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About the Code 39 Barcode Generator
Our Code 39 barcode generator is a reliable tool for creating barcodes used in inventory and asset tracking. Unlike Code 128, Code 39 is a variable-length, discrete symbology that can encode a set of uppercase letters, numbers, and a few special characters. This makes it a popular choice for a wide range of applications where simplicity and a wide variety of supported characters are important.
The tool is designed for ease of use. Simply enter the data you want to encode, and a high-resolution barcode image will be generated instantly. The codes are suitable for printing on labels, packaging, and shipping documents. We believe in providing essential utility tools that are fast and professional-grade.
Code 39 Developer Specs
Code 39 (also known as "Code 3 of 9") is widely used in industrial and military sectors. Key characteristics include:
- Discrete Symbology: Each character is separated by a small inter-character gap.
- Character Set: Encodes 43 characters (0-9, A-Z, and several symbols). The asterisk (*) is used as start/stop delimiter.
- Self-Checking: While Modulo 43 checksums are optional, they are recommended for high-reliability applications.
Official Standard: ISO/IEC 16388 (Code 39)
// Code 39 Modulo 43 Checksum Algorithm
/**
* Calculates the optional Modulo 43 checksum for Code 39
*/
function getCode39Checksum(data) {
const charSet = "0123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ-. $/+%";
let sum = 0;
for (let i = 0; i < data.length; i++) {
sum += charSet.indexOf(data[i]);
}
return charSet[sum % 43];
}
// Usage: Append result to data before adding * delimiters
const data = "CODE39";
console.log(data + getCode39Checksum(data));Frequently Asked Questions
Is Code 39 free to use?
Yes, Code 39 is a public domain symbology and is completely free to use without any licensing fees.
What characters are supported?
Code 39 supports uppercase letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and a few special characters like "-", ".", " ", "$", "/", "+", and "%".