Random Barcode Generator: Valid Test Barcodes

Make random barcodes for testing, free. Choose EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, ITF-14, SSCC, Code 128, Code 39, QR Code or Data Matrix, and get valid values with correct check digits, drawn and ready to download. The GS1 numbers use ranges GS1 keeps for examples or internal use.

Valid

Test numbers

13 digits under GS1 Prefix 952, which GS1 keeps for demonstrations and examples and does not issue to companies.

Test data only. These numbers follow the barcode rules but belong to no product. Do not print them on goods for sale.

File names

Use {row}, {data} and {type}. Characters that files cannot hold become _; repeated names get -2, -3.

First files

Barcode

12 or 13 digits; the check digit is added.

Text font, size and alignment

Retail types keep the standard digit layout in OCR-B under the bars.

Colors

Contrast 21.0:1; estimated symbol contrast 100%. Below 20% is refused.

Label text

Printed in each file with the barcode, outside the quiet zone, in Helvetica.

Quiet zone (modules)Each type's minimum

Each row uses the minimum quiet zone of its type. Type a value to use your own for every row.

Rotation and background0° · Filled

Rotation

In the preview, a checkered pattern shows the transparent areas. Print a transparent barcode only on a white or very light surface: scanners need the light quiet zone around it. JPEG files keep the background color.

Margin and border0 mm · no border

The margin is blank space outside the quiet zone, for cutting; the border is drawn at the outer edge in the bar color. Both count in the print size.

Presets0 saved

No presets yet. Save the current settings to reuse them.

    Presets stay in this browser. They keep the type, size, style and output; the data, the column choices and the logo are not saved.

    Recent batches0

    The batches you make appear here, newest first.

      The last 10 batches, kept in this browser only. The files themselves are not kept.

      Check

      Checking…

      RowStatusValueFile name

      Slower. Barcodes that do not read back are listed in the CSV.

      Every row with its final value, check digits added, type, file name and status.
      EAN-13 · First barcodeValid

      The first barcode appears here.

      Print simulation

      Shows how a worn print of the first barcode looks and tests it with the decoder.

      Type
      EAN-13 · 1D
      Print size
      —
      Rows
      0
      Ready
      0
      Cannot be drawn
      0
      Empty
      0

      Output

      Before you print

      A PDF test sheet with the first barcode at 80%, 100% and 150% and rulers. Print it at actual size and scan each copy.

      Up to 10,000 rows on a computer, 5,000 on a phone or tablet.

      Everything runs in your browser; nothing you paste or open is uploaded.

      How to Make Random Barcodes

      Choose the type and how many, check the numbers, and download them as image or PDF files, or on a label sheet.

      1. Choose the type of test number, such as EAN-13 or Code 128.
      2. Enter how many you need, up to 10,000 on a computer.
      3. Select Make new numbers until you like them; you can also edit the list.
      4. Choose the output and select Make the barcodes.

      Random Barcode Types and Their Numbers

      Each type gets values that its scanners accept: the right length, characters and check digit.

      What each random type contains
      TypeValuesWhy it is safe for tests
      EAN-13952 and 10 more digitsGS1 Prefix 952 is kept for demonstrations and examples
      EAN-8952 and 5 more digitsGS1-8 Prefix 952 is kept for demonstrations and examples
      UPC-A4 and 11 more digitsGS1 Prefix 04 is for numbers a company uses internally
      ITF-14An indicator 1 to 8, then 952 and 10 more digitsBuilt on the demonstration prefix 952
      SSCC (GS1-128)AI (00), an extension digit, 952 and 14 more digitsBuilt on the demonstration prefix 952
      Code 128, Code 3910 or 8 capital letters and digitsNot a numbering system: any value is a test value
      QR Code, Data Matrix16 letters and digitsNo web address, so a scan opens nothing

      Why Random Product Numbers Use GS1 Prefix 952

      GS1, which issues product numbers, keeps the prefix 952 for demonstrations and examples, so it is never part of a number issued to a company.

      A random 13-digit number could otherwise match a real product's GTIN, and a test scan would then find that product. With 952 in front, the numbers are still valid in every scanner and checker but stand for no product. UPC-A has no such prefix, so random UPC-A numbers start with 4, the range for numbers a company uses only internally.

      What Random Barcodes Are For

      Random barcodes are test data: they let you try a scanner, a till or your own software without real product numbers.

      • Scanner setup: check that a scanner reads each type and sends the right characters.
      • Point-of-sale and stock software: fill a test database with valid numbers.
      • Packaging and label mockups: place a barcode that scans, without using a real number.
      • Teaching: show how check digits and barcode types work.

      Random Numbers Are Not Product Numbers

      A product sold in stores needs a GTIN from GS1 or your GS1 Company Prefix; a random number, even a valid one, is not registered to you and identifies no product.

      How to Get a Real Product Number

      GS1 licenses GS1 Company Prefixes, from which companies number their own products. Once you have your number, make its barcode with the UPC or EAN-13 generator, which checks the check digit as you type. The GTIN guide explains the number formats.

      What is a GTIN? product numbers, their formats and where they come from.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Are Random Barcodes Real?

      They are real barcodes that scan, with correct check digits. The numbers belong to no product: the GS1 types use prefixes GS1 keeps for examples or internal use.

      Can I Use a Random Barcode on a Product I Sell?

      No. A product for sale needs a GTIN licensed to your company by GS1. A random number, even a valid one, is not registered to you and identifies no product.

      How Do I Make a Random EAN-13 Barcode?

      Choose EAN-13 and the number of codes; each one starts with 952 and ends with its check digit. Then choose SVG, PNG or PDF, or a label sheet, and download them.

      Are the Random Numbers Truly Random?

      They come from your browser's cryptographic random number source, with each digit equally likely. Repeated values are removed, so every barcode in a run is different.

      Is the Random Barcode Generator Free?

      Yes, with no account and no watermark. The numbers and the barcodes are made in your browser.

      Can I Edit the Random Numbers?

      Yes. The numbers are in a text box: change, add or remove lines before you make the barcodes. Every edited row is checked again.

      Related Barcode Tools