What Is a Code 128 Barcode?

Code 128 is a linear barcode that encodes the full ASCII set at high density. Its flexibility makes it the de facto standard for shipping, logistics and warehouse labels; the GS1-128 variant also carries supply-chain data.

Sample data: TR-4821-KARGO

Create your own Code 128 barcode →

Key facts

Where is it used?

• Shipping and tracking numbers
• Warehouse shelf and carton labels
• Serial numbers and batch codes
• GS1-128 for SSCC, expiry date and batch information

How to print Code 128 in ZPL

On a Zebra printer a Code 128 barcode is one command, ^BC. The example below is a complete label; paste it into the preview to see it drawn before you send it to a printer.

^XA
^FO50,50^BY3
^BCN,120,Y,N,N
^FDLBX-2026-0917^FS
^XZ

^BC encodes letters, digits and symbols; the printer picks the code set. N,120,Y,N,N = no rotation, 120 dots tall, text below, no text above, no UCC check digit. For GS1-128 use mode D and put the application identifiers in the data.

Open this example in the ZPL preview → · ^BC command reference

GS1-128: the same barcode, structured data

GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is not a separate barcode type but a particular use of Code 128: the symbol starts with an FNC1 character and the data is made of fields labelled with Application Identifiers (AIs). One barcode can then carry the product number, the weight and the batch code at once, and the reading system knows which field is which.

Common identifiers: (00) SSCC shipping unit number, (01) GTIN, (10) batch/lot, (17) expiry date, (3103) net weight in kg with three decimals.

Labelixa's preview engine produces GS1-128 through the D (UCC/EAN) and U (UCC Case) modes of the ^BC command. Parentheses are printed but not encoded; FNC1 separators are inserted automatically:

^XA
^FO50,50^BCN,120,Y,N,N,D
^FD(01)09501101530003(3103)000189(10)LOT42^FS
^XZ

The U mode is for shipping units (SSCC): the data is normalised to 19 digits, the check digit is calculated and the result is encoded as (00).

In D mode (firmware x.11 and later) the printer calculates the check digit: the last digit of AIs that carry one, such as (00) SSCC and (01) GTIN, may be a placeholder (Zebra's example writes 0), and the calculated digit goes into both the barcode and the line below it. The preview draws the same.

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