C39 Barcode Generator

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What is a Code 39 Barcode?

Code 39 (also known as Code 3 of 9) is one of the oldest and most widely used barcode symbologies. It is a variable-length, alphanumeric barcode that can encode uppercase letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and a few special characters (like -.$/+%, and space).

Key Features of Code 39:

  • Alphanumeric Support – Can encode both letters and numbers.

  • No Checksum Required (by default) – Simple to generate, though an optional checksum can be added for better accuracy.

  • Widely Used – Commonly used in industrial, logistics, and inventory management systems.

  • Easy to Print – Works well with most printers, including laser and thermal printers.

How Does Code 39 Work?

Each character in a Code 39 barcode is represented by 9 elements (5 bars and 4 spaces), with 3 of them being wide (hence the name “3 of 9”). A start/stop character (*) is used at the beginning and end of the barcode.

Example of a Code 39 Barcode:

If you encode the text BARCODE, the barcode will look like:
* B A R C O D E *

Applications of Code 39 Barcodes

Code 39 is used in various industries, including:

  • Inventory Management – Tracking products and assets.

  • Healthcare – Patient identification and medication labeling.

  • Government & Defense – Military and ID applications.

  • Retail & Manufacturing – Labeling goods and parts.

Generate Code 39 Barcodes for Free

At bar-code.xyz, you can easily generate Code 39 barcodes in seconds—no registration or payment required. Simply enter your desired text, customize the size and format, and download your barcode instantly!

Try our free Code 39 barcode generator today and streamline your labeling process!