Codabar Generator
Create a Codabar barcode used by libraries and blood banks.
How to use the Codabar Generator
- Enter digits, optionally wrapped in start/stop letters A–D.
- Download the barcode.
About the Codabar Generator
Codabar is an old format that has quietly refused to die. It encodes digits and a few symbols, and it is still seen in libraries, blood banks and some logistics operations — places that standardised on it decades ago and have far too many existing labels and readers to justify a migration. Its distinguishing feature is a start and stop character chosen from the letters A to D, which sit at each end of the symbol and are not part of your data.
Those start/stop letters carry meaning in some systems: an organisation may use different letter pairs to distinguish label types, such as a borrower card from an item. If you are producing labels for an existing system, ask which pair it expects — guessing produces a barcode that scans but is filed as the wrong kind of thing. If you enter digits with no start/stop letters, this tool wraps the value in A…A automatically, and the letters are not shown in the text under the bars.
Codabar is not dense and carries no mandatory check digit, so for any new system Code 128 is the better choice — more characters, less width, a built-in check character. Use Codabar when you are feeding something that already speaks it. As always, keep the quiet zones at both ends clear and do not compress the bars to squeeze the code onto a narrow label.
Frequently asked questions
What are the A–D characters for?
They are start and stop characters marking each end of the symbol, and they are not part of your data. Some systems assign meaning to which pair is used, so check what yours expects.
What if I do not include them?
If you enter digits only, the value is wrapped in A…A automatically so the symbol is valid. The letters do not appear in the human-readable text under the bars.
What can Codabar encode?
Digits and a small set of symbols, plus the A–D start and stop characters. It cannot encode letters as data — for that, use Code 128.
Does Codabar need a check digit?
It has no mandatory one. Some organisations add their own check digit as part of the number before encoding. If yours does, calculate it in your system and include it in the data.
Should I use Codabar for a new system?
Generally no. Code 128 is denser, handles the full ASCII set and has a built-in check character. Codabar makes sense when you are producing labels for an installed base that already uses it.