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Zint Barcode Generator

zint.org.uk

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Spec score 8.2 #4 of 21 in Barcode Generators

What it is

Zint Barcode Generator is a free, open-source project that creates barcode images through a desktop GUI, command-line tool, or library API. It supports more than 50 symbologies across linear, stacked, postal, and matrix formats, including QR Code, Code 128, EAN, UPC, Data Matrix, and PDF417. Users can set image size, colour, error correction, and orientation. The library renders BMP, EMF, EPS, GIF, PCX, PNG, TIF, and SVG images. Developers can use its C API from C and C++ programs; the manual also describes Qt and Tcl interfaces. Installation is documented for Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD, and the Tcl backend can also be built on Android. Windows downloads include Barcode Studio and a command-line executable, both requiring the Visual C runtime DLL. The macOS instructions cover the command-line tool and library through Homebrew, while GUI build directions are separate. Linux users can compile Zint, and Barcode Studio requires Qt. The gLabels desktop label-design software supports the Zint libraries. Zint has no paid plans stated.

Spec sheet

What it does
Zint generates barcode images through a desktop GUI, command-line tool, and library API.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Purpose
Zint is an open-source barcode generation project for desktop users, command-line workflows, and software developers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Intended users
The project describes its intended users as developers, businesses creating labels or internal tools, researchers, technical users, and people who prefer open-source tools.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Integrations
gLabels includes support for the Zint libraries.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Privacy
The website may collect technical server-log information for site administration, security, troubleshooting, traffic analysis, and user-experience improvements.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Support
The project points users to SourceForge and GitHub for releases, source code, issues, discussions, and community support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
License
For versions 2.5 and later, libzint uses the BSD 3-clause license, while the GUI and CLI use GNU GPL version 3 or later.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Barcode formats
Zint supports linear, stacked, postal, and matrix formats, including QR Code, Code 128, EAN, UPC, Data Matrix, and PDF417.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Customization
Output options include image size, colour, error correction, and orientation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Developer API
The C API supports C and C++ programs, and the manual also describes Qt and Tcl interfaces.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Integration
The gLabels desktop label-design software includes support for the Zint libraries.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Linux
The manual documents compiling Zint on Linux and describes installing Qt to use Barcode Studio.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
macOS
The manual documents installing the command-line tool and library on macOS with Homebrew, and points to source instructions for building the GUI.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Output formats
The library can render barcode images as BMP, EMF, EPS, GIF, PCX, PNG, TIF, or SVG.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Output options
Image size, colour, error correction, and orientation can be configured.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Platform availability
The manual documents installation on Linux, BSD, Windows, and macOS; its Tcl backend can also be built on Android.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Related projects
The project lists OkapiBarcode as a Java port and ZintNet as a C# port.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Security and trust
The manual says fresh Windows releases may trigger a Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warning because the project cannot afford Microsoft application signing.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Supported formats
The library supports over 50 barcode symbologies, including QR Code, Code 128, EAN, UPC, Data Matrix, and PDF417.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Ways to use it
Zint includes Barcode Studio, a command-line tool, and a library API for adding barcode generation to applications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Website accounts
The website does not require user accounts.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Windows
Windows downloads include the Barcode Studio executable and command-line executable; the manual says both require the Visual C runtime DLL.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk
Windows download note
The manual says fresh Windows releases may trigger a Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warning because the binaries are unsigned.Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk

Plans and prices

Zint Free Free and open-source barcode generation project; no paid plans stated Read 8 Oct 2026 · zint.org.uk

Every Zint Barcode Generator plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports more than 50 barcode symbologies.
  • Offers desktop, command-line, and library-based use.
  • Configures image size, colour, error correction, and orientation.
  • Renders BMP, EMF, EPS, GIF, PCX, PNG, TIF, and SVG.
  • Free and open-source, with no paid plans stated.

Limits

  • Windows executables require the Visual C runtime DLL.
  • Barcode Studio on Linux requires Qt.
  • Fresh Windows releases may trigger a SmartScreen warning.

Who it suits

Zint suits developers, businesses creating labels or internal tools, researchers, and technical users who prefer open-source software. It offers both desktop and command-line use alongside library interfaces.

Verdict

Zint offers broad barcode-format support and multiple ways to generate images, from a GUI to a developer library. Check the platform-specific requirements, particularly the Windows runtime and Linux Qt dependency.

Where Specifiction places it

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