How to Make Barcodes for Clothing Labels — Free EAN-13 Generator

afzal iqbal Nov 05 / 7 hours ago

Short answer: Type a 12-digit product code into Bsks' free Barcode Generator, and it works out the check digit, draws an EAN-13 barcode and lets you save it as a PNG for the clothing label. As an example, 590123412345 comes out as 5901234123457.

How to make a barcode for a clothing label

1. Open the Barcode Generator on Bsks.
2. Keep the barcode type on EAN-13. It is the standard barcode for clothing, shops and products.
3. Type the 12-digit product code into the box. The generator adds the check digit itself — or, if you already have it, type in the full 13-digit code.
4. If you want words under the barcode, add label text such as the product name or the size.
5. Set the bar height on the slider, then press "Generate Barcode".
6. Press "Download PNG" to save the barcode, or "Print" to send it straight to the printer.

What is the EAN-13 check digit?

Every EAN-13 barcode ends with a digit that exists purely to verify the rest of the code — the check digit. It is worked out from the twelve digits before it, and scanners use it to confirm the code was read properly. Take the example above: the code 590123412345 picks up the check digit 7, giving the full code 5901234123457. You never have to work it out yourself — the generator adds it for you.

What about UPC-A barcodes?

Shops in North America use a different flavour on their products: UPC-A. Pick UPC-A from the barcode type list and enter the 11-digit code; the tool adds the twelfth digit. Take 036000291452, for instance — that is a full UPC-A code. Downloading and printing work in exactly the same way.

Tips for barcodes that scan first time

• Leave the quiet zone alone — the blank space at either end of the barcode has to stay empty, or scanners may fail to read it.
• Print one label and scan it before you run off a whole batch of clothing labels.
• Do not make the bars too short. A bar height of 100 px prints cleanly on most labels.
• The same EAN-13 code suits fabric barcode labels and pre-printed barcode stickers alike — the code goes on any label.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a barcode for clothing?

Choose EAN-13 in the Barcode Generator, type in the 12-digit product code for the item and click "Generate Barcode". The tool adds the check digit and lets you download the barcode as a PNG for your clothing label.

What is the check digit on a barcode?

It is the closing digit of an EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode, worked out from the digits before it so a scanner can spot a misread. This tool adds it for you.

Is this barcode generator free?

Yes. The generator is free to use, runs in your browser and needs no sign-up. Your codes are never uploaded or stored.