Free, no signup. Updated November 2026
Free Code 128 barcode generator
Type any SKU or ID and print a Code 128 label that scans.
Code 128 is the default barcode for warehouse work because it takes letters, numbers and symbols and stays compact. Enter one value or paste a list, pick a label size, and download a PDF, PNG or SVG. Values are rendered in your browser and never uploaded.
Best for SKUs, FNSKUs, order IDs, and mixed text.
One value per line, up to 120 barcodes per PDF.
Live preview
1 valuePNG and SVG save the first value. The PDF has every label.
Code 128 at a glance
Code 128 is named for the 128 ASCII characters it can encode. This tool accepts the printable ones.
| Characters | Uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, spaces and standard keyboard symbols. |
|---|---|
| Length | Variable. Longer values make wider barcodes, so keep IDs short where you can. |
| Check character | Built in (modulo 103). It is added automatically and is not part of the printed text. |
| Density | High. Long runs of digits are packed two per symbol, so numeric IDs print narrow. |
| Quiet zone | Blank space of 10 times the narrowest bar on each side. Every download includes it. |
| Used for | SKUs, bin and location labels, order and tote IDs, Amazon FNSKUs, and carrier shipping labels. |
Why Code 128 is the usual choice for SKUs
If you are labeling your own inventory and nobody has told you which barcode to use, use this one.
It takes your SKUs as they are
SKUs mix letters, numbers and dashes. UPC and EAN are digits only and a fixed length. Code 128 encodes TSHIRT-BLK-M without you renaming anything.
It prints narrow
Code 128 needs less width per character than Code 39, so the same SKU fits on a 2.25 × 1.25 inch label with bars a scanner can read.
Every modern scanner reads it
Handheld scanners, phone cameras and warehouse systems read Code 128 out of the box. You only need Code 39 for older equipment that asks for it.
It catches misreads
A check character is part of every Code 128 symbol. A damaged or badly printed label fails to scan rather than returning the wrong SKU.
Getting Code 128 labels to scan first time
Most scanning problems come from the print, not the barcode type.
Keep values short
Every extra character adds width. On a small label, a 10 to 14 character SKU scans more reliably than a 30 character one.
Print at 100%
Fit to page shrinks the bars. The PDFs are sized to the label, so set printer scaling to Actual size or 100%.
Stick to keyboard characters
Accented letters and emoji are outside Code 128. The tool flags them so you can fix the value before printing.
This is plain Code 128
GS1-128, the version with application identifiers used on pallet and carton labels, is a different format that this tool does not produce.
How to make a Code 128 barcode
Three steps, about a minute, no account.
Step 1
Enter your values
Type one SKU or ID, or paste a list with one value per line to make a batch.
Step 2
Pick a label size
Choose 2.25 × 1.25, 3 × 1 or 4 × 6 thermal labels, or Avery 5160 sheets for a regular printer.
Step 3
Download or print
Download the PDF, PNG or SVG, or print straight from the page at 100% scale.
Code 128 FAQs
- What characters can Code 128 encode?
- The 128 ASCII characters. In practice that means uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, spaces and standard keyboard punctuation, which is what this tool accepts. It cannot encode accented letters or emoji.
- Is Code 128 better than Code 39?
- For most uses, yes. Code 128 encodes more characters, prints narrower for the same value and always includes a check character. Choose Code 39 only when a customer, a legacy scanner or an industry spec requires it.
- Does Code 128 need a check digit?
- It has one built in. Every Code 128 barcode ends with a check character calculated from the data. The tool adds it automatically and it does not appear in the text under the bars.
- Can I use Code 128 for Amazon FNSKU labels?
- Yes. An FNSKU is printed as a Code 128 barcode. Amazon item labels also carry the product title and condition, so use the FNSKU label generator, which adds those lines.
- Can I sell products at retail with a Code 128 barcode?
- No. Retail checkout uses UPC-A or EAN-13 with a number licensed from GS1. Code 128 is for your own operations: SKUs, locations, orders and shipping.
- How many Code 128 labels can I make at once?
- Paste one value per line and download a single PDF with one label per value, up to 120 labels per PDF, or lay them out 30 to a page on Avery 5160 sheets.
Other barcode types
The same tool makes every type below. Not sure which one you need? The barcode maker has a chooser.
- UPC Barcode GeneratorUPC-A barcodes from 11 or 12 digits, with the check digit calculated or verified. PDF, PNG and SVG.
- Code 39 Barcode GeneratorCode 39 (3 of 9) barcodes for asset tags and legacy systems. PDF, PNG and SVG.
- ITF-14 Barcode GeneratorITF-14 case barcodes from a GTIN-14, with bearer bars and the check digit handled.
- EAN-13 Barcode GeneratorEAN-13 barcodes from 12 or 13 digits, with the check digit calculated or verified.
- FNSKU Label GeneratorAmazon FNSKU item labels with the barcode, title and condition, on thermal labels or Avery 5160 sheets.
Need labels applied too?
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We handle ecommerce fulfillment, receiving, storage, barcode labeling, shipping, and Amazon FBA prep from our Austin, TX warehouse.