GuideQR & Barcodes
ITF-14 barcode explained + free generator
What ITF-14 (GTIN-14) carton barcodes are for, how they differ from EAN-13, and how to generate one free in your browser.
September 12, 2026 · 1 min read
ITF-14 is the barcode you see on outer shipping cartons, not on the single retail unit on a shelf. It encodes a 14-digit GTIN-14. If you ship cases of product, this is the symbology warehouses expect.
ITF-14 vs retail barcodes
| ITF-14 | EAN-13 / UPC-A | |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 14 (GTIN-14) | 13 / 12 |
| Where | Cartons / logistics | Shelf units |
| Look | Often thicker bars; may include bearer bars in print specs | Classic retail look |
Printing ITF-14 on a consumer unit (or EAN-13 on a master carton) confuses scanners. Match the code to the packaging level.
Generate ITF-14 free
- Open the ITF-14 barcode generator.
- Enter 13 or 14 digits as required by the tool validation (check digit rules apply).
- Export PNG, SVG, or PDF for your label template.
- Print a test scan before a production run.
Generation runs in the browser—handy when GTIN data is not public yet.
Print checklist
- Quiet zones (margins) around the bars
- Adequate size for conveyor scanners
- Contrast: dark bars on light stock
- Verify with a hardware scanner, not only a phone camera
Browse other types from the barcode generator hub when you need Code 128 or EAN-13 for different packaging levels.
CTA: Create an ITF-14 barcode.
