Utility tool
Barcode Generator
Create a scannable Code 128 barcode for product IDs, URLs, asset tags, and ticket numbers. The SVG is generated locally in your browser.
Output
Barcode Preview
Code 128
Markup
SVG Source
2700 chars
Guide
What Is a Barcode Generator?
A barcode generator creates a scannable image from text or numbers. Barcodes help organizations identify products, shipments, assets, tickets, documents, and inventory without manual typing. They are common in retail, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, healthcare, libraries, shipping, and asset tracking.
This free online barcode generator creates a Code 128-B SVG locally in your browser. Standardized barcode symbologies matter because scanners need predictable bar and space patterns, quiet zones, and readable data rules.
Method
How the Barcode Generator Works
Format
Supported Barcode Format
The implemented format is Code 128-B. It supports printable ASCII input in this page and calculates the required Code 128 checksum internally. The page does not include a format selector and does not generate EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ITF, Codabar, MSI, Pharmacode, or GS1-128 symbols.
Quality
Barcode Accuracy and Scan Reliability
Examples
Common Code 128 Barcode Examples
Use
How to Use the Barcode Generator
- Enter printable ASCII text in the barcode value field.
- Optionally load a product, URL, asset, or ticket preset.
- Adjust foreground color, background color, bar width, bar height, and quiet zone.
- Choose whether to show the human-readable label.
- Review the generated Code 128 barcode preview.
- Copy or download the SVG, then scan-test the final barcode.
Results
Understanding the Results
Applications
Common Uses
Practical Notes
Benefits, Limitations, Tips and Mistakes
Benefits
- Fast Code 128 barcode creation in the browser.
- Scalable SVG output for digital and print workflows.
- Useful for internal labels, assets, tickets, and inventory.
- Adjustable color, size, quiet zone, and readable label settings.
Limitations
- Only Code 128-B is implemented.
- Only printable ASCII input is accepted.
- Scan reliability depends on final size, contrast, print quality, and scanner support.
- The tool does not provide GS1 registration or product number licensing.
Tips for Best Results
- Use the right symbology for your workflow before generating labels.
- Keep dark bars on a light background with strong contrast.
- Preserve quiet zones and avoid cropping the SVG.
- Do not stretch the barcode unevenly.
- Scan-test the final printed label before production.
Common Mistakes
- Entering unsupported characters.
- Choosing Code 128 for a workflow that requires EAN/UPC or GS1-128.
- Printing too small or with poor contrast.
- Removing the quiet zone.
- Using an unregistered product identifier where registration is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a barcode generator?
A barcode generator turns entered data into a machine-readable barcode image that scanners can decode.
How does this barcode generator work?
Enter printable ASCII text, adjust the display options, then the page generates a Code 128 SVG preview locally in your browser.
Which barcode format is supported?
This page supports Code 128-B. It does not generate EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ITF, Codabar, MSI, Pharmacode, or GS1-128.
What is Code 128?
Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology used for alphanumeric identifiers in logistics, inventory, labels, and general tracking.
What is Code 128-B?
Code 128-B is a character set within Code 128 that supports printable ASCII characters in this implementation.
What characters can I enter?
This implementation accepts printable ASCII characters only. Control characters and unsupported Unicode characters are rejected.
Does the generator calculate a check digit?
Yes. The Code 128 checksum is calculated internally as part of the generated symbol.
Can I download the barcode?
Yes. Use Download SVG to save the generated barcode as a scalable SVG file.
Can I copy the barcode?
Yes. Use Copy SVG to copy the SVG markup to the clipboard.
Can I print generated barcodes?
You can print the downloaded SVG, but you should preserve the quiet zone, use strong contrast, avoid distortion, and test the printed result.
Why won't my barcode scan?
Common causes include unsupported characters, low contrast, insufficient quiet zone, printing too small, distortion, or scanner incompatibility.
Can I use these barcodes commercially?
You may use the generated image for general business workflows, but product identifiers and regulated uses may require GS1 registration or industry-specific rules.
Is this a GS1 barcode generator?
No. It creates a Code 128-B SVG from your text. It does not issue GS1 company prefixes, GTINs, or GS1-128 application identifier data structures.
Are the generated barcodes standards compliant?
The output follows this page's implemented Code 128-B encoding behavior, but final scan quality depends on sizing, contrast, printing, and scanner support.
Is the barcode generator free?
Yes. This is a free online barcode creator.
Does it work on mobile devices?
Yes. The controls are browser-based and designed to work on modern desktop and mobile screens.
More Tools
Related Tools
Glossary
Barcode Terms
- Barcode
- A machine-readable pattern of bars and spaces.
- Barcode Symbology
- The rules used to encode data in a barcode format.
- Check Digit
- A calculated value used by scanners to help detect errors.
- Code 128
- A high-density linear barcode symbology for alphanumeric data.
- Code 39
- An older alphanumeric barcode symbology not generated by this page.
- EAN
- A GS1 retail barcode family used globally for product identification.
- UPC
- A GS1 retail barcode family commonly used for products in North America.
- GS1
- A standards organization for identifiers, barcodes, and supply chain data.
- Scanner
- A device or app that reads and decodes barcode data.
- Encoding
- The process of turning data into barcode patterns.
- Inventory
- Goods, materials, assets, or stock tracked by an organization.
- SKU
- A stock keeping unit used internally to identify an item.
Sources
References
Transparency & Verification
Educational Disclaimer
This Barcode Generator produces Code 128-B SVG barcodes using the implemented encoding rules. Results are intended for educational, informational, testing, and general business use. Verify compatibility with your scanners, printers, label software, and industry requirements. This tool does not replace official GS1 registration, regulatory requirements, barcode verification, or commercial barcode licensing where applicable.
Calculations and transformations execute locally on your machine with full offline support. Always verify critical results.
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