EAN-8 Generator
EAN-8 Generator uses the EAN-8 symbology for a verified eight-digit identifier. EAN-8 is intended for constrained package space and is not simply an EAN-13 number shortened at will. Allocation, product registration, check-digit governance, and print compliance remain outside the page.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceCan an EAN-13 be shortened to EAN-8 by removing digits?
No. EAN-8 identifiers follow their own GS1 allocation process.
EAN-8 is a separate compact GTIN representation
The symbol encodes eight digits including a modulo-10 check digit. Its compact size does not remove the need for quiet zones and adequate module width.
How it works
The numeric input is passed to bwip-js configured as ean8; valid data renders to canvas and invalid data produces an error.
Key concepts
Compact does not mean arbitrary
GTIN-8 allocation is governed.
Check digit is error detection
It does not authenticate the product.
When to use it
- Render an assigned GTIN-8.
- Test compact retail label layouts.
- Create non-production scan fixtures.
When not to use it
- Do not truncate another GTIN.
- Do not invent an eight-digit retail number.
- Do not assume small packaging guarantees EAN-8 eligibility.
Worked examples
Verified GTIN-8
- Input
Assigned eight digits- Expected output
EAN-8 PNG
The symbology is compact.
Seven data digits
- Input
Library-dependent form- Expected output
May calculate or reject based on encoder rules
Use the assigned complete number.
Truncated EAN-13
- Input
Last eight digits of another code- Expected output
Potentially syntactic but unauthorized
Allocation meaning is lost.
Common mistakes
Truncating EAN-13
Identifiers are not interchangeable. Correction: Obtain a valid GTIN-8.
Shrinking below scan limits
Compact symbology still has physical requirements. Correction: Follow GS1 sizing.
Treating checksum as authenticity
Anyone can compute it. Correction: Use trusted master data.
Best practices
- Use an allocated GTIN-8.
- Preserve magnification and quiet zones.
- Verify the production print.
Related operations and differences
EAN-13 Generator
Choose EAN-13 Generator when you need to generate an EAN-13 retail barcode.; use EAN-8 Generator specifically for barcode ean8.
Code 128 Generator
Choose Code 128 Generator when you need to generate a downloadable Code 128 barcode.; use EAN-8 Generator specifically for barcode ean8.
Code 39 Generator
Choose Code 39 Generator when you need to generate a Code 39 barcode.; use EAN-8 Generator specifically for barcode ean8.
UPC-A Generator
Choose UPC-A Generator when you need to generate a UPC-A product barcode.; use EAN-8 Generator specifically for barcode ean8.
Bitcoin Payment QR Code
Choose Bitcoin Payment QR Code when you need to create a Bitcoin payment URI QR code.; use EAN-8 Generator specifically for barcode ean8.
Contact vCard QR Code
Choose Contact vCard QR Code when you need to create a contact card QR code.; use EAN-8 Generator specifically for barcode ean8.
Limitations and privacy
- No allocation, eligibility, ownership, product lookup, or print-grade verification.
- Numeric EAN-8 only.
- Encoder controls detailed validation.
Generation happens locally in this browser. The PNG contains the entered payload, so share it with the same care as the underlying data.
Frequently asked questions
Is EAN-8 a shortened EAN-13?
No.
How many digits are represented?
Eight including the check digit.
Does it allocate numbers?
No.
Is the code authenticated?
No.