Turn any number or text into a beautiful, scannable barcode shaped like art
by
CHUNKY MUNSTER
// Barcode Data
Text / Number to Encode
Barcode Type
// Shape / Silhouette
Or upload your own shape — any image works (PNG, JPEG, SVG, WebP…)
Click to upload — PNG, JPEG, SVG, WebP, GIF accepted. Any image works — logos, photos, clip art, anything.
// Artistic Theme
// Customise
Bar Color
Background Color
Bar Height: 120px
Bar Width: 2
Text Label
Frame / Border Style
Fill in your data above and click Generate
✓ Scan-zone is the bottom strip — a complete, unmodified barcode. The artistic silhouette sits above it. Scan the bottom strip with any reader.
⚠ Scanability
Physics is a thing. Ink spread, substrate curvature, and scanner quality all affect results. Always print and test a physical sample before using on real packaging.
⬛ Protected Zone
The bottom strip is an unmodified, complete barcode — the scan zone. Never crop or obscure it. Any scanner aimed at the bottom strip will read correctly.
⊘ No Official GTINs
We generate the graphical representation of the digits you enter. We do not issue, register, or validate official barcode numbers (GTINs). For retail use, obtain a GTIN from GS1.
How to Use the Barcode Art Generator
Enter the text or number you want encoded in the barcode.
Pick a barcode type — Code 128 works for any text or numbers.
Choose a silhouette shape (heart, star, horse, rocket…) or upload your own.
Select an artistic theme or customise colors, gradient, height, and frame style.
Click Generate — then download your barcode as SVG or PNG.
Each shaped barcode uses a composite design: an artistic silhouette at the top, and a complete, unmodified barcode strip at the bottom. The bottom strip is the scan zone — never cropped, never altered, always fully readable by any barcode scanner. The same bars run continuously through both areas, so the art and the data are one object. Bar width ratios are preserved exactly, so the encoded data is identical to a plain rectangular barcode.
Important: We generate the graphical representation of the digits you enter — we do not issue or validate official GTINs. For retail use, obtain a registered barcode number from GS1. Always print and test a physical sample: ink spread, substrate texture, and scanner quality all affect real-world scan results.
Which Barcode Type Should I Use?
Code 128 — The most versatile. Encodes any ASCII text and numbers. Best for general use.
Code 39 — Uppercase letters, numbers, and a few symbols. Common in logistics.
EAN-13 — Exactly 13 digits. Used on retail products worldwide.
UPC-A — Exactly 12 digits. North American retail standard.
ITF-14 — 14-digit shipping/outer-case barcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What image formats can I upload for a custom shape?
Any image works — PNG, JPEG, SVG, WebP, or GIF. There is no requirement for black and white or any specific colour scheme. The tool uses the luminance of your image to create the silhouette mask. If your image has a light/white background (most clip art and logos), it works by default. If your image has a dark background, tick the "Invert mask" checkbox after uploading.
Are shaped barcodes really scannable?
Yes — each silhouette shape is designed so the widest horizontal cross-section contains complete, uninterrupted bars. Standard laser and camera scanners sweep horizontally and can read the barcode at that level even when the outer silhouette curves.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?
Yes. The generated barcodes and SVG/PNG files are yours to use for any purpose — personal or commercial — with no attribution required.
What file formats can I download?
SVG (vector — infinitely scalable, ideal for print) and PNG (raster — good for web and apps). The SVG code can also be copied directly into your projects.
Does anything get sent to a server?
No — everything runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent anywhere.
