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Code 128 Barcode Generator

Generate Code 128 Barcodes

Our free Code 128 Barcode Generator allows you to create customised barcodes for a wide range of business needs. It supports alphanumeric data and special characters, ensuring high-density encoding for applications like inventory management, shipping, and asset tracking.

Generate barcodes quickly and download them in various formats, ready for use in your business.

What Is the Ideal Size for Code 128 Barcodes?

When generating Code 128 barcodes, the dimensions can be customised based on your requirements. The width of the barcode depends on the number of characters and includes quiet zones. The formula to calculate the width is:

W = 11X(C + D/2) + 2Q + 2X

Where:

X is the module width, typically set to 1 pixel.
Q is the quiet zone width (minimum 10X).
C is the number of characters.
D is the number of double-density numeric characters.

The height is not strictly defined, but for manual scanning, the height should be at least 5 mm or 15% of the symbol’s length.

How To Use Our Free Code 128 Barcode Generator?

Using our free Barcode generator is easy. Just enter the alphanumeric barcode data you want to encode. Code 128 accepts a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. After entering the data, click “Generate Code 128 Barcode.”

The barcode image will be created instantly, and you can download it in various formats like PDF, SVG, PNG, or JPG, perfect for business or personal use.

How is the Checksum Calculated for Code 128 Barcodes?

The checksum for Code 128 is calculated using a weighted modulo-103 method. Here’s a step-by-step process:

Start Character Value: Assign a value to the start character (103, 104, or 105, depending on the code set).
Character Weighting: For each character, multiply its value by its position (starting from 1 for the first character after the start symbol).
Summing: Add the results of all the character multiplications, including the start character.
Modulo Operation: Divide the total sum by 103.
Checksum: The remainder is the checksum value, which is then appended before the stop symbol.

Let’s look at an example to understand this better:

Let’s say we have the string “AB12”, and we are using Code Set B. Here’s how to calculate the checksum:

Start Symbol: Assume we’re using Code Set B, so the start value is 104.
Assign Values:
- ‘A’ = 33
- ‘B’ = 34
- ‘1’ = 17
- ‘2’ = 18
Multiply by Position:
- Start = 104 × 1 = 104
- ‘A’ = 33 × 1 = 33
- ‘B’ = 34 × 2 = 68
- ‘1’ = 17 × 3 = 51
- ‘2’ = 18 × 4 = 72
Sum: 104 + 33 + 68 + 51 + 72 = 328
Modulo: 328 ÷ 103 = 3 remainder 19.
Checksum: The remainder (19) is the checksum or check digit, which is added to the barcode before the stop symbol.

What is the Character Limit of Your Code 128 Barcode Generator?

Code 128 barcodes do not have a strict character limit, but the practical limit depends on the physical space available and the scanner’s ability to read the barcode. In general, a longer barcode will take up more space.

Typically, Code 128 barcodes can encode a large number of characters (up to 80+), including alphanumeric data. However, it’s essential to balance readability and scanning efficiency when generating lengthy barcodes.

Suggested Use Cases of Code 128

Code 128 barcodes offer a versatile solution for a wide range of industries due to their ability to encode both alphanumeric and special characters efficiently.

From inventory management to retail and healthcare, this barcode type ensures accurate and reliable tracking, making it ideal for applications that require detailed data encoding.

Below are some common use cases where Code 128 proves invaluable for businesses seeking efficient, high-density data representation.

Inventory Management: Code 128 barcodes can encode a large amount of data, making them ideal for tracking products in warehouses.
Shipping and Logistics: Frequently used on shipping labels due to their high data capacity and scannability.
Healthcare: Used on patient wristbands, medical supplies, and equipment for accurate tracking and identification.
Retail: Employed for labeling products that require both numeric and alphanumeric data, such as product IDs and serial numbers.
Asset Tracking: Perfect for businesses tracking valuable equipment or assets.

Types of Code 128 Barcode Sets

Code 128 barcodes are divided into three code sets, each optimized for different types of data:

Code Set A: Encodes uppercase letters, numbers, and control characters (ASCII 0–95). It’s used to encode non-printable characters like carriage return and tab.
Code Set B: Handles both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (ASCII 32–127), making it ideal for encoding text data.
Code Set C: Optimized for numeric data, encoding pairs of digits in a single character, which is highly efficient for long numeric strings.

Each set can be used independently or combined to suit specific data encoding needs.

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Is there a Scan Limit to the Code 128 Barcode Generated Using your Online Barcode Generator?

There is no scan limit for the 128 barcode generated using an online barcode generator. Once created, the barcode can be scanned unlimited times, provided it meets quality standards and is printed or displayed clearly. This ensures it works consistently across various POS systems and scanning devices.

How Many Free Codes 128 Barcodes Can I Generate?

We want you to generate free codes 128 barcodes to your heart’s content. Our tool has no limits, paid subscription or hidden charges.

Do You Have Other Barcode Generators?

Yes, we offer a range of other barcode generators. In addition to Code 128, you can generate QR codes, UPC A, UPC E, UPC A Composite, Code 39, and others, such as EAN-13, ITF, Data Matrix, and GS1 Databar. We also have online barcode generators for specialised barcodes like Aztec, Maxicode, and PDF 417.

You can access these generators and create barcodes for free. Each unique barcode can be customised, downloaded as a barcode image, and used for various business needs.