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SKU & Barcode Generator

Build SKU codes and generate Code128 barcodes

Category Prefix
Brand Code (2-4 chars)
Color
Size
Start Sequence
Separator
Number of SKUs (max 50)
ELE-APL-BLK-NA-0001

How to Use SKU & Barcode Generator

  1. 1

    Configure SKU components

    Select a category prefix, enter a brand code (2-4 characters), choose a color and size, and set the starting sequence number.

  2. 2

    Choose a separator

    Pick a separator between SKU segments: dash (-), underscore (_), dot (.), or none.

  3. 3

    Generate batch (optional)

    Set the batch count (up to 50) to generate multiple sequential SKUs at once.

  4. 4

    Copy or download

    Copy individual SKUs or the full list. Download the barcode PNG for the current SKU, or download all barcodes in a batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my data safe?
Yes. All processing happens entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device and is never uploaded to any server.
What is a SKU and why do I need one?
A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique alphanumeric code that identifies a specific product variant in your inventory. SKUs make it faster to look up products, track stock levels, fulfill orders, and analyze sales by product. Unlike barcodes (which are machine-readable), SKUs are designed to be human-readable and meaningful.
What is Code 128 and can my scanner read it?
Code 128 is one of the most widely used barcode symbologies for non-retail applications. It is supported by virtually all handheld barcode scanners, phone camera scanners, and warehouse automation systems. If your scanner reads barcodes, it almost certainly supports Code 128.
Can I use these barcodes for retail (UPC/EAN)?
No. This tool generates Code 128 barcodes, which are used for internal inventory, shipping labels, and warehouse operations. Retail point-of-sale systems require UPC-A or EAN-13 barcodes, which use a different encoding and require a registered GS1 company prefix.
Is there a limit on SKU length?
Code 128 can encode strings of any practical length, but longer SKUs produce wider barcodes that may not fit on small labels. A typical SKU of 15-25 characters works well on standard label sizes. The tool limits individual component lengths to keep SKUs reasonable.
Can I customize the category prefixes and color codes?
The tool provides common presets for category prefixes (APP, CLO, ELE, etc.) and color codes (BLK, WHT, RED, etc.). The brand code field accepts any 2-4 character code you define. For fully custom SKU formats, you can generate a base set here and modify them in your spreadsheet or inventory system.

Learn more

What Is SKU & Barcode Generator

Generate structured SKU codes and Code 128 barcodes for your product inventory. Build SKUs from category prefix, brand code, color, size, and sequence number with your choice of separator. Generate up to 50 SKUs in batch mode with sequential numbering. Each SKU gets a scannable Code 128 barcode rendered as a downloadable PNG image. The barcode encoder is pure JavaScript with no external dependencies — everything runs in your browser. No sign-up, no server, completely private.

Why Use SKU & Barcode Generator

  • Structured SKU builder — assemble SKUs from category, brand, color, size, and sequence components to create consistent, meaningful codes across your entire inventory.
  • Code 128 barcodes — each SKU is rendered as a scannable Code 128 barcode, the most widely used symbology for inventory and shipping labels.
  • Batch generation — generate up to 50 sequential SKUs and their barcodes at once, saving hours of manual work when adding new product lines.
  • Downloadable PNGs — download individual barcode images or all barcodes in a batch for use on labels, packaging, or inventory sheets.
  • Copy-paste ready — copy individual SKUs or the entire batch list to paste into your inventory management system, spreadsheet, or e-commerce platform.
  • No dependencies — the barcode encoder is built with pure JavaScript and the Canvas API. No external services, libraries, or server calls.

SKU & Barcode Generator Use Cases

New product line setup

When adding a new product line to your store, use batch mode to generate sequential SKUs for every size and color variant, then download the barcodes for warehouse labels.

Inventory management

Create structured SKUs that encode category, brand, color, and size — making it easy to identify products at a glance without looking up a database.

Warehouse labeling

Download barcode PNGs and print them on adhesive labels for warehouse shelving, product bins, and pick-and-pack operations.

Small business product cataloging

Small sellers on Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify who need a simple SKU system can generate consistent codes without purchasing inventory management software.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 💡Choose a consistent SKU format early and stick with it. Changing your SKU structure after products are listed creates confusion in inventory tracking and order fulfillment.
  • 💡Keep brand codes short (2-4 characters) and memorable. Use the first letters of the brand name — APL for Apple, NIK for Nike, SNY for Sony.
  • 💡Use 'NA' for the size field when the product does not have size variants. This keeps your SKU length consistent across all products.
  • 💡When generating batches, plan your sequence numbers to leave room for future additions. Start at 0001 and leave gaps between product lines.
  • 💡Code 128 barcodes support all ASCII characters, but simpler SKUs (uppercase letters, numbers, and dashes) scan more reliably in warehouse environments.

How It Works

The tool generates Code 128B barcodes, which support the full ASCII character set (characters 32-127). Each barcode includes a Start B code, the encoded data, a modulo-103 checksum, and a Stop code. The barcode is rendered on an HTML Canvas element at 2x scale for crisp printing. Code 128 is an ISO/IEC 15417 standard widely supported by handheld scanners, phone camera scanners, and warehouse automation systems.