Check the spec
Charset, lengths and check-digit rules for this symbology are listed above — the form enforces them instantly.
Free tools · Barcodes
Generate EAN-13 codes that scan.
Retail product code; 12 digits auto-gain their check digit. Type the payload for EAN-13 below — validation, check digits and a local scan-test run in your browser before anything exports.
Barcode generator
Type text, get a symbol.
Runs locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded; the field clears after ten idle minutes.
Advanced (GS1, checks, profiles, retail add-ons, supply-chain carrier)
Style (readable text, bar height, export size)
Bar height stretches bars vertically, which scanners ignore (only horizontal timing matters). The SVG download keeps the engine's exact geometry.
Specification
| Standards | ISO/IEC 15420, GS1 General Specifications |
|---|---|
| Aliases | GTIN-13, JAN-13 |
| Character set | Digits only: 12 (check digit computed) or 13 (check digit verified). |
| Lengths | 590123412345 (12) or 5901234123457 (13) |
| Check digits | GS1 Mod-10 check digit computed from 12 digits or verified on 13. |
| Quiet zone | Quiet zone of 11 modules recommended (minimum 7) on each side. |
| Geometry | 95 modules wide including guards; nominal X-dimension 0.33 mm at 100% magnification. |
| Capacity | 12 data digits plus 1 check digit. |
Usage
EAN-13 marks retail products for checkout scanners: print it on packaging or labels where GS1 checkout rules apply.
- EAN-13 on packaged goods for point-of-sale scanning
- EAN-13 on printed shelf labels with calm quiet zones
- EAN-13 proofs exported as SVG for packaging artwork
Shape
Pros
- EAN-13 scans on every retail checkout imager worldwide.
- Check digits are computed or verified before anything prints.
- SVG export stays sharp on packaging artwork at any size.
- Quiet-zone guidance is built into the preview and print SVG.
Cons
- EAN-13 needs precise widths — shrinking below ~80% magnification hurts scans.
- Curved cans and shrink-wrap glare distort the outer bars.
- Cropping the quiet zones is the most common print failure.
- Styling beyond black-on-white is not safe for checkout.
Form requirements
- Enter 590123412345 (12) or 5901234123457 (13).
- Digits only: 12 (check digit computed) or 13 (check digit verified).
- The symbol is decoded again locally before preview and downloads unlock.
Sources
- GS1 General Specifications (GS1)
- ISO/IEC 15420 (ISO)
Related formats
Keep exploring.
How it works
Three steps, all on your device.
The same engine that reads barcodes writes them — every symbol is decoded again before you see it.
Type the payload
Every symbol is validated and decoded again on your device before it is shown.
Download and print
Take a resolution-independent SVG for print or a PNG for sharing. Nothing is uploaded.
Questions
EAN-13 Generator & Specs, answered.
If you manage servers by hand, see the engineering services behind this tools series.
What can I type for EAN-13?
Digits only: 12 (check digit computed) or 13 (check digit verified). Example: 5901234123457.
How does EAN-13 handle check digits and printing?
GS1 Mod-10 check digit computed from 12 digits or verified on 13. Quiet zone of 11 modules recommended (minimum 7) on each side. Export SVG for print and PNG for sharing; both render on your device.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No. Encoding and verification run entirely in your browser — the page makes no network requests with your data, stores nothing, and wipes the field after ten idle minutes.
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