It’s a data collection and cataloguing tool that has fundamentally changed the way we do business. From inventory tracking to point-of-sale, the barcode has found myriad uses since the late 1940s. Every large-scale business already has a solution for creating high-quality barcode labels. Smaller businesses may find themselves needing the actual labels before they have the equipment in place. In the meantime they can figure out which enterprise-level system is right for them. Fortunately, there are a number of free barcode generator applications on the web—here’s how to pick the one that’s right for you.
If you’re not already familiar with the world of barcode labels, it may come as a surprise to you that there’s more than just one industry standard format; in fact, there are quite a few! And beyond the different formats, there are also two different types: 1D and 2D. Each different format is favored in certain industries and applications. The one you use will depend on your needs in terms of both data encoding and usage. This is why it’s important to use a flexible barcode generator that supports multiple formats, particularly if you need more than one type. From CODABAR and UPC-A, to alphanumeric styles, and even the 2D DataMatrix code, which can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters!
This should go without saying, but a good generator needs to be able to produce high-quality images in a variety of file formats and sizes, such as JPEG, PNG, and GIF. Other options like color and file name don’t hurt either! If you need to use it on the go, you can use an app, but to be fair, even without mobile app development, some sites have web-based generators that work on mobile too!
What’s the point of a convenience-based tool if it’s a headache to make it work? A good generator should work simply—just input the information, select the format and features, click “Create Barcode,” and voilà! A file is created. If it gets any more difficult than that, you may want to rethink your options.
If you know that down the line, you’ll need a more permanent solution, look for generators from companies that specialize in enterprise software and hardware. Chances are, if they specialize in these areas, their barcode generator should be top-notch.
What are you waiting for? Whether by way of web-based service or mobile app development firm, you’re now ready to go out there and create functional barcodes!
Try our free online Barcode Generator.
