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Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology that encodes text, numbers, and a variety of other characters using a compact and efficient design.

It is widely used for various applications, including shipping and packaging labels, identification cards, and inventory management.

Structure of Code 128 Barcode

A Code 128 barcode consists of the following components:

1.Start Code

2.Data Characters

3.Check Digit

4.Stop Code

A. Start/Stop Patterns

Start Code

Code 128 includes three different start codes, each indicating which set of characters will be used:

Start Code A: Encodes ASCII characters 00 to 95 (includes control codes, uppercase letters, numbers, and punctuation).

Start Code B: Encodes ASCII characters 32 to 127 (includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation).

Start Code C: Encodes pairs of digits (00 to 99) and is highly efficient for encoding numeric data.

The start code is represented by a unique pattern of bars and spaces.

Stop Code

The stop code is used to signal the end of the barcode and is represented by a unique pattern of bars and spaces distinct from the data and start codes.

Bar and Space Widths

In Code 128, each character (including the start and stop characters) is represented by 11 modules. These modules consist of bars and spaces of varying widths. Each character is made up of 3 bars and 3 spaces, with each bar or space being 1 to 4 modules wide.

The sum of the bar widths and space widths for any character in Code 128 is always 11 modules. The different widths are specified as follows:

1 module width

2 module widths

3 module widths

4 module widths

B. Example Breakdown

Let's break down a simple Code 128 barcode:

1.Start Code B: The pattern for Start Code B consists of bars and spaces as follows (in terms of module widths):

Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar

2 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 1

2.Data Character (e.g., 'A' in Code B): The pattern for character 'A' in Code B is:

Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar

2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2

3.Check Digit: This is calculated based on the data characters and is represented similarly to the data characters with 11 modules.

4.Stop Code: The pattern for the stop code is:

Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar Space Bar

2 3 3 1 1 1 2 3 1

C. Visual Representation

To provide a better understanding, here's a simplified visual representation of a Code 128 barcode with Start Code B, the character 'A', and the stop code:

Start B Data 'A' Check Digit Stop

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

|2|1| |2|1|1|2| |2|1|1|2| |2|3|

|2|1| |2|2|1|2| |2|2|1|2| |3|1|

|2|2| |1|2|2|2| |1|2|2|2| |1|2|

D. Summary

Start Code: Unique patterns for A, B, or C indicating the character set.

Data Characters: Each character is represented by 11 modules (3 bars and 3 spaces).

Check Digit: Calculated for error detection and represented similarly.

Stop Code: Unique pattern signaling the end of the barcode.

The varying widths of bars and spaces (1 to 4 modules) create a dense and efficient encoding scheme, making Code 128 a versatile and widely-used barcode standard.

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---- 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.

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Flexible editions:

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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.