS1, the global standards body. Visit gs1.org to register your company and obtain product codes. Once you have your number, enter it directly into the barcode generator.
Q. Can I use the generated barcode on real products?
For internal formats like Code128 with your own numbering scheme, yes — use it right away. For official retail formats like EAN-13 and UPC-A, you must first obtain a legitimate code from GS1 or another authorized body before generating and printing the barcode.
Q. Is it really free? Are there limits?
Yes, completely free with no usage limits. No account, no installation, no watermark on your barcode image.