Online Barcode Generator: Free Code128 Barcode Maker

Need to create a fast, reliable, and professional barcode? Our free online barcode generator makes it easy to create high-quality, scannable Code128 barcodes in seconds.

This tool is designed for business, logistics, and inventory management. It’s 100% free, requires no sign-up, and produces high-resolution barcodes you can download and use immediately.

Important Note: This tool creates Code128 barcodes, which are the industry standard for shipping, logistics, and internal asset tracking. This is NOT the correct barcode for selling products in a retail store (you need a UPC/EAN for that).

What is a Code 128 Barcode? A Simple Guide

If you’ve ever worked in a warehouse, shipped a package, or tracked a company laptop, you’ve seen a Code 128 barcode. It’s the most popular and versatile linear (1D) barcode in the world for non-retail use. Here’s what you need to know.

The 60-Second Explanation

In short, a Code 128 barcode is a high-density, high-performance linear barcode.

• High-Density: It can pack a lot of information into a small space.

• High-Performance: It’s easy for scanners to read quickly and accurately.

• What it holds: Its biggest advantage is its ability to encode all 128 ASCII characters. This means it can easily store:

  • Upper-case letters (A-Z)

  • Lower-case letters (a-z)

  • Numbers (0-9)

  • All standard symbols (!@#$%, etc.)

This alphanumeric capability is what makes it far more flexible than older, numeric-only barcodes. Consequently, it’s the go-to choice for complex data.

Why It’s the Professional’s Choice for Logistics & Inventory

Code 128 became the standard because it’s perfect for “internal” use. Think of it as the engine of the supply chain. While a UPC barcode on a soda can only needs to store one number (the product ID), a Code 128 barcode on a shipping pallet needs to store a complex ID like (00) 1 085000 123456 0.

It’s the preferred choice for all non-point-of-sale tracking.

How to Use This Online Barcode Generator (Step-by-Step)

Creating your free Code128 barcode is as easy as 1-2-3-4.

1. Enter Your Data: In the text field above, type or paste the exact data you want to encode. This can be a simple number (123456), an asset tag (LAPTOP-087-B), or a complex shipping ID.

2. Generate Your Barcode: Click the “Generate” button. Our online barcode generator will instantly create a visual preview of your barcode.

3. Test Your Barcode: This is a critical step! Use a barcode scanner app on your phone or a physical scanner to scan the image on your screen. Make sure it scans correctly and that the data output is exactly what you typed.

4. Download and Use: Once tested, click “Download” to save a high-quality, high-resolution PNG file. You can now use this image on your shipping labels, inventory stickers, or internal documents.

Why Choose Our Free Online Barcode Generator?

Not all barcode creators are the same. Here’s what makes this tool powerful and safe:

• 100% Free, Forever: No sign-ups, no trials, no “premium” features. Just a simple, free barcode generator.

• Industry Standard: Creates proper Code128 barcodes that follow international standards, including an automatic checksum for maximum accuracy.

• Alphanumeric Support: Encodes any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Instant Preview: See your barcode as you type.

• High-Resolution Output: Downloads as a crisp, clean PNG file that’s perfect for both digital use and printing without looking blurry.

• Safe & Secure: Your data is processed entirely in your browser. We never see or store the information you’re encoding.

The Most Important Question: Code 128 vs. UPC vs. QR Code

This is the biggest point of confusion for users, and getting it wrong can be costly. Here’s the simple breakdown of which one you need.

Who is Code 128 for? (Internal Tracking)

• What it is: A 1D linear barcode.

• Use: Internal logistics and supply chain.

• Examples: Tracking inventory in a warehouse, labeling shipping boxes, identifying library books, tagging company assets (like computers or tools), tracking manufacturing parts.

Who is UPC/EAN for? (Retail Checkout)

• What it is: A 1D linear barcode.

• Use: Scanning a product at a retail checkout.

• Examples: The barcode on a can of soup, a box of cereal, or a t-shirt. To get a

  UPC code, you must purchase it from GS1, the global standards organization. This ensures your product number is unique in the world.

Who is a QR Code for? (Web Links & Marketing)

• What it is: A 2D matrix (square) code.

• Use: Marketing and information sharing.

• Examples: The code on a restaurant menu to view the PDF, the code on a poster that links to a website, or the code on a business card to share contact info.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Uses Code 128?

Code 128 is the invisible engine of modern commerce. Because it’s so flexible, you’ll find it in many industries.

Logistics and Shipping

This is the number one use. Code 128 is the foundation of the GS1-128 standard. That complex, long barcode on the side of a UPS or FedEx box? That’s a Code 128 barcode. It’s used for Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC) that track packages and pallets across the globe.

Inventory and Warehouse Management

Scan-in, scan-out. Code 128 is perfect for bin labels, product SKUs (for internal use), and picking lists. Its ability to store alphanumeric data makes it ideal for tagging items with complex IDs like BIN-A3-R4-001. Using a Code 128 generator is, therefore, a daily task in warehouses.

Internal Asset Tracking

Any company that needs to track its own equipment uses Code 128. This includes IT departments labeling laptops (e.g., DELL-LT-1024), hospitals tracking medical equipment, and construction companies managing tools.

Expert Tips for Creating Barcodes That Actually Scan

A barcode that won’t scan is worse than no barcode at all. Follow these professional tips.

1. Always Leave a “Quiet Zone”: This is the most important rule. A barcode needs a blank, empty margin of white space on its left and right sides. Our tool adds this, but don’t crop it or place other graphics too close to it in your design.

2. Size Matters: A barcode printed too small will be impossible for a scanner to read. A safe minimum height for a Code 128 barcode is typically around 0.75 inches (20mm) or 15% of the barcode’s length, whichever is greater.

3. Maintain High Contrast: The scanner reads the difference between the dark bars and the light spaces. The best combination is always black bars on a white background. Avoid putting barcodes on “busy” images, colored backgrounds, or using dark colors (some scanners only see red light).

4. Test, Test, Test: Before you print 1,000 labels, print one copy on your standard printer and paper. Try to scan it with multiple devices (a phone app, a real scanner) to ensure it works perfectly.

Explore Our Other Utility Tools

If you found this online barcode generator helpful, you might also need these related tools:

• QR Code Generator: If you need to link to a website, PDF menu, or share contact info, our QR Code Generator is the perfect tool.

• Online Notepad: A simple, fast place to write down and edit the data for your barcodes before you generate them.

• Clipboard Copy Tool: Quickly copy and paste complex data strings without errors.

• Online Random Number Generator: Need to create unique serial numbers? This tool can help.

Ready to Create Your Free Code128 Barcode?

You have the knowledge, and you have the tool.

Use our free online barcode generator at the top of this page to create your high-quality, professional, and scannable Code128 barcodes for your inventory, shipping, or asset management needs.