ITF-14 Barcode Generator
Create the 14-digit ITF barcode used on shipping cartons.
How to use the ITF-14 Barcode Generator
- Enter 13 digits (check digit added) or a full 14-digit number.
- Download the barcode.
About the ITF-14 Barcode Generator
ITF-14 encodes the shipping-carton level GTIN — the 14-digit number that identifies a case or outer box rather than the individual retail unit inside it. ITF stands for Interleaved 2 of 5, a numeric-only format that encodes digits in pairs, one in the bars and one in the spaces. Its thick, forgiving bars are the point: ITF-14 is designed to print directly onto corrugated cardboard, a rough absorbent surface where a fine retail barcode would smear into an unreadable mess. Enter 13 digits and the check digit is calculated and appended; enter all 14 and it is validated.
As with every GS1 barcode, the number itself comes from GS1, not from this tool. Drawing an ITF-14 here registers nothing — the carton GTIN derives from your own GS1-issued product number plus an indicator digit. Without a GS1 prefix, the number you print is not a legitimate GTIN and your distributor will reject it.
One practical caveat: this tool renders the bar pattern only. Production artwork for corrugated printing usually also needs a bearer bar frame and generous quiet zones — the frame stops a partial scan being misread as a complete one, a known failure mode of the format. Check your printer’s spec before sending artwork. For the retail unit inside the carton, use EAN-13.
Frequently asked questions
Where is ITF-14 used?
On shipping cartons, cases and outer packaging in logistics — never on the individual retail item, which carries an EAN-13 or UPC-A instead.
Does this give me a valid carton GTIN?
No. The number must come from your own GS1 allocation — typically an indicator digit plus your product GTIN. This tool only draws the bars for the number you supply.
Does it add the bearer bars?
No — it renders the bar pattern only. Printing on corrugated normally calls for a bearer bar frame and wide quiet zones, which stop a partial read being taken as a complete one. Ask your packaging printer for their spec.
Why are the bars so thick compared to a retail barcode?
Because it is made for corrugated cardboard. Ink spreads on that surface, so the format uses chunky, tolerant bars that survive rough printing and warehouse scanning.
Can ITF-14 encode letters?
No. Interleaved 2 of 5 is numeric only, and because digits are encoded in pairs, the count has to be even — which is why ITF-14 is a fixed 14 digits.