ITF-14 barcode generator
The code printed on outer cases and shipping cartons. Designed to survive printing directly onto corrugated cardboard, where EAN-13 falls apart.
EAN-13 — enter 12 digits and the check digit is calculated for you, or paste all 13.
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What ITF-14 is for
ITF-14 encodes a GTIN-14 — the identifier for a trade unit rather than a single retail item. A case of 24 tins has its own GTIN-14, distinct from the EAN-13 on each tin.
It exists because of print quality. Corrugated cardboard is absorbent and coarse, and the fine bars of an EAN-13 blur into each other on it. ITF-14 uses much wider bars and adds a heavy border, so it survives flexographic printing straight onto board.
- Printed on outer cases, trays and pallets, not on consumer packaging.
- Scanned in warehouses and distribution centres, not at the checkout.
- Always 14 digits — no more, no less.
The indicator digit
A GTIN-14 is built from the retail GTIN with a leading indicator digit that says what kind of pack it is.
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | The pack contains a single retail unit |
| 1–8 | Defined by you for different case configurations — e.g. 1 = inner of 6, 2 = case of 24 |
| 9 | Variable measure trade item |
So a case of 24 might be indicator 2, then your 12-digit item reference, then a recalculated check digit. The check digit of the GTIN-14 is not the same as the EAN-13's — enter 13 digits above and the correct one is computed for you.
Bearer bars and print tolerance
The thick black frame around an ITF-14 is a bearer bar, and it is functional rather than decorative. Interleaved 2 of 5 codes can be misread as a shorter valid code if the scanner clips the edge; the bearer bar prevents that partial read.
- Keep the full bearer bar — never let a designer remove it to save space.
- Preserve the quiet zone inside the frame.
- Typical printed width is 72–145 mm; below that, print tolerance on board becomes marginal.
- Bar height is usually 32 mm so warehouse scanners acquire it at speed.
- Print from SVG, and account for ink spread on board — your printer may ask for bar-width reduction.
ITF-14 or Code 128?
Both appear on cartons and they are not interchangeable.
- ITF-14 carries the GTIN-14 and nothing else. Simple, robust, ideal for direct printing on board.
- GS1-128 carries structured data — batch, expiry, serial, weight — via application identifiers. It is what a full logistics label uses.
- Many cases carry both: ITF-14 for identity, GS1-128 for the detail.
If you need batch and expiry alongside the GTIN, Code 128 is the format to look at.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many digits is an ITF-14?
Exactly 14 — an indicator digit, the item reference, and a check digit. Enter 13 above and the check digit is calculated for you.
What is the bearer bar for?
The heavy frame stops a scanner reading only part of the code. Interleaved 2 of 5 symbologies can produce a valid but wrong result from a partial scan, and the bearer bar prevents that. Never remove it.
Can I put ITF-14 on retail packaging?
No. Retail checkout expects EAN-13 or UPC-A. ITF-14 identifies a case or trade unit and belongs on the outer packaging only.
Is the ITF-14 check digit the same as my EAN-13 check digit?
No. Adding the indicator digit changes the calculation, so the GTIN-14 has its own check digit. Enter the first 13 digits and it is computed correctly for you.
What size should an ITF-14 be printed?
Commonly 72–145mm wide with 32mm bar height. Going smaller reduces tolerance to the ink spread you get printing on corrugated board. Ask your printer whether they need bar-width reduction applied.
Tracking cases through the supply chain?
An ITF-14 identifies the case. A dynamic QR code alongside it can carry scan-level visibility — where cases are opened, and how often.
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