SKU & barcode generator
Build your SKU format
Bulk-create SKUs and barcodes for your whole catalogue. Unlimited rows, no signup. Your file never leaves the browser.
Product source
Drop your product CSV here
Shopify export detected automatically · CSV or TSV
Column mapping
SKU format
Drag to reorder · click a chip to change how it's shortened
—Separator
Barcode
Self-assigned EAN-13 / UPC-A numbers scan fine for internal stock control, but they are not valid for retail resale. That needs a licensed GS1 company prefix. Prefixes starting 02 or 20–29 are reserved for in-store use, which is why 200 is the default here.
Safety checks
Keep every SKU unique
Resolves collisions against existing SKUs too
Avoid lookalike characters
Keeps 0/O and 1/I/L out of {RAND} codes
Don't start with a digit
Spreadsheets silently drop leading zeros
Replace existing barcodes
Off: rows that already have a barcode keep it. Leave this off unless you mean to overwrite real GS1 numbers.
8–16 characters reads best on a shelf; 20 leaves room for a four-digit sequence. Shopify publishes no hard SKU limit. Amazon caps seller SKUs at 40. Set 0 to switch the check off.
Abbreviation library
One value=CODE per line. Used by the :abbr transform so everyone on the team shortens attributes identically.
Unrelated, but since you’re here
Appbrew builds mobile apps for Shopify brands. Nothing to do with SKUs or barcodes. This tool is free either way, no signup, no catch. If a mobile app happens to be on your roadmap, take a look. If not, enjoy the generator.
See what Appbrew does| Product | Variant | Current SKU | New SKU | Barcode |
|---|
No products loaded yet
Drop in a Shopify product CSV, paste a list, or build variants by hand.
Generating…
FAQ
SKUs and barcodes, explained.
What is a SKU?
A stock keeping unit: your own code for one sellable version of a product. A black T-shirt in medium gets a different SKU from the same shirt in white, so stock, orders and reports stay accurate for each variant.
How should I structure a SKU?
Build it from short, readable parts in a fixed order, such as brand, category, color, size and a sequence number: NB-TSH-BLK-MD-0002. Keep every SKU unique and do not start with a digit, because spreadsheets can drop leading zeros. The generator's safety checks cover both, and keep lookalike characters such as 0 and O out of random codes.
What's the difference between a SKU and a barcode?
A SKU is an internal code you choose. A barcode is a machine-readable version of a number: it can encode the SKU itself (Code 128 or Code 39) or a numeric GTIN such as EAN-13 or UPC-A.
Can I use these barcodes in retail stores?
Self-assigned EAN-13 and UPC-A numbers scan fine for your own stock control, but retailers that require GTINs need numbers from a licensed GS1 company prefix. Prefixes 02 and 20–29 are reserved for in-store use, which is why the generator defaults to 200.
How do I get the SKUs back into Shopify?
Upload your Shopify product export, generate the SKUs and barcodes, then export a Shopify CSV and import it in your Shopify admin under Products. Existing barcodes are kept unless you turn on "Replace existing barcodes".
Is it free, and does my file leave my browser?
It is free, with no sign-up and no row cap. Your file is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to Appbrew.
Why brands add an app
Your margins work harder in the app.
Same brand, same products. Shoppers convert more often, spend more per order and come back more often in the app than on mobile web.
- 3×
- higher conversion rate, app vs mobile web
- 1.2×
- higher average order value, app vs mobile web
- 6×
- higher customer lifetime value, app vs mobile web
Each brand's app against its own mobile web, from Appbrew case studies.
Your app starts with one sentence.
Install Appbrew from the Shopify App Store and ask Milo for the first screen. Every plan starts with a 30-day free trial.
