Code 128 is an alphanumeric barcode capable of encoding any ASCII character (letters, numbers, and symbols). It is universally used in shipping, supply chain logistics, Amazon FBA cartons, and internal asset tracking. EAN-13 is a strictly numeric 13-digit barcode standardized by GS1 for consumer retail products scanned at supermarket and store point-of-sale (POS) registers worldwide.

The check digit uses a Modulo-10 algorithm. Starting from the right, alternating digits are multiplied by 3 and 1, summed together, and subtracted from the next multiple of 10. Our barcode generator automatically computes and appends the check digit if you only enter the first 12 digits.

Yes! Vector SVG and high-resolution PNG exports are specifically optimized for thermal transfer and direct thermal printers (such as Zebra ZD421, Brother QL series, and Dymo LabelWriter), ensuring crisp edges that scan reliably with laser and optical barcode scanners.

UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is the standard 12-digit retail barcode used primarily in the United States and Canada. An EAN-13 barcode is actually a superset of UPC-A (a UPC-A can be converted to EAN-13 simply by adding a leading zero).

The most common causes of scanning failure are: (1) inadequate "quiet zone" margins on the left and right of the bars, (2) printing at low resolution causing fuzzy bar edges, (3) poor color contrast (e.g. red bars or dark background), or (4) resizing the barcode image non-proportionally in Word or Canva.