Full ASCII charset
Letters, digits, and the full printable ASCII range. Subsets A, B, and C handled automatically.
Free, no sign-up, no watermark
Code-128 Barcode Generator
Create high density Code-128 barcodes in your browser. Encodes the full ASCII character set with a built in check digit, ready to print to any label printer. Export as PNG, PDF, or ZPL, single codes or in bulk from a CSV.
What is Code-128?
Code-128 is a high density, variable length linear barcode that encodes the full 128 character ASCII set, including letters, digits, and punctuation. It is the most widely used barcode in shipping, logistics, packaging, and internal inventory because it packs more data into a smaller footprint than older symbologies.
The standard defines three subsets (A, B, and C) that the encoder switches between automatically to keep the barcode as compact as possible. A built in modulo 103 check digit is added for you so every scan is verified.
How to generate a Code-128 barcode
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Enter your value
Type or paste any ASCII string: letters, digits, and supported punctuation. The encoder picks the right subset (A, B, or C) automatically.
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Set size and DPI
Pick a print size in millimetres 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
Variable length
Encode 2 characters or 50, the barcode adjusts its width to fit the data.
Built in check digit
Modulo 103 check digit calculated and appended automatically for reliable scans.
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 sign-up, no watermark, no usage limits, no paid tier hiding the good features.
Code-128 questions, answered
What is a Code-128 barcode?
Code-128 is a high density, variable length linear barcode that encodes the full ASCII character set. It is the dominant barcode for shipping labels, logistics, and internal inventory worldwide.
What characters can Code-128 encode?
All 128 ASCII characters: letters (upper and lower case), digits, punctuation, and standard control codes. The encoder switches between subsets A, B, and C automatically for the most compact result.
Is there a check digit?
Yes. Code-128 has a built in modulo 103 check digit that is calculated and appended automatically, you don't need to compute it yourself.
How is Code-128 different from Code-39?
Code-128 is denser (more data in the same space), supports lower case letters and the full ASCII set, and includes a built in check digit. Code-39 is older and limited to 43 characters but reads on almost every scanner without configuration.