UPC barcodes are primarily used to identify and track products in the retail supply chain. Manufacturers in various industries, including food and beverage, clothing, cosmetics, and others, need to generate and mark their products with unique UPC codes for identification. So, here’s a question, how can you generate a UPC barcode for your business?
UPC Barcode and GS1
The full form of UPC barcode is Universal Product Code, which is a specific type of barcode format that GS1 standardizes.
GS1 is a non-profit organization with a global reach. They are responsible for developing and maintaining various standards used in business communication. Its most famous contribution is the international barcode standard, including the widely used UPC and EAN formats. These standards promote efficient inventory management, product tracking, and sales processes across diverse industries worldwide.
UPC Barcode Formats and Types
UPC is a type of linear or 1D barcode. This means it encodes data in one dimension, using a series of parallel lines of varying widths and spacings to represent numbers or other data.
The standard UPC-A code consists of 12 numerical digits, divided into specific sections.
1. Manufacturer Code (6 digits): Assigned by GS1, this code identifies the manufacturer or company.
2. Product Code (5 digits): Determined by the manufacturer, this code identifies the specific item.
3. Check Digit (1 digit): Calculated from the other 11 digits, this digit helps ensure the barcode is correctly composed.
UPC-E is a shorter version of the UPC code, containing only 6 numerical digits. It's designed for products with limited label space, such as small convenience foods and books.
How to Get a UPC Code
To obtain a UPC barcode, you must first register with GS1 and pay a registration fee. Once you are registered, you will be assigned a UPC barcode prefix. You can then use this prefix to generate your own UPC barcodes for your products.
How to Make a UPC barcode
There are many of online UPC code generators that help you create your own barcodes, a highly recommended free UPC barcode generator is “onlinetoolcenter”.
Step 1: Choose Your UPC Barcode Type
Begin by selecting the type of UPC barcode you require. Options include UPC-A, UPC-E, UPC Supplemental 2-Digit, and UPC Supplemental 5-Digit. This selection can be made from the options available on the left side of the page.
Step 2: Input Data and Preview Your Barcode
Enter your desired text into the "Data Source" field and then click on the "Create Barcode" button. A preview of your barcode will then be displayed on the right side of the page, allowing you to visually confirm the barcode before proceeding.
Step 3: Customization Options
In addition to the basic creation of a barcode, we offer enhanced customization options at this stage. After clicking "Create Barcode," you will have the opportunity to personalize your barcode further. This includes modifying the barcode's color, adjusting its size, and selecting a background color. You can also fine-tune text details, such as the size, color, and font style, to ensure your barcode meets your exact specifications.
Step 4: Download Your Barcode
Once you are satisfied with the preview, simply click "Download" to save your barcode. This enables you to use your customized barcode as needed.
Onlinetoolcenter supports generating various high-quality 1D and 2D barcodes, including common formats such as Code 128, UPC, EAN, and ISBN.
However, it's important to note that UPC barcodes must be registered with GS1 to be valid. If you use a UPC barcode that is not registered with GS1, your products may not be accepted by retailers.
Whether utilized for commercial purposes or individual needs, our online free barcode generator streamlines the creation process, offering vast opportunities. Explore its ease of use by giving it a go today.
