ITF-14 Barcode Generator

ITF-14 is the barcode printed on outer cartons and cases to identify a trade unit with a GTIN-14. Enter 13 digits including the indicator digit and the app adds the check digit, draws the bearer bars and exports a vector file.

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Where ITF-14 is used

ITF-14 identifies cases, cartons and other trade items that are not sold at a consumer checkout but are scanned in warehouses and at goods receipt. Its wide bars tolerate printing directly onto rough corrugated board, which is why it is common on brown boxes.

The GTIN-14 is built from your licensed GS1 company prefix. QR & Barcode Studio checks the number and check digit; it does not issue or register GTINs.

GTIN-14 structure

Indicator digit (1–8) distinguishes packaging levels of the same product, for example 1 for a case of 12 and 2 for a case of 24. Indicator 9 marks variable-measure trade items.
The next 12 digits are the GTIN-13 of the contained consumer unit without its check digit.
The final digit is a new mod-10 check digit calculated over the 13 preceding digits.
Indicator 0 simply pads a GTIN-13 or GTIN-12 to 14 digits.

Bearer bars, size and quiet zones

Bearer bars are a thick frame (or top and bottom bars) around the symbol. They spread printing plate pressure evenly and stop a scanner from reading a partial line that only crosses some bars, a known risk with Interleaved 2 of 5.

Typical X dimension on corrugated board is 0.495 mm to 1.016 mm, with a wide-to-narrow ratio of 2.25:1 to 3:1 and a quiet zone of at least 10X on each side. GS1 recommends a bar height of at least 32 mm for logistics scanning. Print dark on light, and verify against ISO/IEC 15416 for warehouse acceptance.

How to make it

Select ITF-14 in the barcode generator.
Enter the indicator digit followed by the first 12 digits of the product GTIN-13.
Let the app complete the check digit and keep bearer bars switched on.
Pick a size from the print guidance for your printing method.
Export PDF or SVG, or print a batch of carton labels from CSV.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same GTIN on the carton as on the product?

No. A carton with a different content needs its own GTIN, which is why the indicator digit exists.

Is ITF-14 the same as GS1-128?

No. ITF-14 holds only a GTIN-14. GS1-128 can carry the GTIN plus batch, expiry, quantity and an SSCC.

Do I have to print bearer bars?

They are required when printing directly onto corrugated board and recommended in general. On high-quality labels a top and bottom bar may be enough.