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Free Online Codabar Barcode Generator

CODABAR Mode

Codabar encodes numbers and a handful of symbols with distinctive start and stop characters, remaining common in libraries, blood banks, and legacy logistics systems. Enter a value framed by valid A–D delimiters, validate, and export a scannable Codabar image.

1. Enter barcode data

0 entries · Blank lines ignored · Duplicate values detected

2. Choose barcode settings

Barcode preview

Download settings

What is a Codabar barcode?

Codabar (also called NW-7 or USD-4) is a discrete linear barcode that encodes digits and a limited set of symbols. Distinctive start and stop characters—traditionally A, B, C, or D—frame the data payload, which helps scanners distinguish Codabar from other symbologies. Blood banks, libraries, and some courier systems still specify Codabar on forms and specimen labels decades after newer formats emerged.

Recommended generator settings

These defaults work well for preview and download. Adjust to match your label template or scanner tests.

Bar width Start at 2; increase only if scans fail at your print size
Height 100 px or taller for warehouse and logistics labels
Quiet zone Keep the default margin unless your spec defines a different quiet zone
Readable text Leave enabled when operators verify values manually
Output format PNG for design files; JPEG for documents and quick sharing

Practical examples

  • A1234D
  • A1234B
  • C98765D
  • A001-42C

When should you use Codabar?

  • Library checkout and inventory systems that still mandate Codabar
  • Blood bank and specimen tracking labels on legacy equipment
  • Courier and logistics forms specifying NW-7 encoding
  • Replacing worn Codabar labels while keeping the same character sequence

Limitations and common mistakes

Modern warehouse and retail workflows prefer CODE128 or CODE39. Consumer products require EAN or UPC symbologies instead of Codabar.

  • Omitting valid start and stop characters required by Codabar.
  • Trimming quiet zones when cropping the image for a label layout.
  • Scaling the barcode unevenly so bar width ratios no longer match the generated image.

Related formats

Codabar vs CODE39

Format Best for Supported data Key difference
Code 39 Industrial part numbers and work-in-process tracking on shop floors 0–9, A–Z, space, and - . $ / + % Full uppercase alphanumeric set with asterisk delimiters; wider modern adoption.
Code 128 Warehouse and inventory labels where the encoded value mixes letters and numbers Printable ASCII (codes 33–126) Letters, digits, and common punctuation within printable ASCII.
Pharmacode Pharmaceutical carton labeling with packaging-line verification codes Binary digits 0 and 1, or decimal 3–131070 Sequences of 0 and 1 interpreted by Pharmacode encoders.

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Printing and scanning notes

Printing

  • Include start and stop characters in the encoded value exactly as your spec lists them.
  • Maintain quiet zones; discrete Codabar bars need clear margins like other linear codes.
  • Print at widths that preserve narrow/wide bar distinction on dot-matrix forms.

Scanning

  • Enable Codabar or NW-7 on scanners; many ship with it disabled.
  • Verify start/stop characters are not stripped by downstream software.
  • Test on multi-part forms where carbon copies reduce contrast on lower sheets.

Frequently asked questions

A, B, C, and D are accepted as both opening and closing delimiters.

They can be the same or different depending on your application standard.

The body allows digits and - $ : / . + only; letters appear only as A–D delimiters.

NW-7 is another name for Codabar, commonly used in Japanese logistics specifications.

Values must start and end with A, B, C, or D and contain only allowed body characters.

Older library systems often require Codabar; new deployments may migrate to Code 39 or Code 128.

Optional modulo-16 check characters exist in some specs; this generator encodes the value you supply.

Yes. Enter one complete Codabar string per line.