EAN13.ttf bulk encoder

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EAN-13 Bulk Encoder Tool Preview
Convert raw 12 or 13-digit EAN codes (single codes or bulk lists) into alphanumeric strings for the Grandzebu EAN-13 font. For instructions and practical examples see below.
Note: This tool generates standard EAN-13 codes. A «supplement» of 2 or 5 digits (commonly used on books and magazines) and other «additional codes» are not handled for now. If you need support for them, or if you find any bugs or broken links, feel free to contact me!

Disclaimer: This software is provided "as is" without warranty. Users are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy and scannability of the generated codes before printing or production.

My GitHub Repo | 100% Client-side, Safe & Free | Read Legal Disclaimer First

How to use the tool

Step 1: Install the Grandzebu Font

Download and install the EAN13.ttf (Grandzebu) barcode font on your system so that your design software (Adobe InDesign, Word, LibreOffice) can render the font correctly.

Step 2: Input Your EAN Numbers

Paste your 12-digit or 13-digit raw numerical codes into the input box above. You can enter a single code or multiple codes (one per line).
The tool will calculate the checksum digit (13-digit) in any case.

Step 3: Encode the Sequence

Click "Encode". The tool converts the raw numerical sequence into alphanumeric string with specific ASCII character mappings (including start/stop guards and left/right parity sets).

Step 4: Copy/Export and Apply Font

Copy the generated text string wherever you need it (such as in a document or a CSV file). To render it correctly as a barcode, apply the "EAN-13" (Grandzebu) font to the alphanumeric string.

Important notes

  • Cross-platform: The generated strings and the font work flawlessly on Mac, Windows, and Linux across Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, and Adobe Suite. (The output relies entirely on safe, basic characters, so you won't face file encoding issues).
    Highly recommended for generating a list of barcodes for CSV files in Data Merge workflows.
  • How does the encoding work? The complete mathematical explanation of the EAN-13 algorithm, checksum calculation and the character mapping tables used for the EAN13.ttf font are fully documented by the font's original creator. Read the full documentation on Grandzebu.net

Practical Example

Scenario: Designing sock header cards (packaging) in Adobe InDesign using Data Merge for multiple product variants (size, color, price, and barcode).

Workflow:

  1. My spreadsheet contains all product variant rows, but I still need to format the raw EAN numbers into barcode strings.
  2. I copy the entire column of EAN codes and paste it into this tool for bulk processing.
  3. The tool generates the encoded Grandzebu alphanumeric strings.
  4. I paste the encoded strings into a new column (e.g., BARCODE_FONT) in my spreadsheet and export the file as a CSV.
  5. In Adobe InDesign, I open Data Merge, import the CSV, and place the variable fields onto the packaging layout.
  6. For the barcode field, I bind the text frame to the BARCODE_FONT column and assign the EAN-13 (Grandzebu) font.

Outcome: Running Data Merge creates printable packaging for all sock variants, automatically rendering scannable barcodes without needing spreadsheet macros or specialized plugins.

SIZE COLOR RAW EAN BARCODE_FONT (CSV Field)
39-42 Navy Blue 800123456789 8!00123E*FGHIJE!
43-46 Black 800123456790 8!00123E*FGHIJA!

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