ITF-14 barcode generator
An ITF-14 barcode is a 14-digit number drawn as bars for the outer carton or case that holds retail items. Opo Codes draws the bars for a number you supply, adds the fourteenth check digit when you type 13, and exports it free in your browser. It does not issue official GS1 numbers.
Open the generatorFree. Runs in your browser.
How to do it
- Open the generator with ITF-14 already selected.
- Type 13 digits and the check digit is added, or type all 14.
- If the fourteenth digit is wrong, the generator shows the right one and offers to fix it.
- Check the scan stamp, choose PNG, JPG, SVG or PDF and a resolution, then download.
How a carton number is built
A carton GTIN-14 is a packaging-level digit, then the first 12 digits of the item number, then a new check digit. The check digit changes because the number changed, so you cannot reuse the one from the item.
Worked example. The item is the 13-digit number 5901234123457. Drop its check digit to get 590123412345 and put a 1 in front for the packaging level: 1590123412345. Add the digits in positions 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, which are 1, 9, 1, 3, 1, 3, 5 and add up to 23, and multiply by 3 to get 69. Add positions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, which are 5, 0, 2, 4, 2, 4 and add up to 17. The total is 86, the next multiple of 10 is 90, so the check digit is 4 and the carton number is 15901234123454.
Why ITF-14 and not Code 128
ITF-14 stores digits in pairs, which is why it needs an even count and takes exactly 14. It is easy to print and read on cartons, where print is rough. The bars are about 61 mm wide including quiet zones at the default 0.33 mm bar width.
It holds only the 14 digits. If you also need batch or expiry on a case label, use GS1-128 instead. For rough board, choose a wider bar width than the default, which is the retail standard, and scan a printed carton.
Where the number comes from
This tool encodes the number you give it. It does not issue official GS1 numbers. A carton number is built from your own item number, which comes from GS1 membership. Do not draw a carton number from an item number you do not own.
The packaging-level digit is a digit from 1 to 8 that you assign to mark the pack level. Download SVG or PDF for printing, or PNG at 300 or 600 DPI.
Questions
Can I type my EAN-13 directly?
No. ITF-14 takes 13 or 14 digits. Build the carton number as shown above, then type its first 13 digits.
Why do I get a different check digit from my item?
The carton number has a new leading digit, so the check digit is worked out again.
Does it hold batch or expiry?
No. ITF-14 holds the 14 digits only. Use GS1-128 for batch and expiry.
How do I know it will scan?
The generator reads the bars back and shows VERIFIED on a match. Scan a printed carton before a big run.