Free Code 39 barcode generator

An older barcode many systems still expect: capitals, digits and a few symbols.

Barcode type

Text

A–Z, 0–9, space and - . $ / + %. Letters become capitals.

Width (mm)

Including blank margins. Bars are 0.33 mm at their narrowest.

Bar height (mm)

Show the number under the bars

Bars

Background

Transparent background (PNG, SVG, PDF)

Code 39 is an older barcode many systems still expect: ID badges, library cards, some industrial and government labels. It holds capital letters, digits and a few symbols, and is easy for any scanner to read. Type your text above and download a scan-tested barcode; PNG and JPG are free.

When to use Code 39

Use Code 39 when a system or customer asks for it, such as a badge reader, a library system or a parts label specification. If you have a free choice, Code 128 holds more characters in less space and is read by the same scanners.

Tips for Code 39 labels

Keep it short. Each character adds noticeable width.
Capitals only. Lowercase letters are turned into capitals; check that your system expects that.
Keep the margins on both sides, and print dark bars on a light background.

Questions people ask

What characters can Code 39 hold?

Capital letters A–Z, digits 0–9, space and the symbols - . $ / + %. Lowercase letters become capitals. For anything else, use Code 128.

Why is Code 39 so wide?

Each character takes more space than in Code 128. That makes it easy to print and read, even with simple equipment, but long codes get wide quickly.

Do I add the asterisks?

No. Code 39 starts and ends with an asterisk symbol, which we add for you. Scanners don’t include it in what they read.