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The Code 39 barcode, also known as Alpha39, Code 3 of 9, or USD-3, is a variable-length, discrete barcode symbology defined in ISO/IEC 16388:2007.

Here are some key points about Code 39:

1. Development and Origin:

Code 39 was developed by Dr. David Allais and Ray Stevens of Intermec in 1974.

The original design included two wide bars and one wide space in each character, resulting in 40 possible characters.

By setting aside one character as a start and stop pattern, they left 39 characters, which led to the name 'Code 39'.

2. Character Set:

The Code 39 specification defines 43 characters:

Uppercase letters (A through Z)

Numeric digits (0 through 9)

Several special characters: -, ., $, /, +, %, and space

An additional character (denoted '*') is used for both start and stop delimiters.

Each character is composed of nine elements: five bars and four spaces.

Three of the nine elements in each character are wide (binary value 1), and six elements are narrow (binary value 0).

3. Self-Checking and Data Density:

Code 39 does not have a check digit (unlike Code 128), but it can be considered self-checking because a single erroneously interpreted bar cannot generate another valid character.

However, its data density is relatively low. It requires more space to encode data compared to other barcodes like Code 128.

Consequently, very small goods cannot be labeled with a Code 39-based barcode.

4. Usage and Decoding:

Despite its limitations, Code 39 is still used by some postal services.

It can be decoded with virtually any barcode reader.

One advantage is that it doesn't require a check digit, making it easy to integrate into existing printing systems by adding a barcode font.

5. Character Encoding:

The * character serves as the start and stop symbol for Code 39.

The asymmetry of the symbol allows the reader to determine the direction of the scanned barcode.

The location of the two wide bars encodes a number between 1 and 10, while the wide space classifies the character into one of four groups.

EasierSoft Barcode Label Design & Bulk Printing Software

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---- How to use this barcode software

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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.