Create Code 128 barcodes for internal labels

When Code 128 is the right barcode

Code 128 is the flexible workhorse for internal labels because it handles numbers, letters and common symbols in a compact way. It is a good choice for SKUs, pick tickets, bins, asset IDs and shipment references when retail UPC or EAN rules do not apply.

Use Code 128 for mixed data

Code 128 is flexible, which makes it easy to misuse.

• Enter the exact warehouse, ticket or internal value.
• Avoid adding spaces unless they belong in the system record.
• Check the scan result against the software that will read it.

For small labels, give the bars more width before reducing height.

Create a Code 128 barcode

1. Enter the SKU, asset ID, shipment reference or internal value.
2. Keep the value exactly as your inventory, shipping or warehouse system expects it.
3. Generate the Code 128 barcode and leave the human-readable text on when people will handle the label.
4. Feed the SVG to your label software and keep a PNG or PDF for a quick print proof.
5. Scan one printed label with the real scanner before producing a batch.

Where Code 128 works

• Internal SKUs
• Shipping references
• Asset IDs

Code 128 label checks

• Code 128 is a good default for internal alphanumeric data.
• Use consistent prefixes or naming rules if the labels belong to a larger inventory system.
• Print a readable text value under the barcode when manual backup matters.

Code 128 mistakes to avoid

• Using Code 128 for a retail product when the retailer expects UPC-A or EAN-13.
• Changing capitalization, prefixes or spacing from the value used in the inventory system.
• Shrinking the barcode until narrow bars become unreliable on the target printer.

Code 128 barcode questions