Barcode

Barcode is an API that generates a PNG image of a barcode (not QR: see QR code for that) from a text or number: for product labels, inventory, tickets, or anything you scan with a reader.

How it works

You send the data (data) and the barcode type (type), and get back a ready PNG. Defaults to Code128, the most flexible one (letters, numbers and symbols).

Available types

Type	Typical use
`code128`	The most flexible: letters, numbers and symbols. Default.
`code39`	Classic, uppercase letters and numbers.
`ean13` / `ean8`	Retail products (the barcode you see at a supermarket).
`upca` / `upce`	Like EAN, the usual US standard.
`itf14`	Boxes and logistics packaging.
`datamatrix`	Small, dense 2D code (parts, electronic components).
`pdf417`	High-capacity 2D code (ID cards, boarding passes).
`aztec`	2D code widely used on train tickets.

Each type requires the data to fit its format (e.g. EAN-13 needs 12 or 13 digits): if it doesn't fit, the API replies with a clear error about what's wrong, not a generic 500.

All you need

Your API key. Create it in your dashboard with "+ Create key". It's shown only once, so copy and save it.
In your automation platform, an "HTTP Request" step (n8n, Make, Zapier, Pipedream… all have one).

How to use it in n8n (step by step)

In the HTTP Request node:

Method: POST
URL: https://api.cofferdock.com/barcode
Send Headers: on → add two: x-api-key = your key, and Content-Type = application/json
Send Body: on → Body Content Type: JSON → { "data": "5901234123457", "type": "ean13" }
In Options → Response → Response Format: choose File

In Make: same method and URL, same JSON in the Body, treat the response as a binary file.

Options (inside the JSON)

Option	Default	What it does
`data`	-	Required. The text or number to encode.
`type`	`code128`	One from the table above.
`scale`	`3`	1 to 10: how large the image comes out.
`include_text`	`true`	Show the readable number/text below the barcode.

API overview

Endpoint: POST https://api.cofferdock.com/barcode
Auth: header x-api-key: YOUR_KEY.
Input: JSON, or the raw data with Content-Type: text/plain (options as query params).
Engine: bwip-js, pure JS (no native binaries or external service).
Output: always PNG.
Limits: 30 requests/min per IP. Up to 500 characters of data. 1 call = 1 credit.

Examples

curl:

curl -X POST "https://api.cofferdock.com/barcode" \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"data":"5901234123457","type":"ean13"}' \
  --output barcode.png

JavaScript (Node 18+):

const r = await fetch('https://api.cofferdock.com/barcode', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'x-api-key': 'YOUR_KEY', 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  body: JSON.stringify({ data: '5901234123457', type: 'ean13', output: 'image' }),
});
const buffer = Buffer.from(await r.arrayBuffer());

Response

{ "success": true, "image": "iVBORw0KGgo...", "mime_type": "image/png",
    "meta": { "type": "ean13", "size_bytes": 2588, "used": 12, "remaining": 488 } }

What you get back

By default (JSON): image as base64. Add output=image for the raw binary, or output=url for a temporary link (valid 15 minutes).