Skip to content
FlashScan Pro

Free Code 128 generator — the logistics barcode

Product references, serial numbers, shipping labels: Code 128 is the compact alphanumeric format the supply chain adopted. Enter your reference, export as PNG or SVG. Generated locally, no account.

How it works

Code 128 encodes all printable ASCII in a very dense symbol:

  • Full alphanumeric — letters, digits, dashes and symbols: REF-2024-A17 is valid content;
  • High density — digits alone encode two at a time, giving compact labels for long serial numbers;
  • Built-in check character — a verification character is computed automatically: scanners detect corrupted reads.

It's the format behind most logistics labels (GS1-128), parcel tracking numbers and industrial inventory cards.

Use cases

  • References and SKUs — label your items with their internal reference: a scanner finds it instantly in stock.
  • Serial numbers — unit-level traceability for products and equipment, from assembly to after-sales.
  • Shipping labels — parcels, pallets, lots: the carriers' format, generatable in bulk with batch mode.
  • Badges and access control — identifiers on badges or cards, readable by any handheld scanner.

Generate the code in 4 steps

  1. Open the generator — barcode mode is already selected if you arrived from this page.
  2. Choose the Code 128 format from the symbology list.
  3. Enter your reference — letters, digits, dashes: all printable ASCII works.
  4. Export — high-resolution PNG or vector SVG, then test with a handheld scanner or the app's scanner.

Precautions

  • Keep the quiet zone — a white margin of at least 10 modules on each side: essential for reading.
  • Minimum width — the longer the reference, the wider the symbol: check your label can fit it without cramming.
  • Not for retail checkout — for retail sales, the standard is EAN-13 (GS1 GTIN): Code 128 serves internal and logistics flows.

Frequently asked questions

Which characters does Code 128 accept?

All printable ASCII: uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, punctuation and symbols. That's what sets it apart from product codes (EAN-13, UPC-A) which only accept digits.

Code 128 or EAN-13: which should I choose?

Code 128 for any internal and logistics use: references, serial numbers, shipping labels — it's compact and free. EAN-13 only for products sold in retail, as it requires a GS1-assigned GTIN number.

Does Code 128 have a length limit?

In practice, stay under ~30 characters: beyond that the symbol becomes very wide and hard to print legibly. Digit-only content encodes more densely (two digits per symbol in subset C).

What is GS1-128?

A GS1-standardized application of Code 128 for the supply chain: the code carries "application identifiers" (lot, expiry date, quantity, SSCC). The generator produces plain Code 128 — enough for most internal labels.

See also