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FlashScan Pro

Free EAN-13 generator — the product barcode in one click

EAN-13 is THE retail barcode: the one scanned at checkout on almost every product worldwide. Enter your 12 or 13 digits, the check digit is computed, export as PNG or SVG. Generated locally, no account.

How it works

An EAN-13 breaks down into three parts:

  • The GS1 prefix (2-3 digits) — identifies the organization that assigned the code: 000-019 = GS1 US, for example;
  • The item reference (9-10 digits) — assigned by the company to each product;
  • The check digit (1 digit) — computed via the modulo-10 algorithm: it lets the scanner detect a read or entry error.

The generator accepts 12 or 13 digits: with 12, the check digit is computed and appended automatically; with 13, the code is reproduced as-is.

Use cases

  • Product packaging — the GS1-assigned GTIN-13, converted into a printable symbol for the packaging: export SVG for your printer.
  • Store labels — bulk items, in-house products, unboxed returns: an internal EAN for the checkout.
  • Testing and mockups — validating an encoding chain or a packaging visual before the print run.
  • Inventory — barcode labels for internal storage, even without GS1 membership (non-commercial use only).

Generate the code in 4 steps

  1. Open the generator — barcode mode is already selected if you arrived from this page.
  2. Choose the EAN-13 format from the symbology list.
  3. Enter the digits — 12 for automatic check-digit computation, or the full 13.
  4. Export — high-resolution PNG or vector SVG, then test reading with a real scanner before printing.

Precautions

  • Contrast required — dark bars on a light background: infrared scanners can't read red bars or inverted codes.
  • Respect the quiet zones — the white margin on each side of the code is required for reading: don't crop it in layout.
  • EAN-13 ≠ internal reference — for purely internal use, Code 128 is often more practical (alphanumeric, no GS1 membership needed).

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I enter 12 digits instead of 13?

The generator automatically computes the 13th digit — the check digit, obtained via the GS1 modulo-10 algorithm. Enter the first 12 digits, the complete barcode is displayed.

Can I make up an EAN-13 number?

For internal use (inventory, testing), yes. For retail or marketplace sales, no: the code must be a GTIN assigned by GS1 — platforms verify that the prefix belongs to a registered member.

Does the prefix indicate the country of manufacture?

No — a persistent misconception. The first two or three digits identify the GS1 organization that assigned the code (000-019 for GS1 US, 300-379 for GS1 France), not where the product was made.

What size should an EAN-13 be printed at?

The GS1 standard sets a nominal size of 37.29 × 25.93 mm (100% magnification). You can go down to ~80% for standard printing — beyond that, the risk of checkout misreads increases.

See also