Barcode generator UPC-A
UPC-A barcode generator
Products sold in stores in the US and Canada. Every checkout scanner reads it. Type your data and download a sharp SVG or a 300 dpi PNG. Every barcode is read back by a scanner library before you get it.
12 digits: a company prefix and item number issued by GS1 US, then a check digit. Type 11 digits and we add the check digit.
UPC-A: the facts
- What it holds
- 12 digits: a company prefix and item number issued by GS1 US, then a check digit. Type 11 digits and we add the check digit.
- Where it is used
- Products sold in stores in the US and Canada. Every checkout scanner reads it.
- Print size
- Nominal size is 1.469 x 1.02 in. Retail allows 80% to 200% of that; do not cut the height down.
- What breaks it
- Numbers that were not issued to you, red or light bars, and printing over the white space at each end (the quiet zone).
Questions
Can I make up my own UPC number?
You can generate any barcode, but stores and marketplaces need a number issued to your company by GS1 US. Made-up or resold numbers get products rejected.
What is the check digit?
The 12th digit is calculated from the first 11, so scanners can catch misreads. Leave it off and we calculate it.
Can the bars be a brand colour?
Keep them black, or very dark blue or green, on white. Many scanners use red light, which cannot see red, orange or light bars.
Other barcodes
Need people to scan it with a phone camera? A QR code opens on every phone, can be made into art and can change its link after printing. See pricing.