Guides4 min read
Why Excel Drops the Zero on Your UPC Barcode
UPC missing its leading zero in Excel or CSV? See why it happens, how a generator can add a wrong check digit, and how to restore and verify the code.
Barcode generator
Make a free barcode for UPC, EAN, Code 128 and more. Check digits added for you, PNG and SVG download, no watermark.
Preview
Enter a value to preview your barcode.
Letters, numbers and symbols. The usual choice for shipping, inventory and SKUs.
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A barcode generator with nothing paywalled
Six barcode types
Code 128, UPC-A, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 39 and ITF-14 in one tool.
Check digits handled
Leave off the check digit and it is added for you. Enter it and it is verified, so typos get caught before you print.
Size controls
Pick bar width and height to fit a label, a shelf tag or a document.
PNG and SVG export
A raster image for documents and printers, or a vector file that scales without blurring.
100% private
Drawn in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server.
No account, no watermark
No sign-up, no limits, and nothing added to your barcode.
Make a barcode in three steps
- 1
Pick a barcode type
Choose Code 128 for any text or SKU, UPC-A or EAN-13 for retail products, or one of the industrial formats such as Code 39 or ITF-14.
- 2
Enter your number or text
Type the value to encode. For UPC and EAN, leave off the last check digit and the tool adds the correct one for you.
- 3
Download
Save the barcode as a PNG for printing and documents, or an SVG that scales to any size without blurring.
Built for how barcodes are really used
From a retail shelf to a warehouse bin, a barcode turns a number into something a scanner reads in a blink.
Retail products
Draw a UPC-A or EAN-13 for a product label, shelf tag or packaging mock-up.
Shipping and cartons
Code 128 for parcel and pallet labels, ITF-14 for outer cartons.
Inventory and asset tags
Turn SKUs, serial numbers or asset IDs into scannable labels for shelves and equipment.
Badges and events
Code 39 for membership cards, name badges and ticket check-in.
Frequently asked questions
Is this barcode generator really free?
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Yes. There is no account, no watermark, and no limit on how many barcodes you make. PNG and SVG downloads are both free.
Can I make a UPC code with this?
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Yes. Choose UPC-A, enter 11 digits, and the 12th check digit is calculated for you. If you enter all 12 digits, the tool verifies the check digit and tells you if it is wrong. Note that a UPC only works in stores once the company prefix is registered with GS1; this tool draws the barcode but cannot assign you an official number.
What is the difference between UPC, EAN and Code 128?
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UPC-A (12 digits) is used on US and Canadian retail products. EAN-13 (13 digits) is the worldwide retail version, and every UPC is also a valid EAN-13 with a leading zero. Code 128 is not tied to retail: it encodes letters, numbers and symbols, which makes it the usual pick for shipping labels, inventory and internal SKUs.
What is a check digit and why was mine rejected?
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A check digit is the last digit of UPC, EAN and ITF-14 numbers, calculated from the others so scanners can catch typos. If you type the full number and the last digit does not match the calculation, the tool rejects it. Remove the last digit and it will add the right one.
Will the barcode scan?
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Barcodes here are always black bars on a white background with a clear margin on both sides, which is what scanners expect. Print at a size where the thinnest bar is at least about 0.25 mm wide, avoid stretching the image, and test with a real scanner or your phone before printing a large batch.
Which download should I use, PNG or SVG?
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PNG is a fixed-size image that works everywhere, including Word, Google Docs and label printers. SVG is a vector file that stays sharp at any size, so it is the better choice for packaging artwork or anything you will resize.
Is anything uploaded?
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No. The barcode is drawn in your browser. The numbers you type never leave your device.
Make your barcode now
Free, no account needed.