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Codabar generator

An older barcode for digits and a few symbols, with start and stop characters A–D. Used in libraries, laboratories and blood banks.

Code settings

Digits and - $ : / . +, optionally with start and stop characters A–D at both ends.

The narrowest bar of the code. Recommended 0.19 to 1.016 mm.

From 3 to 300 mm.

Blank margin around the code required by the standard. Keep it on.

Appearance

The human readable digits or characters, set in OCR-B.

Height of a digit, from 1 to 30 mm.

Hexadecimal, for example #000000.

Fills the quiet zone too.

Preview

Size with quiet zone: 35.64 × 17.43 mm. The on-screen preview is enlarged.

Download the code

PNG file: 432 × 211 px, 307.9 DPI. Each module gets whole pixels and the DPI is set so the printout has exactly the size in mm shown above.

What is Codabar

Codabar holds digits and six symbols. Every code starts and ends with one of A, B, C or D, which systems use to tell kinds of codes apart.

If you do not enter start and stop characters, the generator adds A at both ends.

Frequently asked questions

Which start and stop characters should I use?

The ones the reading system requires. If there are no requirements, A at both ends is safe.

Does the scanner pass on the start and stop characters?

That depends on the scanner settings. The library we test codes with passes them on with the data.

Is Codabar a good choice for new systems?

Code 128 is usually better: shorter and with more characters. Codabar makes sense when an existing system requires it.

Can I enter letters?

Only A, B, C and D as start and stop characters. Inside the code, digits and the symbols - $ : / . + are allowed.

Which module width should I choose?

Typically 0.25 to 0.5 mm. Leave a quiet zone of at least 10 modules on each side.

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