EAN-8 Barcode Generator

When EAN-8 is the right choice

EAN-8 encodes a GTIN-8 and works at the same retail checkouts as EAN-13. It exists for one reason: packaging where the printable area for a barcode is very small. GS1 guidance is to use it only when an EAN-13 would take up more than about a quarter of the main label face, or cannot fit at all.

GTIN-8 numbers are not derived from your company prefix. They are allocated one by one by your GS1 Member Organisation on request, because the number range is limited. QR & Barcode Studio validates the structure and check digit, but it does not issue numbers.

Structure of an EAN-8 symbol

• Eight digits: a GS1 prefix, an item number assigned by GS1, and a mod-10 check digit in position 8.
• The check digit uses weights 3 and 1 alternately, starting with 3 on the first digit.
• 67 modules wide: start guard, four left-half digits, centre guard, four right-half digits, end guard.
• Quiet zone of at least 7X on both sides.

Printing tips

At 100% magnification the X dimension is 0.33 mm and the symbol is about 26.73 × 21.31 mm including the digits; the allowed range is 80% to 200%. On small, curved packs, orient the bars vertically along the curve (picket fence) so the bars do not distort around the surface.

Use dark bars on a light background, avoid red or orange bars, and keep the quiet zones free of text and edges. Verify printed samples to ISO/IEC 15416 when you run production quantities.

How to make it

1. Select EAN-8 in the barcode generator.
2. Enter the 7 digits of the GTIN-8 your GS1 organisation assigned; the 8th is added automatically.
3. Check the size suggestion and adjust magnification for your label.
4. Export SVG or PDF and place it in your packaging artwork.
5. Test-scan the printout with the camera scanner.

Frequently asked questions