Zint is an open-source barcode-generation toolkit with three ways to work: a graphical app for creating barcodes interactively, a command-line program for repeatable jobs, and a library API for integrating barcode generation into software. It supports more than 50 barcode symbologies, according to the Zint project’s manual version 2.16.0.9, dated July 2026. Which part to use depends on whether you are making a barcode once, automating production, or building barcode creation into an application.
What is Zint?
Zint is a cross-platform barcode-generation project. Its manual describes the package as a Qt-based graphical user interface (GUI), a command-line interface (CLI), and a library with an API for developers. The project’s manual explains these components and introduces the barcode types and settings they support.
The manual reports support for more than 50 barcode symbologies. That is the project’s capability statement, not an independent benchmark; consult the manual for the particular symbology and its data requirements before using it.
Which Zint interface should you use?
| Interface | Best fit | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Zint Barcode Studio GUI | Creating and adjusting a barcode interactively | Enter data, preview the symbol, change settings, and save an image. |
| CLI | Scripts, repeatable conversions, and other automated workflows | Provide input data, select a barcode type, and specify output options. |
| Library API | Adding barcode generation to software | Call libzint from an application using its API. |
For a one-off design, the GUI offers a visual workflow. For repeated generation from scripts or data-processing jobs, the CLI makes the choices explicit in commands. If your own software needs to create symbols, evaluate the library API and its license separately from the GUI and CLI.
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- Supports almost all 1D Barcodes: Febraban Bank Code, Codabar, Code 11, Code93, MSI, Code 128, EAN-128, Code 39, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN, Industrial 25, Interleaved 25, Standard 25, Matrix. Reads damaged, fuzzy, reflective and smudged barcodes.
How do you generate a barcode with Zint?
Use Barcode Studio for interactive creation
- Open Zint Barcode Studio.
- Enter the data you want encoded and choose the barcode type and applicable settings.
- Review the preview, then adjust settings as needed.
- Save the resulting barcode image in a supported format.
The preview shows the generated symbol, but it does not establish that the data is correct for your business process or that a printed result will scan reliably.
Use the CLI for repeatable generation
The CLI selects a barcode type with -b or --barcode; the option accepts a barcode name or number. The man page documents supplying input on the command line or from a file, and using output options to choose a format. See the official command-line chapter and CLI man page for syntax and options.
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zint -b DATAMATRIX -d "Example data" -o barcode.pngThis illustrates the basic pattern: choose a symbology, provide data, and write an output file. Check the manual for the exact name, input constraints, and options for the barcode type and Zint version you use.
Use the library for software integration
Developers can use libzint’s API to generate barcodes from an application. Before integrating it, review the API documentation for your version and confirm that its license fits how you will distribute or use the software.
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Can Zint make a QR code?
QR Code is one of the barcode types to look for in Zint’s symbology documentation. The project reports support for more than 50 symbologies, but support for a type alone does not guarantee that a particular payload, application, or scanner will meet your requirements. Check the relevant manual chapter for the type’s data rules and settings.
What file formats can Zint export?
The Zint CLI man page lists these output formats:
- BMP
- EMF
- EPS
- GIF
- PCX
- PNG
- SVG
- TIF
The list covers raster and vector image formats. The available format and relevant options depend on the workflow and version; consult the man page when selecting an output for a downstream application.
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- Automatic Scanning: NT-1228bc barcode scanner have three scanning modes: manual trigger mode, continuous scanning mode and auto-sensing scanning mode. In addition, there is a storage mode. Storage mode can be used when you are out of range of Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. Supports storage of up to 100,000 barcodes. Note: Before use, you need to scan the corresponding setting barcode on the manual.
- 2600mAh Battery Upgraded: Continuous scanning up to 200,000 times on a full charge. After a full charge the scanner can be used for one month at least, even in warehouses and at pos checkout counters where scanners are frequently used. In libraries and hospitals it can be used even longer.
- Programmable Configuration: Add custom prefixes/ suffixes, delete characters, Add keyboard keys/ combinations (terminator TAB, CR&LF, Home etc.), Enable or disable the barcode type as you want. Buzzer can be set to mute to allow for a quiet operation.(Note: It does not work with square POS / Divalto / DoorDash / Lightspeed POS system)
Can you print Zint barcodes on labels?
Zint generates barcode images; the sources do not establish compatibility with a particular label printer, provide a printer integration, or certify output for a particular scanner or business use. You can use an exported image in a separate print workflow if your software and printer support that file and layout.
Before printing, check that the printer can use your chosen file workflow and supports the label dimensions and print resolution you need. Test a printed sample with the scanners and conditions relevant to your use. Barcode generation does not validate the business data encoded, guarantee standards compliance, or ensure that a printed symbol will scan.
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- Supported 1D Bar Code - 1D Decode Capability: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, ISSN, ISBN, Code 128, GS1-128, Code39, Code93,Code32, Code11, UCC/EAN128, Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Codabar(NW-7), MSI, Plessey, RSS, China Post, etc.
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Can you use Zint in commercial software?
The project repository states that versions 2.5 and later use different licenses for different components: the encoding library is BSD 3-Clause, while the GUI, Zint Barcode Studio, and CLI are GPL version 3 or later. See the Zint repository and check the terms for the specific version and the way you plan to use, integrate, or distribute it. Do not assume that the library’s license also applies to the applications.
Which details should you verify before choosing Zint?
- Confirm that Zint supports the exact barcode symbology and data you need, using the manual for your version.
- Choose an interface suited to your workflow: GUI for interactive creation, CLI for automation, or library API for integration.
- Check that the output format fits the software or print process that will use the image.
- Review the license for each component you plan to use or distribute.
- Validate the encoded data and test printed output in the actual downstream workflow; a generated image is not proof of successful scanning.
The repository-hosted manual identifies itself as version 2.16.0.9 and is dated July 2026. That is the manual’s stated version and date, not an independently verified latest stable release tag. Start with the manual and the relevant chapter for your platform, barcode type, and intended workflow.
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