Barcode Generation & Decoding API Docs

Overview

The Barcode Generation & Decoding API lets you create and read barcodes programmatically. Generate images in multiple popular formats or upload existing barcodes for decoding. All responses include image dimensions, format metadata, and decoded values.

Generate QR Code, PDF417, Code 39, and Code 128 barcodes
Decode barcodes from image uploads
PNG output ready for printing and display
Bulk generation support for high-volume workflows

Authentication

All API requests require a RapidAPI key passed via the request header. Subscribe to any plan on RapidAPI to receive your API key.

Header
X-RapidAPI-Key: your-api-key

Endpoints

POST /v1/barcode/generate

Generates a barcode image from the provided data string and format.

POST /v1/barcode/decode

Decodes a barcode from an uploaded image and returns the encoded data.

Request

Send a POST request with a JSON body containing the data and format for generation.

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
data	string	Yes	Data to encode in the barcode
format	string	Yes	Barcode format: `qr`, `pdf417`, `code39`, or `code128`
width	number	No	Image width in pixels (default: 400)
height	number	No	Image height in pixels (default: 120)

Example Request Body (Generate)

{
  "data": "123456789012",
  "format": "code128"
}

Response

A successful generation returns a 200 status with image details and metadata.

Field	Type	Description
format	string	Canonical format name (e.g. CODE128, CODE39, PDF417, QR)
value	string	The encoded data value
encoded_length	number	Length of the encoded barcode pattern
image_width	number	Width of the generated image in pixels
image_height	number	Height of the generated image in pixels
image_data	string	Base64-encoded PNG image data
status	string	Request status: success or error

Example Response (200 OK)

{
  "format": "CODE128",
  "value": "123456789012",
  "encoded_length": 155,
  "image_width": 400,
  "image_height": 120,
  "image_data": "iVBORw0KGgo...",
  "status": "success"
}

Error Codes

Status	Code	Message	Description
400	MISSING_PARAM	Missing required parameter	Required field (data or format) is missing
400	INVALID_FORMAT	Unsupported barcode format	Format must be code39, code128, pdf417, or qr
400	INVALID_DATA	Data too long or contains invalid chars	The data string exceeds format limits or has invalid characters
401	UNAUTHORIZED	Invalid or missing API key	The X-RapidAPI-Key header is missing or invalid
429	RATE_LIMIT	Rate limit exceeded	Request limit for your plan has been reached
500	INTERNAL_ERROR	Internal server error	An unexpected error occurred. Please try again.

Code Examples

cURL

              
curl --request POST \

  --url https://frapi-barcode-v1.p.rapidapi.com/v1/barcode/generate \

  --header 'X-RapidAPI-Key: your-api-key' \

  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \

  --data '{"data": "123456789012", "format": "code128"}'

Python

              
import requests

url = "https://frapi-barcode-v1.p.rapidapi.com/v1/barcode/generate"
headers = {
    "X-RapidAPI-Key": "your-api-key",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}
data = { "data": "123456789012", "format": "code128" }

response = requests.post(url, json=data, headers=headers)
print(response.json())
              
            

JavaScript

              
const url = 'https://frapi-barcode-v1.p.rapidapi.com/v1/barcode/generate';
const options = {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'X-RapidAPI-Key': 'your-api-key',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({ data: '123456789012', format: 'code128' })
};

const response = await fetch(url, options);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);
              
            

Rate Limits

Request limits depend on your subscription tier. Exceeding your limit returns a 429 status.

Tier	Requests / Month	Rate Limit
Starter (Free)	500	10 req/min
Pro	10,000	60 req/min
Enterprise	100,000	300 req/min

Try It Out

Test the API right in your browser. No API key required.