Codabar Barcode Generator
Create Codabar barcodes for libraries, blood banks, and logistics.
Start and end with A-D, numbers and symbols in between
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What is a Codabar Barcode?
Codabar, also known as Codeabar, Ames Code, NW-7, Monarch, Code 2 of 7, Rationalized Codabar, ANSI/AIM BC3-1995, or USD-4, is a linear barcode symbology developed in 1972. It can encode numbers 0-9 and six special characters (- $ : / . +), and requires start/stop characters (A, B, C, or D). Codabar is self-checking and doesn't require a check digit.
Codabar was one of the earliest barcode symbologies, developed by Pitney Bowes in 1972 for retail price labeling. Its self-checking property means that a single print defect cannot turn one valid character into another, reducing the risk of silent misreads. Because of this reliability, it was adopted by blood banks (AABB) and library systems (many still use it today). The format uses four distinct start/stop characters (A, B, C, D) to allow multiple independent scanning zones within the same workflow.
While newer formats like Code 128 offer more flexibility, Codabar remains the standard in specific industries that have built their systems around it.
Want to learn more about Codabar barcodes? Read our complete guide to Codabar for library systems, blood banks, and legacy application support.
How to Use This Generator
Creating a Codabar barcode is straightforward:
- Enter your data starting and ending with A, B, C, or D (e.g., A123456A) with numbers and special characters in between
- Click 'Generate Barcode' to create your Codabar barcode
- Customize appearance in advanced options (optional)
- Download your barcode as SVG, PNG (multiple resolutions), or PDF
Technical Specifications
Key technical details for Codabar:
| Data Capacity | Variable length — no fixed maximum (practical limit depends on label width and scanner capability) |
| Character Set | Digits 0-9, six special characters (- $ : / . +), and four start/stop characters (A, B, C, D) |
| Symbol Size | Variable width; each character is encoded with 7 elements (4 bars and 3 spaces) |
| Check Digit | Optional — Codabar is self-checking; some applications add a modulo-16 check digit |
| Error Correction | Self-checking character encoding only — no built-in error correction beyond character validation |
| Standard | ANSI/AIM BC3-1995 (also known as USD-4, NW-7) |
Common Use Cases
Codabar barcodes are commonly used in:
- Public libraries for book tracking and patron identification cards
- Blood banks and laboratories for specimen tracking and identification
- Parcel delivery services and logistics for package tracking
- FedEx airbill and legacy parcel tracking labels
- Photo finishing envelopes and film processing order tracking
Tips & Best Practices
Get the most out of your Codabar barcodes:
- Always include start and stop characters (A, B, C, or D) — without them, scanners cannot determine where the barcode begins and ends.
- Use a narrow-to-wide bar ratio between 1:2.25 and 1:3 for reliable scanning. Going outside this range causes read failures with most handheld scanners.
- If your application requires extra data integrity, add an optional modulo-16 check digit — especially useful for medical and blood bank labels.
- Keep inter-character gaps consistent. Codabar is sensitive to uneven spacing between characters, which can occur with low-quality thermal printers.
Test Your Barcode
After generating your Codabar barcode, verify it scans correctly with your existing systems before deployment. Use our free barcode scanner to test your codes instantly - simply scan with your camera or upload an image to ensure proper encoding and compatibility with library or medical equipment. Test your barcode with our free scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Codabar still used today?
Yes, though its use is declining. Codabar remains active in blood banks (ISBT 128 transition notwithstanding), some public library systems, and older FedEx airbill formats. Many organizations have migrated to Code 128 or 2D formats for new deployments, but Codabar persists wherever legacy scanners and workflows are still in place. If you need to print labels for an existing Codabar system, our free generator creates them instantly.
What are the start and stop characters in Codabar?
Codabar requires one of four start/stop characters — A, B, C, or D (sometimes written as T, N, *, or E in older documentation). You place one at the beginning and one at the end of the data string. The start and stop characters do not have to match; for example, A12345B is valid. Our generator handles this automatically when you include them in your input.
What is the difference between Codabar and Code 39?
Codabar encodes only digits and six special characters (- $ : / . +), while Code 39 supports uppercase letters A-Z plus digits and symbols. Codabar is self-checking and does not need a check digit, whereas Code 39 is also self-checking but often adds an optional check digit. Code 39 is the more flexible format; Codabar is simpler and still found in niche legacy applications.
Is Codabar royalty free?
Yes. Codabar is a public-domain symbology with no patents, licensing fees, or royalties. It was originally developed in 1972 and has been freely available since. The specification is documented as ANSI/AIM BC3-1995. Anyone can generate, print, and scan Codabar barcodes for commercial or personal use without restriction.
Is this Codabar generator free?
Yes, completely free. No account, no watermarks, no usage caps. Generate as many Codabar barcodes as you need and download them as SVG, PNG, or PDF. All encoding happens in your browser — nothing is uploaded to any server.