Free Code 128 Barcode Generator

What is Code 128 Barcode Generator?

Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode that can encode all 128 ASCII characters. It uses three code sets: A (upper-case letters, digits and control characters), B (upper and lower case letters, digits and punctuation) and C (pairs of digits, which packs numbers at double density). A start character selects the set, and special shift and switch characters let the symbol change set mid-way.

Every Code 128 symbol ends with a check character (a modulo 103 checksum) followed by a stop pattern. The generator adds both for you, so you only supply the data. The barcode needs a quiet zone of at least ten times the bar width on each side to scan reliably.

Code 128 is the everyday choice for shipping labels, warehouse locations, asset tags and serial numbers. GS1-128, used for pallet and logistics labels, is a strict variant of it with Application Identifiers. Characters outside ASCII, such as accented letters, cannot be encoded and are flagged as invalid.

When should you use it?

• You need to label parcels, boxes or shelves with order numbers or location codes.
• Your serial numbers or SKUs mix letters and digits, which rules out EAN and UPC.
• Asset tags or equipment IDs must be scanned by a handheld reader.
• You want a compact barcode for a long run of digits: Code 128 uses set C to encode two digits per symbol.
• You are printing internal document or ticket references for a scanning workflow.

Privacy

This tool runs in your browser. What you type, paste or open is processed on your device by JavaScript and is not sent to our servers, stored or shared. Your data stays on your device.

Your text is encoded into bars by JavaScript in your browser and is never sent anywhere. The barcode contains exactly the characters you entered plus the standard start, check and stop characters.