Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an EAN-13 barcode?
- EAN-13 (European Article Number) is a 13-digit retail barcode standard used by supermarkets, pharmacies, and stores worldwide. The first 2–3 digits identify the country of registration, followed by a company prefix, item reference, and a check digit.
- What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?
- UPC-A is a 12-digit barcode used primarily in North America. EAN-13 is the 13-digit international equivalent — a UPC-A barcode can be expressed as EAN-13 by prepending a zero. Most modern POS systems and scanners accept both formats interchangeably.
- Do I need to purchase an EAN-13 number for my product?
- If you are selling products through retail stores or online marketplaces that scan barcodes, yes — you must obtain a GS1 company prefix and registered GTIN from GS1 (gs1.org). For internal labeling that won't be scanned at a public POS, you can use any 13-digit number.
- Does the generator calculate the EAN-13 check digit automatically?
- Yes. Enter 12 digits and the generator computes and appends the correct check digit automatically. If you enter all 13 digits, it verifies the check digit and alerts you if it is incorrect.
- Can I generate EAN-13 barcodes from an Excel file?
- Yes. Upload your Excel (.xlsx) or CSV file, select the column containing your 12- or 13-digit product codes, and the generator creates all barcodes in one batch.
- What export formats are available for EAN-13 barcodes?
- You can export EAN-13 barcodes as print-ready PDF (Avery label layouts or single-label), high-resolution PNG (300 DPI, bundled as a ZIP), and scalable SVG for print design workflows.