Which Barcode Do I Need?

Every barcode type explained — what it is, where it's used, and when to use it. Generate any of them free in Barcode Canvas.

Quick Decision Guide

Selling on Amazon FBA?FNSKU / Code 128 Shipping via courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx)?Code 128 Selling in European retail or supermarkets?EAN-13 Selling in US/Canadian retail?UPC-A Linking to a URL or website?QR Code Pharmaceutical or medical device?DataMatrix US military or automotive parts?Code 39

All Barcode Types

Logistics & Shipping

Code 128

The go-to barcode for Amazon FBA, courier labels, and warehouse tracking. Encodes all 128 ASCII characters.

→ Required for Amazon FNSKU

Amazon FBA

FNSKU

Amazon's own product identifier — a Code 128 barcode linking your unit to your seller account in the fulfilment network.

→ FBA sellers — start here

Retail (Europe & Worldwide)

EAN-13

The standard 13-digit barcode for retail products scanned at supermarket and shop checkouts globally.

→ Required for EU retail

Retail (North America)

UPC-A

12-digit barcode required by US and Canadian retailers. The equivalent of EAN-13 for the North American market.

→ Required for US retail

URLs, Links & Text

QR Code

Stores URLs, Wi-Fi credentials, contact cards (vCard), and plain text. Scannable by any smartphone camera.

→ Best for phone scanning

Pharma, Electronics & Medical

DataMatrix

High-density 2D code that fits in a 1mm × 1mm space. Required for EU pharmaceuticals (FMD) and FDA UDI labelling.

→ Required for pharma labels

Government & Automotive

Code 39

Legacy 1D barcode used in US military (MIL-STD-129), automotive (AIAG), and older inventory systems.

→ Required by DoD & AIAG