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Code & Identification Generator Tools

Generate and decode identification codes. Create QR codes, barcodes, decode/generate vehicle identification numbers for products, inventory, and asset tracking.

9 min read
Updated 2025-12-13

Product tracking, inventory management, and asset identification rely on machine-readable codes. QR codes store URLs and data, barcodes identify products, and VINs track vehicles through their lifecycle. These standardized codes enable automation, prevent errors, and integrate physical items with digital systems.

These generators create industry-standard identification codes for various purposes. Generate QR codes from URLs or text, create barcodes in multiple formats (UPC, EAN, Code 128), decode vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to extract manufacturing details, and generate valid test VINs for development.

Perfect for businesses implementing inventory systems, developers building product databases, educators teaching identification systems, vehicle dealers working with VINs, and anyone needing machine-readable identification codes. All generation happens locally in your browser.

How to Use These Tools

Step-by-step guidance and best practices for getting the most out of this collection

QR code generation creates two-dimensional barcodes storing URLs, text, contact information, or other data. The QR Code Generator encodes input as black-and-white square patterns readable by smartphone cameras. QR codes support error correction (remain readable with partial damage) and large data capacity (several kilobytes). Use QR codes for sharing URLs, contactless payments, product information, event tickets, and WiFi credentials. Choose appropriate error correction level: low for clean displays, high for outdoor or printed use. Size codes appropriately for scanning distance.

Barcode generation creates linear barcodes like UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), and Code 128 for product identification. The Barcode Generator produces various formats for different industries. UPC-A (12 digits) is standard in North America, EAN-13 in Europe. Code 128 supports alphanumeric data for shipping labels. Barcodes require scanners (laser or camera-based) and must meet size/quality standards for reliable scanning. Leave quiet zones (white space) around barcodes for proper scanning.

VIN decoding extracts manufacturing information from 17-character vehicle identification numbers. The VIN Decoder reveals country of manufacture, manufacturer, vehicle type, model year, assembly plant, and serial number. VINs use specific positions for encoded data: characters 1-3 identify manufacturer (WMI), 4-8 describe vehicle (VDS), 9 is check digit, 10 is model year, 11 is assembly plant, 12-17 is serial number. VINs exclude letters I, O, Q to avoid confusion with numbers. Use VIN decoders for vehicle history checks, parts lookup, and fraud prevention.

VIN generation creates valid test VINs for development and testing. The VIN Generator produces syntactically correct VINs including valid check digits but not representing real vehicles. Generated VINs help test vehicle management systems, dealer software, and insurance applications without using real VIN data. Never use generated VINs for fraud or to represent real vehicles. Some jurisdictions prohibit certain VIN uses. Always mark test environments clearly and validate VINs against databases for production use.

Visual Codes

Generate QR codes and barcodes

QR Code Generator

Generate QR codes from URLs or text

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Barcode Generator

Generate barcodes in multiple formats

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Vehicle Identification

Work with vehicle identification numbers

VIN Decoder

Decode vehicle identification numbers

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VIN Generator

Generate valid test vehicle identification numbers

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Popular Workflows

Common ways professionals use these tools together

Create Product QR Code

  1. 1

    Enter product URL or information

    QR Code Generator

  2. 2

    Generate and download QR code image

    QR Code Generator

  3. 3

    Print on product packaging or label

    QR Code Generator

Check Vehicle History

  1. 1

    Enter 17-character VIN

    VIN Decoder

  2. 2

    Extract manufacturer and model year

    VIN Decoder

  3. 3

    Verify against vehicle documentation

    VIN Decoder

Setup Inventory System

  1. 1

    Generate barcodes for products

    Barcode Generator

  2. 2

    Print barcode labels

    Barcode Generator

  3. 3

    Test scanning with barcode reader

    Barcode Generator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can you encode in QR codes?

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QR codes store URLs, plain text, contact cards (vCard), WiFi credentials, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, and more. Maximum capacity depends on error correction level: up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters at low error correction, 2,953 at high. More data creates denser, harder-to-scan codes. Keep QR codes simple for reliability. Use URL shorteners for long URLs.

Which barcode format should I use?

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Use UPC-A for retail products in North America (requires GS1 registration), EAN-13 for international products, Code 128 for shipping/logistics (supports letters and numbers), or Code 39 for simpler applications. QR codes suit situations needing more data or error correction. Choose based on industry standards, scanner compatibility, and data requirements. Retail requires specific formats for POS systems.

How do I verify a VIN is legitimate?

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Check the 9th position (check digit) calculated from other VIN characters using a formula. Valid VINs have correct check digits. However, syntactically valid VINs might not represent real vehicles. For real verification, check VINs against NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) or Carfax databases. VIN decoders verify format and extract encoded data but cannot confirm vehicle existence without database lookup.

Can I use generated VINs for real vehicles?

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No, never. Generated VINs are for testing only. Using fake VINs fraudulently is illegal and can result in serious penalties. Real VINs are registered with manufacturers and regulatory agencies. Only manufacturers can assign legitimate VINs. Generated VINs help test software but must never appear on actual vehicles, titles, or legal documents. Always use real VINs for real vehicles.

How do I make QR codes scan better?

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Use high error correction for outdoor/printed use, ensure sufficient size (minimum 2×2 cm), maintain high contrast (dark on light background), leave quiet zones around edges, avoid distortion or curved surfaces, and use vector formats for printing. Test scanning with multiple devices at expected distances. Poor lighting, dirty lenses, and low-quality printing reduce reliability. Include fallback information (URL text) in case scanning fails.

What information can I extract from a VIN?

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VINs reveal manufacturer, country of origin, vehicle type/model, engine type, body style, model year (10th position), assembly plant, and serial number. They do not directly show color, options, or ownership history. For complete vehicle history, use VIN lookup services that access registration, accident, and maintenance databases. VIN decoders extract encoded manufacturing data only.

Are barcodes and QR codes still relevant with RFID?

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Yes, barcodes and QR codes remain cheaper, more reliable, and universally compatible than RFID. They require no power, work with common cameras and scanners, and have lower per-unit cost. RFID suits high-volume automated sorting and tracking without line-of-sight. Many systems use both: barcodes for backup and visual verification, RFID for automation. QR codes added benefits over RFID for consumer interaction via smartphones.

How precise must barcode printing be?

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Barcodes require specific tolerances for bar widths, quiet zones, and contrast. Print at recommended DPI (300+ for laser printers), avoid inkjet smudging, maintain quiet zones, and test scanning before mass printing. Poor quality causes scan failures and delays. Use barcode verification tools for critical applications. Commercial printing typically provides higher quality than office printers. Consider pre-printed labels for consistent quality.

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