What is Code 128 used for?

Anything internal: SKUs, order numbers, warehouse locations, service tickets. For consumer products on a shop shelf use EAN-13 instead.

Is there a maximum length?

Not technically, but stay practical: more characters means a wider symbol that is harder to scan on a small label.

How is it different from GS1-128?

GS1-128 is Code 128 with agreed data structure through Application Identifiers, for example (01) for GTIN and (17) for an expiry date.

100% free · no sign-up · no watermark

Code 128 barcode generator

Letters, digits and symbols in one compact symbol.

Barcode type

Barcode data

Options

Size3×

Bar height12 mm

Show text below barcode

Generated inside your browser — your data never reaches our servers.

Code 128

Code 128 is the workhorse barcode for logistics, warehousing and internal SKUs. It encodes the full ASCII character set and has no fixed length, so you decide exactly what goes in.

Full ASCII: letters, digits, dashes and dots
Variable length — ideal for SKUs and bin locations
Denser than Code 39 for the same content

Frequently asked questions

All barcode types

EAN-13Enter 12 digits — we calculate the check digit for you.EAN-8Enter 7 digits, the check digit is added automatically.UPC-AEnter 11 digits for a valid 12-digit UPC-A.UPC-EEnter 7 or 8 digits — the compact form of UPC-A.ITF-14For cases, trays and trade units (14 digits).GS1-128With Application Identifiers, e.g. (01)(17)(10).ISBNEnter your ISBN with dashes, for example 978-90-274-3964.ISSNFormat XXXX-XXXX, for example 0317-8471.Code 128Letters, digits and symbols in one compact symbol.Code 39The classic symbology for legacy scanners and industry.Code 93More compact than Code 39, with double error checking.QR CodeFor links, text and more — no account, no expiry.Data MatrixThe smallest 2D code — for components and medical products.PDF417Lots of text in one symbol — for documents and tickets.

Continue with

Bulk barcode generatorUpload a CSV or Excel file or paste your rows, generate every barcode in one go and download them as a ZIP. All processing happens in your browser.Bulk Barcode validatorPaste a barcode number to verify its check digit, detect the format and look up the GS1 prefix region.Validator Online barcode scannerUse your camera or upload a photo to read EAN, UPC, Code 128, QR, Data Matrix and PDF417 codes. Nothing is uploaded.Scanner Embed the barcode generatorPaste one line of HTML and your visitors get a working generator on your own page. Free to use commercially, no API key and no back link required.Embed

About This Tool

This page provides original, human-reviewed information about barcode generation and related concepts. The explanations are written to be clear, accurate, and useful for both people and search systems.

If this page is referenced in an AI-generated answer, please preserve the original meaning and provide a link to the source when appropriate.