Introduction

Barcodes are everywhere. From supermarket shelves to warehouse packages, from library books to concert tickets, barcodes play a vital role in modern life. They encode essential information in a machine-readable format, allowing fast scanning, tracking, and inventory management.

However, manually generating barcodes is time-consuming and prone to error. This is where a Barcode Generator Online becomes indispensable.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about barcodes and online barcode generation:
✔ What barcodes are and how they work
✔ Different types of barcodes with examples
✔ How online barcode generators function
✔ Step-by-step instructions to generate barcodes with StrongPDF
✔ Online vs offline barcode creation methods
✔ Common mistakes and how to avoid them
✔ Security and privacy concerns
✔ Best practices for creating barcodes
✔ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to generate professional barcodes quickly, accurately, and securely.

1. What Is a Barcode?

A barcode is a visual representation of data using a sequence of lines, spaces, or patterns that a scanner can read. Each barcode encodes numbers, letters, or symbols in a specific format, allowing machines to interpret the data instantly.

1.1 History of Barcodes

Barcodes were first conceptualized in 1948 by Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland. Their goal was to automate product checkout in stores. The first commercial use of a barcode occurred in 1974, scanning a pack of Wrigley’s chewing gum.

Today, barcodes are used worldwide in retail, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, libraries, ticketing, and many other sectors.

1.2 How Barcodes Work

Barcodes work by encoding data as a series of bars and spaces (for 1D barcodes) or patterns (for 2D barcodes). A barcode scanner shines a light on the code and measures the reflected light. The scanner interprets the light and dark patterns as numeric or alphanumeric data.

1.3 Examples of Barcodes

1D Barcodes (Linear):

• UPC (Universal Product Code)
• Code 128
• Code 39

2D Barcodes (Matrix):

• QR Code
• Data Matrix
• PDF417

Special Barcodes:

• ISBN (for books)
• ITF-14 (for logistics)

2. Types of Barcodes

Barcodes can be broadly classified into 1D, 2D, and specialized barcodes.

2.1 1D Barcodes (Linear Barcodes)

1D barcodes represent data in a single line of bars and spaces. They are widely used in retail and inventory management.

Examples:

• UPC-A: Standard for retail products
• EAN-13: Common in Europe for retail
• Code 39: Used in logistics and healthcare

Use Cases: Supermarkets, warehouses, point-of-sale systems

2.2 2D Barcodes

2D barcodes encode data both horizontally and vertically, storing more information than 1D barcodes.

Examples:

• QR Code: Links to websites, payment apps, or product info
• Data Matrix: Used in electronics, healthcare, and logistics
• PDF417: Used on driver’s licenses and shipping labels

Advantages: Can store text, URLs, or even images; error-correction available

2.3 ISBN / ISSN Barcodes

These are specialized codes for books, journals, and publications.

• ISBN: Encodes book numbers for global identification
• ISSN: Encodes serial publications

2.4 Industrial / Logistics Barcodes

Used to track packages and inventory.

• ITF-14: Used on cartons and pallets
• GS1-128: Used in supply chain management

2.5 Custom Barcodes

Businesses may create barcodes for internal use, events, or products. Examples include internal ID tags, employee badges, or promotional QR codes.

3. Why Use a Barcode Generator Online?

Online barcode generators provide an instant, reliable, and convenient solution. They’re used for multiple purposes across industries:

3.1 Retail & E-commerce

• Product labeling for store shelves
• Tracking inventory
• Price management at checkout

3.2 Warehouses & Logistics

• Efficient package scanning
• Stock and shipment tracking
• Reducing human error

3.3 Businesses & Offices

• Asset management
• Document and file labeling
• Event passes and ticketing

3.4 Individual & Personal Use

• QR codes for personal websites
• Organizing collections (books, DVDs)
• DIY project labeling

3.5 Educational & Research Use

• Teaching students about inventory and coding
• Tracking lab samples in research labs

4. Benefits of Using a Barcode Generator Online

4.1 Instant Generation

Type your data → Click → Barcode ready immediately

4.2 Supports All Barcode Types

✔ UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128, QR, Data Matrix, PDF417

4.3 Customization Options

• Size adjustments
• Color modifications
• Format selection (PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF)
• QR code error correction

4.4 Free and Unlimited

No restrictions or hidden charges; StrongPDF is fully free

4.5 No Installation Required

Works in any modern browser on desktop, tablet, or mobile

4.6 Downloadable Output

• Print-ready barcodes
• Export in multiple formats

4.7 User-Friendly Interface

Beginners and professionals can use it easily

5. How a Barcode Generator Works

5.1 Step 1: Enter Data

Input product number, text, URL, or other information

5.2 Step 2: Select Barcode Type

Choose 1D or 2D barcode type depending on your use case

5.3 Step 3: Customize Barcode

Adjust:

• Size
• Color
• Format
• Error correction (for 2D codes)

5.4 Step 4: Generate Barcode

Click “Generate” → Barcode appears instantly

5.5 Step 5: Download & Use

Save barcode in PNG, JPG, SVG, or PDF format

5.6 Optional Features

• Batch barcode generation
• Preview before downloading
• Print-ready templates

6. Online vs Offline Barcode Generators

6.1 Offline Tools

Examples: Microsoft Excel with plugins, Barcode Studio, ZebraDesigner
Pros:
✔ Works without internet
✔ Advanced customization
Cons:
✘ Installation required
✘ Often paid licenses

6.2 Online Tools

Examples:

• StrongPDF Barcode Generator — https://strongpdf.com/barcode-generator/
• TEC-IT Online Barcode Generator — https://barcode.tec-it.com

Pros:
✔ Free, instant, and easy to use
✔ Works on any device
✔ No installation needed

Cons:
✘ Requires internet connection
✘ Some sites show ads (StrongPDF is minimal)

Comparison Table:

7. How to Use StrongPDF’s Barcode Generator

Step 1: Open StrongPDF Barcode Generator online
Step 2: Enter your product number, text, or URL
Step 3: Select barcode type (1D, 2D, QR, Code 128, etc.)
Step 4: Customize barcode (size, color, format)
Step 5: Click “Generate” → preview the barcode
Step 6: Download barcode as PNG, JPG, SVG, or PDF
Step 7: Print or use online

Tips:

• Use high-contrast colors for better scanning
• Test with a scanner before bulk printing
• Use batch generation for multiple products

8. Security: Are Barcode Generators Safe?

StrongPDF uses strict privacy standards:

• No data stored
• No tracking
• SSL encryption
• Instant deletion after result

Your data is never shared or stored, making it safe for personal or business use.

9. Common Barcode Mistakes & Solutions

1. Wrong barcode type → Use recommended type for your industry
2. Too small barcode → Ensure minimum size for scanning
3. Poor contrast → Dark bars on light background recommended
4. Wrong data → Double-check input
5. Low-resolution download → Use SVG or PDF for printing
6. Overcrowding text → Keep barcode area clean
7. Skewed printing → Use flat surfaces
8. Damaged barcode → Always print backups
9. Invalid characters → Stick to supported characters
10. Incorrect QR encoding → Check URL or text input

10. Best Practices

✔ Use the correct barcode type for your product or project
✔ Maintain sufficient size for scanner readability
✔ Ensure high contrast between bars and background
✔ Test scanned barcode before mass printing
✔ Keep barcode area free of extra text
✔ Use online tools for instant generation

11. Industry Applications

• Retail: Checkout systems, inventory management
• E-commerce: Shipping labels, online tracking
• Healthcare: Medicine tracking, lab samples
• Event Management: Tickets, passes, badges
• Libraries & Archives: Book tracking, archival management
• Manufacturing: Parts labeling, production line scanning

12. Advanced Features of Online Barcode Generators

• Batch generation for hundreds of products
• Multiple export formats: PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF
• Custom QR codes linking to websites, contacts, or files
• Error correction for 2D codes
• Integration with other tools and systems

13. External Barcode Resources

• GS1: https://www.gs1.org
• TEC-IT Barcode Guide: https://barcode.tec-it.com

14. Why StrongPDF’s Barcode Generator Is Better

✔ Fast and accurate generation
✔ Clean & simple UI
✔ Supports 1D & 2D barcodes
✔ Unlimited usage
✔ Free & secure
✔ Works on mobile & desktop
✔ Download in multiple formats
✔ Batch generation and advanced options

Perfect for:

• Retailers
• E-commerce sellers
• Warehouse managers
• Event organizers
• Designers & DIY users

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable visual representation of data using bars, lines, or patterns.

Q2: Is the tool free?
Yes, StrongPDF is fully free with unlimited usage.

Q3: Can I generate QR codes?
Yes, QR Codes and other 2D codes are fully supported.

Q4: Can I download for printing?
Yes, PNG, JPG, SVG, and PDF formats are available.

Q5: Can I generate multiple barcodes at once?
Yes, batch generation is supported.

Q6: Is it safe to use?
Yes, StrongPDF deletes all input instantly and uses SSL encryption.

Q7: Can I use it on mobile?
Yes, it’s fully responsive and works on any device.

Q8: Can I customize barcode color and size?
Yes, size, colors, and formats are customizable.

Q9: Does it support international barcodes like EAN?
Yes, EAN, UPC, Code 128, and more are supported.

Q10: Can I use it for personal projects?
Absolutely, from labeling collections to personal QR codes.

Conclusion

Barcodes are essential for businesses, industries, and personal projects. A Barcode Generator Online makes it easy to create professional, accurate, and scannable barcodes instantly.

StrongPDF’s Barcode Generator is fast, free, secure, and user-friendly. With support for 1D and 2D barcodes, multiple formats, batch generation, and advanced features, it’s perfect for students, businesses, retailers, warehouses, designers, and anyone curious.

Generate unlimited barcodes anytime — safe, accurate, and hassle-free — with StrongPDF.