Generate Barcode using n8n action
PDF4me Create Barcode generates high-quality standalone barcodes and QR codes as image files through n8n automation workflows. Create 100+ barcode types (QR Code, Code 128, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417, EAN-13, UPC-A, etc.) with customizable text visibility, sizing options, and professional formatting. This solution is ideal for product labeling, inventory management, asset tracking, marketing campaigns, mobile app integration, and automated barcode generation workflows that require scalable, reliable barcode creation with flexible output formats and seamless n8n integration.
Setup
Add the PDF4me "Barcode Generator" node to your n8n workflow and configure the required parameters. For initial setup instructions, see our n8n Integration Guide.
Prerequisites:
- PDF4me API credentials
- n8n workflow access
Configuration:
- Add PDF4me node to workflow
- Select "Barcode Generator" action
- Configure input parameters (see below)

Parameters
Complete list of parameters for the Create Barcode action. Configure these parameters to control barcode generation.
Important: Parameters marked with an asterisk (***) are required and must be provided for the action to function correctly.
| Parameter | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text*** | String | Barcode Content Data • Specify the text, data, URL, or information to encode in the barcode • This content determines what the barcode contains when scanned • Supports various data types: URLs, text, contact information, custom data • Essential for barcode functionality | hello |
| Barcode Type*** | Enum | Barcode Format Selection • Choose from 100+ barcode types (1D linear, 2D matrix, postal, healthcare) • Different types support varying data capacities and scanning requirements • Select based on use case and industry requirements • Common types: QR Code, Code 128, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417, EAN-13 | QR Code |
| Hide Text*** | Boolean | Text Visibility Control • Control whether to hide barcode text display • true = hide text for clean, minimalist presentation • false = show text for human-readable identification • Essential for barcode labeling and design choices | true |
| Binary Data Output Name*** | String | Binary Data Output Mapping • Define the variable name for accessing generated barcode binary data • Used in subsequent workflow steps • Essential for workflow automation and data flow management • Default is "data" if not specified | data |
Advanced Options
The following parameters are available in the Advanced Options section and are optional:
| Parameter | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generate Inline URL | Boolean | Inline URL Generation • Generate a direct URL to access the barcode • Creates publicly accessible URL for web applications, emails • Enables URL-based access without downloading binary data • Optional for web-based workflows | false |
| Custom Profiles | String | Custom Configuration Profiles • Set additional options using custom profiles • JSON-like format containing predefined parameters • Enables advanced barcode generation settings • Optional for specialized requirements | { "outputDataFormat": "base64", "preserveMetadata": true } |
Output
Output Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| fileName | String | PDF4me generated barcode filename - The complete filename of the successfully generated barcode file with proper extension. PDF4me ensures unique naming and validates file format compliance for seamless integration with downstream processes | PDF4me_qrCode.png |
| mimeType | String | PDF4me barcode MIME type - The MIME type of the generated barcode file, indicating the file format for proper handling in web applications and file systems | image/png |
| fileSize | Number | PDF4me barcode file size in bytes - The exact size of the generated barcode file in bytes, provided by PDF4me for storage planning, bandwidth optimization, and file transfer monitoring. Essential for enterprise document management and workflow automation | 5629 |
| success | Boolean | PDF4me barcode generation status indicator - Boolean flag indicating the success or failure of the barcode generation process. PDF4me returns true for successful generation and false for any errors, enabling robust error handling in automated workflows | true |
N8N Action Response
The PDF4me Barcode Generator API returns a response that can be viewed in multiple formats. Choose the view that best fits your needs:
- JSON
- Table
- Schema
- Binary
JSON Response Format
The raw JSON response from the API:
{
"fileName": "PDF4me_qrCode.webp",
"mimeType": "image/png",
"fileSize": 5629,
"success": true
}
Table View
Response data in a structured table format:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| fileName | PDF4me_qrCode.png |
| mimeType | image/png |
| fileSize | 5629 |
| success | true |
Schema View
The data structure and types of the response:
1 item
fileName: AB PDF4me_qrCode.png
mimeType: AB image/png
fileSize: # 5629
success: ☑ true
Type Indicators:
AB= String#= Number☑= Boolean
Binary Data View
The actual barcode file data and metadata:
data
─────────────────────────────
File Name: PDF4me_qrCode.png
File Extension: png
Mime Type: image/png
File Size: 5.5 KB
Binary Data Access:
- n8n Binary Object:
$binary.data.data - Base64 Content: Available for direct use
- File Operations: Ready for download, email, or storage
Use Cases
Product Labeling and Manufacturing
- Generate high-quality barcodes for product packaging, manufacturing labels, and quality control tags that integrate with production line scanning systems for automated inventory tracking
- Create custom barcodes for internal part numbers, serial numbers, and batch codes that enable precise tracking through manufacturing processes and supply chain management
- Produce compliance barcodes for regulated industries including pharmaceuticals, food products, and electronics that meet international standards and regulatory requirements
Retail and E-commerce Operations
- Generate product barcodes for online stores, marketplaces, and retail systems that enable seamless inventory management, pricing updates, and sales tracking across multiple channels
- Create promotional barcodes with special pricing, discount codes, and loyalty program integration that enhance customer experience and drive sales conversion
- Produce shipping labels and tracking barcodes for e-commerce fulfillment that integrate with logistics providers and delivery tracking systems for complete order visibility
Event Management and Access Control
- Generate unique barcodes for event tickets, conference badges, and access passes that enable quick entry validation, attendee tracking, and real-time attendance analytics
- Create membership cards and loyalty program barcodes that integrate with point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management platforms for seamless customer engagement
- Produce visitor badges and temporary access codes with embedded barcodes that integrate with building security systems and visitor management software for controlled facility access