EAN-8 Barcode Generator

EAN-8 is the compact retail barcode for products too small for an EAN-13, such as lip balms, pencils, sweets and small cosmetics. It carries an 8-digit GTIN in roughly two thirds of the width of an EAN-13. Enter 7 digits and QRPebble adds the check digit, or type all 8 to have it verified. EAN-8 numbers work differently from EAN-13. They aren't derived from your company prefix; GS1 member organisations allocate them one by one, usually only when you can show that an EAN-13 physically won't fit. Check with your local GS1 office before designing around one.

Design options
Fill in the form to preview your code.

How to make it

  1. Enter the 7-digit body of the EAN-8 allocated to you in the Data field.
  2. Or enter all 8 digits to validate the check digit.
  3. Download SVG for small-label artwork.
  4. Print at actual size on the real label stock and scan-test.

What gets encoded

EAN-8 encodes 8 numeric digits, the last being a GS1 mod-10 check digit, in two halves of four digits separated by guard bars. Point-of-sale scanners that read EAN-13 also read EAN-8. An EAN-8 is a GTIN-8, a separate numbering space from GTIN-13, so you can't make one by shortening an EAN-13. Numbers starting with 0 or 2 are reserved for restricted in-store circulation and won't be unique outside your own system.

Where people use it

  • Cosmetics and lip balms
  • Confectionery and single-serve items
  • Stationery such as pens and erasers
  • Small hardware items sold individually

Tips before you print

  • Apply to GS1 for an individual GTIN-8. Most GS1 organisations only grant one when an EAN-13 can't reasonably fit.
  • Keep at least 7 module widths of quiet zone on each side; small labels tempt designers to crowd it.
  • Stay within GS1's 80–200% magnification range even on tiny packs.

FAQ

Can I shorten my EAN-13 into an EAN-8?

No. EAN-8 numbers are allocated separately by GS1 and aren't derived from EAN-13 numbers.

Do all retail scanners read EAN-8?

Standard point-of-sale scanners that read EAN-13 also read EAN-8.

When should I use EAN-8 instead of EAN-13?

Only when the package is too small for a legible EAN-13. GS1 generally expects EAN-13 wherever it fits.

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