Supported Formats

The API supports 50+ barcode formats across 10 categories, powered by JsBarcode and BWIP-JS under the hood. All formats are available through the same endpoint — you do not need to specify a rendering engine.

GET /api/barcode/{format}/{data}

The {format} parameter is case-insensitive — Code128, code128, and CODE128 all work identically.

Code 128

The most widely used linear barcode in logistics, shipping, and retail. Encodes the full ASCII character set with high data density.

Notes:

• Code128 (auto) automatically selects the optimal subset (A/B/C) based on your data — use this unless you have a specific reason to force a subset.
• Code128C encodes pairs of digits only — data must be an even number of digits.
• GS1-128 requires GS1 Application Identifier syntax, e.g. (01) for GTIN.
• HIBC Code 128 is used in healthcare for labeling medical products.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Code128/ABC-abc-1234"

EAN / UPC

International standard retail barcodes. Used on consumer products worldwide.

Notes:

• EAN-13 and UPC-A include a check digit — if you provide 12/11 digits, the check digit is computed automatically.
• EAN-5 and EAN-2 are supplemental barcodes, typically printed alongside EAN-13 for price or issue information.
• UPC-E is a compressed version of UPC-A, used where space is limited (e.g. small retail packaging).

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Ean13/5901234123457"

2D Barcodes

Two-dimensional codes that encode data both horizontally and vertically, supporting much larger payloads than linear barcodes.

Notes:

• QR Code supports URLs, plain text, vCards, Wi-Fi credentials, and more. No length limit in practice (up to ~4,000 characters for alphanumeric).
• Data Matrix is widely used in PCB component labeling and pharmaceutical packaging due to its small footprint.
• PDF417 can encode up to ~1,800 printable ASCII characters and is the standard for US driver's licenses and airline baggage.
• Aztec Code does not require a quiet zone, making it ideal for space-constrained labels like transport tickets.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Qrcode/https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com"

Code 39

One of the oldest linear barcode symbologies. Widely used in non-retail environments such as automotive, defense, and healthcare.

Notes:

• Standard Code 39 supports uppercase letters, digits, and a limited set of symbols (- . $ / + % SPACE).
• Code 39 Extended supports the full ASCII character set by encoding characters as pairs.
• HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code) Code 39 follows the ANSI/HIBC standard for healthcare product labeling.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Code39/CODE%2039"

ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)

A high-density numeric-only barcode used primarily in warehousing and distribution.

Notes:

• ITF encodes pairs of digits simultaneously, so data length must be even. Pad with a leading zero if needed.
• ITF-14 is the standard for outer carton/case-level barcodes in the GS1 system, always 14 digits including the check digit.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Itf14/15400141288763"

MSI Plessey

A numeric barcode primarily used for inventory control and retail shelf labeling.

Notes:

• All MSI variants encode digits only.
• The check digit scheme determines error detection strength. Mod 10 is most common; Mod 1010 and Mod 1110 offer stronger validation with two check digits.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Msi10/1234567"

Pharmacode

A binary barcode used exclusively in the pharmaceutical packaging industry. Encodes a single integer representing a product identifier.

Notes:

• Data must be a positive integer between 3 and 131070.
• Used on blister packs and medicine boxes for automated packaging line verification.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Pharmacode/1234"

Codabar

A legacy barcode format still in active use in libraries, blood banks, and FedEx air waybills.

Notes:

• Data must begin and end with a start/stop character: one of A, B, C, or D.
• Encodes digits and a limited set of symbols (- $ : / . +).

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Codabar/A1234B"

GS1 DataBar

A family of compact GS1 barcodes designed for small retail items, fresh produce, and loyalty cards. Can encode GS1 Application Identifiers in a smaller footprint than GS1-128.

Notes:

• All DataBar variants require a GS1 GTIN-14 as the primary data element, wrapped in the (01) Application Identifier.
• Databarexpanded can carry additional AIs (e.g. weight, expiry date) beyond the base GTIN.
• Databarstacked is a two-row variant of Omnidirectional, useful when vertical space is limited.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Databaromni/(01)09521234543213"

Publishing

Barcodes used in book, music, and periodical publishing, all based on the EAN/GS1 standard.

Notes:

• ISBN (International Standard Book Number) uses EAN-13 with a 978 or 979 prefix. The optional 5-digit supplement (e.g. 90000) encodes a suggested retail price.
• ISMN (International Standard Music Number) uses EAN-13 with a 979-0 prefix, used for printed music publications.
• ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) identifies magazines and journals. The optional supplement encodes issue/volume information.
• Hyphens in the data are ignored during encoding.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://www.barcodegen.net/api/barcode/Isbn/978-1-56581-231-4%2090000"

Rendering Engines

Formats are automatically routed to the appropriate rendering engine — you never need to specify this manually.

Quick Reference

Related

• Quick Start — Authentication, endpoints, and credit deduction model
• Credit Pricing — Cost per request and plan comparison
• Rate Limits — Request limits and retry guidance