What the random barcode generator makes
Each press of the Random button creates a new number of the right length for the format you picked, and calculates the check digit properly. That matters because many systems reject a barcode whose last digit does not match. A random string of digits typed by hand usually fails that test; these pass.
The result is a barcode that scans cleanly and looks exactly like a real one, which is what you need for testing software, filling a design mock-up or building a demo product catalogue.
Random numbers are made in your browser, so you can press the button as often as you like. Nothing is logged and there is no daily limit. Formats without a retail check digit, such as Code 128, do not need the button: any text you type is valid, so a made-up SKU or order number works as a test value straight away.
Random barcode numbers by format
- EAN-13: 13 digits, the standard retail code outside North America. Useful for testing e-commerce imports and POS systems.
- UPC-A: 12 digits, the retail code in the US and Canada. Good for testing product feeds and scanner setups.
- EAN-8: 8 digits, used on small packs where an EAN-13 would not fit.
- ITF: digits in pairs, used on outer cartons. Handy for testing warehouse and goods-in scanning.
Good uses for random barcodes
Replace every random number with a licensed one before anything goes to print for sale.
- Software testing: fill a product database or e-commerce import with numbers that pass check digit validation.
- Design mock-ups: show a realistic barcode on packaging artwork before your real GS1 number arrives.
- Staff training: print a sheet of random codes so new staff can practise at a till or goods-in scanner without touching real stock.
- Scanner set-up: confirm a new scanner reads each retail format and sends the right digits to your system.
- Teaching: show how check digits catch typing mistakes by changing one digit and watching validation fail.
Random numbers are for testing only
A random number can still belong to someone. Every valid-looking EAN or UPC falls inside a range that GS1 may have licensed to a real company, so a random code on your product could clash with another item in a shop's system. Marketplaces such as Amazon also check barcodes against the GS1 database and reject numbers that are not registered to you.
If you are selling a product, license numbers from GS1 and type them into the generator instead. Use random numbers for development, training, placeholder artwork and scanner tests.
How to generate a random barcode
- Choose EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8 or ITF in the generator.
- Press Random. A new number with a valid check digit appears and the barcode updates.
- Press Random again until you have the number you want, or edit it by hand.
- Download SVG for print and design work, or PNG for documents, slides and test screens.
