Code 128
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Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology used for alphanumeric, variable length barcodes. It can encode all 128 characters of ASCII and, by use of an extension symbol (FNC4), the Latin-1 characters defined in ISO/IEC 8859-1. Code 128 is very popular and has been widely implemented in many applications where a relatively large amount of data must be encoded in a relatively small amount of space. It is a modern symbology and was invented 1981 by Computer Identics. Code 128 includes 108 symbols: 103 data symbols, 3 start symbols, and 2 stop symbols. It uses so-called subsets that each allow for different character type combinations.
In Barcode Producer you can enter up to 60 characters for a Code 128 barcode. More data would make the barcode unreadable by most scanners. When you start entering data in Barcode Producer’s Code 128 panel, it analyzes your input and automatically chooses the best barcode subset with the highest data density. This is done by subset switching. You can also select a subset yourself from the Code Set popup menu.
In the latter case, there are three different internal subsets you can use:
- Code 128A supports numbers, upper-case letters, and control characters, such as tab and new-line characters
- Code 128B supports numbers, upper- and lower-case letters and some additional characters
- Code 128C supports 2-digit numbers.
- Code 128 includes verification protection both via a checksum digit and byte parity checking. The built-in checksum digit is based on a Modulo 103 calculation. Barcode Producer automatically generates the check digit, but doesn’t print it in the human-readable text as the standard dictates. Scanners, however, do check it when reading a code; they do not output it to connected systems.
- Code 128 uses four types of bar size, so printers with high print quality are required. This barcode is not suitable for printing with dot matrix printers, low-quality inkjet printers and flexography on corrugated cardboard.
- Note: GS1-128 makes use of the characteristics of Code 128 and is currently used in many industrial applications. With GS1-128, various data can be stored in the barcode, including a product manufacturing date, weight, size, lot number, destination, bank account, etc.
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Applications
- Asset tags
- Shipping
- Serial numbers
Other Names
FAQs
Can I encode a CR keystroke in a Code 128 barcode?
Barcode Producer currently doesn't officially support encoding a CR keystroke in a Code 128 barcode. However, it is possible to encode a CR with Barcode Producer by composing the value in a text editor, such as TextWrangler (or BBEdit), then copying and pasting the text into the barcode content field.
Does Barcode Producer support Function Characters (like FNC1)?
Yes. For that, you will need to use the GS1-128 symbology.
Can I select a specific character subset?
For the Code 128 symbology, there are 3 different character subsets - A, B, & C. Some subsets are more efficient (compact) at encoding certain characters - the same data is encoded no matter what subset is used. By default, Barcode Producer implements a minimization algorithm for the Code 128 symbology in order to make barcode as compact as possible.
It isn't necessary to use a specific subset; barcode scanners will read the same value either way as the same data is encoded, no matter what subset is used.
If you do wish to force a specific character subset, you can certainly do so. In the Code 128 editor, click on the "Code Set" field and select the character subset you want to use. The Autosetting utilizes the minimization algorithm in order to make barcode as compact as possible.
