Sample barcodes to scan for testing
The gallery above holds one working sample of every format we support: QR, EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, ITF, Data Matrix, PDF417 and Aztec. Each one is printed with the value it encodes, so a test is simple. Scan it, then compare what your device returns with the text under the code.
Use them to check a new handheld scanner, confirm a till or POS system accepts a format, or try out a barcode reading library before you build around it. If a format fails, you know the problem is the scanner settings rather than a badly made label.
What each test barcode tells you
- EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8 and UPC-E: the retail formats. A till that cannot read these needs its symbology settings checked.
- Code 128 and Code 39: letters and numbers, used on shipping labels, stock and ID badges. Many scanners ship with Code 39 turned off.
- ITF: digits only, printed on outer cartons. Often disabled by default because short partial reads can happen.
- QR, Data Matrix and Aztec: 2D codes. A basic laser scanner cannot read these; you need an imager or a camera.
- PDF417: the stacked code on driving licences and boarding passes. A good test for 2D imagers.
How to create a scannable barcode of your own
- Pick a format in the generator. Use EAN-13 or UPC-A for retail tests, Code 128 for anything with letters.
- Type the value. For EAN and UPC, leave off the last digit and the check digit is added for you.
- Check the preview, then download SVG for print or PNG for screens and documents.
- Print at 100% scale, or show it full size on a screen, and scan it with the device you are testing.
Why a test barcode fails to scan
When one of the samples will not read, the cause is usually one of a few things. The format may be switched off in the scanner's settings; ITF, Code 39 and the 2D formats are often disabled from the factory. The code may be too small for the device, so zoom the page or print it larger. Or the reader may be a 1D laser model, which cannot read QR, Data Matrix, PDF417 or Aztec at all.
If a scan returns the wrong value, check whether the scanner adds a prefix, suffix or check digit of its own. Many do, and the setting is in the scanner's manual. Test with the samples first, so you know the hardware works before you blame a label.
Tips for testing scanners, apps and web scan tools
Scanning from a screen is harder than scanning paper. Turn the brightness up, and try a second angle if glare hides the bars. Laser scanners often cannot read screens at all, so print a copy when testing one.
Developers testing a web scan barcode feature, or a React Native or Flutter scanning library, should test more than the happy path. Try a small code, a code at an angle and two codes in one frame. Our online scanner reads several codes in one image, which gives you a reference result to compare against. Images are read on your device and never stored.
