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Barcode Generator - Free Code128 Creator Online

Generate Code128 barcodes online instantly. Create free printable SVG and PNG barcodes with custom sizes, colors, and text.

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What is the Barcode Generator - Free Code128 Creator Online?

Create Code 128 barcodes from letters, numbers, and symbols, then download them as SVG or PNG. The generator can choose between Code Sets B and C automatically, or you can select a set yourself.

Adjust the bar height, width, quiet zone, colors, and optional readable text. Code 128 is useful for internal inventory, shipping, and asset labels; retail products may require a GS1-registered UPC or EAN instead. The barcode is generated in your browser, so the value you enter is not uploaded as part of barcode creation.

How it works

Our generator implements the official Code128 specification directly in your browser using pure TypeScript. No images are uploaded or processed on a server.

  1. Enter your data – Type any text using ASCII characters 32-126 (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, and symbols like - _ /). For best scanning, use 6–30 characters.

  2. Choose mode – Leave on AUTO for automatic optimization. The encoder analyzes your string and switches to Code128C for runs of 4+ digits (saving one symbol per two digits), then back to Code128B for text. Choose B for pure text or C for digits-only.

  3. Customize appearance – Adjust bar height (20–200px), module width (1x to 4x), quiet zone margin (the white space required for scanners), foreground/background colors, and whether to show human-readable text.

  4. Validate and encode – The tool calculates the modulo-103 checksum, builds the exact 11-module patterns for each symbol (start, data, checksum, stop), and renders a crisp SVG using precise bar widths.

  5. Export – Click Copy SVG for vector use in Illustrator, Figma, or web pages, or Download PNG for a 3× scaled raster perfect for thermal printers, PDFs, and labels. Everything happens locally — no data is stored or tracked.

Pro tip: For reliable scanning, use 2x bar width or higher, keep contrast high (black on white), and maintain at least 10x quiet zone on both sides.

Examples

Product SKU for inventory

Create a scannable Code128 barcode for warehouse labels and stock tracking

SKU-12345
 
High-resolution SVG barcode with human-readable text, ready to print

Compact numeric shipping code

AUTO switches to Code Set C for digit pairs to encode a numeric string compactly.

012345678901
 
Code 128 barcode encoded with Code Set C for the digit pairs

Custom branded label

Create a barcode with custom colors and dimensions for a label

HELLO2026, height 100px, black on white, show text
 
Printable PNG barcode at 3x resolution for crisp labels

Frequently asked questions

What is a barcode generator?

A barcode generator is an online tool that converts text or numbers into a scannable pattern of bars and spaces. Our generator creates Code128 barcodes that work with any standard 1D laser or camera scanner for inventory, shipping, and product labeling.

What is Code128 and when should I use it?

Code128 is a high-density alphanumeric barcode that encodes all 128 ASCII characters. Use it for internal SKUs, warehouse bins, shipping labels, asset tags, and logistics — anywhere you need letters and numbers. Don't use it for retail products that require UPC or EAN at checkout.

Is this barcode generator free?

Yes. You can use the generator without signing up or adding a watermark.

Do I need to install software?

The barcode is created in your browser, and the value you enter is not uploaded as part of barcode generation.

What formats can I download?

You can download SVG (a vector format) or PNG (a raster image). You can also copy the SVG code.

How do I make my barcode scannable?

Use strong contrast (such as black bars on white), preserve the clear space on both sides of the bars, and avoid stretching the image. The clear space should be at least 10 times the narrowest bar width. Test a print at its intended size with the scanner you plan to use.

What size should my barcode be?

The right size depends on the label, printer, and scanner. Keep the bars and clear space distinct, and test a printed sample with the scanner you plan to use.

What's the difference between AUTO, B, and C?

AUTO switches between Code Set B (for text) and Code Set C (for digit pairs) to encode mixed text and numbers efficiently. B encodes letters, numbers, and symbols; C encodes pairs of digits. Choose B or C directly when you know which set your data needs.

Why won't my barcode scan?

The most common causes are: low contrast, barcode too small, quiet zone cropped off, blurry printing, or using an unsupported character. Try increasing bar width to 3x, ensure white background, print at 300 DPI or higher, and verify your data uses only standard ASCII characters.

Can I use this for Amazon FBA or retail products?

You can use Code128 for Amazon FBA box labels, internal inventory, and warehouse bins. You cannot use Code128 as the primary product barcode for retail checkout — that requires a GS1-registered UPC or EAN. Always check your marketplace requirements.

Is my data stored or sent to a server?

The barcode is encoded in your browser; the value you enter is not sent to a server as part of barcode creation.

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