ITF-14 Barcode Generator
ITF-14 is the barcode printed on outer cases and cartons of retail goods, carrying a 14-digit number that identifies a grouping of units. Enter 13 digits and the generator adds the check digit, or enter all 14 to verify an existing number.
What an ITF-14 barcode represents
ITF-14 is an interleaved 2 of 5 symbol that carries a 14-digit GTIN-14. The first digit is a packaging indicator that shows the level of packaging. The next twelve digits repeat the item's GTIN-13 without its own check digit, and the last digit is a new check digit calculated for the whole case.
The generator takes 13 digits and adds the GS1 check digit, using the same mod-10 rule as EAN-13 across the 13 digits. For example, 1540014128876 becomes 15400141288763. Enter 14 digits and the last one is checked, with a wrong value refused and the expected digit shown. The drawing includes the rectangular frame, the bearer bars, that carton labels use, so the symbol is ready to place as it is.
The indicator and the item number are not set by the generator. Your company assigns case numbers from its own GS1 range, and your warehouse and your buyers need to read the same number, so agree the format before you print. Keep the number list with the artwork file, so any reprint uses the same format.
A carton code usually sits next to other printed information, such as the product name, weight or lot. Give the symbol its own clear area, and keep the human-readable digits legible, because a receiving clerk may need to key in the number when the label is damaged.
How to make an ITF-14 barcode in three steps
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01
Choose ITF-14 and enter the number
Pick ITF-14 in Type and enter 13 digits in Value. Use an example fills 1540014128876, and the preview shows the completed symbol with its check digit. Digits only, with no spaces or hyphens.
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02
Set the look for the carton
Use Bar color and Background for the print colors, then tune Size and Bar height. Keep the bars dark on a light background, and leave Show the number on so the 14 digits print under the symbol for manual entry at a dock.
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03
Check the preview, then download
Scan the preview with a reader like the one used on the dock. Download SVG for a label printer or print shop, or PNG, JPG or WEBP for a shipping specification.
Where ITF-14 barcodes are used
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Cases of consumer goods
A case of bottles or a shipper of boxed food carries an ITF-14 on the outside, so the receiving team can identify the case without opening it.
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Distribution centers
Distributors scan the case code to receive stock, check quantities and direct each case to a location. Each case number must be unique within its product line.
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Mixed pallets
A pallet built from several case types can list the ITF-14 of each case on the pallet label, so a reader can check the mix without unwrapping it.
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Shippers sent to stores
Corrugated shippers sent to stores often carry the ITF-14 on a side panel. Keep the symbol clear of flaps and seams, and print it on a flat panel.
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Agreements between trading partners
Trading partners that share case numbers can use the same ITF-14 on purchase orders and invoices, so each side reads the same number on the goods.
Tips for ITF-14 labels that scan on the dock
- Know the packaging level
- The first digit of an ITF-14 describes the packaging level of the case, not the product itself. Agree with your supplier which level each case code represents before you print labels.
- Keep the frame, and do not crop it
- The downloaded symbol already carries its frame. Do not crop it or draw over it when you place it on the label, and leave clear space around the frame so the scanner can find the edges. If your carton specification asks for a particular frame width, check it against your printed sample.
- Print a proof on the real board
- Corrugated board absorbs and spreads ink differently from paper. Print a proof on the same board and scan it before approving the artwork, because a small loss of contrast can lower the read rate.
- Keep every case number unique
- Two different cases must never share one ITF-14. If the case changes, for example in its count of units, it needs a new number so the warehouse system does not mix up two products.
ITF-14 questions
What is the difference between ITF and ITF-14?
ITF takes any even count of digits from 2 to 30 in this generator. ITF-14 is a fixed-length form for cases, with 13 digits plus a check digit or 14 digits in total.
Does the generator add the check digit?
Yes, when you enter 13 digits. If you enter 14, the last digit is checked, and a wrong value is refused with the expected digit.
Can I use letters in an ITF-14?
No. ITF-14 is numeric only, so letters, spaces and punctuation are refused.
Why is the first digit different?
The first digit is a packaging indicator that describes the case. It is part of the 14-digit number, and the generator does not choose it for you, so set it from your numbering plan.
Does the barcode include a border?
Yes. The generator draws the symbol inside a rectangular frame, the bearer bars used on cartons, and the frame is part of the downloaded SVG, PNG, JPG or WEBP.
Where do ITF-14 numbers come from?
From GS1 or from the organization that manages your numbering. This generator turns the number you give it into a symbol and does not issue numbers.
Can one ITF-14 cover a mixed case?
Only when your system defines the case as one unit with one content list. A mixed case whose contents change from shipment to shipment should get a number that matches what it holds, so counts stay accurate.
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