Is there a way to generate barcodes in Excel?

Yes — Excel can generate barcodes, with caveats. The classic method: install a barcode font (Code 39 fonts are free; wrap the value in asterisks like *SKU123* and format the cell in that font). Code 128 via font requires a check-digit calculation, so it needs an add-in or a helper formula rather than just typing. There are also third-party add-ins that render proper barcode images in-sheet.

The honest limits: font-based barcodes break silently if the font is missing on another machine, print quality varies, and Excel remains a static list — it can show a barcode but can't scan one, so it's only the label-generation half of a system.

Simpler path for most: generate and print labels from a free web generator or your inventory software, and let Excel do what it's good at.