Code 128 barcode generator

Type letters, digits or symbols and the barcode is drawn as you type. It is the usual choice for warehouse, shipping and inventory labels.

Code 128 data

Letters, digits and symbols (printable ASCII).

52.8 × 23.7 mm printed size, module 0.3 mm.Encodes SKU-48213-B

Need many? Make a batch or a label sheet.

Size and colour

Module width

Bar height

Blank margin

mod.

Show the text

Bars

#000000

Background

#FFFFFF

Transparent

What is Code 128?

Code 128 is a compact linear barcode that can carry upper- and lowercase letters, digits and punctuation. It switches between character sets inside one barcode, packing runs of digits two to a symbol, which keeps numbers short.

Every Code 128 barcode ends with a check character that the encoder computes and the scanner verifies. It is not printed in the text under the bars, so you never type it.

Where it is used

Product SKUs and bin locations in a warehouse
Asset tags for equipment and IT
Order, ticket and serial numbers
Internal labels that never leave your business

What it holds

What a Code 128 barcode holds
	Code 128
Characters	Printable ASCII: A–Z, a–z, 0–9, space and keyboard symbols
Length	Variable; this site takes up to 80 characters
Check character	Always present, added by the encoder
Numbers	Pairs of digits share one symbol, so long numbers stay narrow

Printing Code 128 barcodes

Shorter data makes a narrower barcode at the same module width, which is easier to fit on a small label.
If you need a barcode for retail, use EAN-13 or UPC-A; for GS1 logistics data, use GS1-128.
Keep the blank margin on both sides.
Print one sample on the printer and label stock you will use, and scan it with the scanners that have to read it, before a full run.

Need a sheet of them? The batch generator makes up to 1,000 Code 128 barcodes at once and lays them out on Letter or A4 label sheets.

Questions about Code 128

Is Code 128 the same as GS1-128?

GS1-128 is Code 128 with a special start character and data written as GS1 Application Identifiers. A plain Code 128 barcode carries any text you choose.

Can Code 128 hold lowercase letters?

Yes. Code 128 covers all printable ASCII characters, including lowercase letters and symbols such as - / . and #.

Why is my barcode so wide?

Each letter takes a full symbol. Use fewer characters, lower the module width if your printer can print it cleanly, or switch to a QR Code or Data Matrix for long text.

Sources

bwip-js
The open-source library that draws the barcodes on this site (MIT licence).