What ITF-14 is used for
ITF-14 represents a GTIN-14 in an Interleaved 2 of 5 symbol. It is commonly used to identify trade-item groupings such as shipping cases. It is not a substitute for the retail barcode on an individual product, and it is not an SSCC shipping-container label. Ask the receiving business which identifier and symbol it expects before committing packaging to print.
The heavy frame around the barcode is made of bearer bars. These help support printing and reduce certain partial reads; they are part of the symbol layout rather than decorative borders. This generator draws them for you. Keep them when exporting the barcode or placing it in packaging artwork.
Use an identifier allocated for the exact packaging level you are labelling. Different case quantities can represent different trade items. Do not simply put a leading digit in front of a retail number and assume that this creates a licensed case identifier. Your company’s GS1 allocation process and trading-partner requirements determine the correct number.
Prepare and print a carton label
Enter digits only, preserving leading zeros. With 13 digits the tool calculates the final Mod 10 check digit; with 14 it checks the digit already present. This arithmetic validation does not query GS1, confirm ownership or establish that a number belongs to a particular product. Generated UPC and EAN numbers are likewise not registered with GS1 by using this website.
The correct physical size depends on the intended scanning environment, printing process and applicable specification. Use the module-width and height controls deliberately rather than shrinking the finished image to fit an arbitrary space. Keep the quiet zones clear and leave sufficient room between the symbol and nearby artwork. A small label that scans at your desk may still be unsuitable on corrugated packaging moving through a warehouse.
Download SVG when handing artwork to a designer or printer. Tell them the required final dimensions and request that the symbol is not stretched, cropped or resampled. If using PNG, ensure that the final print has enough resolution to keep narrow bars distinct. Print a sample on the actual material, since absorbent surfaces, rough texture and ink spread can change the result.
Check the decoded digits against the item record, then test using the receiving scanner and application wherever possible. For formal supply-chain acceptance, use an appropriate barcode verifier and the relevant GS1 specification. This generator supplies the symbol; it does not certify print quality or guarantee acceptance by a retailer.
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is ITF-14 a pallet shipping label?
ITF-14 identifies a trade item using a GTIN-14. A logistics label may instead require GS1-128 carrying an SSCC. Confirm the intended identifier with the receiver.
Can I remove the border?
Keep the generated bearer bars and quiet zones. Removing parts of the symbol can make it unsuitable for the intended specification.
Does a valid check digit prove the number is mine?
No. Check-digit validation is arithmetic only. Identifier allocation and licensing must be handled separately.