Free Code 128 Barcode Generator

How to Generate a Code 128 Barcode

Here’s how to use the free code 128 barcode generator from Camcode.

Follow these four simple steps:

1. Confirm Code 128 is selected as the symbology. It is preselected here; search the 27 types if you need a different one.
2. Type your letters, numbers or symbols into the barcode contents field. The generator then picks the optimal subset automatically.
3. Preview the live Code 128 barcode to confirm it scans
4. Then export a print-ready SVG for your label artwork.

What is a Code 128 Barcode?

Code 128 is a high-density linear (1D) barcode symbology defined in the ISO/IEC 15417 standard and developed by Computer Identics in 1981. The 128 refers to the 128 ASCII characters it can encode, not a character limit.

Code 128 is variable-length: it encodes short SKUs or long serial strings, with practical length governed by your scanner field of view and label size, not the symbology itself. It reaches its density by encoding each character in three bars and three spaces and by offering a numeric mode that packs two digits into a single symbol character. Barcodes built on GS1 standards are now scanned about 10 billion times a day worldwide.

Code 128 is one of the core linear symbologies behind that logistics volume. For how it stacks up against other symbologies, see Camcode’s complete guide to barcode types and standards.

How Many Characters Can a Code 128 Barcode Hold?

Code 128 has no fixed character limit. The 128 in the name refers to the ASCII characters it can encode, not a maximum length.

Because Code 128 is variable-length, practical capacity is limited by scanner field of view and label size rather than by the symbology. In numeric mode (subset C) it packs two digits into one symbol character, so long all-number strings such as serial numbers stay compact.

For how capacity differs across symbologies, see how much data a barcode can store.

Need Barcode or QR Code Labels?

Camcode is a developer and manufacturer of customized, durable asset tracking labels and automatic data capture tracking solutions for applications where permanent identification is critical.  With over 50 years experience, we can create the perfect tracking solution for your asset, facility, maintenance, or warehouse management project.  Contact us now to how you can start tracking better today.

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