barcode
Generate barcodes in PostScript format.
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
barcode [-e encoding] [-b string] [-o file] [options]
DESCRIPTION
barcode is a GNU utility that generates barcodes in various formats from textual data. It produces PostScript or EPS output that can be printed directly, converted to other formats, or embedded in documents.The tool supports all major 1D barcode symbologies used in retail, logistics, and inventory management. Each encoding has specific rules for valid characters and optional check digits. The tool automatically calculates check digits for formats that require them.Output can be customized with different sizes, margins, and label options. Table mode allows generating sheets of labels for batch printing.
PARAMETERS
-b string
Data to encode in the barcode.-e encoding
Barcode encoding type (ean, upc, code39, code128, etc.). Defaults to the BARCODE_ENCODING environment variable or auto-detection.-i file
Read strings to encode from a file (default: stdin).-o file
Output file (default: stdout).-g geometry
Barcode geometry of the form WxH+x+y (size and position).-n
Numeric output: print only the bars, suppressing the human-readable label.-c
Omit the checksum character for encodings that allow it.-t WxH
Table mode: generate multiple barcodes per page.-m margin
Margin size around barcode.-p pagesize
Page size (a4, letter, etc.).-u unit
Unit for dimensions (mm, in, pt).-E
Output as EPS (Encapsulated PostScript).-P
Output as PCL (for HP printers).
SUPPORTED ENCODINGS
ean / ean13: European Article Number (13 digits)upc / upc-a: Universal Product Codeisbn: International Standard Book Numbercode39: Code 39 (alphanumeric)code128: Code 128 (high-density)code93: Code 93i25: Interleaved 2 of 5cbr / codabar: Codabarmsi: MSI Plesseypls: Plessey
INSTALL
CAVEATS
Output is PostScript/EPS only; conversion to PNG or other raster formats requires tools like Ghostscript or ImageMagick. Not all encodings accept all characters; Code 39 is uppercase only, EAN/UPC require specific digit counts. Check digit validation is performed automatically but data must be valid for the chosen encoding.
HISTORY
GNU barcode was written by Alessandro Rubini and first released in the late 1990s as part of the GNU project. It was designed for use with Unix printing systems and document preparation workflows. While newer tools and libraries have emerged for generating barcodes in various formats, GNU barcode remains useful for its simplicity and PostScript output quality.