How To Use A Code128 Barcode Generator Effortlessly? [Guide]

Nov 14, 2022 - Views: 8078

Rating: 4.8 - 58Votes

A professional code128 barcode generator is the best method for creating a barcode Code 128.

If you are wondering “How to create a 128 barcode?”, don’t worry, we all covered it in this post.

To make a scannable picture, simply follow the procedures outlined below. 

Let’s find out! 

Code128 barcode generator instruction

Code128 barcode generator instruction

What Is Code 128?

The Code 128 barcode is a high-density linear symbology that can encode all 128 ASCII characters as well as text, numbers, and various functions (from ASCII 0 to ASCII 128.) 

It is also known as ISBT-128, GS1-128, UCC-128, EAN 128, and USS Code 128 and is often used for many applications.

There are 106 distinct printed barcode designs in code 128. 

What is barcode code 128?

What is barcode code 128?

With three distinct Code 128 start characters available to program the beginning character set, each printed barcode may have one of three different meanings depending on which character set is being used. 

The barcode symbology also has functions for changing character sets and encoding Application Identifiers.

Because of the many character sets, the barcode Code 128 may be difficult to use. 

For this reason, IDAutomation offers the Code 128 auto function, "code 128( )," in a number of its Font Tools, Components, and Applications.

The whole bar code 128 is made up of a start character, data digits, a modulo 103 check digit, and a stop character.

Code 128 Composition

The barcode 128 format includes the data itself, a leading "quiet zone," one of three start codes, a check character, a stop character, and a following quiet zone.

What are the components of barcode 128?

What are the components of barcode 128?

  • The quiet zone: The region between the bars and spaces that are clean and unmarked (the silent zone) enables scanners to establish baseline values for the color and reflectance of the material they are scanning. 

The dynamic determination of what constitutes a "space" and what constitutes a "bar" is made using these numbers.

  • The start code: The beginning of a Code 128 barcode is indicated by one of three codes, the start code. 

The three "character sets" or "character modes" in the barcode types 128 specification are defined.

The Start-A, Start-B, and Start-C codes distinguish between the character sets that will be utilized. 

To more effectively encode the data, the character set may also be altered in the midst of the barcode.

  • The Code 128 data: Strips of bars and spaces are used to encrypt the Code 128 data. 

The encoding is shown in the table below using a binary scheme, with a "1" standing for a single-width bar and a "0" for a space. 

Keep in mind that groups of 0s or 1s just show as wider bars or spaces.

Components of code 128

Components of code 128

  • The checksum: The checksum, which is part of the barcode, is a digit that confirms the accuracy of the data that was just read in. 

The weighted sum of the values of each digit in the message that is being encoded, including the start character, serves as the basis for the modulo 103 computation used to determine the checksum digit. 

The bar-and-space pattern known as the stop code denotes the conclusion of a barcode.

Code 128 Character Composition

Although the Code 128 character set comprises only 102 characters, this symbology supports all 128 lower-ASCII characters. 

This is possible as Code 128 uses three various sets of 102 characters (Code Set A, Code Set B, and Code Set C). 

The starting character determines the default code set for one of types of barcode such as Code 128. 

Yet, it is possible to switch between different character sets and use a combination of them in a single symbol. 

Code 128 gives the highest possible character density since you encode data. The three character sets may be summarized as follows.

  • Code Set A: Include all numeric characters (0-9), uppercase letters (A-Z), punctuation marks, seven special characters, and "control characters" (ASCII values ​​00-95).

Code 128 character set

Code 128 character set

  • Code Set B: Include all numbers (0-9), uppercase and lowercase letters (A-Z, a-z), punctuation, and 7 special characters (ASCII values ​​32-127).

  • Code Set C: Contain all pairs of digits from 00 to 99 and 3 special characters. Although this code set is numeric only, each character represents two digits.

Code 128 Applications

Like its subset GS1-128, Code 128 is widely utilized all over the world. 

Due to its capacity to store a wide variety of data, it plays a crucial part in supply chains and inventories in several sectors. 

What are the applications of code128 barcode?

What are the applications of code128 barcode?

The product's production date, open date, weight, and other information are examples of this data. Some of the applications of the code may be seen mentioned below:

  • Used often in the transportation sector to identify products and containers.

  • Used to identify and label a range of wholesale goods in the packaging and wholesale sector. 

For instance, FedEx and other businesses automate delivery and tracking by using Code 128 barcodes on packaging slips.

  • Widely used in the pharmaceutical, medical equipment, and healthcare sectors. It is employed, for instance, in the labeling of blood transfusion items to include the Donor Identification Number.

  • Used in sectors such as the manufacturing of clothing, food, and medical equipment.

  • Used for distribution and order in the logistics and transportation sectors.

  • Used together with code 39 in any cutting-edge brick-and-mortar business.

Applications of code 128

Applications of code 128

How To Use A Code128 Barcode Generator?

If you're seeking a quick, simple, and cost-free way to create barcodes 128 to be used for testing but don't know how to do it, keep reading.

You'll discover a solution in this guide and learn just how simple it can be to make your own barcode.

Code128 Barcode Generator Online

Various websites might be helpful for creating your barcode, and all of them are available here:

  • Terryburton

  • Barcoding

  • BarcodeGenerator

  • Free barcode 39 generator

You must log in to access the website's home page in order to utilize the online barcode generator.

Barcode Generator

Barcode Generator

Decide which standard to apply (eg, EAN-13 used in the publishing field) from the drop-down option for symbolism.

Complete the form below with the different information needed to produce the barcode you desire (content, size, options, etc..)

Your barcode is produced when you click Make Barcode.

When you can see the produced barcode (at the bottom of the page), you may save it to your computer in a variety of file formats by clicking on the words EPS, PNG, and finally JPEG.

Code128 Barcode Generator Software

The checksum digit (link code 128 check digit) for verification included in a Code 128 symbol is directly calculated by the program.

The software used as an example is easy to use and enables the creation of barcodes in just three simple steps.

  1. Establish a barcode field

Open the program, double-click the Default barcode, or use the button to create a code field.

Establish a barcode field.

Establish a barcode field.

  1. Select Code 128 from the list

Select "Code 128" from the list of bar code symbologies supported by the software.

  1. Create a 128-bit barcode

There are now 3 ways to enter the codes that create the barcode:

  1. Manually type in the code

Press "OK" after manually entering the code in the field. If you want to verify that you entered the code correctly, click "Preview."

  1. Make barcodes that include an incremental counter

Make barcodes that include an incremental counter.

Make barcodes that include an incremental counter.

  • To create the proper field, enter the suffix of the barcode code 128.

  • To insert an incremental counter, click "Counter" and then select the style.

  • Select "Ok"

  • By selecting the arrow in the top left, you can select the barcode number that will be created.

  1. Create code 128 using a database.

  • Print labels by importing Excel data.

  • Set the file settings to import.

  • Decide how many labels will be produced.

  • Use Excel files to generate labels.

  • Excel label printing.

How To Calculate Code 128 Check Digit?

Does code 128 have a check digit? Code 128 is self-checking and does not normally require a check digit. 

However, a module 103 checksum digit can be added for applications requiring very high accuracy. 

Follow our instructions on code 128 check digit calculation below:

  • Number each character position 

  • Each character's value is multiplied by its position number

  • Sum the products of the check digit calculator for code 128 in step 3 and add to the start code value. 

  • Next, divide the sum of the products by 103. 

  • The remainder value in step 4 is the symbol check character value. Then you need to find the corresponding checksum digit according to the ASCII value. 

Barcode code 128 check digit

Barcode code 128 check digit

What Is GS1 128 Barcode?

Besides the data given by the JAN code and the existing standard distribution code (ITF), GS1 128 barcodes can offer a variety of data, such as distribution and business transaction data.

The information below can be encoded with a GS1-128 barcode:

  • Quantity in package

  • Package number

  • Lot number

  • Capacity, weight, and cubic capacity

  • Location number

  • Account code of customer

  • Order number of customer

For each application, a barcode label is created using the necessary data.

GS1 128 barcode

GS1 128 barcode

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are barcodes used for?

Barcodes make it considerably quicker and simpler to check out products at a store and keep track of inventory in a warehouse by encoding product information into bars and alphanumeric letters. 

Barcodes main commercial advantages are accuracy, inventory control, and cost savings in addition to simplicity and speed.

2. What are the types of barcodes?

Linear barcodes and two-dimensional matrix barcodes are the two forms of barcodes.

  • Linear, or 1D, barcodes are what most people see when they think of a barcode: black vertical bars with numbers beneath them.

  • Additional information can be stored in matrix or 2D barcodes, such as amount, photos, and website URLs. This information can be shown using a 2D barcode without the need for a database connection.

3. How many numbers are in a barcode?

12 digits. A UPC-A barcode consists of 12 digits, a blank zone on either side, and start, middle, and stop signals.

Conclusion

If you need a linear barcode that supports all Alphabets, Numerics, and ASCII characters, code 128 barcode is the best solution. Now that you've learned about the code128 barcode generator. Hopefully, you have all the information you need in this post!

Code128 barcode generator.pdf from Barcode Live
Rating: 4.8 - 58Votes

14 Comments

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  1. Michel

    Michel

    Hello,
    Great job.
    How can I download the source code, there are screen captures only!
    Many thanks

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  2. Hudson White

    Hudson White

    People keep asking a lot about code 128 vs code 39. How about code 128 and UPC?

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    1. Barcodelive

      The main difference between UPC and Code 128 is numbers only where Code 128 also includes letters
      Thanks for your answer

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  3. Alaia Thomas

    Alaia Thomas

    Can you generate barcodes for free?

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    1. Barcodelive

      Of course, a barcode generator is a free and easy-to-use way to create barcodes for the items in your inventory

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  4. Fletcher Robertson

    Fletcher Robertson

    Can Excel generate code 128?

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    1. Barcodelive

      Yeah, you can generate a wide range of barcodes on excel such as Code 128. Code 39. UPC/ EAN

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      1. Fletcher Robertson

        Fletcher Robertson

        Thank you

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  5. Josiah Morales

    Josiah Morales

    Wow, this is amazing

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    1. Barcodelive

      You are welcome

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  6. Andy Bennet

    Andy Bennet

    Do you think Code 39 or 128, which one is better?

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    1. Barcodelive

      A Code 128 barcode is more powerful because it can encode a full 128 ASCII character set (compare to 39 characters of code 39)

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  7. Christian Parson

    Christian Parson

    Great article, love it

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    1. Barcodelive

      Many thanks

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