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The Codabar barcode is a linear symbology that was developed in 1972 by Pitney Bowes Corp.

It has also been known by other names such as Codeabar, Ames Code, NW-7, Monarch, Code 2 of 7, Rationalized Codabar, ANSI/AIM BC3-1995, or USD-4. Here are some key points about Codabar:

1. Purpose and Development:

Codabar was designed to be accurately read even when printed on dot-matrix printers for multi-part forms, such as FedEx airbills and blood bank forms.

It gained popularity due to its ability to work well with typewriter-like impact printers, allowing the creation of many codes with consecutive numbers without the need for computer equipment.

Although newer barcode symbologies can hold more information in a smaller space, Codabar still has a large installed base in libraries and other applications.

2. Encoding:

Each character in a Codabar barcode comprises 7 elements: 4 bars and 3 spaces.

Characters can be either narrow (binary value 0) or wide (binary value 1).

The width ratio between narrow and wide can be chosen between 1:2.25 and 1:3.

The minimum narrow width varies, but it allows for 11 digits per inch to be encoded.

Codabar characters are divided into three groups based on the number of wide elements:

Basic 12 symbols: Digits 0¨C9, dash, and dollar sign ($), encoded using all possible combinations of one wide bar and one wide space.

Additional 4 symbols: Colon (:), slash (/), plus (+), and period (.), encoded using 3 wide bars and no wide spaces.

Start and stop symbols: Designated as ABCD (or EN*T in some specifications), encoded using one wide bar and two wide spaces.

3. Check Digit:

Codabar is self-checking, so most standards do not define a check digit.

Some standards that use Codabar may define a check digit, but the algorithm is not universal.

For purely numerical data (e.g., library barcodes), the Luhn algorithm is popular.

When all 16 symbols are possible, a simple modulo-16 checksum is used.

In summary, Codabar remains relevant in certain applications despite the availability of newer barcode formats. Its simplicity and compatibility with older printing technologies contribute to its continued use.

Some of Codabar's main application areas:

1. Library management:

Codabar is commonly used in library systems to identify books, journals, and other media. Its simplicity and ease of printing make it ideal for library barcoding.

2. Express delivery and logistics:

Codabar is used in the express and logistics industry to track packages, cargo and shipping documents. It can print on a variety of printing devices, including dot matrix printers.

3. Medical industry:

Codabar is used to label medical laboratory samples, blood bags, pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies. Its reliability and ease of scanning make it the first choice in the medical industry.

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

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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.