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About the EAN-8 Barcode Generator
Our EAN-8 barcode generator is a reliable tool for creating barcodes used in retail environments. EAN-8 is a compact, 8-digit barcode symbology derived from EAN-13, designed for products with small packaging where a full 13-digit code would not fit. It's widely used globally to uniquely identify retail products at the point of sale.
This tool is designed for ease of use. Simply enter the 7 or 8 digits you want to encode, and a high-resolution barcode image will be generated instantly. The codes are suitable for printing on labels and product packaging. We believe in providing essential utility tools that are fast and professional-grade.
Technical Implementation Guide
EAN-8 is used when the packaging surface is too small for EAN-13. Key technical details for developers:
- Structure: 2 or 3 national prefix digits, 4 or 5 data digits, and 1 check digit.
- GS1 Shortening: Unlike standard UPC/EAN, EAN-8 uses a specific set of prefixes allocated by GS1 for small packages.
- Encoding: Uses 4 different bar widths. Each digit is encoded with two bars and two spaces.
Official Standard: GS1 EAN-8 Standards
// EAN-8 Check Digit Calculation
/**
* Calculates or validates EAN-8 check digit
* Logic: Weight 3 for odd positions, Weight 1 for even positions
*/
function calculateEAN8CheckDigit(shortCode) {
const digits = String(shortCode).padStart(7, '0').split('').map(Number);
const sum = digits.reduce((acc, digit, idx) => {
// Note: EAN-8 weight starts from the right (check digit is index 8)
// 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
// 3 1 3 1 3 1 3
return acc + (idx % 2 === 0 ? digit * 3 : digit);
}, 0);
return (10 - (sum % 10)) % 10;
}
console.log(calculateEAN8CheckDigit("5512345")); // Result: 7Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EAN-8 and EAN-13?
EAN-13 is the standard for most retail products and contains 13 digits. EAN-8 is a shorter, 8-digit version used for small products where space is limited, such as candy bars or cigarettes.
Does EAN-8 require a checksum digit?
Yes, the 8th digit of an EAN-8 barcode is a checksum digit that is automatically calculated based on the first 7 digits to ensure accuracy. When you enter 7 digits, the generator will calculate and add the checksum for you.