ITF-14 Barcode Generator

Make ITF-14 barcodes for outer cartons and shipping cases. Enter 13 digits of the GTIN-14 and we add the check digit and the bearer bar frame.

13 digits, or 14 with the check digit

Change the bar width, height and text here. The barcode on the left is drawn at the size it will print, so at 100% zoom it should match a ruler held to the screen.

PNG and JPG files store their resolution, so Word, Canva and label software place them at this size.

Colours

Dark bars on a light background scan best. Most scanners use red light, so red, orange and yellow bars read as blank.

What is ITF-14?

ITF-14 is the barcode printed on the corrugated boxes that hold several retail units, like a case of 12 bottles. It carries a GTIN-14 and is designed to print well straight onto rough brown cardboard. The thick frame around it, the bearer bar, spreads the printing plate's pressure evenly and stops a partial scan being read as a valid shorter code.

Digits14 (13 data + 1 check digit)
Barcode typeInterleaved 2 of 5 with bearer bars
Bar width (X-dimension)0.495 mm to 1.016 mm; around 1.016 mm when printing straight onto corrugated board
Bar heightAt least 32 mm
Used onCases, cartons and inner packs in warehouses and distribution

How a GTIN-14 is built

A GTIN-14 is usually made from the GTIN of the product inside:

  1. Indicator digit (1–8): your choice, one per packaging level. For example 1 for a case of 6 and 2 for a case of 24. 9 means a variable-measure item.
  2. The first 12 digits of the item's GTIN-13. For a UPC-A, put a 0 in front first.
  3. A new check digit, recalculated over all 13 digits. Don't copy the item's check digit.

Example: a single jar has the EAN-13 5901234123457. A case of 12 jars with indicator 1 becomes 1 + 590123412345 + new check digit 4 = 15901234123454. Type the first 13 digits into the tool and it adds the check digit for you.

How to make an ITF-14 barcode

  1. Type 13 digits: indicator + first 12 digits of the item's GTIN-13. We add the 14th.
  2. Keep the bar width at 0.5 mm or more. For direct printing on brown corrugated board, use 1 mm.
  3. Download SVG or PDF for carton artwork, or PNG for printed labels. For labels with batch and expiry data, use GS1-128 instead.
Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse
Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse.

Questions

  • GTIN-14 is the 14-digit number; ITF-14 is the barcode that usually carries it on cartons. GTIN-14 can also be carried by GS1-128 with AI (01).

  • Any of 1–8, one per different pack configuration. Use 9 only for variable-measure items.

  • It isn't meant for tills. Cases are scanned in warehouses and at goods-in. Products sold individually need a UPC or EAN.

  • The bearer bar evens out printing pressure on corrugated board and stops the scanner reading a partial code.