EAN-13 Data Characters Encoding in Microsoft Office Word Application
Here we will explain how to encoding numeric data, configuring add-on symbols, and managing check digits for EAN-13 (European Article Number 13, a 13-digit linear GS1 barcode) in the Microsoft Office Word Application using a professional barcode generator add-in.
EAN-13 Data Character Set
The EAN-13 barcode symbology supports numeric data encoding only.
Valid input characters are numeric digits ranging from 0 to 9.
No alphabetic, symbolic, or special characters are permitted in the main data field.
Note: Entering non-numeric characters in the Microsoft Office Word Application barcode panel will result in an invalid barcode and scanning failure.
Digit Length of EAN-13 Barcode
Each standard EAN-13 barcode consists of exactly 13 digits.
The first 12 digits represent the core GS1 (Global Standard 1) data message.
The 13th digit is a mandatory check digit for validation.
In the Microsoft Office Word Application barcode settings pane, you can use either of the following input methods:
In the Microsoft Office Word Application barcode settings pane, you can use either of the following input methods:
- Enter the full 13-digit EAN-13 string.
- Enter only the first 12 digits of the EAN-13 data.
EAN-13 with Add-On Symbol
EAN-13 can be paired with supplementary add-on symbols for extended data. Two types of add-on symbols are supported in the Microsoft Office Word Application:
- Two-digit add-on: encodes exactly 2 numeric digits
- Five-digit add-on: encodes exactly 5 numeric digits
- Open the Barcode Settings panel in the Microsoft Office Word Application.
- Select the EAN-13 barcode type.
- Enable the add-on function and choose either 2-digit or 5-digit mode.
- Enter the corresponding numeric add-on data in the designated field.
Note: Non-numeric values or incorrect digit lengths in the add-on field will produce an unreadable barcode in Word.
EAN-13 Check Sum Digit
The EAN-13 check digit is a validation digit used to confirm accurate scanning. It is calculated based on the first 12 digits of the barcode data.
In the Microsoft Office Word Application barcode add-in:
In the Microsoft Office Word Application barcode add-in:
- The check digit is computed automatically by the barcode add-in software.
- If you manually input all 13 digits, the add-in ignores the provided 13th digit.
- It recalculates a valid check digit using the first 12 digits only.
Common Asked Questions
What is the EAN-13 code?
EAN-13 barcode is one of the GS1 standard supported barcode symbology, and it is the most commonly recognized barcode in Europe.
EAN-13 code is a 13-digit number, which includes 12 GS1 data digits and 1 check digit. EAN is short for European Article Number,
and now it is renamed as GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). EAN 13 code will be used to uniquely identify retail products worldwide.
Using Word barcode generator add-in, you can create, customize and insert EAN-13 barcodes in Word documents using Microsoft Office 365, 2021, 2019, 2016 applications.
Using Word barcode generator add-in, you can create, customize and insert EAN-13 barcodes in Word documents using Microsoft Office 365, 2021, 2019, 2016 applications.
What is the EAN-13 barcode layout?
The whole 13 digits EAN-13 code is containing:
- 2 or 3 digits for the number system or the country code
- 5 or 4 digits for the manufacturer code or prefix
- 5 digits for the product code
- 1 digit for the check sum digit
What is the difference between EAN and EAN-13?
EAN includes EAN-13, EAN-8 and with 2 or 5 digits add-on symbol. OnBarcode Word EAN/UPC Barcode Generator add-in supports both EAN-13 and EAN-8 barcode printing in
Microsoft Word documents.
How to check if the EAN-13 barcode created in Word document is valid?
The last digit (13th) of EAN-13 is a check digit. It will be used to verify the first 12-digit GS1 data message.
You can use OnBarcode free EAN-13 barcode scanner software to scan, and test the generated EAN barcodes in Word doucments on Windows.
How do I print high quality EAN-13 barcodes in Microsoft Word document?
To print good quality EAN-13 barcodes in Word documents, you need follow the rules below.
- The EAN-13 barcode image resolution (DPI) is the same or higher than the printer's resolution.
- The EAN-13 barcode human readable text is using the legible fonts. The GS1 System recommends use OCR-B font to draw EAN-13 text label.
What is the minimum size for EAN-13?
The GS1 recommended minimum size for an EAN-13 barcode is 30mm in width and 20 mm in height.
You can easily customize the printed EAN-13 barcode dimension width and height in Word doucment.

