Barcodes are everywhere, whether you run a retail store, ship products through logistics companies, manage warehouse inventory, or build billing and product labeling apps.
A fast and accurate barcode system helps businesses track products, automate processes, and reduce human errors.
That’s why many teams now want their own dynamic Barcode Generator in ReactJS.
With a simple UI and powerful JavaScript libraries, React makes it easy to generate real-time barcodes that update instantly.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to build a fast, dynamic, real-time ReactJS Barcode Generator using clean code.
You’ll have a complete working solution, plus a GitHub-ready project you can use in your apps.
What Is a Barcode Generator in ReactJS?
A Barcode Generator in ReactJS is simply a component that turns text or numbers (like product IDs or invoice numbers) into scannable barcodes.
Barcode Formats You Can Generate
- EAN / UPC: Used for retail products.
- Code128: Supports letters + numbers, great for logistics.
- Code39: Common for labeling and inventory.
- QR-like formats: 2D codes for more complex data (Similar process).
How Barcode Generation Works in React?
React barcode libraries usually convert data into:
- SVG: Scalable and best for printing.
- Canvas: Great for exporting as images (PNG/JPG).
When the input changes, the barcode updates instantly to make it a dynamic barcode generator.
Why is ReactJS the Best Choice?
- Real-time rendering using React state.
- Lightweight libraries like react-barcode.
- Easy to integrate as a React barcode component.
- Perfect for dashboards, admin apps, and automated systems.
React’s speed and component-based structure make it ideal for building accurate, responsive barcode tools.
What Are the Requirements & Tools You’ll Need?
To build your ReactJS Barcode Generator, make sure you have:
Required Setup
- Node.js + React environment (Create React App or Vite).
- A barcode library like react-barcode.
- GitHub Repo Access if you want to upload and share your project.
- Basic knowledge of React hooks, components, and events.
Once your environment is ready, you can generate barcodes with just a few lines of code.
Step 1: Setting Up Your React Project (Fast & Clean Setup)
The first step is to create a clean React project where we’ll build our dynamic barcode generator.
React makes it easy to update barcodes instantly whenever the user types something, which is perfect for real-time product IDs, SKUs, or invoice numbers.
Create a New React Project
Run this command:
npx create-react-app barcode-generator
Once the project is created, open it in VS Code.
Folder Structure Overview
Your folder structure will look like this:
barcode-generator/
├─ src/
│ ├─ components/
│ │ └─ BarcodeGenerator.jsx
│ ├─ App.js
│ └─ index.js
├─ public/
└─ package.json
We will keep everything modular so you can reuse your React barcode component in any app.
Dynamic Input → Dynamic Barcode Output
Using React state, whatever the user types will instantly appear as a barcode to turn this into a real-time barcode generator in ReactJS.
Step 2: Installing the Best React Barcode Library (And Why We Use It?)
To generate barcodes smoothly, we’ll use react-barcode, the most popular and reliable library.
Install the Library
Run:
npm install react-barcode
Why react-barcode?
- Lightweight.
- Accurate and production-ready.
- Supports popular formats like EAN, Code128, Code39, and more.
- Works perfectly inside React apps.
- Zero learning curve.
This makes it the best library to generate barcodes in ReactJS, especially for business apps like POS systems, ERP tools, and warehouse software.
Step 3: Building the Core Barcode Generator Component
Now we’ll build a reusable <BarcodeGenerator /> component that handles input and barcode rendering.
Full Working Code (Copy + Paste Ready)
Create a file:
src/components/BarcodeGenerator.jsx
Paste this:
import React, { useState } from "react";
import Barcode from "react-barcode";
const BarcodeGenerator = () => {
const [value, setValue] = useState("123456789012");
return (
<div style={{ padding: "20px", maxWidth: "500px", margin: "auto" }}>
<h2>Dynamic Barcode Generator in ReactJS</h2>
{/* User Input */}
<input
type="text"
value={value}
onChange={(e) => setValue(e.target.value)}
placeholder="Enter product ID, SKU, or invoice number"
style={{
padding: "10px",
width: "100%",
marginBottom: "20px",
borderRadius: "6px",
border: "1px solid #ccc"
}}
/>
{/* Barcode Output */}
{value.trim() !== "" ? (
<Barcode value={value} />
) : (
<p style={{ color: "red" }}>Please enter a valid value to generate barcode</p>
)}
</div>
);
};
export default BarcodeGenerator;
Line-by-Line Explanation
- useState(): Stores the barcode text (dynamic input).
- <input />: User types product ID, SKU, or invoice number.
- onChange: Updates barcode instantly.
- <Barcode />: Component from react-barcode that generates the barcode.
- Input validation: If empty, shows an error instead of a blank barcode.
This is your core barcode generator React code.
Step 4: Making It Dynamic to Generate Barcodes in Real Time
To make your ReactJS barcode generator fully dynamic, we already linked user input to the barcode component.
Real-time barcode generation
When users type even a single character, the barcode updates instantly.
Simple input validation
We ensure the user doesn’t generate an empty or invalid barcode.
Practical Business Use Cases
- Enter product IDs:Generate barcode for retail.
- Enter invoice numbers: Print barcodes on bills.
- Enter SKUs: Use in warehouse or inventory apps.
This helps businesses automate scanning and reduce manual mistakes.
Step 5: Improving the UI (Powerful Features)
To make your barcode generator more professional and business-ready, let’s add:
Improved Barcode Generator Code with Extra Features
Add this upgraded version to your component:
import React, { useState } from "react";
import Barcode from "react-barcode";
import html2canvas from "html2canvas";
const BarcodeGenerator = () => {
const [value, setValue] = useState("123456789012");
const [width, setWidth] = useState(2);
const [height, setHeight] = useState(100);
const [format, setFormat] = useState("CODE128");
const downloadBarcode = () => {
const barcodeElement = document.getElementById("barcode");
html2canvas(barcodeElement).then((canvas) => {
const link = document.createElement("a");
link.download = "barcode.png";
link.href = canvas.toDataURL("image/png");
link.click();
});
};
return (
<div style={{ padding: "20px", maxWidth: "600px", margin: "auto" }}>
<h2>Advanced ReactJS Barcode Generator (Real-Time)</h2>
{/* Input */}
<input
type="text"
value={value}
onChange={(e) => setValue(e.target.value)}
placeholder="Enter product ID, SKU, or invoice number"
style={{ padding: "10px", width: "100%", marginBottom: "20px" }}
/>
{/* Format Selector */}
<label>Select Format:</label>
<select
value={format}
onChange={(e) => setFormat(e.target.value)}
style={{ width: "100%", padding: "10px", marginBottom: "20px" }}
>
<option value="CODE128">Code128</option>
<option value="EAN13">EAN-13</option>
<option value="UPC">UPC</option>
<option value="CODE39">Code39</option>
</select>
{/* Width Slider */}
<label>Width:</label>
<input
type="range"
min="1"
max="4"
value={width}
onChange={(e) => setWidth(Number(e.target.value))}
style={{ width: "100%", marginBottom: "20px" }}
/>
{/* Height Slider */}
<label>Height:</label>
<input
type="range"
min="50"
max="200"
value={height}
onChange={(e) => setHeight(Number(e.target.value))}
style={{ width: "100%", marginBottom: "20px" }}
/>
{/* Barcode */}
<div id="barcode" style={{ padding: "20px", background: "#fff" }}>
<Barcode value={value} format={format} width={width} height={height} />
</div>
{/* Download Button */}
<button
onClick={downloadBarcode}
style={{
marginTop: "20px",
padding: "12px 20px",
background: "black",
color: "white",
fontWeight: "bold",
borderRadius: "6px",
cursor: "pointer",
width: "100%"
}}
>
Download Barcode as PNG
</button>
</div>
);
};
export default BarcodeGenerator;
Step 6: Full Working Code
Here’s a fully working Barcode Generator with React code that you can directly copy, paste, and run inside your project.
ReactJS Barcode Generator Code
Create a file:
src/BarcodeApp.jsx
Paste this full working code:
import React, { useState } from "react";
import Barcode from "react-barcode";
import html2canvas from "html2canvas";
const BarcodeApp = () => {
const [value, setValue] = useState("123456789012");
const [format, setFormat] = useState("CODE128");
const [width, setWidth] = useState(2);
const [height, setHeight] = useState(100);
const downloadBarcode = () => {
const barcode = document.getElementById("barcode-container");
html2canvas(barcode).then((canvas) => {
const link = document.createElement("a");
link.download = "barcode.png";
link.href = canvas.toDataURL("image/png");
link.click();
});
};
return (
<div style={{ maxWidth: "600px", margin: "auto", padding: "20px" }}>
<h2>ReactJS Dynamic Barcode Generator</h2>
{/* Input Field */}
<input
type="text"
value={value}
onChange={(e) => setValue(e.target.value)}
placeholder="Enter product ID, SKU, invoice number"
style={{
padding: "10px",
width: "100%",
marginBottom: "20px",
border: "1px solid #ccc",
borderRadius: "5px"
}}
/>
{/* Format Dropdown */}
<label>Barcode Format</label>
<select
value={format}
onChange={(e) => setFormat(e.target.value)}
style={{
padding: "10px",
width: "100%",
marginBottom: "20px",
borderRadius: "5px"
}}
>
<option value="CODE128">Code128</option>
<option value="EAN13">EAN-13</option>
<option value="UPC">UPC</option>
<option value="CODE39">Code39</option>
</select>
{/* Width Slider */}
<label>Width ({width})</label>
<input
type="range"
min="1"
max="4"
value={width}
onChange={(e) => setWidth(Number(e.target.value))}
style={{ width: "100%", marginBottom: "20px" }}
/>
{/* Height Slider */}
<label>Height ({height})</label>
<input
type="range"
min="50"
max="200"
value={height}
onChange={(e) => setHeight(Number(e.target.value))}
style={{ width: "100%", marginBottom: "20px" }}
/>
{/* Barcode Display */}
<div
id="barcode-container"
style={{
padding: "20px",
background: "#fff",
display: "flex",
justifyContent: "center"
}}
>
<Barcode
value={value}
format={format}
width={width}
height={height}
/>
</div>
{/* Download Button */}
<button
onClick={downloadBarcode}
style={{
padding: "12px",
width: "100%",
background: "black",
color: "white",
border: "none",
marginTop: "20px",
cursor: "pointer",
borderRadius: "6px",
fontWeight: "bold"
}}
>
Download Barcode as PNG
</button>
</div>
);
};
export default BarcodeApp;
Here’s the Full GitHub Code to Create a Barcode Generator in ReactJS.
Why Do Businesses Trust Us for ReactJS Solutions?
- We build fast, scalable ReactJS barcode generators that support dynamic user inputs and real-time barcode creation smoothly.
- Our team uses the best React barcode libraries to deliver accurate, lightweight, and production-ready barcode features.
- We design reusable React components that help businesses integrate barcode generation quickly into apps, dashboards, or POS systems.
- Our solutions integrate secure download options, letting businesses export barcodes instantly as PNG for printing or sharing.
- We support large-scale systems like eCommerce, warehouses, and billing software with fully dynamic ReactJS barcode tools.
Want a Customized ReactJs Solution? Contact Us Today!
What Are the Use Cases for Your ReactJS Barcode Generator?
Your dynamic barcode generator in ReactJS can be used in many industries. Here are some practical use cases:
Powerful Business Uses
- ERP Software: Automate stock handling and item tracking.
- Inventory Apps: Generate barcodes for every product or SKU.
- Billing Systems: Print barcodes on invoices and receipts.
- Product Labeling Apps: Create labels for packages or retail items.
- Warehouse Management Solutions: Scan products during storage and dispatch.
Whether you’re a developer building tools or a business improving workflow, a custom barcode generator is extremely valuable.
Build Unlimited Barcode Features With ReactJS
With ReactJS, creating a dynamic, fast, and customizable barcode generator is easier than ever.
You can extend it with features like exporting as images, choosing different barcode formats, adding size controls, or embedding it directly into your ERP or inventory system.
FAQs
- You can build it using a simple React barcode component like react-barcode.
- Install the library, pass text to it, and React will generate the barcode in real time.
- For beginners and production apps, react-barcode is the most popular and reliable library. It supports Code128, EAN, UPC, Code39, and more.
- Yes. By using Canvas or tools like html2canvas, you can convert your barcode into a downloadable PNG or JPG image.
- Add simple checks to prevent empty input values, unsupported characters, or invalid lengths based on barcode format rules.
- Use dropdowns or sliders for width, height, font size, or barcode type.
- When users update values, the barcode updates instantly to create a dynamic experience.