Code 39 Barcode Generator
Generate Code 39 (Code 3 of 9) or Code 93 barcodes for systems that require them, singly or in bulk.
- Code 39 & Code 93
- Auto capitals
- Bulk labels
- PNG & SVG
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Printed at 0.33 mm per bar: 64.7 × 19.1 mm (2.55 × 0.75 in)
What is Code 39?
Code 39, also called Code 3 of 9, is one of the oldest alphanumeric barcodes. It encodes capital letters, digits, space and the symbols - . $ / + %, and every character is self-checking, which made it the standard for automotive (AIAG), defence (LOGMARS) and many healthcare and government labels. It is wider than Code 128 for the same data. Code 93 is a more compact successor with built-in check characters. Lowercase letters are converted to capitals automatically.
How to create a Code 39 barcode
- Choose Code 39 or Code 93.
- Type your data; lowercase letters become capitals.
- Adjust bar width and height for your label size.
- Download, or create bulk labels.
Which barcode type should I use?
- UPC-A and EAN-13 are for retail products. Official numbers come from GS1; a made-up number may clash with someone else’s product.
- Code 128 is the best general-purpose choice for inventory, asset tags and shipping, and encodes letters, digits and symbols.
- Code 39 is older but still required by some industries and government systems; it supports capital letters and digits only.
- Data Matrix and QR Code are 2D: they hold far more data in a small square and can be read by phone cameras.
Why use this code 39 barcode generator
- No email, no account, no watermarkMany barcode sites ask for an email before the download. Here the image is created on your device and saved straight away.
- Print-ready sizesChoose the bar width in millimetres and 150–600 DPI, see the printed size before you download, or take a vector SVG.
- Check digits handled for youUPC, EAN, ISBN and ITF-14 check digits are calculated or verified, with a clear message if a number is wrong.
- Bulk and label sheetsPaste a column from Excel and get a ZIP of images or a PDF laid out on Avery 5160, 5163, L7160 and other sheets.
Common uses
- Automotive and industrial parts. Labels for systems specified around Code 39.
- Government and defence. LOGMARS-style asset labels.
- ID badges. Employee and student numbers.
- Legacy scanners. Older readers that only decode Code 39.
Need a code people scan with their phone? Use the QR code generator or the Wi-Fi QR code generator. Pair labels with a UUID or random number generator for unique IDs.
Example: a part number
Enter part-0042: it becomes PART-0042, and Code 39 adds the * start and stop characters automatically.
What to expect from the result
This tool creates barcode images; it does not issue product numbers. Retailers and marketplaces require UPC/EAN numbers licensed from GS1. Always test-scan a printed sample, especially at small sizes, on coloured backgrounds or with low-quality printers.
Code 39 Barcode Generator questions
What characters does Code 39 support?
Capital letters A–Z, digits 0–9, space and - . $ / + %. Use Code 128 for lowercase letters or other symbols.
Do I need to add asterisks?
No. The * start and stop characters are added automatically; do not type them.
What is the difference between Code 39 and Code 93?
Code 93 encodes the same characters in less space and adds two check characters, making it more reliable.
Is there a Code 39 font I can use instead?
Fonts exist, but they need the start/stop characters and correct spacing. Generating an image here avoids font installation and printing errors.
Why won’t my barcode scan?
Common causes are printing too small, low contrast (light bars or a dark background), red bars, missing quiet zones, or a blurry printer. Increase the bar width, use black on white and keep the quiet zone on.