Frequently asked questions

Yes. The barcode label generator is completely free to use and does not require an account or subscription. The service is supported by Google AdSense advertising, which is how we keep the core PDF generator free for everyone.

No. All processing happens in your browser. BarcodeMaker uses the browser's File API to read your Excel or CSV file locally on your device. The file contents are never sent to any server. When you close the tab or navigate away, the data is gone.

BarcodeMaker currently generates Code 128 barcodes. Code 128 is one of the most widely used barcode formats in retail, warehousing, logistics, and library systems. It supports letters, numbers, and most symbols. It is not the same as EAN-13 or UPC, which are required for official retail product registration through GS1.

BarcodeMaker accepts .xlsx (Excel 2007 and later), .xls (Excel 97–2003), and .csv (comma-separated values). For CSV files, UTF-8 encoding is recommended. If your CSV was exported from Google Sheets or Excel, it will work without any conversion.

Yes. Export your products or variants from Shopify as CSV (Products > Export > CSV for Excel). In BarcodeMaker, map the Variant SKU or Variant Barcode column as the barcode value, and Title as the product name. Each variant row becomes one label. See the Shopify guide for the full workflow.

Use the Barcode column if your Shopify variants already have registered EAN or UPC values you want to encode. Use the SKU column if you want internal stock labels for your own warehouse and packing workflow. Most small sellers use SKU for internal labels and only need registered barcodes when selling through platforms that require a GTIN.

No. Code 128 is a barcode symbology (encoding format). EAN-13 and UPC-A are also barcode symbologies, but they encode specifically structured 13-digit and 12-digit trade identifiers that must be registered through GS1. Code 128 can encode any alphanumeric data and is great for internal labels, but it does not replace a registered retail barcode.

Yes. BarcodeMaker auto-paginates — a file with 240 rows produces a 10-page PDF with 24 labels per page. Very large files (several thousand rows) may be slow depending on your browser and device. Files under 1,000 rows are typically processed in a few seconds.

BarcodeMaker generates PDFs sized exactly for A4 (210×297mm). Any other print scale shifts the label positions on the page, so labels no longer align with the perforations on your label sheet. It also changes bar widths inside barcodes, which can make them harder or impossible to scan. Always use 100%, Actual Size, or No Scaling in your print dialog.

The most common causes are: (1) print scale was not 100% — even 98% can affect scanability; (2) the label is too small for the data length — longer codes need wider labels; (3) draft or low-quality print mode blurred the bar edges; (4) the quiet zones on the left and right of the barcode were cropped. Print a test page at 100% scale and scan it before printing the full batch.

Yes. In Google Sheets, go to File > Download > Comma-separated values (.csv) to export your current sheet. Upload that CSV to BarcodeMaker. The workflow is identical to using an Excel file.

BarcodeMaker generates A4 PDF output with 24 labels per page in a 3-column by 8-row layout. This matches standard A4 label sheets such as Avery L7160 and compatible 24-up sheets. If you need a different label count or size, use the Template tab to adjust the label dimensions.

For the best results, structure your spreadsheet with these columns. Column names can be anything — you choose which column maps to which field after uploading.

• Barcode value (required): the number or text that will be encoded into the Code 128 barcode. Use SKU numbers, product codes, item IDs, or any alphanumeric identifier.
• Product name (optional): the label text shown below or next to the barcode. Helps staff identify items without scanning.
• SKU (optional): an internal product code for picking, packing, and stock control.
• Price (optional): a retail price or reference value displayed on the label for customer-facing labels.

Following these steps before printing a large batch avoids the most common problems:

• Set print scale to exactly 100% — not Fit to Page, not Shrink to Printable Area.
• Make sure the paper size in your print dialog matches the label sheet (A4 for European sheets).
• Print one test page first and hold it against the label sheet to check alignment.
• Scan at least three barcodes from the test page with your actual scanner.
• Only print the full batch after confirming alignment and scan accuracy.

If your question is not answered here, contact us at leekai.studio@gmail.com. For technical issues, include your browser name, file type, and a description of what happened.