How to Generate a Barcode from a UPC Code: A Detailed and Easy Guide
Do you have a UPC code but don't know how to generate a barcode to print on your product, packaging, or label? Do you want to use a UPC code for selling on Amazon, Walmart, or for professional inventory management?
In this article, iCheckQR will guide you on how to generate a barcode from a UPC code in a simple, fast, and completely free way.
1. Why Convert a UPC Code into a Barcode?
Converting a UPC code into a barcode is essential for allowing the UPC to be printed, quickly scanned, and practically used in sales and inventory workflows. Here are the key reasons:
Product labeling and inventory management: Once converted, the UPC barcode can be printed on a label and attached directly to products, making it easy to track, categorize, and retrieve product information in warehouses.
Barcode label printing on packaging: UPC-based barcodes can be integrated into packaging designs or printed separately for shipping and distribution purposes.
Sales on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, Shopify: Major e-commerce platforms require valid UPC codes and corresponding barcodes to list products, track inventory, and process orders automatically.
Product scanning with barcode scanners or smartphones: Converting to a barcode format allows UPC codes to be quickly scanned using handheld scanners or smartphones, speeding up sales, price checking, and inventory operations.
4 Reasons to Convert UPC Codes into Barcodes
2. Types of Barcodes Created from UPC Codes
The UPC (Universal Product Code) can be converted into various barcode formats depending on usage purposes and packaging size. Common types include:
UPC-A: The most widely used standard with 12 digits, commonly applied in retail across the U.S., Canada, and many other countries; suitable for medium to large packaging.
UPC-E: A compressed version with 8 digits, space-saving, ideal for small items like cosmetics or bottles, yet still encodes the same data as UPC-A when scanned.
Other variations in the UPC system include UPC-B, UPC-C, UPC-D, UPC-2, and UPC-5, though they are rarely used:
UPC-B: Mostly used in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
UPC-C: A special version, not widely adopted.
UPC-D: Flexible length but rarely used in practice.
UPC-2 and UPC-5: Supplemental codes accompanying UPC-A, often found on magazines, books, and periodicals to provide extra info like issue numbers or prices.
3. How to Generate a Barcode from a UPC Code
To convert a UPC code (12 digits) into a printable and usable barcode, you can choose one of the following three methods:
Method 1: Use Free Online UPC Barcode Generators
This is a quick method, requires no software installation, and suits general users.
Recommended tools (with pros and cons):
Steps to follow:
Enter the 12-digit UPC code into the provided field
Choose barcode type: UPC-A or UPC-E
Select image format: PNG, JPG, SVG
Click "Generate" → Download the barcode
Verify the barcode using a scanning app to ensure accuracy
Method 2: Create a Barcode from a UPC Code in Excel
This is ideal for those managing large lists of UPC codes.
How to do it:
Install a barcode font (e.g., IDAutomationUPC, Free3of9) or a barcode add-in
Enter the UPC code in a cell, then apply the barcode font to that cell
If using an add-in, select the barcode format (UPC-A or UPC-E) from the toolbar
Export the Excel file to PDF or print directly to use the barcode.
Note: Ensure the UPC code has exactly 12 digits and is formatted correctly so the barcode font works properly.
Method 3: Use Software or Programming
This is suitable for businesses, developers, or designers.
Option 1 – Use a Programming Library
Python with libraries such as:
from barcode import UPCA
upc = UPCA("123456789012")
upc.save("upc_barcode")
python-barcode: Supports UPC-A, saves as PNG/SVG
reportlab: Can combine to generate PDF with barcodes
Option 2 – Use Professional Design Software
Popular software includes:
Adobe Illustrator: Add Barcode plugin to generate vector barcodes
BarTender: Professional barcode creation and management with multiple formats
NiceLabel: User-friendly interface, used in manufacturing and packaging
4. Tips for Using UPC Barcodes Effectively
To ensure that barcodes generated from UPC codes can be accurately scanned and function properly in real-world use, keep the following important tips in mind:
Always verify the UPC code before generating a barcode
Check carefully that the UPC code is exactly 12 digits long and valid before using it.
Make sure there are no missing digits or incorrect check digits to avoid generating an unreadable barcode.
Ensure a minimum print resolution of 300 DPI
When printing the barcode, maintain a resolution of at least 300 DPI to produce sharp, clear images.
Blurry, jagged, or broken barcodes are difficult to scan, especially with laser scanners or in low-light conditions.
Additional Tips for Using UPC Barcodes Effectively
Maintain a quiet zone around the barcode
The barcode must have a minimum clear space (quiet zone) on both sides and above/below to ensure accurate scanning.
Avoid placing text, images, or lines too close to the barcode—this can cause scanning errors.
Use a scanning app to verify after creation
After generating and printing the barcode, use a mobile scanning app or barcode reader to check whether the code is readable.
This verification step helps identify any issues early, preventing problems during packaging, sales, or shipping.
5. Common Errors When Generating Barcodes from UPC
Failing to follow technical standards can lead to issues such as:
Using invalid UPC codes (wrong check digit)
UPC codes must have exactly 12 digits, where the last digit is a calculated check digit.
Incorrect or missing digits result in faulty barcodes that can't be scanned or are rejected during product listing.
Low-quality or blurry barcode images
Low-resolution images or printing on smudge-prone materials can cause jagged or unclear barcodes.
Always use images with at least 300 DPI for sharp print results.
Incorrect barcode resizing
Stretching or squashing barcodes distorts line spacing, making them unscannable.
Use proper scaling tools to adjust barcode size proportionally (minimum 80%, maximum 200% of UPC-A standard).
3 Common Errors When Generating UPC Barcodes
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Generating Barcodes from UPC Codes
Can I generate a barcode from any UPC code?
No. Only valid UPC codes (issued by GS1 or authorized organizations) can be used to generate functional barcodes.
Is it legal to generate a barcode from a UPC code?
Yes, but only if you own the UPC code or have permission from the code owner. Using UPCs without rights may violate copyright or be considered fraudulent.
What image format should I download my barcode in?
It depends on the use case:
PNG: Best for websites or digital documents
SVG: Ideal for designers needing high-quality vector files
PDF: Suitable for bulk printing of labels
Can I reuse the same UPC for multiple products?
No. Each product or variant (color, size, volume...) must have a unique UPC to be tracked separately in inventory and sales systems.
In conclusion, generating barcodes from UPC codes is easy, even without technical experience. Whether you use online tools, Excel, or professional software, you can create standard-compliant barcodes for products, sales, or inventory.
Always validate your UPC code, ensure image quality when printing, and scan-test after creation to avoid issues during real-world usage.
If you work in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce, properly integrating barcodes will streamline operations and boost accuracy and efficiency.
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