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Barcode Generator
What Are Code 128 Barcodes?
Code 128 is the barcode you see everywhere - shipping boxes, inventory labels, product packaging. It's called "128" because it can encode 128 different characters (numbers, letters, symbols). Basically, if you can type it, you can turn it into a barcode.
The barcode is just a visual representation of text. A scanner reads those black bars, converts them back to the original text, and sends it to a computer. That's it. No magic, just a standardized way to encode data that machines can read quickly.
This generator creates the barcode instantly as you type. You can save it as an image and print it on labels, stickers, whatever. Works for small Etsy businesses, warehouse inventory, shipping labels - any situation where you need a scannable code.
💡 Expert Tips
Test Before You Print 1000 Labels
Print one test label and scan it with your actual scanner before you print a whole batch. I've seen people print 500 labels only to find out their scanner can't read that particular size or the printer resolution was too low. Test first.
Keep It Short (Under 20 Characters)
You can encode long text, but the barcode gets really wide and becomes harder to scan. Stick to short codes like "SKU12345" or "SN-7823A". If you need to store more info, use a QR code instead.
Avoid Special Characters
Technically Code 128 supports special characters like @#$%, but some scanners get confused. Stick to letters, numbers, and maybe dashes or underscores. Less chance of scanning errors.
— Dr. Alex M., Ph.D., Technical Specialist
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Printing Too Small
Barcode scanners need those black bars to be at least 0.5mm wide to read them reliably. If you print a tiny barcode (like 1 inch wide), it probably won't scan. Most labels should be at least 2-3 inches wide.
Why it happens: People try to save space on labels or stickers.
How to avoid: Print a test at your desired size. If it doesn't scan, make
it bigger.
Using Code 128 for Retail Products
If you're selling in major stores like Walmart or Target, they require official UPC-A barcodes registered with GS1. You can't just generate a random Code 128 barcode. Those cost money ($250+ to register).
Real consequence: Store systems won't recognize your product, or worse, it
gets flagged as counterfeit.
Fix: Use this for internal inventory, shipping, or online-only products.
For retail, buy proper UPC codes from GS1.org.
Expecting Phone Cameras to Scan It
Your iPhone can scan QR codes automatically, but it won't read linear barcodes like Code 128. You need a dedicated scanner app or a physical scanner gun. Don't test your barcodes with the default camera app - it won't work.
How to avoid: Download a free barcode scanner app (like "Barcode Scanner" on iOS/Android) to test your codes.
How to Use This Generator
- Type Your Text: Enter whatever you want to encode - product ID, SKU, serial number, etc. The barcode updates instantly.
- Right-Click to Save: Right-click the barcode image and select "Save Image As". It saves as an SVG (scalable) so you can print it at any size.
- Print and Test: Print one label, scan it with your actual scanner to make sure it works, then print the rest.
Pro Tip: If you're printing on a regular printer (not a label printer), use high-quality settings (at least 300 DPI). Low-res printing creates blurry bars that scanners can't read.
Embed This Generator
Add this free barcode generator to your website:
<iframe src="https://calcs.top/other/barcode-generator/" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of barcode does this generate?
This tool creates Code 128 barcodes, which is the most common type for general use. Code 128 can encode numbers, letters, and symbols - basically anything you can type. It's what you see on shipping labels, product packaging, and inventory tags.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?
Yes, you can use the generated barcodes for commercial purposes - products, shipping, inventory, whatever. But here's the catch: if you're selling in retail stores, you need official UPC codes from GS1 (the global barcode authority). Those cost money and are registered. This tool is fine for internal use, Etsy shops, shipping labels, etc.
How do I save or download the barcode?
Right-click on the barcode image and select 'Save Image As'. Or take a screenshot. The barcode is generated as an SVG, so it scales to any size without getting blurry. Perfect for printing labels at different sizes.
What can I encode in a barcode?
Code 128 supports numbers (0-9), uppercase and lowercase letters (A-Z, a-z), and most symbols. You can encode product SKUs, serial numbers, URLs (shortened), tracking IDs, basically any text up to about 80 characters. Longer text works but the barcode gets really wide.
Will my phone be able to scan this barcode?
Most modern barcode scanner apps can read Code 128. The default camera app on iPhones and Android phones usually only reads QR codes, not linear barcodes like this. You'll need a dedicated scanner app like 'Barcode Scanner' or a physical barcode scanner gun.
Dr. Alex makes sure the barcode generation follows Code 128 standards correctly. The output works with all standard barcode scanners.