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Free Code39 Barcode Generator

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Select barcode format

To show custom text below the barcode: press the Tab key after each value and type your caption. Or copy 2 columns from Excel (barcode value | display text) and paste directly.

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How to use the Code 39 barcode generator

Use Code 39 for short uppercase inventory labels, asset tags, and industrial IDs where scanner compatibility matters more than density.

Steps

  1. Enter uppercase letters, digits, and supported symbols.
  2. Preview the barcode and confirm it fits the label width.
  3. Download SVG for printing or ZIP for a batch of internal labels.

Example inputs

Asset tag

ASSET-42

Standard Code 39 supports uppercase letters and selected symbols.

Warehouse batch

BIN-01
BIN-02
BIN-03

Each row creates one internal label barcode.

Download and print tips

  • Use SVG for packaging artwork or print layouts that may be scaled.
  • Use PNG for quick previews, documentation, and simple label drafts.
  • Use ZIP export when generating many labels from CSV so the batch can be reviewed together.

Common use cases

  • Warehouse bin labels
  • Equipment and asset tags
  • Legacy industrial scanner workflows

Troubleshooting

  • If you need lowercase text, use Code 39 Extended or Code 128B.
  • If the barcode becomes too wide, Code 128 may be a better fit.
  • Keep the encoded value clean: no product names, extra punctuation, or pasted spreadsheet formatting unless the barcode type supports it.
  • Preserve quiet space around the barcode and avoid stretching the image horizontally.
  • Print a small sample and test it with the scanners used in the real workflow before producing labels at scale.

Important note

This page creates internal label images. It does not validate IDs against an asset database.

Code 39 Barcode Generator FAQ

How do I generate a Code 39 barcode online?

Enter your Code 39 value in the generator, preview the barcode, then download it as PNG or SVG. For multiple inventory labels or asset tags, paste one Code 39 value per line or import CSV data so each row becomes one barcode. This Code 39 barcode generator is useful for internal labels, warehouse IDs, equipment tags, name badges, and industrial tracking workflows.

What is a Code 39 barcode?

Code 39 is a one-dimensional alphanumeric barcode commonly used for inventory, asset tracking, industrial labels, and internal identification. It can encode uppercase letters, numbers, and a small set of symbols. Code 39 is easy to read and widely supported, but it is less compact than Code 128, so long values can produce wide labels.

What characters can I enter in a Code 39 barcode?

Standard Code 39 supports uppercase A-Z, digits 0-9, space, hyphen, period, dollar sign, slash, plus, and percent. It does not directly support lowercase letters or the full ASCII character set. If you need lowercase text or broader punctuation, use the Code 39 Extended generator or choose Code 128 when scanner compatibility and label width allow it.

Do I need to add asterisks to the Code 39 value?

No. Code 39 uses start and stop characters that are often shown as asterisks in barcode fonts, but an online generator usually handles the start and stop pattern for you. Enter the actual data you want encoded, not extra asterisks around the value. Adding literal asterisks can make the human-readable text confusing and may not match what your scanner or inventory system expects.

Does Code 39 require a check digit?

Code 39 can be used with or without a Mod 43 check character, depending on the scanner setup and receiving system. Many internal inventory labels use Code 39 without a check digit, while some controlled workflows require one for extra error detection. Before printing many Code 39 labels, confirm whether your warehouse software, badge system, or scanner profile expects a check digit.

When should I use Code 39 instead of Code 128?

Use Code 39 when your data is short, mostly uppercase alphanumeric, and your scanner or legacy system expects Code 39. Use Code 128 when you need a denser barcode, lowercase letters, broader ASCII support, or long IDs that must fit on a small label. Code 39 is familiar and simple, but Code 128 is usually more space-efficient for modern shipping, inventory, and product workflows.

Can I generate Code 39 barcodes in bulk from CSV?

Yes. Paste one Code 39 value per line or import CSV rows to create multiple Code 39 barcode images in one batch. This is useful for warehouse bin labels, asset tags, equipment lists, employee badges, and maintenance labels. Review the preview before exporting so lowercase letters, unsupported symbols, duplicate IDs, or pasted spreadsheet formatting do not become production label files.

Which download format should I use for Code 39 labels?

Use SVG when the Code 39 barcode will be placed into print artwork, label software, or a layout that may be scaled. Use PNG for quick previews, documentation, and simple internal labels. If you generate many Code 39 barcodes from CSV, export a ZIP file so all barcode images can be saved together and handed off to a label printing workflow.

Why is my Code 39 barcode too wide or hard to scan?

Code 39 is not as dense as Code 128, so long values create wide barcode symbols. If the barcode becomes too wide for the label, shorten the encoded ID, increase label width, or switch to Code 128 if your scanner and software support it. Also keep enough quiet space around the barcode, avoid uneven scaling, and test printed samples before using Code 39 labels in daily operations.