What is EAN-13?

EAN-13 is the barcode on retail products around the world. Its 13 digits are a GTIN, a Global Trade Item Number: a GS1 prefix, a company number and an item reference, followed by a check digit calculated from the other twelve. The prefix tells which GS1 member organization issued the number, not where the product was made. Books carry EAN-13 barcodes too, holding their ISBNs, which start with 978 or 979.

Tool description

Enter the first 12 digits and the tool calculates the check digit and draws the barcode, with the digits under the bars in the usual EAN-13 layout. Enter all 13 and it checks the last one, so a mistyped number shows an error instead of a barcode. Change the bar and background colors, hide the digits if you don't need them, and download the barcode as a PNG, JPG or WebP image.

Features

  • Check digit - calculated from 12 digits, or checked when you enter 13
  • Standard layout - the digits in groups under the bars, as on product packaging
  • Custom colors - any color for the bars and the background
  • Image download - PNG, JPG or WebP

Tips

  • For products sold in stores, use numbers from your GS1 member organization: checkouts look products up by the number, and a made-up one may belong to another product.
  • For a book, enter its 13-digit ISBN without the hyphens.
  • Print the barcode in dark ink on a light background, and don't make it much smaller than on ordinary packaging.