Donaldson R F
Profession-Specific Tools
Bulk Barcode/QR Code Generator from CSV
Generate hundreds of barcodes or QR codes automatically from a CSV of product data.
The Problem
Creating barcodes or QR codes one at a time for a product catalogue of any real size is impractical — this generates every code in bulk, correctly matched to each product.
About this problem
Each barcode format has its own rules: EAN-13 and UPC require specific digit counts and a check digit, Code128 encodes arbitrary text with its own start and stop characters, and QR codes need sensible error correction and size settings. Generating them one by one in an online tool means repeated copy-pasting and no guarantee that each image is matched to the right product.
People usually come looking for this when they have a product catalogue in a spreadsheet and need labels, shelf tags or packaging artwork for hundreds of items. They want every code generated from the data itself, so a typo is not introduced between the spreadsheet and the finished image.
What's Included
- A script supporting common formats (EAN-13, UPC, Code128, QR)
- Each code generated and linked to the correct row in your CSV
- Output as individual image files, a combined PDF sheet, or both
- Correct encoding validated so codes actually scan
What's NOT Included
- Printing the physical labels — that's between you and your label printer/supplier
- Barcode registration with GS1 or similar bodies (a separate, formal process)
- Ongoing generation for new products unless re-run on a new export
How It Works
- I review your CSV to identify which column holds the code value, which format each product needs and which columns should be used for filenames or labels.
- I validate each value against its format, for example digit count and check digit for EAN-13 and UPC, and list any rows that fail instead of producing a bad code.
- I generate each barcode or QR code with a tested library, setting appropriate size, quiet zone and error correction.
- I save the results as individual image files named from your data, a combined PDF sheet, or both, as you choose.
- I verify a sample of the output by scanning it to confirm the decoded value matches the source row.
In practice: you buy the service, send over whatever access or details the job needs, I investigate and do the work, and you confirm it's resolved before we call it done.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I generate barcodes in bulk from a spreadsheet?
- A script can read each row, create the matching barcode image and save it with a name based on your data. I build it for the formats and columns in your own CSV.
- Which barcode types are supported?
- Common ones such as EAN-13, UPC, Code128 and QR codes. If you need something less common, tell me before ordering so I can confirm it can be done.
- What happens if one of my product numbers is invalid?
- It is flagged in a list of errors and no code is produced for that row, so you can correct the data rather than print a code that will not scan.
- Can I get all the codes in one printable file?
- Yes. The output can be individual image files, a combined PDF sheet, or both.
- Does this register my barcodes with GS1?
- No. Registering numbers with GS1 or a similar body is a separate formal process. This tool only generates images from numbers you already have.
- Will it print the physical labels?
- No. Printing is between you and your label printer or supplier. I provide the files ready for that.