ITF-14 Barcode Guide
Durability for the warehouse. Master the 14-digit standard for shipping cartons and outer case identification on corrugated surfaces.
What is an ITF-14?
The ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) is the GS1 standard specifically designed for identifying shipping cartons, outer cases, or large pallets.
It strictly encodes a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN-14). What makes the ITF-14 unique in the world of symbologies is that its physical structure is optimized to handle direct printing on porous, low-quality materials like corrugated cardboard, where ink tends to bleed and spread.
ITF-14 Case Generator
Create print-ready ITF-14 barcodes using our specialized tool below. Enter your 14-digit GTIN, or use the Case Batch Import to generate labels for your entire warehouse production run.
Carton Output
12345678901231
The Role of Bearer Bars
The most distinguishing and critical feature of an ITF-14 is the thick black border surrounding the vertical lines, known as Bearer Bars. These bars serve two critical functions:
- Printing Stability: When using flexographic printing directly on cardboard, the heavy border supports the printing plate, ensuring even ink distribution and preventing the fine barcode lines from becoming smashed or blurred.
- Scan Accuracy: They prevent "short scans". If a laser beam enters the top of the barcode and exits before crossing the entire width, it will hit the bearer bar, which instructs the scanner software to invalidate the scan rather than returning a partial, incorrect number.