Barcode Generator

Barcode Generator

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

Barcode Generator is a powerful ExtendScript tool designed for Adobe Illustrator that creates production-ready UPC-12 and EAN-13 barcodes. The script features an intuitive tabbed interface with real-time preview, customizable font selection, and adjustable character tracking. All barcodes are generated as vector graphics with proper formatting, including numbers positioned below the bars.

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Key Features

  • Two Barcode Standards: Generate UPC-12 (Universal Product Code) and EAN-13 (European Article Number) barcodes
  • Automatic Check Digit Calculation: Enter 11 digits for UPC-12 or 12 digits for EAN-13, and the script automatically calculates the check digit
  • Live Preview: See your barcode in real-time as you type and adjust settings
  • Fit in Window: Automatically zoom to the previewed barcode for better visibility
  • Font Customization: Choose from preferred fonts or fallback to system defaults
  • Adjustable Tracking: Fine-tune character spacing with an easy-to-use scrollbar (-100 to +100 range)
  • Vector Output: All barcodes are created as scalable vector graphics

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image galleryimage gallery

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Installation

1. Download the Barcode Generator.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running.

4. Access the script via File > Scripts > Barcode Generator.

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Using the Script:

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Getting Started

  • Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document or open an existing one
  • Run the script by navigating to: File > Scripts > Barcode Generator
  • Script dialog will appear with multiple settings:

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image gallery

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Generating a Barcode

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1. Select the Barcode

  • Choose either the UPC‑12 or EAN‑13 tab
  • UPC‑12 expects 11 input digits (the 12th is calculated)
  • EAN‑13 expects 12 input digits (the 13th is calculated)

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2. Enter Your Code:

  • Type the required number of digits for the selected standard
  • Only numbers are accepted (letters and special characters are automatically filtered)
  • Example: UPC‑12: 12345678901 (11 digits; check digit auto‑calculated) EAN‑13: 123456789012 (12 digits; check digit auto‑calculated)

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3. Choose a Font (optional):

  • Click the font dropdown menu
  • Select from the curated list of preferred fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, OCR‑B)
  • If preferred fonts are missing, it falls back to available system fonts

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Adjust Font Tracking:

  • Use the scrollbar to adjust character spacing (-100 to +100)
  • Or type a value directly in the text field
  • Use arrow keys (Up/Down) for fine adjustments
  • Right-click the scrollbar to reset to 0

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4. Preview Your Barcode:

  • The preview checkbox is enabled by default
  • Watch your barcode update in real-time as you make changes
  • Check "Fit in Window" to automatically zoom to the barcode preview
  • Uncheck "Preview" to disable live preview

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5. Generate the Barcode:

  • Click the "OK" button
  • The barcode will be created on your active artboard
  • A success message will display the calculated check digit
  • The barcode will be automatically selected and centered

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Wrap-Up

Barcode Generator streamlines creation of UPC‑12 and EAN‑13 barcodes with live preview, curated font choices, adjustable tracking, and vector‑perfect output.

Select your standard, enter digits, fine‑tune spacing, and use “Fit in Window” for precise visual checks. The result is fast, consistent, and print‑ready every time.

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Barcode Generator

Version: 1.0.3

Updated:

Download Barcode Generator

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)

  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.

  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

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    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

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    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

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    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

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    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

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    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

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    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

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    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

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    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

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    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

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    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

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    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Install Extension

➊ Toolbox

Access to 200+ pre-built scripts organized in categories.

➋ Script Launcher

Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

Quick access to toggle Adobe Illustrator's built-in panels

➍ Favourites

Save frequently used scripts and panels for quick access.

➎ Code Editor

Write, edit, and execute custom ExtendScript/JavaScript code.

➏ Task Manager

An integrated to-do list that helps you track design tasks and jot down your ideas.

➐ Video Player

Create your own personal video library and watch YouTube videos right within the extension.

➑ Image Gallery

A visual moodboard allowing you to keep inspiration and reference materials right in your workspace while you design.

☻ Info

A heartfelt "Thank You" section to recognize our amazing Patreon supporters who help make ScriptBox possible.

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Barcode Generator.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

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    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Barcode Generator.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Barcode Generator script to run it.
    5. The Barcode Generator script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

Got questions?

Need help or have an idea to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, have a feature request, or just want to share your feedback, reach out to us—we’re here for you! 

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