ITF-14 Barcode Generator
Generate ITF-14 barcodes for shipping cartons, cases, logistics units and warehouse distribution.
Barcode & Matrix Generator
Live Studio Preview
Code 128 Batch Serial Number Generator
Generate sequential Code 128 barcodes for warehouse SKUs, asset tags, inventory labels, and other internal identifiers.
ITF-14 Barcode Generator
Quick answer: ITF-14 is an Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode encoding exactly 14 digits including one check digit. It carries a GTIN-14 and is printed on shipping cartons and corrugated cases — not on retail units scanned at POS. Bearer bars are mandatory and prevent partial-scan misreads on corrugated substrates.
What an ITF-14 barcode is
ITF-14 stands for Interleaved 2 of 5 — 14 digit. The Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2of5 or ITF) symbology encodes numeric digits in pairs, interleaving the bars for one digit with the spaces for the next. ITF-14 is the GS1-defined application of that symbology to 14-digit case-level GTINs.
ITF-14 is the standard barcode for shipping cartons, master cases, and pallet-level identifiers in wholesale distribution. It is not used at retail point of sale — it is scanned in warehouses, distribution centres, and receiving docks by fixed-mount or handheld industrial readers.
The 14 digits encode a GTIN-14 (Global Trade Item Number, 14 digits). GTIN-14 represents a product at the case or pallet level, extending the GTIN-13 or GTIN-12 of the retail unit with a packaging indicator in the first digit position.
ITF-14 technical specification
| Field | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Interleaved 2 of 5 — 14 digit (ITF-14) | GS1 General Specifications §5.3 |
| Based on | Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2of5 / ITF) symbology | GS1 General Specifications |
| Digit count | Exactly 14 digits (fixed length) | barcodeready.com ITF-14 guide |
| Character set | Numeric only (0–9) | GS1 General Specifications |
| Packaging indicator digit | First digit (0–8); 9 is reserved by GS1 | barcodeready.com; gtin.info |
| Check digit | GS1 modulo-10 applied to first 13 digits | barcodeready.com |
| Bearer bars | Required — full rectangle on corrugated direct print; horizontal top/bottom only on adhesive labels | gtin.info; barcodeready.com |
| X-dimension (General Distribution) | 0.495 mm – 1.02 mm (48.7%–100% magnification) | GS1 Australia ITF-14 fact sheet |
| Minimum X-dimension on corrugated | Do not print below 0.64 mm (62.5%) directly on corrugated | GS1 Australia ITF-14 fact sheet |
| Minimum bar height | 32 mm for General Distribution scanning | GS1 Australia ITF-14 fact sheet |
| Wide-to-narrow ratio | 2.25:1 to 3:1 | gtin.info |
| Typical use | Wholesale shipping cartons and master cases — not retail POS | GS1 General Specifications; gtin.info |
| GS1 licensing | GTIN-14 requires a GS1 Company Prefix | GS1; gtin.info |
The packaging indicator digit
The first digit of a GTIN-14 is the packaging indicator. It is not part of the product identifier — it indicates the hierarchical packaging level.
A packaging indicator of 0 is typically used when the GTIN-14 is formed by zero-padding a GTIN-13. Indicators 1–8 indicate different levels of grouping or packaging. Indicator 9 is reserved by GS1 and must not be self-assigned.
A brand owner selling a case of 12 units of a product with GTIN-13 5901234123457 might form the GTIN-14 for that case as 15901234123450, using indicator 1 and recalculating the check digit. The check digit changes because the data string is now 14 digits, not 13.
How the ITF-14 check digit is calculated — and why it differs from EAN-13
The ITF-14 check digit uses the same GS1 modulo-10 algorithm as EAN-13 and UPC-A, applied to the first 13 digits. However, because ITF-14 has 14 digits (one more than EAN-13's 13), the positional weighting pattern shifts, and this is where errors commonly occur.
For a 13-digit data field in ITF-14, the weights from left to right are: 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3
For a 12-digit data field in EAN-13, the weights from left to right are: 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3
The key difference: the leftmost digit of ITF-14 data is multiplied by 3. The leftmost digit of EAN-13 data is multiplied by 1. In both cases, the rule is the same — the rightmost data digit is multiplied by 3 — but because ITF-14 has an odd number of data digits (13) and EAN-13 has an even number (12), the leftmost weight flips.
Worked example for ITF-14: calculate the check digit for 1590123412345_ (packaging indicator 1, GTIN-13 data stripped of its own check digit).
Data digits 1–13: 1 5 9 0 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5
Apply weights 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3 from left to right: 1×3 = 3 5×1 = 5 9×3 = 27 0×1 = 0 1×3 = 3 2×1 = 2 3×3 = 9 4×1 = 4 1×3 = 3 2×1 = 2 3×3 = 9 4×1 = 4 5×3 = 15
Sum = 3 + 5 + 27 + 0 + 3 + 2 + 9 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 9 + 4 + 15 = 86
Units digit of 86 = 6. Check digit = 10 − 6 = 4.
Complete GTIN-14: 15901234123454.
This is not the same check digit you would get by applying the EAN-13 algorithm to any subset of those digits — the extra position shifts everything. Always use the 13-digit ITF-14 data string when calculating the check digit, not the original GTIN-13 string.
Bearer bars — the feature everyone gets wrong
Bearer bars are horizontal bars running the full width of the ITF-14 symbol at the top and bottom (and, for corrugated direct printing, also the left and right sides forming a complete rectangle). They are mandatory per GS1 specifications.
The purpose of bearer bars is to prevent partial-scan misreads. When a barcode scanner reads only part of a linear symbol — as can happen when a laser scanner beam catches the edge of a carton — a partial read of an ITF symbol can produce a valid but incorrect numeric string. The bearer bars terminate the symbol cleanly and force the scanner to reject partial reads.
On corrugated (direct printing on the carton): a full rectangle of bearer bars is required. On adhesive labels applied to cartons: horizontal top and bottom bearer bars are required; left and right vertical bars may be omitted.
An ITF-14 symbol without bearer bars is non-compliant. Retailers and distribution centres may reject cartons with non-compliant barcodes at the receiving dock.
When to use ITF-14
Shipping cartons and master cases. ITF-14 is the GS1-specified barcode for case-level trade items. Whenever a brand owner ships multiple retail units in a case to a retailer's distribution centre, the outer carton carries an ITF-14 identifying the GTIN-14 of that case.
Direct printing on corrugated. ITF-14 uses a wide X-dimension (minimum 0.495 mm for general distribution scanning) that is compatible with the lower print resolution of flexographic and direct corrugated printing. EAN-13 and UPC-A cannot be printed reliably on corrugated at their standard X-dimensions.
Warehouse management systems. WMS and ERP systems that track case-level inventory use GTIN-14 identifiers. The receiving dock scanner reads the ITF-14 to update stock counts by case.
Internal logistics testing. A QA team setting up a receiving dock scanner or a WMS integration can generate a valid ITF-14 with a test GTIN-14 to verify the system decodes correctly before live product arrives.
ITF-14 versus GS1-128 — which to use for case barcodes
Both ITF-14 and GS1-128 can carry a GTIN-14. The choice depends on the printing substrate and the data required.
| ITF-14 | GS1-128 | |
|---|---|---|
| Symbology | Interleaved 2 of 5 | Code 128 with GS1 Application Identifiers |
| Data content | GTIN-14 only (numeric, fixed 14 digits) | Multiple GS1 AIs (GTIN + lot + expiry + serial, etc.) |
| Character set | Numeric only | Full ASCII |
| Substrate | Corrugated direct print; adhesive labels | Adhesive labels primarily |
| Minimum X-dimension | 0.495 mm (general distribution) | 0.495 mm (GS1-128 general distribution) |
| Bearer bars | Mandatory | Not applicable |
| Typical use | Case-level carton identification | Pharmaceutical, food, multi-attribute labels |
Use ITF-14 when you need to identify a case of product and can print directly on corrugated. Use GS1-128 when you need to encode additional attributes (expiry date, batch number, serial number) alongside the GTIN, or when printing on an adhesive label at high resolution.
Design and print requirements
ITF-14 has specific dimensional requirements because it is printed on corrugated cardboard, which is a lower-quality substrate than retail label stock.
X-dimension: Print at 0.495 mm to 1.02 mm for general distribution (automated scanning). Do not print below 0.64 mm (62.5%) when printing directly on corrugated — the lower print quality of flexographic corrugated presses cannot reliably reproduce the narrowest bars at smaller X-dimensions.
Bar height: A minimum of 32 mm for general distribution scanning is specified in GS1 guidance. Taller is better on corrugated where scanner alignment at a conveyor dock is not always precise.
Bearer bars: Include the full rectangle on corrugated direct print. On adhesive labels, include horizontal top and bottom bars at minimum.
Quiet zones: 10X minimum on each side.
Export for corrugated artwork at 2048 px or higher. SVG format is preferred for plate-making. When ordering a corrugated print plate, confirm the plate manufacturer can reproduce the specified X-dimension accurately.
Troubleshooting: why your ITF-14 is not scanning
Check digit calculated using EAN-13 weights. The leftmost digit of ITF-14 data gets weight 3, not weight 1 as in EAN-13. Recalculate using 13 data digits with left-to-right weights 3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3.
Bearer bars are absent. A compliant ITF-14 requires bearer bars. If your generator or design tool omitted them, the symbol is non-compliant and may be rejected at the receiving dock even if it technically scans.
Symbol is too small on corrugated. Below 0.64 mm X-dimension on a direct corrugated print, the narrow bars may not reproduce reliably. Increase the magnification.
Number has wrong digit count. ITF-14 requires exactly 14 digits. Entering 13 digits produces a different symbology.
Packaging indicator digit is 9. GS1 reserves indicator 9. Use indicators 0–8.
Print quality on corrugated is too poor. Flexographic corrugated printing has higher dot gain than label printing. Verify with a print quality assessment tool before a full production run.
The GS1 licensing requirement for ITF-14
ITF-14 carries a GTIN-14. A GTIN-14 is formed using a GS1 Company Prefix licensed from a GS1 Member Organisation.
For case-level trade items entering the GS1 supply chain — delivered to retailers, distribution centres, or any GS1-connected warehouse — the GTIN-14 encoded in the ITF-14 must use a GS1-licensed company prefix. Using an invented 14-digit number creates a scannable barcode that will fail retailer EDI validation, GS1 Verified by GS1 registry checks, and may cause receiving dock rejections.
GS1 US pricing (source: https://www.gs1us.org/upcs-barcodes-prefixes/what-is-a-prefix, verified 2026-06-02): a single GTIN costs $30; 10 GTINs cost $250 initial plus $50/year; 100 GTINs cost $750 initial plus $150/year. A company prefix (which allows you to create multiple GTINs including GTIN-14s) is included in the GS1 US membership structure. Contact GS1 US or your national Member Organisation for company prefix pricing.
Legitimate uses of this generator for ITF-14:
- Generating carton labels for GTIN-14s you already own from your GS1 Company Prefix.
- Creating corrugated artwork templates before the final GTIN-14 is assigned.
- Testing a WMS, EDI or receiving dock scanner with a valid ITF-14 format.
- Internal logistics labelling that never enters the GS1 supply chain.
Using this barcode in Bahrain and international supply chains
Bahrain retailers, importers, manufacturers and logistics teams should match identifiers to the rules of their trading partners. Retail GTINs must come from the proper issuing organisation; a generator creates artwork but does not assign ownership. Internal stock and asset references may use organisation-defined values when the receiving system supports them.
Use British English in operational guidance where it matches your organisation’s style, and add Arabic instructions for teams that need them. Print under the actual conditions of use. Bahrain’s heat, bright light, dust, curved packaging and reflective laminate can expose contrast or surface problems that are invisible on a monitor.
Keep quiet zones clear, avoid stretching the image, and prefer dark bars on a plain light background. Scan samples from the beginning, middle and end of a print run. For regulated retail, healthcare, publishing or logistics use, confirm the current GS1, ISBN-agency, customer or industry specification before approving production.
Before you print
- Correct symbology selected
- Identifier ownership confirmed
- Check digit verified
- Quiet zones kept clear
- Strong bar contrast
- Aspect ratio unchanged
- SVG or high-resolution PNG
- Production scanner test
Frequently asked questions
Open a question to read a concise technical answer.
01What is an ITF-14 barcode?+
ITF-14 is an Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode encoding exactly 14 digits. It carries a GTIN-14 — a Global Trade Item Number used to identify products at the shipping case or carton level. ITF-14 is printed on corrugated cartons and master cases, scanned at warehouse receiving docks and distribution centres, and is not used at retail point of sale.
02What are bearer bars on an ITF-14?+
Bearer bars are thick horizontal bars running the full width of the ITF-14 symbol at the top and bottom edges, and — on corrugated direct print — also the left and right edges forming a full rectangle. They are mandatory per GS1 specifications. Their purpose is to prevent partial-scan misreads: a scanner beam catching only part of the symbol will hit the bearer bar and reject the partial read, rather than returning an incorrect but valid-looking number.
03How is the ITF-14 check digit calculated?+
Apply the GS1 modulo-10 algorithm to the first 13 digits. From left to right, the weights are 3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3 — the leftmost digit gets weight 3. Sum the products, subtract the units digit from 10, and use 0 if the result is 10. For example, 1590123412345 gives a sum of 86 and a check digit of 4, producing 15901234123454. Source: barcodeready.com ITF-14 guide.
04Why does ITF-14 have a different check digit weighting from EAN-13?+
Both use the GS1 modulo-10 rule: the rightmost data digit is always multiplied by 3. EAN-13 has 12 data digits, so the leftmost gets weight 1. ITF-14 has 13 data digits, so the leftmost gets weight 3. The extra digit shifts the pattern. This means you cannot use an EAN-13 check digit calculator on an ITF-14 data string — the results will differ for any number where the leftmost data digit is non-zero.
05What does the packaging indicator digit mean?+
The first digit of a GTIN-14 is the packaging indicator. It identifies the hierarchical packaging level of the trade item. Values 1–8 represent different grouping levels; 0 is used when zero-padding a GTIN-13 to 14 digits. GS1 reserves indicator 9 — it cannot be self-assigned. Brand owners typically assign indicators 1–8 to represent cases, pallets, or display units of their retail products.
06When should I use ITF-14 versus GS1-128?+
Use ITF-14 for case-level carton identification where you need to print directly on corrugated. ITF-14 encodes only a GTIN-14. Use GS1-128 when you need to encode additional attributes alongside the GTIN — expiry date, batch number, serial number — or when printing on adhesive labels at higher resolution. GS1-128 is more flexible; ITF-14 is the standard for corrugated direct print.
07Can I print ITF-14 directly on corrugated cardboard?+
Yes, and it is the primary use case for ITF-14. The X-dimension range for general distribution (0.495 mm to 1.02 mm) is compatible with flexographic corrugated printing. Do not print below 0.64 mm directly on corrugated — the print quality of corrugated presses cannot reliably reproduce narrower bars. Use SVG format from this generator for plate-making.
08How do I convert a UPC-A or EAN-13 to a GTIN-14?+
Choose a packaging indicator digit (1–8). Zero-pad the GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 to 13 digits by prepending zeros (for a GTIN-12, prepend two zeros; for a GTIN-13, prepend one zero). Replace the leading digit with your chosen packaging indicator. Recalculate the check digit using the ITF-14 13-digit weight sequence (3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3). The result is a valid GTIN-14 for that packaging level.
09Is the GTIN-14 the same as the ITF-14?+
GTIN-14 is the 14-digit data structure. ITF-14 is the barcode symbology used to encode it on shipping cartons. Just as EAN-13 is the barcode symbology for GTIN-13, ITF-14 is the standard barcode carrier for GTIN-14 at case level. GS1-128 can also carry a GTIN-14 when additional data attributes are needed.
10Is the ITF-14 barcode generated in the browser?+
Yes. The barcode is generated entirely in your browser. The digits you enter are not sent to any server. The only data that leaves your device is the image file you download.