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Code 93 Barcode Generator

Encode text in Code 93, a compact linear barcode that covers full ASCII and protects the data with two check characters computed for you. Type your value, tune bar width, height and colours, and download PNG, SVG or a vector PDF. The barcode is generated locally in your browser.

Capital letters, digits, space and - . $ / + %. Check characters are added automatically.

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Your data stays on your device.

How does it work?

  1. 1Type or paste the value: upper and lower case letters, digits and punctuation can be encoded.
  2. 2The two check characters, C and K, are calculated and appended automatically, so do not type them.
  3. 3Adjust bar width, bar height, colours and the human-readable text; the indicator flags values that cannot be encoded.
  4. 4Download the barcode as PNG, SVG or a vector PDF.

What is Code 93 Barcode Generator?

Code 93 was introduced by Intermec in 1982 as a denser and more secure successor to Code 39. Its base set has 47 characters: the 43 of Code 39 plus four shift characters, printed ($), (%), (/) and (+). A shift character combined with a letter encodes the rest of ASCII, so lowercase letters and punctuation are possible at the cost of two symbols. Each character is nine modules wide, made of three bars and three spaces, and characters touch each other with no gaps, so a Code 93 label is noticeably shorter than the same data in Code 39.

A Code 93 symbol always carries two check characters, called C and K, calculated modulo 47. Readers normally verify and strip them, so the decoded text is only your data. The symbology appears in logistics and postal applications (Canada Post is a well-known user) and in some inventory and electronics labelling. Compared with Code 128 it is less widespread, so confirm that your scanner has Code 93 enabled before printing a large run.

When should you use it?

  • You need a shorter label than Code 39 gives for the same alphanumeric data.
  • A logistics or postal partner specifies Code 93.
  • You want built-in error detection without having to configure an optional check digit.
  • You need lowercase or punctuation in a short ID on a small label.

How check characters C and K work

Each character has a value from 0 to 46: 0–9, then A–Z as 10–35, then - . space $ / + % as 36–42, and the four shifts as 43–46. For C, take the data characters from right to left, multiply them by 1, 2, 3 … 20 (starting again at 1 after 20), add them up and take the sum modulo 47. For K, append C to the data and repeat with weights 1 … 15, again modulo 47. Example: TEST93 gets C = + (41) and K = 6, so the symbol encodes TEST93+6.

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.

The value you encode is processed only in your browser tab; the resulting symbol contains your text and the two check characters, nothing else.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Code 93 and Code 39?

Code 93 is denser (no gaps between characters, nine modules each), reaches full ASCII through shift characters and always includes two check characters. Code 39 is simpler, more widely supported and has only an optional check character.

Do I need to enter the check characters?

No. C and K are generated by the tool. If you type them yourself they are treated as ordinary data and two new check characters are added after them.

Will my scanner read Code 93?

Most modern scanners can, but the symbology is sometimes disabled by default. Enable it in the scanner setup, or test the printed label with the barcode scanner of this site before printing a large run.

How much quiet zone does it need?

As a safe rule, leave at least ten module widths (ten times the thinnest bar) blank on both sides and never crop the label right at the bars. If reading is unreliable, increase the bar width first.

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