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Use letters, numbers, space and the symbols - . $ / + %. Lowercase letters are converted to uppercase.
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Use letters, numbers, space and the symbols - . $ / + %. Lowercase letters are converted to uppercase.
Code 39 is wider than Code 128. The "Will it fit on the label?" box shows the minimum printed width before you generate.
Download PNG, SVG or PDF, or use the Batch tab for up to 200 codes at once, such as numbered asset tags.
Code 39, also called "Code 3 of 9", was one of the first barcodes to encode letters. Each character has 9 elements (5 bars and 4 spaces), and 3 of them are wide: hence the name. It is self-checking, which means a misread in one character does not produce another valid character.
| Feature | Code 39 |
|---|---|
| Characters | 43: A to Z, 0 to 9, space and - . $ / + % |
| Lowercase | Not part of the standard (the generator converts them) |
| Length | Variable |
| Start and stop | Asterisk (*), added automatically |
| Check digit | Optional (modulo 43); this generator does not add one |
| Quiet zone | At least 10 modules on each side |
Because it is simple and old, Code 39 can be read by practically any scanner. It is still the standard in many asset-tracking systems, ID badges, the US Department of Defense (LOGMARS) and the automotive industry (AIAG).
For the same text, Code 39 takes much more space: "SKU-0042" is 160 modules in Code 39 against 112 in Code 128. If the label is small, Code 128 is usually the better choice.
Choose Code 39 when:
In any other case, prefer Code 128, which accepts lowercase and is more compact.
No. Standard Code 39 only has uppercase letters. If you type lowercase, the generator converts it to uppercase before generating.
43 characters: letters A to Z, numbers 0 to 9, space and the symbols hyphen, period, dollar sign, slash, plus and percent. Accented characters are not accepted.
No. The asterisk is the Code 39 start and stop character, and the generator adds it on its own. Type only the content.
The check digit (modulo 43) is optional in Code 39, because the code is already self-checking. This generator does not add it. If your system requires it, calculate it and add it at the end of the text.
Each Code 39 character has 3 wide elements, so it takes more space than Code 128 for the same text. Shorten the code or use Code 128 if the label is small.
Code 39 is wider than Code 128 for the same text. Type the code to see the minimum printed width, including the required white margins. Lowercase becomes uppercase.
Format
Code 39
Uppercase letters and numbers
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