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Free Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode generator.
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) encodes digit pairs in bars and spaces, as on ITF-14 case codes. Type an even number of digits and download the barcode.
How to create an Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode
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01
Type every digit, check digit included
Enter a case GTIN in full,
19521234567896: the generator adds no check digit. Without it,1952123456789gets a 0 in front and becomes01952123456789, a different number with a wrong check digit. -
02
Set the module width in printer dots
Match Resolution (dpi) to your printer and set Module width to Pixel: at 203 dpi, 4 pixels give 0.50 mm, within GS1's ITF-14 range.
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03
Finish the PNG in your layout
Keep 10 modules, at least 6.35 mm, blank on each side: the image has no quiet zone by default. For ITF-14, hide the text line, stretch the bars to at least 31.75 mm, add bearer bars of 2 modules or more and set the digits below.
What is an ITF barcode?
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) is a linear barcode for digits only, each drawn with five elements, two of them wide. The first digit of a pair forms five bars, the second the five spaces between them, so the count is even. With a bearer bar, it carries a case's Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) as ITF-14.
Where ITF-14 is scanned: cases in general distribution
GS1 uses ITF-14 only on trade items not expected to pass through a retail checkout, such as cases, and calls it better suited for printing directly onto corrugated fibreboard. It carries a GTIN-14, GTIN-13 or GTIN-12. Where pre-printed cartons make it cost-effective, GS1 recommends the code on two sides.
ITF-14 holds only the GTIN; a batch or best before date needs a second barcode, such as GS1-128. As ITF is also used outside the GS1 system, GS1 advises checking for 14 digits.
Printing ITF-14 straight onto brown board
GS1 offers ITF-14 where printing conditions call for a less demanding symbology. Brown corrugated board may reflect only 27–40% of the light, so no symbol on it grades better than 1.0. GS1 therefore accepts 0.5 (D) for ITF-14 with 0.635 mm modules or more; below that, it needs 1.5 (C).
Because readers measure every element width, ITF reacts more to bar gain or loss than other GS1 barcodes. The drawing shows plain ITF at a size TEC-IT's reference lists for it.
Plain ITF online, ITF-14 in TEC-IT software
The online generator draws plain ITF at 3:1, without check digit or bearer bar, as GIF, PNG or JPG for free; SVG and higher print resolution come with a plan. Without an account it makes one barcode at a time; a data sheet makes many after a free sign-in.
TBarCode SDK and Barcode Studio offer ITF-14 with mod 10 check digit, 2.5:1 ratio and bearer bar. Barcode Studio imports GTIN lists from CSV files; TBarCode Office ties a barcode to an Excel cell.
Interleaved 2 of 5 at a glance
- Type
- Linear, numeric, continuous, self-checking
- Length
- Any even number of digits; ITF-14 exactly 14
- Ratio
- 3:1 online; ITF-14 2.25:1 to 3:1, target 2.5:1
- Check digit
- Optional mod 10, none by default; ITF-14 requires one
- Module width (X)
- At least 0.19 mm (TEC-IT); ITF-14 on cases 0.495–1.016 mm
- Quiet zone
- 10X and at least 6.35 mm (TEC-IT); ITF-14 10X
Partial scans, a weak point of ITF
Start and stop patterns can also occur inside an ITF symbol. In 1234567890, the start, the pairs 12 and 34 and a stop pattern inside 56 form a complete symbol for 1234. A slanted scan line leaving through the top or bottom edge there can read it.
- Fixed length: readers set to accept only your length, 14 digits for ITF-14, reject such reads.
- Bearer bar: it makes them rarer; GS1 requires it on ITF-14 unless it cannot be printed.
ITF-14 on cases: sizes and bearer bar
- X-dimension: 0.495–1.016 mm; at least 0.635 mm recommended when printed onto corrugated board with plates.
- Bearer bar: with printing plates, a 4.83 mm frame around symbol and quiet zones; otherwise at least 2X along top and bottom.
- Bars: at least 31.75 mm high, not counting bearer bar and digits.
- Digits: at least 1.02 mm below the bearer bar.
- Ratio check: GS1 verification passes only an average ratio above 2.25 and below 3.00, so the generator's exact 3:1 is borderline.
ITF compared with related barcodes
Calculates the check digit from 13 digits, but makes a GS1-128, not an ITF-14.
Code set C also packs digit pairs, letters can follow, and a check character is mandatory: 14 digits take 112 modules, against 135 in ITF at 3:1.
Takes capitals, space and six symbols too, but needs 191 modules for 1234567890 instead of 99.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Interleaved 2 of 5.
What is the difference between Interleaved 2 of 5 and ITF-14?
Why is there a 0 in front of my number?
Does an ITF barcode have a check digit?
Is ITF-14 the same as EAN-14?
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