Generate barcodes with Python

Generating barcodes with Python is straightforward thanks to libraries specifically designed for barcode creation. Below is a detailed guide on how to generate various types of barcodes using Python, including code examples and explanations.

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1. Install Required Libraries

Two popular Python libraries for generating barcodes are:

• python-barcode — for creating standard 1D barcodes (e.g., EAN, UPC, Code 128).

• Pillow — for image handling (used internally or for customizing output).

• treepoem — for generating both 1D and 2D barcodes (requires Ghostscript installed).

To install these, run:

bash
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pip install python-barcode Pillow
pip install treepoem

You may also need to install Ghostscript on your system for treepoem to work:

• Windows: Download from https://ghostscript.com/download/gsdnld.html

• macOS: brew install ghostscript

• Linux: Use your package manager, e.g., sudo apt install ghostscript

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2. Generate 1D Barcodes with python-barcode

This library supports barcodes like EAN, UPC, Code 128, and more.

Example: Generate a Code 128 Barcode

python
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import barcode
from barcode.writer import ImageWriter

# Barcode type: code128
code = barcode.get_barcode_class('code128')

# Data to encode
data = "123456789012"

# Generate barcode image
barcode_obj = code(data, writer=ImageWriter())

# Save barcode as PNG file
filename = barcode_obj.save('code128_barcode')

print(f"Barcode saved as {filename}.png")

This saves a file called code128_barcode.png in the current directory.

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3. Generate EAN-13 Barcode

python
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import barcode
from barcode.writer import ImageWriter

ean = barcode.get('ean13', '5901234123457', writer=ImageWriter())
filename = ean.save('ean13_barcode')

print(f"EAN-13 Barcode saved as {filename}.png")

EAN-13 requires exactly 12 numeric digits input; the library computes the 13th checksum digit automatically.

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4. Customize Barcode Appearance

You can customize barcode output with options passed to ImageWriter:

python
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options = {
    'module_width': 0.2,   # Width of each bar
    'module_height': 15,   # Height of bars
    'font_size': 10,       # Text font size
    'text_distance': 5,    # Distance between barcode and text
    'background': 'white', # Background color
    'foreground': 'black'  # Bar color
}

code = barcode.get('code128', 'HELLO12345', writer=ImageWriter())
filename = code.save('custom_code128', options)

print(f"Custom barcode saved as {filename}.png")

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5. Generate QR Codes or 2D Barcodes Using treepoem

treepoem supports many barcode symbologies including QR, PDF417, DataMatrix.

Example: Generate a QR code:

python
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import treepoem

# Generate QR code
img = treepoem.generate_barcode(
    barcode_type='qrcode',
    data='https://www.example.com'
)

# Save image
img.convert('1').save('qrcode.png')
print("QR code saved as qrcode.png")

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6. Generate Code 39 Barcode

python
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import barcode
from barcode.writer import ImageWriter

code39 = barcode.get('code39', 'CODE39DATA', writer=ImageWriter())
filename = code39.save('code39_barcode')

print(f"Code39 Barcode saved as {filename}.png")

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7. Output Barcode as SVG (Vector Format)

python-barcode can also output SVGs instead of PNGs:

python
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code = barcode.get('code128', '1234567890')
filename = code.save('barcode_svg')

print(f"Barcode saved as {filename}.svg")

Note: This works without ImageWriter.

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Summary

• Use python-barcode for easy 1D barcode generation (EAN, UPC, Code128, Code39).

• Use treepoem for advanced barcodes including 2D codes like QR, PDF417.

• Customize barcodes with options for size, colors, fonts.

• Save output as PNG or SVG.

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If you want a ready-to-use script for any specific barcode type or integration with other systems, just ask!