Home · Barcode types · ITF-14
Free ITF-14 Barcode Generator: 14-Digit Case Codes for Master Cartons, Pallets & Retail Logistics
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5, 14-digit) is the GS1 standard barcode for outer cartons and master cases — the brown corrugated boxes that hold multiple retail units. Distribution centers, wholesalers, and 3PLs scan ITF-14s during receiving, putaway, and pick to identify what's inside a case without opening it.
Validator
Paste an existing ITF-14 into the field above. We compute the check digit if you provide just the payload, verify it if you provide the full code, and refuse to render if the check digit is wrong — so anything that renders here is guaranteed to scan.
Every code we generate uses the GTIN-14 structure with a proper check digit. Paste a 13-digit payload and we'll compute the check digit; paste 14 and we'll verify it; Randomize gives you a fresh valid carton ID.
Structure
14 digits: 1 indicator digit (1–8, identifying packaging level / case size), 12 digits matching the underlying GTIN of the contained product (UPC-A or EAN-13 zero-padded), and 1 check digit.
When to use ITF-14
- Master cases and outer cartons shipping to retailers
- Distribution-center receiving labels
- 3PL inventory and pick-pack-ship workflows
- Pallet labels when combined with SSCC for full traceability
Where it's required
- Walmart Retail Link supplier shipments
- Amazon FBA case-pack labels (in combination with FNSKU per-unit labels)
- Most major retail distribution centers
- GS1-compliant logistics and freight workflows
FAQ
What is an ITF-14 barcode?
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) is a 14-digit 1D barcode used to identify shipping cases, cartons, and pallets — not individual retail products. It encodes a GTIN-14 with bearer bars (the thick black border) for reliable scanning on corrugated cardboard at warehouse speeds. Walmart Retail Link, Amazon FBA case packs, Kroger, and most retail DCs require ITF-14 on master cases.
What is the difference between EAN-13 and ITF-14?
EAN-13 (or UPC-A) goes on the individual retail unit and gets scanned at POS. ITF-14 goes on the master case and gets scanned in warehouses. ITF-14 is usually generated from the EAN-13/UPC-A inside the case — a single retail GTIN can generate up to 10 different ITF-14s for different packaging hierarchies (10 units/case, 20/case, etc.) using indicator digits 1-8.
Are GTIN-14 and ITF-14 the same?
GTIN-14 is the 14-digit number; ITF-14 is the barcode symbology that encodes it. So GTIN-14 = the identifier, ITF-14 = the visual barcode. You'll see both terms used interchangeably because the ITF-14 barcode almost always encodes a GTIN-14.
What is the difference between GS1-128 and ITF-14?
ITF-14 encodes ONLY a 14-digit GTIN — case identifier only. GS1-128 (a Code 128 variant) can encode GTIN PLUS lot, serial, expiry, weight, and more via Application Identifiers. Use ITF-14 when you only need to identify the case; use GS1-128 when traceability data (lot, expiry) needs to live on the case label.
Is ITF-14 the same as GTIN-14?
Closely related. GTIN-14 is the 14-digit number; ITF-14 is one of the barcodes that can encode it (the most common). GS1-128 can also encode a GTIN-14 with Application Identifier (01). The number is the same; the visual encoding differs.
Do I need bearer bars on an ITF-14?
Yes for retail-compliant printing. GS1 requires horizontal bearer bars above and below the barcode (and optionally vertical end bars) to prevent partial scans on flexible cardboard substrates. Walmart specifically rejects cases without bearer bars. Our generator includes them by default.