Barcodes are one of those inventions we don’t think about often, but they’re everywhere. Ever since their invention in 1949, these handy digital tools have been revolutionizing the way businesses operate. There’s hardly any retailer or enterprise that doesn’t rely on specific barcodes to track their inventory and assets.
Many small and medium businesses, however, still struggle to implement this system into their workflow. In today’s guide, we’ll crack the code when it comes to using barcode generators. We’ll explain what they are, how to use them, and, finally, what devices to use to read them.
- What is a Barcode Generator
- Best Website for Generating Barcode
- Buying a Barcode Scanner
- Generate Barcodes With Ease
What Is a Barcode Generator and How to Use One
By definition, a barcode is machine-readable code written in numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of different widths. This code is then printed and put on a product for identification purposes. A barcode generator, therefore, is software used to create or generate a new barcode graphic.
There are dozens of online barcode generator solutions for commercial or non-commercial use. Most of them are entirely free so you can implement barcodes into your system with zero investment. A downside of such websites, however, is they don’t offer customer service.
Fortunately, using these programs is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require many steps.
Step 1: Choose the Barcode Symbology
There’s a wide range of barcode types used for a variety of purposes. Some of the most common ones include:
- UPC (Universal Product Code), is used in retail product packaging to help with item identification. Its variations include UPC-A and UPC-E. This code is primarily used in the retail industry.
- EAN (initially European Article Numbers), also known as International Article Number, is a standardized barcode with the same purpose as UPC. It’s primarily used in Europe. Its variations include EAN-13, EAN-8, JAN-13, ISBN, and ISSN. Just like UPC, it’s mainly used in the retail industry.
- Code 128, is a high-density linear symbology commonly used for alphanumeric and numeric-only barcodes that encode 128 characters. This solution is often used in applications that require large amounts of data to be encoded in a small space. This code is used primarily in the supply chain industry.
- Code 39, is the easiest alphanumeric barcode commonly used for name badges, inventory, or industrial applications. They are used mainly in the automotive and defense industry.
- Code 93, is similar to Code 39 but with more character storage. It’s commonly used in retail, manufacturing, and logistics.
Step 2: Enter the Data
After choosing the barcode type, the next step is to enter the text you want to encode into the barcode. Most 1-D linear barcodes (for example, UPC) consist of two parts: the barcode and a set of numbers usually limited from eight to 15 characters.
Step 3: Download the Barcode
Finally, the software will either ask you to enter your email address or simply click on a “Download” or “Generate” button to get your barcode. Depending on the software, you can choose the output type (PNG, JPG, or other) or get an HTML version of your barcode to embed into websites.
Best Websites for Generating Barcodes Online
There are dozens of barcode generators online, and we’ve handpicked some of the most popular ones.
1. Online Barcode Generator by Terryburton.com
The Online Barcode Generator by Terryburton.com is an excellent solution for generating semi-professional or experimental barcodes. It’s relatively straightforward to use and lets you customize your barcode in millions of different ways. It enables you to download symbols of all major symbologies (including all we mentioned above plus dozens more) in EPS, PNG, and JPEG formats.
After proceeding to the website, you’ll see the “Required parameters” and “Additional parameters” sections. Under “Barcode,” you want to select a proper symbology, and under “Contents,” enter the text for your code. They have additional sources to help you with the symbologies and general option references if you’re unsure what information to enter.
After entering the required data, simply click on “Make Barcode” to create one.
2. Barcode-Generator
Barcode-Generator is a multi-purpose tool for generating barcodes, QR codes, and similar labels. It has a relatively intuitive user interface and supports all standard barcode symbologies for retail, advertising, industrial, logistics, pharmacy, and packaging industries. At the time of this writing, there are 68 different codes available.
You can download the barcodes in JPG, EPS, or SVG formats. There is no limitation in using barcodes that come from this website, so you’re free to use them for commercial purposes.
3. Aeromium Barcode Fonts
If you’re looking for professional barcodes for your enterprise, the Aeromium Barcode Fonts have got you covered. This application allows you to create barcodes using its own fonts. It also verifies data according to industry specifications, makes check digits, and lets you further customize the barcode.
All you need to do is enter the text for your barcode in the “Barcode Data” field, select a “Barcode Symbol,” and click on the “Make Barcode” button. They offer detailed instructions on this page, in case you need further assistance.
Their software creates 1-D and 2-D barcodes, including a feature-packed set of barcode wizards, image scanners, text editors, and much more. It also lets you quickly make labels with running serial numbers. This is premium software, and its prices go from $69 up to $699, depending on the package.
4. Morovia
Morovia is a free barcode tool available for personal or commercial use. However, they sell their fonts in separate downloadable packages. They have 1-D and 2-D barcode fonts, a QR code maker, and more free online services.
All you need to do is enter the desired barcode format and data to encode, select the code dimension and bar height, and click on the “Submit” button.
They also have a desktop barcoding program called Monterey Barcode Creator that supports major barcode formats and lets you insert them into Word or Excel files. The software also has a vast database of label papers. The one-user license is $159 and is an excellent solution for customers looking to print barcode labels.
5. Tec-IT Online Barcode Generator
Barcode Tec-IT lets you generate barcodes to simplify code creation in C#, .NET, VB .NET, Microsoft ASP, NET, ASP, Delphi, and other programming languages. Everyone can create free barcodes in various symbologies, including EAN, UPC, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, and much more.
As you enter the website, you’ll see a scrollable sidebar with a wide range of linear codes, postal codes, 2-D codes, banking and payments, mobile tagging, and many more categories.
You can create barcodes and download them on your desktop or embed them on your website.
6. Online Barcode Generator
The Online Barcode Generator is a free barcode generator tool with a highly intuitive interface. You can create barcodes in the most popular symbologies, including Code 39, Code 93, Code 11, EAN, ISBN, Codabar, UPC, and dozens more.
All you need to do is select the required barcode standard, enter the text, and choose formatting options. You can also customize the barcode by choosing the color, background, and scale, and selecting damage-proof levels.
This website has generated almost 30 million barcodes, and it’s still one of the most accessible tools of such kind out there.
7. Cnet Barcode Generator and Overprinter
Thanks to Cnet’s Barcode Generator and Overprinter, everyone can create custom barcodes with ease and apply them to any paper surface. This service has a 25-day free trial period and offers a premium membership for those looking to develop barcodes more frequently.
Thanks to its simplicity – all the commands and options are on a single screen – it’s one of the most straightforward software programs for creating and printing barcodes out there. You can input the barcode number sequence along with the prefixes and suffixes, which are integral parts of a barcode.
Note that currently the software only runs on Windows OS.
Buying a Scanning Device for the Barcodes
After creating a barcode, the next logical step is providing scanning devices for your business. We highly recommend two scanning devices that have the power to streamline day-to-day business operations even in harsh environments. We are the authorized distributors for these devices. Feel free to ask any questions in the contact form below.
Honeywell CT60
The Honeywell Dolphin CT60 is extremely lightweight. Ideal for almost any business application, it comes with a built-in 1D/2D scanner that can scan items up to 6ft (or more) away. This mobile scanner also features an optional holster for various applications (handheld, wall-mounted, forklift, etc.) making it even more flexible for business.
The CT60 runs on Android and has updating potential to Android 12, and possibly 13. It also features 32GB of Flash memory and 4G LTE. Basically, it is fast.
Because the CT60 is a rugged device, is it built to stay up-to-date (the software updates are only meant to make it last even longer), making it an incredible option for any business looking for a return on investment.
The battery on the CT60 is also fantastic and ensures that it will last for the duration of a working shift.
Sonim RS60
The RS60 is a powerful scanning mobile computer with excellent hardware and first-class barcode scanning features. It supports both 1-D and 2-D symbology and can read even damaged tags.
The scanning process is straightforward – all you need to do is press a single button. There’s also a scanning button that lets you scan several barcodes continuously. Every time there’s a successful scan, you’ll hear an alert and you can enter the barcodes wherever you find it convenient: into a text field, an application, or broadcast to other devices.
Sonim RS60 runs on Android 10, has fantastic privacy settings to secure all your data, and is empowered by an impressive 8000 mAh Li-ion removable battery. This battery capacity is enough for hours of uninterrupted scanning.
Sonim RS80
Like RS60, RS80’s scanning possibilities are first-class. Its quick scanning features make it an excellent solution for warehouses, logistics, retail stores, and any other setting that requires frequent scanning.
Whether you’re scanning a brand-new or a worn-out code with RS80, it makes no difference. This robust device can successfully capture even damaged tags. It works great with both 1-D and 2-D symbologies and supports the 4G LTE connection to deliver results faster.
Both RS60 and RS80 are excellent solutions for improving the barcode scanning experience of front-line workers who are always on the run.
Generate Barcodes With Ease
Every enterprise, warehouse, and retail store can greatly benefit from barcodes. From inventory management to consumer awareness, these tools are becoming an indispensable part of small businesses too. For that reason, we’ve covered all the basics of how to use a barcode generator online. Hopefully, after reading our guide, you’re now aware of how this software works, and you’ll be ready to start generating your own barcodes soon.
Talk to a Barcode Scanning Expert
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