43 character set
Digits, uppercase A to Z, and a small symbol set. Start and stop asterisks added automatically.
Free, no signup, no watermark
Code-39 Barcode Generator
Create Code-39 barcodes in your browser. Encodes uppercase letters, digits, and a small set of symbols, ready to scan on almost any reader without configuration. Export as PNG, PDF, or ZPL, single codes or in bulk from a CSV.
What is Code-39?
Code-39 (also called Code 3 of 9) is one of the oldest alphanumeric barcodes still in active use. It encodes 43 characters: digits 0 to 9, uppercase letters A to Z, the space, and the symbols dash, period, dollar, slash, plus, and percent. Every Code-39 barcode is framed by start and stop asterisks.
Code-39 is favored in legacy systems, healthcare, military supply chains, and automotive workflows because almost every scanner in the world reads it without special configuration. It is self checking by design and does not require a check digit for most uses.
How to generate a Code-39 barcode
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Enter your value
Type or paste digits, uppercase letters, or supported symbols. Lowercase letters are not part of standard Code-39.
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Set size and DPI
Pick a print size in millimeters or inches, and an export DPI (150, 203, 300, or 600). 300 DPI is right for most label printers.
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Choose output format
Export as PNG for digital use, PDF for layout, or ZPL for Zebra label printers (with optional RFID EPC).
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Generate and download
Click download. For many codes at once, switch to CSV mode and upload a spreadsheet, one image per row.
Built for printing, not screenshots
Self checking
Built in error detection by design, no check digit configuration required for typical use.
True print sizes
Set dimensions in millimeters or inches. Export at 150, 203, 300, or 600 DPI.
PNG, PDF, ZPL
Three output formats covering digital use, page layout, and Zebra thermal printers.
CSV bulk export
Upload a spreadsheet to generate hundreds of codes at once, one file per row.
Free forever
No signup, no watermark, no usage limits, no paid tier hiding the good features.
Code-39 questions, answered
What is a Code-39 barcode?
Code-39 is a variable length linear barcode that encodes uppercase letters, digits 0 to 9, and a small set of symbols. It is one of the oldest barcodes in widespread use, common in healthcare, military, and automotive systems.
What characters can Code-39 encode?
Digits 0 to 9, uppercase letters A to Z, space, and the symbols dash, period, dollar, slash, plus, and percent. 43 characters total. Lowercase letters are not part of the standard.
Does Code-39 need a check digit?
Not by default. Code-39 is self checking by design and most readers do not require a check digit. An optional modulo 43 check digit exists for environments that require it.
How is Code-39 different from Code-128?
Code-128 is denser, supports the full ASCII set including lower case letters, and has a required check digit. Code-39 is older, limited to 43 characters, but reads on almost every scanner without configuration.