Generate UPC Barcodes for Free

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating a UPC Barcode Label for Free
   • Accessing the Barcode Generator on POSCatch.com
   • Understanding the Structure of a UPC Barcode
   • Generating a Check Digit
3. Formatting the UPC Barcode Label
   • Setting the Size of the Barcode
   • Saving the Barcode Image
4. Printing Barcode Labels using Microsoft Word
   • Setting up the Document in Microsoft Word
   • Selecting the Label Vendor and Product Number
   • Pasting the Barcode Image onto the Labels
   • Printing the Barcode Labels
5. Testing the Printed Barcode Labels
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Creating a UPC Barcode Label for Free

In today's guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a UPC barcode label for free using the POSCatch.com barcode generator. This tutorial will cover everything from accessing the generator to formatting the barcode correctly and printing it on labels using Microsoft Word. By the end, you'll be able to effortlessly create high-quality, functional UPC-A barcode labels.

Accessing the Barcode Generator on POSCatch.com

To get started, visit the POSCatch.com website and scroll down until you see a prominent barcode image that says "click here to make free 1d barcodes." Click on the image to access the barcode generator.

Understanding the Structure of a UPC Barcode

A UPC barcode is divided into four sections, consisting of a total of twelve characters. The first character is the "number system character," determining the leading digit for all UPC barcodes. You can choose a "0," "1," "6," "7," or "8" as your number system character.

The second section is the "manufacturer number," consisting of five digits that identify the manufacturer. The third section is the "product identifier" or "item number," which can be any five digits representing the specific product.

Lastly, the UPC barcode has a "check digit" or "check sum digit" at the end. This digit is crucial for verifying the accuracy of the barcode. We'll delve deeper into the check digit later in the formatting section.

Generating a Check Digit

After understanding the structure of a UPC barcode, it's time to generate the check digit. Fortunately, there's a simple tool available on the gs1.org website that will help us with this process.

Copy the eleven digits of your barcode (excluding the check digit) and paste them into the check digit calculator on the gs1.org website. Following the instructions, click on "calculate" to obtain the correct check digit for your barcode. This step ensures that your barcode is valid and ready for formatting.

Now that you have a functional UPC barcode, let's move on to formatting it correctly for printing on labels using Microsoft Word.