Barcode Generator & Reader API
FreemiumGenerate EAN-13, UPC, Code 128, ISBN and other barcodes as PNG or SVG, read barcodes from images, and validate check digits.
Documentation
Generate EAN-13, UPC, Code 128, ISBN and other barcodes as PNG or SVG, read barcodes from images, and validate check digits.
What you get
- Generate EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39, ISBN-13, ISBN-10, ISSN, ITF and PZN — PNG or SVG
- Read barcodes and QR codes from photos
- Validate check digits
- ISBN conversion between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13
Great for inventory, retail and POS systems, shipping labels, libraries and product catalogues.
Quick start
Subscribe to a plan (the Basic plan is free), then call the API at https://barcode-generator.p.apihiver.com with your key in the X-API-Key header:
curl "https://barcode-generator.p.apihiver.com/v1/generate?data=9780141036144&type=ean13" \
-H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" -o outputEndpoints
| Method | Path | What it does |
|---|---|---|
GET | /v1/generate | Make a barcode image (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN, …) |
POST | /v1/decode | Read barcodes (EAN, UPC, Code 128, Code 39, ITF…) from an image |
GET | /v1/validate | Check the check digit of an EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, ISBN-10/13 or ISSN |
GET | /v1/isbn | Convert and format ISBNs (ISBN-10 ⇄ ISBN-13) |
GET | /v1/types | Supported barcode types |
Open the Endpoints tab to see every parameter, example request and example response, and to try the API live.
Sending a file
Endpoints that take an image accept any of:
- multipart/form-data with the image in the
filefield, plus options as form fields - JSON
{"url": "https://…"}pointing at a public image (private/internal addresses are refused) - JSON
{"base64": "…"}(adata:URL prefix is fine)
Max size: 25 MB. Files are processed in memory and never stored.
Errors
Every error is JSON with the same shape:
{"error": {"code": "INVALID_INPUT", "message": "data: Field required"}}| HTTP | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | INVALID_INPUT | A parameter is missing or has the wrong format — the message says which |
| 401 | UNAUTHORIZED | Missing or invalid X-API-Key |
| 413 | TOO_LARGE | The file is over the size limit |
| 429 | — | Plan quota or rate limit reached (see the X-RateLimit-* headers) |
| 502 / 503 / 504 | — | A data source or the API server is temporarily unavailable — retry after a few seconds |
Data & privacy
Data comes from python-barcode and ZBar, running on our servers.
Barcode Generator & Reader API FAQ
- Is the Barcode Generator & Reader API free?
- Yes. The Basic plan is free and includes 50 requests per month — no card needed. Paid plans start at ₹499 per month for 2,000 requests.
- How much does the Barcode Generator & Reader API cost?
- Basic: free for 50 requests; Pro: ₹499/month for 2,000 requests; Ultra: ₹1,999/month for 10,000 requests; Mega: ₹4,999/month for 30,000 requests. Billing is monthly and you can cancel any time.
- How do I use the Barcode Generator & Reader API?
- Subscribe to a plan on APIHiver, create an API key in the Console, then send requests to https://barcode-generator.p.apihiver.com with your key in the X-API-Key header. You can also try every endpoint in the browser playground first.
- What endpoints does the Barcode Generator & Reader API have?
- It has 5 endpoints: Make a barcode image (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN, …) (GET /v1/generate); Read barcodes (EAN, UPC, Code 128, Code 39, ITF…) from an image (POST /v1/decode); Check the check digit of an EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, ISBN-10/13 or ISSN (GET /v1/validate); Convert and format ISBNs (ISBN-10 ⇄ ISBN-13) (GET /v1/isbn); Supported barcode types (GET /v1/types).
- What are the Barcode Generator & Reader API rate limits?
- Basic: 1 request per second; Pro: 2 requests per second; Ultra: 4 requests per second; Mega: 8 requests per second. Monthly quotas depend on the plan; every response includes X-RateLimit headers showing what's left.
- Can I use one API key for the Barcode Generator & Reader API and other APIs?
- Yes. One APIHiver key works for every API you subscribe to, so you don't need a separate account or key per provider.
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Endpoints
5 endpoints — full list is in the sidebar on larger screens.