Code 93 Barcode Generator
Create compact Code 93 barcodes for logistics and inventory management.
Alphanumeric with higher density than Code 39
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What is a Code 93 Barcode?
Code 93 is a variable-length barcode symbology designed to provide a higher density encoding than Code 39. It was developed in 1982 to encode the full ASCII character set in a more compact space. Code 93 includes two check digits for improved data security and is commonly used in logistics, inventory management, and identification cards.
Code 93 was developed by Intermec in 1982 specifically to overcome the low information density of Code 39 while keeping a similar character set. Each symbol uses 9 modules per character compared to Code 39's 15, resulting in labels that take up significantly less physical space. The two mandatory modulo-47 check digits catch virtually all substitution and transposition errors, making Code 93 a reliable option where label size and accuracy both matter.
Code 93 was designed as an improvement over Code 39, offering higher density and better data security with two check digits. For even more versatility, consider Code 128.
Want to learn more about Code 93 barcodes? Read our complete guide to Code 93 for postal services, inventory management, and technical specifications.
How to Use This Generator
Creating a Code 93 barcode is simple:
- Enter your alphanumeric data (supports full ASCII character set)
- Click 'Generate Barcode' to create your Code 93 barcode
- Adjust bar height and text display in advanced options (optional)
- Download your barcode as SVG, PNG (multiple resolutions), or PDF
Technical Specifications
Key technical details for Code 93:
| Data Capacity | Variable length — no fixed maximum (practical limit depends on scanner and print width) |
| Character Set | 43 native characters (A-Z, 0-9, - . $ / + % SPACE); full ASCII via Extended Code 93 shift pairs |
| Symbol Size | 9 modules per character plus start/stop characters and 2 check digits |
| Check Digit | Two modulo-47 check characters ("C" and "K"), both mandatory |
| Error Correction | Dual check digits detect substitution and transposition errors — no Reed-Solomon-style correction |
| Standard | AIM BC5 (no formal ISO standard; widely adopted industry specification) |
Common Use Cases
Code 93 barcodes are ideal for:
- Logistics and supply chain tracking with alphanumeric data
- Retail inventory management requiring higher density encoding
- Identification cards and access control systems
- Canadian postal service for special mail routing and delivery point encoding
- Electronic component labeling where Code 39 barcodes are too wide to fit
Tips & Best Practices
Get the most out of your Code 93 barcodes:
- Stick to the native 43-character set (uppercase, digits, basic symbols) whenever possible — Extended Code 93 shift pairs double the width for each extended character.
- Print at a minimum X-dimension of 0.19 mm (7.5 mil) for reliable scanning with standard handheld readers.
- Always include quiet zones of at least 10 times the X-dimension on both sides of the barcode to prevent misreads from nearby text or graphics.
- Test your barcodes on the actual scanners that will read them in production — not all older scanners support Code 93, especially Extended mode.
Test Your Barcode
After generating your Code 93 barcode, verify it scans correctly with your barcode readers before printing in bulk. Use our free barcode scanner to test your codes instantly - simply scan with your camera or upload an image to ensure proper encoding. Test your barcode with our free scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Code 93 and Code 128?
Both encode the full ASCII set, but they do it differently. Code 93 uses shift-pair combinations for extended characters, while Code 128 has three native subsets (A, B, C) that cover all 128 ASCII characters directly. Code 128 is more widely adopted in shipping and logistics. Code 93 is mainly found in logistics and the Canadian postal system. For most new projects, Code 128 is the safer default.
What is the difference between Code 93 and Code 39?
Code 93 was designed as a direct improvement over Code 39. It encodes the same characters in roughly 40% less space because each character uses 9 modules instead of 15. Code 93 also includes two mandatory modulo-47 check digits, making it more reliable than Code 39's optional single check digit. If you need higher density in the same label area, Code 93 is the better choice.
Can Code 93 encode lowercase letters?
Yes, through Extended Code 93. The base character set covers uppercase A-Z, digits 0-9, and a few symbols. To encode lowercase letters or other ASCII characters, the encoder inserts two-character shift sequences automatically. Our free generator handles this for you — just type your text including lowercase letters and it produces a valid barcode ready for download.
Is Code 93 royalty free?
Yes. Code 93 is in the public domain with no licensing fees, patents, or royalties. You can generate, print, and scan Code 93 barcodes for any commercial or personal purpose at no cost. While there is no formal ISO standard for Code 93, the symbology is documented by AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) and freely available.
Is this Code 93 generator free?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up, no usage limits, and no watermarks. Generate as many Code 93 barcodes as you need and download them as SVG, PNG, or PDF. All processing runs locally in your browser — your data never leaves your device.