How to Generate Barcode in Python (Step-by-Step Guide)

Barcodes are essential in inventory management, retail systems, logistics, and many other data-driven fields. For Python developers, generating barcodes in Python can be complex—especially when working with multiple formats or large-scale automation. That’s why a reliable Python barcode generator library is necessary to ensure flexible and efficient barcode creation, with support for various barcode types and batch processing.

This article provides an accurate and efficient approach to generating barcodes in Python using Spire.Barcode for Python.

• Get Started with Spire.Barcode for Python
• How to Generate Barcode in Python
• Supported Barcode Types
• Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started with Spire.Barcode for Python

Why Choose Spire.Barcode?

Spire.Barcode for Python is a professional and user-friendly Python Barcode API designed for developers who want to add barcode generation or reading features to their Python applications. Here’s why it stands out:

• Supports multiple barcode symbologies including Code 128, QR Code, EAN-13, UPC, and more
• High-quality image output with complete customization settings
• Comprehensive and easy-to-integrate API
• No need for third-party dependencies
• One library to generate and scan barcodes

Installation and Importing

To install Spire.Barcode for Python, simply run:

pip install spire.barcode

You can also install Free Spire.Barcode for Python for simple barcode generating tasks:

pip install spire.barcode.free

How to Generate Barcode in Python

To generate a barcode in Python, you typically need to define the barcode type (such as Code 128 or QR Code) and the content to encode. Using a library like Spire.Barcode, you can configure them in just a few lines of code.

Key Classes and Methods:

• BarcodeSettings: Defines properties such as type, data, color, text, etc.
• BarCodeGenerator: Generates barcode images based on settings.
• GenerateImage(): Outputs barcode as an image stream.

Step 1: Import the Required Modules

To start coding your Python barcode generator, import the necessary classes.

from spire.barcode import BarcodeSettings, BarCodeType, BarCodeGenerator, Code128SetMode, FontStyle, Color

Step2: Configure Barcode Settings

Create a BarcodeSettings object and define barcode properties:

# Create a BarcodeSettings object
barcodeSettings = BarcodeSettings()
# Set the barcode type
barcodeSettings.Type = BarCodeType.Code128
# Set the barcode data
barcodeSettings.Data = "ABC123456789"
# Set the barcode code128 set mode
barcodeSettings.Code128SetMode = Code128SetMode.Auto
# Choose the data display position
barcodeSettings.ShowTextOnBottom = True
# Set the bottom text and style
barcodeSettings.BottomText = "Code 128 Example"
barcodeSettings.SetTextFont("Arial", 12.0, FontStyle.Regular)
barcodeSettings.ShowBottomText = True
# Set the background color
barcodeSettings.BackColor = Color.get_Beige()

Step 3: Generate the Barcode Image

Create a BarCodeGenerator object using the configured BarcodeSettings, then generate the barcode image as a stream and save it to a local file:

# Create a BarCodeGenerator object
barcodeGenerator = BarCodeGenerator(barcodeSettings)
# Generate the barcode image
barcodeImage = barcodeGenerator.GenerateImage()
# Save the image
with open("output/Code 128.png", "wb") as fp:
fp.write(barcodeImage)

The generated barcode:

This script allows you to generate a Code 128 barcode and save it as an image. Just replace the BarCodeType and Data value to customize.

Generating Other Barcode Types

Spire.Barcode for Python supports a wide range of barcode symbologies, including the most commonly used types such as Code 39, UPC, QR Code, and EAN-13. This ensures developers can generate barcodes for various applications with compatibility and ease.

Barcode Type Support Overview

Advanced: Generate Barcodes in Bulk

You can easily generate multiple barcodes in bulk using Spire.Barcode for Python. This is especially useful for inventory management, batch labeling, or automated systems where each item requires a unique barcode.

Code Example

# Create a list of barcode data
data = ["Barcode 1", "Barcode 2", "Barcode 3"]
# Loop through the data to generate barcodes
for barcode_data in data:
# Create a BarcodeSettings object
settings = BarcodeSettings()
# Set the barcode type and data
settings.Type = BarCodeType.Code39
settings.Data  = barcode_data
# Create a BarCodeGenerator object
generator = BarCodeGenerator(settings)
# Save the barcode image
barcode_stream = generator.GenerateImage()
with open(f"output/{barcode_data}.png", "wb") as file:
file.write(barcode_stream)

This Python script generates and saves a barcode image for each entry in the list, streamlining barcode creation workflow.

Conclusion

Generating barcodes in Python is simple and efficient with Spire.Barcode for Python. Whether you’re creating a single Code 128 barcode or automating batch QR code generation, this robust and flexible library gives you the control and quality needed for professional barcode integration. From supporting various symbologies to delivering high-quality output with minimal code, this Python barcode generator is an excellent tool for developers across industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to create a barcode in Python?

You can create a barcode using libraries like Spire.Barcode for Python, which supports a variety of symbologies like Code 128, QR Code, and more. Just install the package, configure barcode settings, and save the output image.

Q: How is barcode generated?

Barcodes are generated by encoding data into a visual pattern of bars or modules. With Python, this is done through barcode libraries like Spire.Barcode, which translate string input into a corresponding image.

Q: How to create a code generator in Python?

If you're referring to a barcode generator, define the barcode type (e.g., Code 128), provide the data, and use a library like Spire.Barcode to generate and save the image. You can automate this process using loops and functions.

Q: How to generate QR code by Python?

You can use Spire.Barcode for Python to generate QR codes quickly and efficiently. Here's a full example that creates a QR code with embedded data:

from spire.barcode import BarcodeSettings, BarCodeGenerator, BarCodeType

# Create a BarcodeSettings object
barcodeSettings = BarcodeSettings()
# Set the barcode type to QRCode
barcodeSettings.Type = BarCodeType.QRCode
# Set the barcode data
barcodeSettings.Data = "ABC123456"
# Generate the barcode
barcodeGenerator = BarCodeGenerator(barcodeSettings)
barcodeGenerator.GenerateImage()
with  open("output/QRCode.png", "wb") as f:
f.write(barcodeGenerator.GenerateImage())

Result:

This enables you to embed URLs, text, or IDs into scannable QR images.

See Also: How to Generate and Scan QR Codes with Python

Get a Free License

Spire.Barcode for Python offers a free trial license that removes limitations and watermarking. Get a free license today and explore the full capabilities of this powerful Python barcode library.