Codabar Barcode Generator
Generate a Codabar barcode for libraries, blood banks, photo labs and parcel services that still rely on this classic numeric symbology. Enter digits and the symbols - $ : / . +, with or without the start and stop letters A to D. The tool validates the data and draws the barcode as a PNG image or an SVG file with adjustable scale, bar height and text.
Frequently asked questions
Which characters does Codabar encode?
Codabar encodes the digits 0 to 9 and the symbols - $ : / . +, framed by a start and a stop character from A, B, C or D. Letters other than the start and stop characters are refused. Up to 60 characters are accepted.
Do I have to enter the start and stop characters?
No. If you leave them out, the tool uses A at both ends. If you enter them, both ends must be one of A, B, C or D, for example A40156B, and lowercase letters are accepted and converted.
Why would I choose B, C or D as start and stop?
Some systems use the start and stop letters to tell label types apart, for example libraries that distinguish books from patron cards. Use the letters your system expects. Scanners can be configured to transmit or hide them.
Does Codabar have a check digit?
Codabar does not require one and this tool encodes your data as entered. Some applications, such as library systems, include a check digit in the number itself, which you can type as part of the data.
Should I download the Codabar barcode as PNG or SVG?
Choose SVG for print work, packaging artwork and anything you scale later, because the bars stay sharp at every size. Choose PNG for documents, web pages and label software that only accept raster images. The PNG has a white background and the SVG draws a white background rectangle, so both scan on any page color.
How do scale and bar height work?
The scale from 1 to 10 multiplies the width of every bar, and 3 is the default. The bar height accepts 5 to 50 millimeters and uses about 25 millimeters when empty.
Can I print the barcode without text?
Yes. Turn off the human readable text option. With the option on, the data is printed under the bars.
Is Codabar the same as NW-7 or USD-4?
Yes. Codabar is also known as NW-7, Code 2 of 7, USD-4 and Monarch, names used in different industries and countries for the same symbology.
Should I use Codabar for a new project?
Only if the system that reads the labels expects it. For new applications Code 128 is more compact and supports letters, while Codabar remains common in libraries, blood banks and older parcel systems.
What happens to my data?
The data is used only to draw the image and is not stored. The image may be at most 4000 pixels on a side.