What barcode format is best for inventory management?

Code 128 is the most widely used format for inventory management. It encodes any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, making it ideal for SKU codes, lot numbers, and serial numbers. For shelf location labels where the code only contains letters and numbers, Code 39 is simpler. For high-density data storage or asset tags that need to link to a URL, QR Code or Data Matrix work well.

Can I generate both item barcodes and shelf location barcodes?

Yes. Generate two separate batches: one for your product SKU list using Code 128, and one for your shelf location codes using Code 39 (for example, A-01-03 for Aisle A, Row 1, Shelf 3). Upload each list separately, choose the appropriate format, and download the corresponding PDFs.

What label size should I use for warehouse inventory labels?

For product labels on individual items, 2"×1" or 2"×1.25" thermal labels work well. For shelf and location labels that need to be readable from a distance, use 4"×2" or larger labels with a large Code 39 barcode. Bulk Barcode Generator exports thermal PDFs at exact custom mm dimensions and also supports Avery label sheet layouts.

Can I use this for a small retail shop without a WMS?

Yes. Many small retailers run inventory tracking in Excel or Google Sheets without a formal WMS. Generate Code 128 barcodes for all your SKUs, print them on Avery 5160 labels, and use a basic barcode scanner connected to your spreadsheet to record incoming and outgoing stock. The tool handles the barcode generation — the tracking logic stays in your spreadsheet.

Is there a limit on how many inventory barcodes I can generate?

No. Bulk Barcode Generator has no row limit. Upload a spreadsheet with 50 SKUs or 5,000 — all processing runs locally in your browser and your inventory data never leaves your device.

📦 Inventory & Warehouse Labels

Free Inventory Barcode Generator

Effective inventory management starts with barcodes — every item, every shelf location, every receiving and shipping event needs a scannable label. This tool lets you generate inventory barcodes in bulk from a CSV or Excel file. Choose Code 128 for product SKUs, Code 39 for shelf location codes, or QR Code for multi-field asset tracking. No signup required, no row limit, and all data stays in your browser.

Generate Inventory Barcodes Free →

No signup No row limit Code 128 & Code 39 Data stays in browser

Why Use Our Inventory Barcode Generator?

📋

Full SKU List at Once

Upload your entire product catalog as a CSV or Excel file and generate all SKU barcodes in a single batch — no manual one-by-one entry required.

📍

Location & Item Barcodes

Generate product barcodes (Code 128 for SKUs) and shelf location barcodes (Code 39 for bin codes like A-01-03) in separate batches from the same tool.

🖨️

Thermal & Sheet Print

Export 4"×6" thermal PDFs for large warehouse items and pallets, Avery 5163 PDFs for shelf labels, or PNG ZIP for custom print runs.

Generate Inventory Labels in 3 Steps

Export Your Inventory List

Export your SKU list from your ERP, WMS, or Excel spreadsheet. One column of barcode values is all you need — one row per product or location.

Choose Your Barcode Format

Select Code 128 for product SKUs, Code 39 for shelf location codes, or QR Code for asset tags that need to encode multiple fields or link to a URL.

Download and Apply Labels

Print the PDF on your thermal printer or label sheets, apply to items or shelves, then scan with any USB or Bluetooth barcode scanner to verify.

Which Barcode Type for Inventory?

Item / SKU

Item / SKU Barcodes

Format: Code 128

Placed on: each individual product unit or carton

Encodes: SKU, product number, lot number, serial number

Label size: 2"×1" or 2"×1.25" thermal

Location

Location Barcodes

Format: Code 39 (simple alphanumeric — e.g. A-01-03 for Aisle A, Row 1, Shelf 3)

Placed on: rack uprights, bin slots, floor tape positions

Label size: 4"×2" with large font for scanning from a distance

Asset

Asset Barcodes

Format: QR Code or Code 128

Placed on: equipment, tools, carts, pallets, and fixed assets

Encodes: asset ID, department, purchase date, maintenance schedule

Inventory Label Size Guide

Label Size	Use Case	Printer Type	Format
4" × 6" thermal	Large warehouse items, pallets	Thermal (Rollo / Zebra)	Code 128
2" × 1" thermal	Small product SKU labels	Thermal	Code 128
Avery 5163 (2"×4")	Shelf location labels	Laser / inkjet	Code 39
Avery 5160 (1"×2⅝")	Product price tags	Laser / inkjet	Code 128

How Inventory Barcodes Work

A barcode label is only the first step — the real value comes from scanning that label at each stage of your stock workflow. Here is how barcodes integrate into a typical inventory process:

Receive Scan the item barcode on arrival → system records quantity received, assigns a bin location, and updates on-hand stock.
Pick Scan the shelf location barcode + item barcode during order picking → system confirms correct item and deducts from available inventory.
Count During a physical count, scan each item barcode one by one → compare scanned counts against system quantities to identify discrepancies.
Move When relocating stock, scan the old location + item + new location → system updates the bin record with no manual data entry.

This tool generates the barcode labels. For the tracking logic — recording transactions, maintaining stock levels, and reporting — you will need a WMS, an inventory management app, or a well-structured Excel or Google Sheets workbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What barcode format is best for inventory management?: Code 128 is the most widely used format for inventory management. It encodes any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, making it ideal for SKU codes, lot numbers, and serial numbers. For shelf location labels where the code only contains letters and numbers, Code 39 is simpler. For high-density data storage or asset tags that need to link to a URL, QR Code or Data Matrix work well.
Can I generate both item barcodes and shelf location barcodes?: Yes. Generate two separate batches: one for your product SKU list using Code 128, and one for your shelf location codes using Code 39 (for example, A-01-03 for Aisle A, Row 1, Shelf 3). Upload each list separately, choose the appropriate format, and download the corresponding PDFs.
What label size should I use for warehouse inventory labels?: For product labels on individual items, 2"×1" or 2"×1.25" thermal labels work well. For shelf and location labels that need to be readable from a distance, use 4"×2" or larger labels with a large Code 39 barcode. Bulk Barcode Generator exports thermal PDFs at exact custom mm dimensions and also supports Avery label sheet layouts.
Can I use this for a small retail shop without a WMS?: Yes. Many small retailers run inventory tracking in Excel or Google Sheets without a formal WMS. Generate Code 128 barcodes for all your SKUs, print them on Avery 5160 labels, and use a basic barcode scanner connected to your spreadsheet to record incoming and outgoing stock. The tool handles the barcode generation — the tracking logic stays in your spreadsheet.
Is there a limit on how many inventory barcodes I can generate?: No. Bulk Barcode Generator has no row limit. Upload a spreadsheet with 50 SKUs or 5,000 — all processing runs locally in your browser and your inventory data never leaves your device.