Code 39 Barcode Generator

Code 39 is an old, simple barcode for capital letters, digits and a few symbols, and almost every scanner can read it. Type your text below and you're set.

Barcode type
Code 39Choose another type

Capital letters A–Z, digits, space and - . $ / + %. Up to 40 characters.

Your barcode will appear here.

Your barcode data is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to our server.

Size and appearance

The blank margin (quiet zone) is never smaller than 10 times the bar width, so the barcode stays scannable.

Code 39 at a glance

CharactersA–Z, 0–9, space and - . $ / + %
LengthVariable (limited to 40 characters here)
Check digitNot required
Typical useIndustrial labels, ID badges and asset tags

What you can enter

  • Capital letters A to Z, digits 0 to 9, space and the symbols - . $ / + %
  • Lower-case letters are converted to capitals for you
  • Do not type the start and stop asterisks (*); they are added automatically
  • Up to 40 characters in this generator

What is Code 39?

Code 39, sometimes called Code 3 of 9, was one of the first barcodes that could carry letters. Each character is built from nine elements, three of them wide. A barcode always starts and ends with an asterisk, which works as the start and stop marker. Every character stands on its own, so no check digit is needed, though some systems add an optional one.

Where Code 39 is used

  • Car and manufacturing part labels
  • Defence and government supply labels
  • ID badges, membership cards and simple asset tags
  • Older systems whose scanners were set up for Code 39 years ago

Code 39 or Code 128?

Code 39 takes more room than Code 128 for the same data and only covers 43 characters. What it has going for it: it's easy to print, nearly everyone understands it, and even basic printers cope. If you're free to choose and you need lower-case letters or compact numbers, Code 128 is usually the better bet. If an industry spec or an existing system asks for Code 39, use that.

How to create a Code 39 barcode

  1. Enter your data in the box above, for example CODE-39.
  2. Check the preview and read any message under the box. It explains how to fix invalid input.
  3. Adjust the bar width, height or margin under “Size and appearance” if you need to.
  4. Select Download PNG, Download SVG or Print. Files are named code-39-barcode.png and code-39-barcode.svg.

Prefer another format? Return to the barcode generator to choose a different type.

Code 39 questions

Why is my Code 39 barcode so wide?

Each character takes nine elements, so Code 39 comes out wider than the same text in Code 128. Use fewer characters or reduce the bar width.

Can I use lower-case letters?

Standard Code 39 only has capitals. We convert lower-case letters for you and let you know when we've done it.

Do I need the asterisks?

No, they're added automatically. If you type them they'd count as part of your data, and an asterisk isn't an allowed character.

What is “Full ASCII” Code 39?

It's an extension that covers lower-case letters and more by using pairs of normal characters. The scanner has to support it, and this generator doesn't offer it.

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