EAN-13 Standard Sizes
The official GS1 specification defines the ten standard sizes SC0–SC9 for EAN-13. The dimensions of the most commonly used size SC2 are already set as default in the generator. If needed, choose another standard size from the table below, or enter custom width and height.
| Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Width + Add-On 2 | Width + Add-On 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC0 | 21.48 | 30.50 | 37.25 | 44.54 |
| SC1 | 23.34 | 33.56 | 40.99 | 49.01 |
| SC2 | 25.93 | 37.29 | 45.54 | 54.45 |
| SC3 | 28.52 | 41.02 | 50.09 | 59.90 |
| SC4 | 31.12 | 44.75 | 54.65 | 65.34 |
| SC5 | 35.01 | 50.34 | 61.48 | 73.51 |
| SC6 | 38.90 | 55.94 | 68.31 | 81.68 |
| SC7 | 42.78 | 61.53 | 75.14 | 89.84 |
| SC8 | 47.97 | 68.99 | 84.25 | 100.73 |
| SC9 | 51.86 | 74.58 | 91.08 | 108.90 |
The following image shows the standard size SC2 with all relevant dimensions, including the left and right margins (“quiet zones”). Our barcode generator automatically sets all measurements precisely in accordance with the GS1 specification.
OCR-B – The Standard Font for EAN-13 Barcodes
For the human-readable EAN-13 number below the barcode, our generator uses the font OCR-B by default. This is recommended by GS1 for all barcodes in the UPC/EAN family, including EAN-13. Additional fonts are available for selection. The Text Offset from Symbol setting allows adjusting the spacing between the human-readable number and the barcode symbol. Negative values can also be used to compensate for excessive white space.
EAN-13 Barcodes as Vector or Raster Images
Vector Formats: All three vector formats (PDF, EPS, SVG) store coordinates with a precision of six decimal places. The human-readable EAN-13 number is converted to outlines, so no fonts need to be supplied when handing over the barcode to print shops.
- PDF: Supports CMYK and RGB colors as well as transparent backgrounds.
- EPS: Functionally identical to PDF. Additionally contains an embedded TIFF preview for DTP applications without native EPS support.
- SVG: Supports only RGB colors, suitable for integration into web applications.
Raster Formats: For all three raster formats, the selected DPI resolution is stored in the file header, so that graphics applications can correctly read and use the physical dimensions. The bar widths of the barcode are precisely aligned to the target resolution to prevent aliasing effects. This keeps barcodes fully scannable even at low print resolutions (e.g., 203 or 300 DPI).
- PNG: Lossless compression. The only one of the three raster formats to support transparent backgrounds.
- BMP: Uncompressed, lossless format.
- JPG: Lossy compression. However, the internally used quality factor of 100% and the high contrast of barcode graphics should prevent visible artifacts.
EAN-13 Generator for Professionals – Batch Mode, InDesign + Illustrator ready
For more advanced needs, we recommend our desktop software Barcode Vectorizer. It includes all features of our free online generator, plus:
Standard Edition:
- Convenient selection of SC0–SC9 sizes with a single mouse click – no manual entry required
- Direct transfer of the barcode as PDF, EPS, or SVG by dragging with the mouse or copy & paste to applications such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or CorelDRAW
- Custom color selection with precise component values (0–100 for CMYK, 0–255 for RGB)
- Save function for later reuse of custom designs
- Bar width correction, mirror image output, and use of all installed fonts in addition to OCR-B
- In addition to EAN-13, support for over 20 different linear barcode types
Pro Edition – additionally:
- Batch mode: Create hundreds of barcodes at once from your own number lists
- Serial number generation: Automatic generation of sequential numbers including check digit
- Barcode API: Integrate the barcode generator into your own application
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