The Engineering of Code 128
Developed in 1981 by Computer Identics, Code 128 was designed as a high-density barcode symbology that could encode all 128 characters of the ASCII set. Unlike its predecessor, Code 39, it uses a variable-width encoding scheme that significantly reduces the physical footprint of the barcode without sacrificing data integrity.
One of its most powerful features is the use of three distinct character sets (A, B, and C). These sets allow the barcode to optimize based on the data type—switching to Set C for numeric-only strings, which packs two numbers into a single barcode character, effectively doubling the density.
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A standard Code 128 barcode consists of seven sections: a quiet zone, a start character, encoded data, a modulo-103 check character, a stop character, and a final quiet zone. The use of a check digit ensures that the barcode is read correctly even if slightly damaged, achieving a high level of reliability for ISO/IEC 15417 compliance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Code 128?
Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology defined in ISO/IEC 15417:2007. It's used for alphanumeric or numeric-only barcodes and is widely used in shipping and packaging to encode product and logistic information.
How do I create a Code 128 barcode?
Simply enter the data you wish to encode into the input field on this page. Our tool will instantly generate a scannable Code 128 barcode. The data can include numbers, letters, and symbols.
Is there a limit on the number of characters I can use?
Code 128 is highly flexible and can encode a large number of characters. While our tool has no artificial limits, for best scanning performance, it is recommended to keep the data concise.
Can I use this barcode for retail products?
While Code 128 is not typically used for retail point-of-sale in the same way as EAN-13 or UPC, it is a global standard frequently used for internal tracking, inventory management, and supply chain logistics.
How accurate is the generated barcode?
Our generator produces a standard, high-quality Code 128 representation based on the entered data. The final scannability depends on printing quality and the scanner's capabilities.