Barcodes and QR codes are no longer just for large enterprises. Small businesses, restaurants and individual sellers can now create and use professional barcodes for free — in minutes. Here's how each industry can make the most of them.
Use case: Product pricing, checkout scanning, stock management
- EAN-13 — Standard for all products sold in stores. Must be registered through GS1 for retail chains.
- EAN-8 — For small packages where EAN-13 won't fit
- CODE 128 — Internal stock tags, shelf labels, warehouse management
💡 Tip: If you produce or package your own products, you can use CODE 128 for internal tracking without a GS1 membership. For major retail chains, official EAN-13 registration is required.
Use case: Shipment tracking, warehouse management, vehicle tracking
- CODE 128 — Standard for shipping labels. Used by FedEx, UPS, DHL and most couriers.
- ITF-14 — Outer cartons, bulk shipments and pallet labels
- QR Code — Customer-facing tracking links, delivery confirmation
💡 Tip: If you run your own e-commerce store, you can convert order numbers to CODE 128 barcodes and print your own shipping labels — no expensive software needed.
Use case: Digital menus, payments, customer feedback
- QR Code (URL) — Table QR codes linking to your digital menu
- QR Code (Wi-Fi) — Share your guest Wi-Fi password without printing it
- QR Code (Payment) — Link to your payment page or checkout
- QR Code (Survey) — Google Forms or Typeform feedback link
💡 Tip: Always use H (High) error correction for table QR codes. Greasy fingers and reflections can partially obscure the code — high error correction keeps it working.
Use case: Platform listings, warehouse, returns management
- EAN-13 / UPC-A — Required for Amazon, eBay, Etsy and most marketplaces
- CODE 128 — Internal warehouse labels, shelf tags, return processing
- QR Code — Package inserts linking to setup guides, warranty registration, customer support
💡 Tip: If you sell on multiple platforms, getting a universal EAN-13 from GS1 is more practical than managing platform-specific barcodes long-term.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Printing too small — Minimum width for EAN-13 is 25mm
- ❌ Low-resolution PNG — Use SVG or high-DPI PNG for print
- ❌ Light bars on light background — Always use dark bars on a light background
- ❌ Not testing before bulk printing — Always scan a test print first
- ❌ Overloading a QR code — Use a URL shortener to keep QR codes simple
Create Barcodes for Your Business
EAN-13, CODE128, QR Code — all formats, free, instant.
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