WooCommerce Barcode Plugin vs Online Barcode Generators
David Collin- 3 min read
Many WooCommerce store owners start with online barcode generators because they seem quick and free. However, these tools often create long-term problems when used in real eCommerce workflows.
Limitations of Online Barcode Generators
Most online barcode tools:
- Depend on third-party servers
- Restrict downloads or formats
- Do not integrate with WooCommerce orders
- Require manual barcode creation
- Stop working if the service changes
They are designed for occasional use, not for active WooCommerce stores.
Why WooCommerce Needs a Native Barcode Solution
WooCommerce barcodes are not just images — they are part of order and inventory workflows. A proper solution must:
- Automatically generate barcodes
- Sync with products and orders
- Support bulk printing
- Work with invoices and emails
- Stay functional without external services
Online tools simply cannot offer this level of integration.
Plugin-Based Barcode Management
A WordPress plugin designed specifically for WooCommerce handles barcodes where they belong — inside your store.
With WooCommerce Barcode Plugin, barcodes are:
- Generated automatically
- Stored in your database
- Displayed across products, orders, and documents
- Fully under your control
This makes the system reliable and scalable.
| Features / Plugin | WooCommerce Barcode Plugin (Sharabindu) | Other Barcode Plugins |
|---|---|---|
| Generate Product Barcodes | Yes | Varies by plugin |
| Generate Order Barcodes | Yes | Often missing |
| Barcode Printing & Bulk Labels | Yes | Limited or add-ons |
| Support for EAN, UPC & Standard Codes | Yes | Some only support QR or simple barcodes |
| Integration with WooCommerce Emails | Yes | Rare |
| Barcode on PDF Invoices | Yes | Not common |
| Admin Barcode Display | Yes | Limited |
| No External API Needed | Yes | Many rely on online services |
| Fully Self-Hosted | Yes | Some depend on third-party services |
| One Click EAN, UPC Code Generator | Yes | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
Many barcode plugins or free barcode generators you’ll find online:
-
Are not designed specifically for WooCommerce order workflows
-
Generate barcodes only for products—not orders
-
Don’t support bulk printing
-
Rely on external APIs or online services
-
Lack integration with WooCommerce emails or invoices
In contrast, WooCommerce Barcode Plugin focuses on:
✅ Real-world workflows (orders + products + invoices)
✅ Self-hosted barcode generation
✅ WooCommerce-centric functionality
✅ Barcode management directly inside WordPress
Best Use Cases (At a Glance)
🔹 WooCommerce Barcode Plugin
Ideal for:
-
Store owners with inventory and order scanning needs
-
Fulfillment teams needing printable labels
-
WooCommerce emails with barcode info
-
Businesses wanting self-hosted, reliable barcodes
🔹 Other Barcode Plugins
Best for:
-
Very basic barcode generation
-
QR or standalone barcode purpose only
-
Users who don’t need WooCommerce integration
What Most Barcode Tools Don’t Offer
🔸 Automatic generation of barcodes for orders
🔸 Bulk printing of product labels
🔸 Barcode on admin screens + frontend displays
🔸 Integration with PDF invoices + emails
🔸 Dedicated WooCommerce support
These gaps often force users to rely on multiple disjointed solutions, which is inefficient.
Final Comparison Verdict
Online barcode generators are suitable for one-time use.
WooCommerce barcode plugins are built for real stores, real orders, and real growth.
If your store processes products daily, a plugin-based barcode system is the clear long-term choice.
Writted by
David Collin
David Collin is a skilled WordPress Developer with expertise in building custom themes, plugins, and scalable websites. He is passionate about crafting clean, efficient code and delivering tailored solutions that empower businesses online.
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