ITF-14 barcode generator
The barcode on the outside of the box: a GTIN-14 for the case, printed big enough for corrugated board.
13 digits (we add the check digit) or all 14.
About ITF-14
ITF-14 marks a carton of products, not a single item. Its number is the GTIN of the unit inside with an indicator digit in front (1–8) and a new check digit.
On brown card, printers often add a thick frame round the bars (bearer bars) so a smudge is not misread. Add it in your label or packaging file if your printer asks for it.
What goes in it
- Digits
- 14 (13 + check digit)
- First digit
- Packaging level, 1–8
- Symbology
- Interleaved 2 of 5
- Printed on
- Cartons, outer cases, pallets
Where ITF-14 is used
ITF-14 marks outer cases: the corrugated boxes that hold several retail units. Its GTIN-14 starts with a packaging indicator digit, then the GTIN of the unit inside, so a case of 12 and a case of 24 of the same product get different numbers.
It is designed to be printed straight onto cardboard. The thick bearer bars around it spread the printing pressure and stop a short scan from misreading the code.
Printing it so it scans
Print dark bars on a white or light background; black on white is safest. Red, orange and yellow bars vanish under the red light most laser scanners use. Keep the quiet zones on both sides free of text and graphics.
Do not squash the height or crop the bars, and keep the size within the range the symbology allows. Thinner bars need more precise printing, so test small sizes first.
Send your printer SVG or PDF: they are vectors and stay sharp at any size. Before the run, scan a proof with a real scanner or a phone and check that the number it reads is right.
ITF-14 questions
Take the 13-digit EAN of the item inside, put an indicator digit in front, drop its old check digit and let us add the new one.
It is meant for warehouses. Products on shelves need EAN or UPC.
It is printed straight on brown card, which spreads ink. Larger bars survive that.