What is the difference between ITF-14 and UPC/EAN?

UPC and EAN barcodes are designed for retail point-of-sale (scanning at the cash register). ITF-14 is specifically designed for outer shipping containers and master cartons. It is larger, more durable, and optimized for printing directly onto corrugated cardboard.

Does Symbolify calculate the ITF-14 check digit?

Yes. The 14th digit of an ITF-14 is a Modulo-10 checksum. If you provide the first 13 digits of your GTIN, our generator will automatically calculate and append the correct check digit to ensure your barcode is GS1-compliant.

Why are the thick black 'Bearer Bars' necessary?

Bearer Bars serve two purposes: they equalize the pressure of the printing plate to ensure a consistent image on cardboard, and they prevent 'short scans' by stopping a scanner from reading only a portion of the barcode if it enters or exits through the top or bottom.

Can I encode letters in an ITF-14 barcode?

No. ITF-14 is a numeric-only symbology based on the Interleaved 2 of 5 standard. It can only encode the 14 digits of a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). For alphanumeric shipping data, you would typically use Code 128.

What is the recommended magnification for ITF-14?

For reliable scanning in a warehouse, GS1 recommends a magnification range between 50% and 100%. Our SVG exports are vector-based, allowing you to scale the barcode to the exact physical dimensions required by your printing specifications without losing precision.

ITF-14 Barcode Generator

Professional GS1-compliant barcodes for outer shipping cases. Generate high-precision vector exports with bearer bars for reliable corrugated box printing.

Supply Chain StandardsGS1 CompliantBearer BarsInterleaved 2 of 5Industrial Ready

Create GS1-Compliant ITF-14 Barcodes

Generate high-precision Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols for corrugated shipping containers and master cartons.

Symbolify

1. Enter 14-Digit GTIN

Input your 14-digit Global Trade Item Number. If you enter 13 digits, Symbolify will automatically calculate the mandatory Modulo-10 check digit for you.

2. Configure Bearer Bars

Our generator adds mandatory thick black borders (Bearer Bars). These ensure uniform pressure during industrial printing on rough cardboard surfaces.

3. Export for Logistics

Download as a vector SVG for master carton printing or high-res PNG for thermal shipping labels, ensuring 100% scan rates in warehouses.

GS1 Specification

Auto Check-Digit

Industrial Bearer Bars

Feedback or Support: support@geekyhawks.com

The Power of ITF-14

In the world of logistics, ITF-14 is the "Heavy-Duty" standard. It is specifically engineered to survive the rigors of global shipping and the challenges of industrial printing.

Corrugated Printing Optimized

ITF-14 uses a wide tolerance for ink spread. This makes it the only reliable choice for printing directly onto cardboard and corrugated surfaces where precision is difficult to maintain.

Bearer Bar Protection

The mandatory thick black border—or Bearer Bars—prevents 'short scans.' They ensure the scanner reads the entire 14-digit sequence without exiting the pattern prematurely.

High Scan Tolerance

Warehouses are fast-paced. ITF-14 is designed to be read from various angles and distances, even by older laser scanners used in high-volume distribution centers.

GS1 Global Standard

ITF-14 is the international standard for master cartons. Using this format ensures your shipping containers are accepted by major retailers and logistics hubs worldwide.

Full Name

Interleaved 2 of 5

Data Length

Fixed 14 Digits

Standard

GS1 Specification

Check Digit

Modulo-10 (Auto)

Logistic StandardGS1 Compliant

Master Carton Essential

While retail products use EAN or UPC, shipping containers require the ITF-14. Its unique architecture ensures that barcodes remain readable even when printed on low-quality corrugated cardboard.

Global Supply Chain Ready

Anatomy of an ITF-14 Barcode

The ITF-14 is built for one purpose: scan-reliability in harsh warehouse environments. Every element is designed to counteract the imperfections of high-speed industrial printing.

Bearer Bars

Protective Border

The thick bars surrounding the barcode ensure even printing pressure and prevent 'short scans' by the laser.

Indicator Digit

Logistics Type

The first digit defines the packaging level, typically indicating whether it is a master case or a multi-pack.

GTIN Data

The Core Identity

Contains the GS1 Company Prefix and Item Reference, identifying the product inside the carton.

Check Digit

Modulo-10

The final 14th digit is a mathematical checksum that confirms the barcode was scanned correctly.

2:5

What is "Interleaved 2 of 5"?

ITF stands for Interleaved Two of Five. It encodes pairs of digits: the first digit is represented by five bars, and the second digit is represented by the five spaces interleaved between them. Out of every five elements, exactly two are always wide, creating a self-checking structure that is incredibly dense and space-efficient.

Logistics & Supply Chain

ITF-14 Frequently Asked Questions

Technical insights into shipping container standards, bearer bar requirements, and GS1-compliant GTIN encoding.