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The Code 128 barcode is a high-density linear barcode symbology used extensively in logistics and inventory management.

It can encode all 128 ASCII characters, allowing it to represent a wide range of data including alphanumeric and special characters.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its structure:

A. Components of a Code 128 Barcode

A Code 128 barcode has seven sections:

Quiet zone

Start symbol

Encoded data

Check symbol (mandatory)

Stop symbol

Final bar (often considered part of the stop symbol)

Quiet zone

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

1.Start Code:

The barcode begins with a Start Code which identifies the initial character set being used. There are three start codes:

Start Code A: Encodes ASCII 0 to 95 and special characters (function codes).

Start Code B: Encodes ASCII 32 to 127 (uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and some punctuation).

Start Code C: Encodes pairs of digits (00 to 99) efficiently, essentially doubling the data density for numeric data.

2.Data Characters:

Following the start code are the data characters. Each character is represented by 11 modules: 3 bars and 3 spaces in varying widths (1, 2, 3, or 4 modules wide).

Code 128 uses a modular width encoding, where each character (bar/space pattern) is distinct and uniquely represented within its character set.

3.Switch Codes:

Within a barcode, you can switch between character sets (A, B, C) using special switch codes:

Code A: Switch to Code A.

Code B: Switch to Code B.

Code C: Switch to Code C.

4.Function Codes (FNC):

Code 128 includes special function codes (FNC1 to FNC4) for additional instructions or data formatting, often used in application identifiers or control codes.

5.Check Character:

A modulo 103 checksum is calculated based on the value of each character (including the start code and any switch codes). The checksum ensures data integrity and is placed just before the stop character.

6.Stop Character:

The barcode ends with a Stop Code which signals the end of the data sequence. The stop character is a unique pattern that is not used elsewhere in the barcode.

7.Quiet Zones:

There are mandatory quiet zones (blank spaces) on either side of the barcode. The quiet zone on the left is at least 10 times the width of the narrowest bar/module (usually 10x) and at least 2 times the width on the right.

B. Example of Code 128 Barcode Encoding

1.Start Code: Start Code B (for alphanumeric data)

2.Data: Encode 'Hello123'

H: 72

e: 101

l: 108

l: 108

o: 111

1: 17

2: 18

3: 19

3.Checksum: Computed based on the sum of (position * character value) % 103

4.Stop Character: Unique pattern to signify the end.

C. Summary

Start Code: Indicates the starting character set.

Data Characters: Encodes the actual data in specific patterns.

Switch Codes: Allows switching between character sets.

Function Codes: Special characters for control purposes.

Check Character: Ensures the integrity of the data.

Stop Character: Indicates the end of the barcode.

Quiet Zones: Ensure the barcode can be properly read.

D. Example Visualization (Simplified)

Imagine encoding the string 'Hi':

1.Start Code B: Pattern for Start Code B.

2.H: Pattern for 'H'.

3.i: Pattern for 'i'.

4.Checksum: Calculated pattern.

5.Stop: Pattern for Stop Code.

6.Quiet Zones: Blank spaces before and after the barcode.

This structure ensures that Code 128 barcodes are highly versatile, efficient, and widely applicable in various industries for tracking and data encoding purposes.

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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:

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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.