Advance Barcode Generator

1. Why won't my barcode scan? Common Error Codes & Troubleshooting

2. What is the difference between Code 128 and GS1-128?

While they look similar, GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is a special subset of Code 128 used strictly for logistics. It includes a special hidden character called FNC1 at the start, which tells scanners that the data conforms to GS1 standards (like shipping container codes). Use standard Code 128 for internal inventory, distinct personal projects, or asset tracking where global compliance isn't needed.

Source: GTIN.info - GS1-128 Explained

3. How do I fix "Invalid Characters" errors in Code 39?

Standard Code 39 only supports 43 characters: 0-9, A-Z, and special characters - . $ / + % and space. If you try to encode lowercase letters or other symbols, the generation will fail.

4. Can I change the height or width without breaking the barcode?

Truncation (Height): Reducing the height (e.g., shorter than 10mm) is risky. While omnidirectional scanners can read short barcodes, handheld laser scanners require the beam to cross the entire width horizontally. A taller barcode is easier to aim at.

Scaling (Width): You can scale the barcode up or down, but always maintain the aspect ratio. Never stretch it horizontally without scaling vertically, as this distorts the bar widths relative to spaces.

5. What is "Pharmacode" and why is it only bars?

Pharmacode (Pharmaceutical Binary Code) is a specialized standard used in the pharmaceutical industry for packaging control (e.g., leaflet folding verification). Unlike retail barcodes, it encodes a single integer from 3 to 131070 and uses only one width of bar but varies the spaces. It is designed to be readable even with printing errors, ensuring patient safety by preventing packaging mix-ups.

6. Is my data sent to a server? (Privacy & Security)

No. This tool uses Client-Side Rendering via the bwip-js library. The barcode image is generated entirely within your browser's memory using JavaScript.

This means your sensitive SKUs, serial numbers, or medical ids never leave your computer, making it compliant with strict data privacy policies.

7. How to generate barcodes for Excel or Google Sheets?

While this tool generates individual high-quality images, for bulk operations in Excel, you usually need a "Barcode Font" installed on your system (like IDAutomationC128). However, fonts can be readable only on specific computers. For professional use, generate sequentially numbered images here and insert them, or use a dedicated batch processing script if you have thousands of items.