Create ITF-14 barcodes for cartons and cases
Generate ITF-14 barcodes for outer cartons, master cases and warehouse labels.
Create your barcode
ValidateWhen to use an ITF-14 barcode
ITF-14 is mainly a carton and logistics format. It is not a replacement for a consumer-facing UPC or EAN label, so use it when your case, carton or warehouse process calls for GTIN-14 style data.
Treat cartons differently
ITF 14 is usually for cases and cartons, not shelf packaging.
- Use the correct fourteen digit GTIN for the trade item.
- Leave the bearer bars and quiet zones intact.
- Test on the same corrugated material planned for shipment.
Warehouse scanners are the audience, so design for their distance.
Create an ITF-14 barcode
- Enter the 14-digit ITF-14 or GTIN-14 value.
- Confirm the number belongs to the case, carton or logistics unit you are labeling.
- Generate the barcode and keep the bearer bars and quiet zone intact.
- Place the SVG in the carton artwork and print a PNG or PDF first to proof the size.
- Print and scan a sample on the actual carton or label material.
Where ITF-14 barcodes fit
- Carton labels
- Case and logistics units
- Warehouse scanning workflows
ITF-14 carton checks
- ITF-14 is commonly used for cases and cartons, not individual retail checkout labels.
- Carton surfaces can be rough, so print quality and barcode size matter.
- Confirm retailer, warehouse or logistics requirements before final artwork.
ITF-14 mistakes to avoid
- Using ITF-14 on an individual retail item where UPC-A or EAN-13 is required.
- Printing on carton stock without checking bearer bars, quiet zones and scanner distance.
- Removing leading zeros or changing the GTIN level from item to case by accident.
ITF-14 barcode questions
What is ITF-14 used for?
ITF-14 is used for cartons, cases and logistics units that carry GTIN-14 style values.
Can I use ITF-14 for retail checkout?
Usually no. Retail checkout often expects UPC-A or EAN-13 on individual products. ITF-14 is mainly for outer cases.
Why do ITF-14 barcodes need careful printing?
They are often printed on cartons or labels that may be scanned in warehouses, so size, contrast and quiet zones are important.
What are bearer bars on ITF-14 barcodes?
Bearer bars are the heavy bars around many ITF-14 symbols. They help protect the barcode from misreads on cartons and should not be cropped from final artwork.
What is the relationship between ITF-14 and GTIN-14?
GTIN-14 is the 14-digit number. ITF-14 is the barcode format used to print that number on cartons and cases. The number identifies the logistics unit and the barcode is simply the visual encoding of that number.
Why should I not remove bearer bars from ITF-14 artwork?
Bearer bars equalize printing pressure on corrugated cardboard and prevent partial reads when the scanner beam enters at an angle. Removing them increases the chance of misreads in warehouse scanning.
Can I use ITF-14 on a label instead of printing directly on the carton?
Yes. Many warehouses apply ITF-14 labels to cartons instead of printing directly on the corrugated surface. Label printing usually gives cleaner bars and more reliable scans.
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