Which barcode type to use
EAN-13 is the standard product barcode in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe and most of the world, and UPC-A is its North American version. EAN-8 is for very small packs. Code 128 holds letters, numbers and symbols in a compact space, so it suits SKUs, invoice numbers, shipping labels and warehouse locations. Code 39 is older and wider but still common for asset tags and ID badges. ITF-14 is printed on outer cartons and cases that hold several retail units.
Barcode numbers for retail products
This tool draws the barcode, but it does not give you a product number. To sell in supermarkets such as Carrefour or Lulu, or on Amazon and Noon, the EAN or UPC number must be licensed to your company by GS1, the global standards body (GS1 UAE or GS1 Saudi Arabia in the Gulf). Made-up numbers can clash with another company's products and get your listing rejected. Once you have your GS1 numbers, you can generate the barcodes here for free. For internal codes such as stock numbers or asset tags, use Code 128 and any numbering you like.
Check digits
EAN, UPC and ITF-14 barcodes end in a check digit that scanners use to catch misreads. It is worked out from the other digits with the GS1 modulo-10 formula. If you enter the number without it, the tool adds it. If you enter the full number, the tool checks it and warns you if the last digit is wrong, which usually means a typo.
Printing barcodes that scan
Download SVG for print and design software, since it stays sharp at any size. Use PNG for documents, spreadsheets and online listings. Keep dark bars on a light background; red bars or dark backgrounds often fail to scan. Leave the white margin around the barcode, do not stretch it unevenly, and test a printed sample with a phone or scanner before printing a full batch of labels.