EAN-8

EAN-8 is a shortened version of EAN-13, designed for use on smaller packages where an EAN-13 barcode would be too large. It consists of 8 digits and maintains compatibility with retail scanning systems.

Basic Usage

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode', '96385074', { format: 'EAN8' })

[!NOTE] Image needed: Basic EAN-8 barcode example

Structure

An EAN-8 barcode consists of:

• First 2-3 digits: Country/region code
• Next 4-5 digits: Product code
• Last digit: Check digit (automatically calculated)

Auto Check Digit

The check digit is automatically calculated if omitted:

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

// These generate the same barcode
barcode('#barcode', '9638507', { format: 'EAN8' })   // Auto-calculates check digit
barcode('#barcode', '96385074', { format: 'EAN8' })  // Manual check digit

Advanced Options

You can customize the appearance of EAN-8 barcodes with these options:

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode', '96385074', {
  format: 'EAN8',
  width: 2,
  height: 100,
  displayValue: true,
  font: 'OCRB',
  fontSize: 18,
  textMargin: 0,
  flat: false
})

Flat Mode

Remove guard bars for special applications:

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode', '96385074', {
  format: 'EAN8',
  flat: true
})

[!NOTE] Image needed: EAN-8 flat mode example

Add-on Support

Can be combined with EAN-2 or EAN-5 supplemental barcodes:

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode')
  .EAN8('96385074')
  .blank(20)
  .EAN2('12', { height: 85, textPosition: 'top' })
  .render()

[!NOTE] Image needed: EAN-8 with add-on example

Common Applications

1. Small Products

   • Confectionery
   • Cosmetics
   • Small electronics

2. Space-Limited Packaging

   • Travel-size products
   • Small containers
   • Limited label space

[!NOTE] Image needed: Real-world application examples

Error Handling

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode', '96385074', {
  format: 'EAN8',
  valid: (valid) => {
    if (!valid) {
      console.error('Invalid EAN-8')
      // Handle invalid input
    }
  }
})

Best Practices

1. Use only when EAN-13 is too large
2. Validate input length (7-8 digits)
3. Use OCR-B font for standard compliance
4. Ensure adequate quiet zones
5. Test scanner compatibility

Size Comparison

[!NOTE] Image needed: Size comparison between EAN-8 and EAN-13

Technical Notes

• Smaller data capacity than EAN-13
• Compatible with all EAN/UPC scanners
• Requires registration with GS1
• Less commonly used than EAN-13