GTIN-14 Barcode Generator (ITF-14) and EAN and UPC Barcodes for Point of Sale.
Barcoding is complicated. First things first: GTINs are not a kind of barcode. Names like GTIN-12, GTIN-13 and GTIN-14 are part of the GS1 number system administered by the non-profit of the same name. GTIN-14 is a type of GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) that is used to uniquely identify retail items. GTIN numbers may allow conversions from one form to another. For example, a GTIN-12 can be converted to a GTIN-13 or GTIN-14 by prefixing zeros. In the case of GTIN-14 the leading (first) digit is a packaging level indicator.
A GTIN is created by using two additional digits, the packaging level indicator in the beginning and one in the end, resulting in 14 characters. GTIN-14 technology allows businesses to take advantage of increased efficiency and cost savings, as they are more reliable than other identifications systems. A GTIN-14 barcode generator is thus an invaluable tool for companies looking to improve their data management capabilities and provide a better overall customer experience.
Choosing a Barcode Symbology
Printing a GTIN forces us to choose a barcode symbology. GTINs can be represented using different kinds of barcode symbology like ITF-14, EAN-13, UPC-A. You choose the symbol based on the requirements of the supply chain.
GTIN-14 uses ITF-14 symbology for logistics
GTIN-13 uses EAN-13 symbology for POS
GTIN-12 uses UPC-A symbology for POS
GTIN-14 Barcodes Example Using ITF-14
The following examples use the item number 12312312312 (11 digits).
Packaging Level 0 (Single Item)
Barcode: ITF-14 (logistics)
Value: 00 12312312312
The 5 at the end of the barcode is an automatically calculated check digit that gives barcode scanners the ability to check for damage and errors.
Packaging Level 1 (Multiple Item)
Barcode: ITF-14 (logistics)
Value: 10 12312312312
Remember, the 2 at the end is the check digit.
The leading digit packaging level indicator can be different for different uses in the supply chain. This will generate different GTIN-14s for the same product. In other words, 00 123123123125 and 10 123123123124 both relate to the same GTIN-13 0 123123123125. Remember, the last digit is a calculated check digit which is why it changes, too. Since the GTIN-13 begins with "0" it has an equivalent GTIN-12 123123123125.
Point of Sale Examples With EAN and UPC
This is a point-of-sale EAN-13 barcode representing the equivalent GTIN-13:
Barcode: EAN-13
Value: 012312312312
This is a point-of-sale UPC-A barcode representing the equivalent GTIN-12:
Barcode: UPC-A
Value: 12312312312
Using Variables With the Barcode Generator
Label LIVE variables can automatically insert the item number into different kinds of barcodes. This means imported spreadsheets only need to contain the item number.
To begin using variables, add a variable named ITEM and set the value to 12312312312 (item number).
Now you can add barcodes and insert the variable ITEM using the special text {ITEM}.
Each barcode value is defined as:
ITF-14 Single Item:
00 {ITEM}ITF-14 Multiple Item:
10 {ITEM}EAN-13 POS:
0{ITEM}UPC-A POS:
{ITEM}
To test the power of this solution, switch back to the Data tab and change the ITEM value. All barcodes will update instantly.
Label LIVE Design Files
Download any of the examples:
Contact us with your questions and we will help you design the perfect time-saving solution.
Download Today
Label LIVE is a great tool for generating and printing barcodes. These examples only use a single barcode, but with Label LIVE, you can include variables, text, images, shapes, and excel spreadsheet functionality. These features are just a few clicks away.
If you are looking for a thermal printer mydpi label printer is a great option. Label LIVE is bundled with the mydpi label printer for the highest quality prints.