Barcode Basics
What Is ITF-14 and When Should You Use It?
- ITF-14
- GTIN-14
- case barcodes
- logistics
- corrugated packaging
- GS1
ITF-14 is a linear barcode used to carry a 14-digit GTIN on outer cartons and other trade-item groupings. It is suited to warehouse and distribution scanning, particularly when a symbol must be printed on corrugated cardboard. The thick bearer-bar frame around many ITF-14 symbols helps the print survive that rough surface.
Table of Contents
- What Is an ITF-14 Barcode?
- How the 14 Digits Are Built
- When Should You Use ITF-14?
- ITF-14 vs EAN-13/UPC-A vs GS1-128
- ITF-14 Size, Bearer Bars, and Quiet Zones
- How to Create an ITF-14 Barcode
- Common ITF-14 Mistakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is an ITF-14 Barcode?
ITF stands for Interleaved Two of Five. Digits are paired: one is represented by bars and the next by spaces. The 14-digit GTIN identifies the traded case or grouping, not merely the product inside it. GS1 describes ITF-14 as a distribution symbol rather than a retail checkout symbol. A plain ITF-14 carries only the GTIN; it does not include a batch, expiry, or shipping serial number.
How the 14 Digits Are Built
For a fixed-measure case, a GTIN-14 is built from an indicator digit, the underlying company prefix and item reference, and a recalculated check digit. The indicator distinguishes the case configuration; it does not encode the quantity directly.
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Indicator digit | Usually 1-8 for fixed-measure groupings; 9 is reserved for variable-measure items. |
| Company prefix and item reference | Identify the trade item under the owner's GS1 allocation. |
| Check digit | Calculated from the preceding 13 digits to detect many entry errors. |
A case of 6 and a case of 12 are different trade items and need distinct identifiers. Adding a leading zero to a GTIN-13 creates a 14-digit representation of that same item; it does not assign a new case GTIN. Use the GS1 rules for your product hierarchy and keep an allocation record.
When Should You Use ITF-14?
Use ITF-14 when a non-retail case needs its GTIN printed for receiving or distribution and the trading partner accepts that symbol. It is especially useful on corrugated boxes because its wider print tolerances and bearer bars suit direct carton printing. It is not the right symbol for a consumer unit at a normal checkout, a shipment tracking number, or data such as lot, expiry, and variable weight.
If you need a batch number, expiry date, or serial shipping container code, discuss GS1-128 with your trading partner. If a case itself is sold to consumers, confirm the point-of-sale barcode they require rather than assuming ITF-14 will scan there.
ITF-14 vs EAN-13/UPC-A vs GS1-128
| Symbol | Typical placement | Data carried | Usual scanning context |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITF-14 | Outer carton or case | One GTIN-14 | Warehouse and distribution |
| EAN-13 / UPC-A | Retail consumer unit | GTIN-13 / GTIN-12 | Point of sale |
| GS1-128 | Logistics label | GTIN plus structured application data, or an SSCC | Receiving and shipping workflows |
A product can carry a UPC-A, its case an ITF-14, and its pallet a GS1-128 logistics label. The exact combination depends on the buyer's supplier guide. For broader format selection, see our barcode types guide.
ITF-14 Size, Bearer Bars, and Quiet Zones
The X-dimension is the narrowest bar width. GS1 UK lists 0.495-1.016 mm as the normal ITF-14 range and says symbols below 0.635 mm X-dimension should be limited to labels or high-quality print surfaces, not conventional direct printing on corrugated board. General distribution uses a 31.75 mm bar-height target; do not casually shorten the bars to fit a box. A quiet zone of at least 10 times X is needed on each side.
| Feature | Planning value |
|---|---|
| X-dimension | 0.495-1.016 mm normal range; at least 0.635 mm for conventional corrugated printing |
| Bar height | 31.75 mm for general distribution in the normal specification |
| Side quiet zones | At least 10 × X on both sides |
| Bearer bars | Full frame on direct-printed corrugated; top and bottom bars of at least 1 mm for on-demand labels |
GS1's current specifications include application-specific exceptions, so confirm the exact size and print quality with your trading partner and printer. Use the full bearer box for direct printing on corrugated; for on-demand label printing, GS1 UK describes top and bottom bearer bars. See GS1 UK's ITF-14 size guide.
How to Create an ITF-14 Barcode
- Start with a case GTIN allocated under your GS1 rules. Confirm that each pack count or configuration has its own identifier.
- Choose the correct indicator for a fixed-measure grouping, or follow the separate variable-measure rules when applicable. Recalculate the GTIN check digit.
- Open the Barcode Generator, select ITF-14, and enter 13 digits to have the final check digit added, or enter all 14 digits for validation. Compare the output against your allocation record.
- Set the artwork at the physical size required for your print method. Browser pixels alone do not establish a compliant X-dimension or bar height.
- Download the PNG and place it at final size in your carton or label design. The app's PDF export embeds a raster image; it is not a vector master.
- Inspect the layout for the correct bearer bars. The generator preview is not a print certification; have a designer add and verify the full frame or top/bottom bars if they are absent.
- Print on the real board or label stock, then scan samples with your warehouse equipment before approving production.
For several case identifiers, the Bulk Barcode Generator accepts one value per line. Batch downloads require sign-in and depend on plan limits.
Common ITF-14 Mistakes
- Reusing the consumer item's GTIN for a different case trade item.
- Changing the case quantity without allocating a distinct GTIN.
- Placing ITF-14 on a consumer pack intended for normal retail checkout.
- Printing too small or cutting bar height to fit a short carton panel.
- Letting graphics or text enter the required quiet zones.
- Leaving out required bearer bars on direct-printed corrugated packaging.
- Expecting ITF-14 to carry batch, expiry, weight, or shipment-level data by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ITF-14 stand for?
ITF means Interleaved Two of Five. The 14 means the symbol carries a 14-digit GTIN. Digits are encoded in pairs, with bars representing one digit and spaces the next.
Can an ITF-14 be scanned at a store checkout?
It is intended for general distribution and case scanning, not ordinary retail point-of-sale scanning. Ask the retailer which symbol must appear on any pack sold to consumers.
What's the difference between ITF-14 and GTIN-14?
GTIN-14 is the 14-digit identifier for a trade item such as a case. ITF-14 is one barcode symbology that can carry that identifier. The number can also appear in other GS1 data carriers.
Do I need a GS1 membership to make ITF-14 barcodes?
The drawing tool cannot assign a legitimate GTIN. You need identifiers allocated under the applicable GS1 rules and accepted by your trading partners. If you already have a licensed GS1 company prefix, use its allocation rules for each case configuration.
Which indicator digit should I use?
For fixed-measure groupings, digits 1 through 8 distinguish packaging configurations. The digit does not itself mean a particular case count, so keep an allocation record. Nine is reserved for variable-measure trade items; zero can pad a GTIN-13 in a 14-digit field.
Can I print an ITF-14 on a label instead of the box?
Yes. Labels can be used for short runs or cases without printed artwork. Follow the size and quality requirements for the label print process, leave the quiet zones clear, and include the appropriate bearer bars.
Why does an ITF-14 have a black box around it?
Bearer bars help distribute printing pressure on corrugated surfaces and reduce the risk of distorted bars. Direct printing generally uses a full frame; on-demand labels may use top and bottom bearer bars.
Is ITF-14 being replaced by GS1-128 or 2D barcodes?
ITF-14 still serves the simple case-GTIN job, especially on corrugated cartons. GS1-128 or a suitable GS1 2D symbol is used when a trading partner needs extra data such as batch or expiry information. Follow that partner's current routing guide.
Final Thoughts
ITF-14 is a practical case-GTIN symbol for distribution, especially on corrugated outer cartons. Allocate the case number correctly, follow GS1 dimensions and bearer-bar rules, and test on the real material. Use the ITF-14 generator for a preview, then let your print workflow verify the final artwork. If you are designing item labels with names as well as codes, see our spreadsheet label guide.
Sources and Specifications
Review GS1 UK's ITF-14 size guidance, the GS1 General Specifications, and your trading partner's current supplier guide before a production print run.
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