Quick answer: enter 13 digits – the indicator digit (1–8) followed by the first 12 digits of the GTIN of the product inside – and the 14th check digit is added. Keep the full bearer-bar frame when printing directly on corrugated board, and download a vector PDF for the printer.
The indicator digit explained
A carton of 12 bottles is a different trade item from a single bottle, so it needs its own number. Instead of inventing a new one, GS1 lets you derive it: put an indicator digit 1–8 in front of the bottle's GTIN (without its check digit) and calculate a new check digit. Different pack sizes of the same product get different indicator digits.
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Single bottle (EAN-13) | 5 400141 28887 2 |
| Carton of 6 – indicator 1 | 1 5400141 28887 9 |
| Carton of 24 – indicator 2 | 2 5400141 28887 6 |
Indicator 9 is reserved for variable-measure items such as a case of cheese sold by weight. Some companies prefer to give each case its own GTIN-13 instead – both are allowed.
How to create an ITF-14 barcode for a carton
- Work out the GTIN-14. Take the EAN-13 of the single product, drop its check digit, and put an indicator digit in front: 1 for the first carton size, 2 for the next, and so on.
- Enter the 13 digits. The check digit for the GTIN-14 is calculated and added automatically.
- Choose bearer bars. Use the full frame for printing on corrugated board; top and bottom bars are enough for labels.
- Download. Send the vector PDF to the carton printer. For labels use PNG at 300 dpi or more.
Why ITF-14 has those thick bars around it
The frame is called bearer bars. When a printing plate presses onto soft corrugated board, the bearer bars spread the pressure evenly so the thin bars are not squashed. They also stop a scanner from reading only part of the barcode – a real risk with Interleaved 2 of 5, which ITF-14 is based on. On printed labels, top and bottom bars are enough.
Sizes
- GS1 allows bar widths from 0.495 to 1.016 mm for ITF-14. Printing directly on corrugated board usually needs 0.635 mm or more.
- Minimum bar height is 32 mm, and the quiet zone is 10 bar widths on both sides – inside the bearer frame.
- Place the barcode on at least two adjacent sides of the carton, about 32 mm from the bottom edge.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use EAN-13 on a carton instead?
Yes, if the carton has its own GTIN-13 and the printing quality allows it. ITF-14 is preferred for printing directly on brown corrugated board because it tolerates rougher printing.
Which indicator digit should I use?
Any of 1–8, one per pack configuration. Many companies use 1 for the inner pack and 2 or 3 for the outer case. Write down which number belongs to which pack.
Do I have to print the bearer bars?
For direct printing on corrugated board, yes. On high-quality labels you can use top and bottom bars only, or none if your scanners read reliably.
Can a retail scanner read ITF-14?
Many can, but ITF-14 is meant for warehouses and distribution centres, not for the checkout.
What does the 14th digit do?
It is the check digit, calculated with the same weights of 3 and 1 as EAN-13. The tool adds or checks it for you.
Why is my ITF-14 so wide?
ITF-14 is sized for scanning on moving conveyors in warehouses. At a bar width of 0.635 mm it is about 120 mm wide with bearer bars and quiet zones; on corrugated cartons that is normal.