Which Barcode Type Should I Use? EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128 & More
Choose a barcode by where it will be scanned: retail, internal inventory, legacy systems, small packaging or logistics.
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Barcode
Barcode formats, GTIN/EAN/UPC identifiers, inventory and retail requirements explained.
Barcode
Barcode formats, GTIN/EAN/UPC identifiers, inventory and retail requirements explained.
EAN-13 vs UPC-A: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Use?
Understand 13-digit EAN-13, 12-digit UPC-A, GTIN terminology, market conventions and trading-partner requirements.
Read guideCode 128 vs Code 39: Which Barcode Should You Use?
Compare character support, label density, compatibility and practical use cases before choosing Code 128 or Code 39.
Read guideBarcode vs QR Code: Which Should You Use?
Choose between a traditional 1D barcode and QR Code based on the data, scanner, retail workflow and customer experience.
Read guideEAN-8 vs EAN-13: What’s the Difference?
Understand why EAN-8 exists, when GTIN-8 is appropriate, and why it is not simply a shortened EAN-13.
Read guideGTIN vs UPC vs EAN: What’s the Difference?
Separate the global product identifier from its common 12-digit and 13-digit retail forms.
Read guideSKU vs UPC vs Barcode: What’s the Difference?
Learn which code is internal, which identifier is standardized for retail, and what the scannable barcode symbol actually represents.
Read guideWhat Is a Barcode Check Digit and How Does It Work?
Learn how GS1 check digits are calculated, what they validate, and why a correct checksum does not prove barcode ownership.
Read guideCan I Create My Own UPC or EAN Barcode? Generator vs GTIN
Separate barcode-image generation from official GTIN assignment before you create a retail UPC or EAN symbol.
Read guideHow Many GTINs Do I Need for Product Variants?
Count GTINs for sizes, colors, flavors and real variant combinations, including when packaging levels add more identifiers.
Read guideCan You Reuse the Same Barcode or GTIN for Another Product?
Understand why assigned GTINs stay tied to one product and the narrow exceptions in current GS1 rules.
Read guideDo Barcode Prefixes Show the Country of Origin?
See what EAN/GS1 prefix ranges actually mean and why they cannot prove where a product was manufactured.
Read guideGTIN-8 vs GTIN-12 vs GTIN-13 vs GTIN-14 Explained
Compare all four common GTIN lengths, their typical use, barcode carriers and the difference between zero-padding and a new identifier.
Read guideWhat Is the Best Barcode for Inventory?
Choose between Code 128, UPC/EAN, Code 39 and QR based on the identifier, scanner and inventory workflow.
Read guideCode 128 vs GS1-128: They Are Not the Same
Understand why generic Code 128 is not automatically GS1-128 and when GS1 Application Identifiers and FNC1 rules matter.
Read guideAmazon FBA Barcodes: UPC, EAN and FNSKU Explained
Understand manufacturer barcodes, Amazon FNSKU labels and the March 31, 2026 FBA barcode-policy changes.
Read guideShopify Product Barcodes: SKU, UPC, EAN and GTIN Explained
Separate Shopify internal SKUs from barcode and GTIN fields, including marketplace identifier requirements.
Read guideDo I Need a Barcode to Sell Products Online?
Learn when internal SKUs are enough and when marketplaces, retailers or distribution partners require standardized GTINs.
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