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Barcode Generator

Generate FREE Barcodes

Use Brady’s free barcode generator to create a variety of barcode types: linear, 2D codes, GS1 2D codes, GS1 databar, EAN/UPC, postal codes, etc. Simply input your data, select your barcode type and generate high-quality codes for immediate use.

And since a barcode is only as good as the system behind it, Brady provides a full, end-to-end solution that starts with our free generator, and ends with a wide range of durable labels, reliable printers and high-performance scanners. Find everything you need to create an integrated identification system.

Confused about which barcode to choose? See our guide to different barcode types to learn more.

Step 1: Select a barcode type

  • linear barcode example Linear Codes
  • 2d barcode example 2D Codes
  • gs1 2d barcode example GS1 2D Codes
  • gs1 databar example GS1 Databar
  • eanupc example EAN / UPC
  • postal barcode example Postal Codes

Step 2: Configure your barcode

This content will be visible on your barcode

Step 3: Download your barcode

Advanced Barcode Generation Software

Go beyond simple barcode creation with software that provides powerful tools for advanced label management.

Brady Workstation: This modular software platform offers advanced barcode options and allows you to integrate with existing data systems for automated, large-scale label creation.

Express Labels Mobile: Create and print barcodes directly from your smartphone or tablet with this app, perfect for professionals who need to work on the go.

a laptop and printer surrounded by labels
Linear barcode on a product

Linear Codes

Also known as 1D barcodes, linear codes are a series of parallel lines used to encode basic data like a product number.

  • Best for: small data sets like serial or part numbers
  • Not compatible with: complex information like images or URLs — for that, you’d need a 2D barcode

Brady solution: Learn more about the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes, then pick the best material for your application.

2D barcodes on packaging

2D Codes

Two-dimensional codes use patterns of squares, dots or other shapes to encode data both horizontally and vertically.

  • Best for: large, complex data sets including images, URLs and long strings of text
  • Not compatible with: very basic product ID where a simple number is sufficient

Brady solution: Easily generate and print complex 2D codes with Brady Workstation software and barcode label printers.

GS1 2D Barcode on a package

GS1 2D Codes

Also known as 2D codes, these follow global GS1 standards, making them universally compatible for seamless supply chain communication.

  • Best for: standardized supply chain applications with multiple data points like batch number, expiration and serial number
  • Not compatible with: internal tracking or applications that don't require the strict, standardized data format of the GS1 system

Brady solution: Learn more about barcode standards and ensure seamless global traceability with our line of industrial scanners.

Apples with GH1 Databars

GS1 DataBar

A type of linear (1D) barcode, often smaller than traditional barcodes, that can encode more information.

  • Best for: small products with a variable weight, price or expiration date — like fresh produce
  • Not compatible with: general retail checkout scanning, which relies on larger, more traditional barcodes like UPC/EAN

Brady solution: Find small, durable labels to print space-saving barcodes on even the smallest items.

EAN/UPC Code on a candybar

EAN/UPC Codes

These are the standard linear (1D) barcodes used for retail product identification globally.

  • Best for: retail checkout and general product identification with a unique 12- or 13-digit number that links to a specific product and price in a store's database
  • Not compatible with: applications requiring more data than a product number, such as batch numbers, expiration dates or URLs

Brady solution: Find a variety of durable label materials suitable for packaging and product identification.

Postal codes on envelopes

Postal Codes

Also known as ZIP codes in the US, postal codes are a series of alphanumeric characters used by postal services to sort and route mail to specific geographic locations.

  • Best for: addressing and routing packages, envelopes and mail
  • Not compatible with: product-level identification — postal codes aren’t designed to track specific items, store inventory data or include details like serial numbers or expiration dates

Brady solution: Print high-volume shipping labels with postal codes using our benchtop label printers designed for seamless logistics.