ITF-14 Barcode Generator
ITF-14 is the chunky barcode printed on outer cartons and shipping cases. Warehouses and distribution centres use it to identify a case of 12 or a pallet layer rather than a single retail unit. It carries a GTIN-14, which is typically your product's GTIN-13 with an extra packaging indicator digit in front: 1 for one case size, 2 for another, and so on. Enter 13 digits and QRPebble computes the GS1 check digit, or enter all 14 for validation. The symbology tolerates the rough printing typical of corrugated cardboard, which is why it's printed straight onto boxes.
How to make it
- Build your GTIN-14 body: indicator digit (1–8) followed by the first 12 digits of the item's GTIN-13.
- Enter those 13 digits in the Data field, or all 14 to validate the check digit.
- Download SVG and hand it to your carton printer at the size they specify.
- Scan a printed carton sample with your warehouse scanner before a full run.
What gets encoded
ITF-14 is Interleaved 2 of 5 fixed at 14 digits. Pairs of digits are encoded together, one in the bars and one in the spaces, and the last digit is a GS1 mod-10 check digit. The GTIN-14's indicator digit distinguishes packaging levels of the same product, and the check digit is recalculated because the digits shift. Warehouse scanners handle ITF-14 routinely, and it isn't meant for retail checkout. Bearer bars (a frame around the code) are commonly added on corrugated print to protect the edges; confirm with your printer whether your artwork needs them.
Where people use it
- Outer cartons of retail products
- Inner packs and display cases
- Wholesale and distribution-centre receiving
- Inventory counts of cases rather than units
Tips before you print
- Choose one indicator digit per packaging configuration and record it; a case of 6 and a case of 12 need different GTIN-14s.
- Carton barcodes are printed large. GS1 recommends a considerably larger X-dimension for ITF-14 than for EAN-13, so follow your printer's or GS1's size guidance.
- Print on flat carton faces, away from flaps, seams and straps.
FAQ
What is the first digit of an ITF-14?
It's the packaging indicator (1–8), which distinguishes packaging levels of the same product. 0 is used when the case GTIN equals the item's GTIN.
Can I scan an ITF-14 at a shop checkout?
It isn't intended for point of sale. It's used in warehouses and logistics.
Do I need a new GS1 number for cases?
The GTIN-14 is built from your existing GS1-licensed item number plus an indicator digit, so no extra prefix is needed.