Code 39 Barcode generator
Generate easy & customizable Code 39 Barcodes in seconds.
Make sure to test out your configured barcode before using it in production.
Free Code 39 Barcode Generator – Create Barcodes Online
Generate alphanumeric Code 39 barcodes of any length in seconds with TryQRCode.
Create a free Code 39 barcode for logistics, healthcare, and automotive applications. Code 39 was the first alphanumeric barcode: it encodes 43 characters (A–Z, 0–9, space, and - . $ / + %) at variable length with no mandatory check digit. Customize the colors, width, and height, preview it live, and download it as PNG, SVG, JPG, or WEBP. No login or technical skills required.
Generate Code 39 BarcodeWhat is a Code 39 Barcode?
A Code 39 barcode is the first alphanumeric linear barcode ever developed, and it is still one of the most widely used. It encodes 43 characters — the digits 0–9, letters A–Z, a space, and the symbols - . $ / + % — enclosed by a start/stop asterisk. Code 39 is variable-length, has no mandatory check digit, and is used across Department of Defense (DoD) logistics, HIBC healthcare labeling, and automotive AIAG standards. Its forgiving structure works even on rough or low-quality printing.
In short: Code 39 was the first alphanumeric barcode, encodes 43 characters (A–Z, 0–9, space, and - . $ / + %), uses a start/stop asterisk, has variable length with no mandatory check digit, and powers DoD logistics, HIBC healthcare, and AIAG automotive workflows.
Code 39 Quick Facts
| Encodes | 43 characters: A–Z, 0–9, space, and - . $ / + % |
|---|---|
| Length | Variable (any practical length) |
| Check digit | None mandatory (optional mod-43) |
| Start/stop | Asterisk (*) character at both ends |
| Encoding standard | ISO/IEC 16388 |
| Typical use | DoD logistics, HIBC healthcare, AIAG automotive |
How to Create Your Code 39 Barcode
Follow these four steps to generate a professional Code 39 barcode in under a minute.
1
Enter Your Data
Type or paste your alphanumeric value — no asterisks needed, the generator adds the start/stop marks.
2
Customize the Look
Adjust foreground and background colors, width scale, height, and toggle the human-readable text.
3
Generate & Preview
Your barcode renders instantly with a live preview so you can verify it before download.
4
Download & Print
Export as PNG, SVG, JPG, or WEBP and use it on labels, tags, and packaging.
No registration required. Your barcode is generated in seconds and ready for print or digital use.
Benefits of Code 39 Barcodes
Why teams and businesses choose Code 39 barcodes for dependable, scannable identification.
First Alphanumeric Standard
The pioneering symbology that set the pattern for dozens of barcodes that followed.
Self-Checking Start/Stop
The asterisk start/stop pattern makes each character partially self-checking.
Full Alphanumeric Set
Encodes 43 characters — A–Z, 0–9, space, and - . $ / + %.
Industry Backed
Standard in DoD logistics, HIBC healthcare labeling, and AIAG automotive.
Forgiving to Print
Simple wide/narrow structure stays scannable even on low-quality printers.
Scans Everywhere
Read by virtually all modern laser and camera barcode scanners.
Common Use Cases for Code 39
See how Code 39 barcodes are used across retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
DoD Logistics
Military supply labels, property tags, and logistics marking.
HIBC Healthcare
Health Industry Barcode labels on medical devices and packaging.
Automotive (AIAG)
Part identification and shipping labels per AIAG KPI and B-15 standards.
Shipping & Logistics
Carrier labels, asset tags, and warehouse stock identifiers.
Asset Management
Office and facility asset tags where fixed-length codes are not required.
General ID
Membership cards, library stamps, and internal routing codes.
Code 39 Barcode – Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about how Code 39 works and where to use it.
Code 39 encodes 43 characters: the digits 0–9, letters A–Z, a space, and the symbols - . $ / + %. Its length is variable, so you can combine them without a set limit.
No. Code 39 has no mandatory check digit, though an optional mod-43 check character is available when extra reliability is needed.
Code 39 encodes uppercase letters A–Z, digits 0–9, a space, and the symbols - . $ / + % — 43 characters in total, enclosed by a start/stop asterisk.
Code 39 is simpler, lower density, and encodes 43 characters with no mandatory checksum. Code 128 encodes the full 128-character ASCII set at roughly twice the density.
It is the start/stop character that tells the scanner where the symbol begins and ends. You do not need to type it — the generator adds it automatically.
Code 39 is used in Department of Defense logistics, HIBC healthcare labeling, AIAG automotive, and general asset and shipping applications.
Create Your Free Code 39 Barcode Now
Generate a scannable, print-ready Code 39 barcode in seconds—download it in any format and use it wherever reliable identification is needed.
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