How to Generate Barcodes in Excel (EAN, UPC, Code 128, QR)
You have a column of product codes and need scannable barcodes beside them — but barcode fonts want special formatting and check characters, and QR has no font at all. Here's the one-click way.
Last updated: August 2026
| Cell value | Barcode image | |
|---|---|---|
| 5012345678900 | → | EAN-13 (check digit added) |
| SKU-A12 | → | Code 128 or QR |
Why barcode fonts are fiddly
A barcode font only renders correctly once you wrap the value with the right start, stop, and check characters and apply exact sizing — get any of it wrong and the code won't scan. Retail symbologies like EAN-13 and UPC-A need a computed check digit on top. And QR codes have no font at all, so people reach for a separate add-in just to make one. It's a lot of setup for what should be one step.
The 1-click way — Tellsheet's Barcode
Run Barcode, choose the format in the preview — EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, or QR — and Tellsheet turns each cell value into a scannable image placed beside the cell, with retail check digits handled for you. No fonts to install, no check characters to type. Pairs with Match Images to Rows and Add Leading Zeros.
Frequently asked questions
Which formats can it make?
EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, and QR — pick one in the preview before placing.
Do I need a barcode font?
No — each barcode is drawn as a scannable image, so there's nothing to install or format.
Are check digits handled?
Yes — the retail check digit for EAN-13 and UPC-A is calculated for you.
Can it make QR codes?
Yes — QR is a supported format, no separate add-in needed.
Related Excel guides
Make scannable barcodes in one click
Barcode turns cell values into EAN, UPC, Code 128, or QR images — check digits handled, no fonts required.
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