Barcode Technology

Barcode History

Barcode Label Paper

Barcode Printer

Barcode Application

Inventory Management

AI Barcode QRCode

Barcode Scanner

Barcode Software

Barcode Software B

Barcode Software C

Barcode Software D

Barcode Software E

New Technology A

New Technology B

Robot Technology

Barcode Types

Barcode Types B

Barcode Types C

Barcode Types D

Barcode Types E

Barcode Types F

Electronic Technology

Psychology at Work

Let's delve into the fascinating history of Code 128.

Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology that was developed in 1981 by the Computer Identics Corporation.

Its name, "128", signifies that it can encode all 128 characters of the ASCII character set.

Here are some key points about Code 128:

Purpose and Development:

Code 128 was created for automatic data identification.

The goal was to design a flexible barcode that could encode a wide range of characters while remaining compact.

Ted Williams is credited with the invention.

Character Encoding:

Code 128 can encode both alphanumeric and numeric-only barcodes.

It can represent all 128 ASCII characters.

By using an extension symbol (FNC4), it can also encode the Latin-1 characters defined in ISO/IEC 8859-1.

When texts contain mostly digits, Code 128 generally results in more compact barcodes compared to other methods like Code 39.

GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128):

GS1-128 is a subset of Code 128 and is widely used in shipping and packaging industries.

It serves as a product identification code for containers and pallets in the supply chain.

Barcode Structure:

A Code 128 barcode consists of seven sections:

Quiet zone

Start symbol

Encoded data

Check symbol (mandatory)

Stop symbol

Final bar (often considered part of the stop symbol)

The check symbol is calculated from a weighted sum (modulo 103) of all the symbols.

Code Sets:

Despite its name, Code 128 does not have 128 distinct symbols.

It uses three code sets: A, B, and C.

Code sets A and B cover all 128 ASCII characters.

Code set C efficiently encodes digit strings.

The initial subset is selected using the appropriate start symbol.

Example:

For encoding the string "X00Y":

Using code set A or B: 7 code symbols (Start B, 56, 16, 16, 57, checksum, Stop)

Using code set C: 8 symbols (Start B, 56, Code C, 00, Code B, 57, checksum, Stop)

In summary, Code 128 revolutionized barcode technology by providing a powerful and versatile solution for data identification. Its widespread adoption in various industries underscores its significance in modern logistics and supply chains.

The advantages of Code 128 compared to other barcode symbologies:

1. High Density:

Code 128 is a high-density barcode, meaning it can encode a large amount of data in a compact space.

2. Wide Character Set:

Code 128 can encode all 128 ASCII characters, including letters, numbers, and special symbols.

3. Efficient Numeric Encoding:

Code 128 includes a numeric-only mode (Code Set C) that efficiently encodes digit strings.

In summary, Code 128 offers a balance of data density, character set, and error detection, making it a reliable choice for many applications.

EasierSoft Barcode Label Design & Bulk Printing Software

---- Use Excel Data to Batch Print Barcodes on Label Sheets or Roll Labels  

---- How to use this barcode software

Download:  Free Barcode Software + Barcode Label Designer Download Free Barcode Software at Softonic      Download at CNET

Once you obtain a GS1/UPC/EAN barcode, or other barcode type and QR code, you can use our free software to batch print barcode labels onto Roll label paper using a professional label printer, or to batch print barcodes onto Avery 5160 label sheets using a regular laser or inkjet printer. Our software has free and paid versions.

The free version fully meets your needs for batch printing GS1/UPC/EAN barcodes. The paid version can import data from Excel and databases to batch print barcode labels with different values.

How to Use & FAQ:

Highlights

Excel integration: Import data directly from Excel to generate and print barcodes in bulk.

Label designer: Create complex labels with multiple barcodes, text, logos, and shapes.

Batch printing: Print thousands of barcodes at once using standard inkjet/laser printers or professional barcode printers.

Flexible editions:

Standard Edition: Simple batch printing with Excel data.

Professional Edition: Adds command-line automation for workflow integration.

Label Designer Edition: Advanced design features for complex labels.

Why Choose Our Barcode Solutions?

Cost-effective: Free online generator and permanent free desktop version available.

Easy to use: No technical expertise required—just input data and print.

Versatile: Supports nearly all 1D and 2D barcode types, including QR codes.

Trusted: Recommended by CNET and widely downloaded by users worldwide.

Suitable Use Cases

Small businesses and startups needing quick barcode labels for products.

Retailers and online sellers managing inventory with batch barcode printing.

Manufacturers requiring sequential or custom barcode labels for packaging.

Educational and testing environments where barcodes are used for tracking.