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Home›Barcode Types›What Is a Code 128 Barcode?
Barcode Types › Code 128

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.

Code 128: TR-4821-KARGO

Sample data: TR-4821-KARGO

Create your own Code 128 barcode →

Key facts

Year1981
StandardISO/IEC 15417
CapacityFull ASCII
NoteThe standard for shipping and warehouse labels; the most flexible linear code

Where is it used?

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).

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Frequently asked questions

What is Code 128?

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.

How much data can Code 128 hold?

Code 128 capacity: Full ASCII.

Where is Code 128 used?

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

Is Code 128 1D or 2D?

Code 128 is a linear barcode.