When CODE 128 is a good fit
- Internal inventory and SKU-style labels.
- Asset and equipment IDs.
- Storage boxes, bins, shelves, and locations.
- Shipping and logistics identifiers when your system accepts CODE 128.
- Tickets, work orders, serial-style identifiers, and general business labels.
Why CODE 128 is flexible
CODE 128 can encode uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and common punctuation in a relatively compact 1D symbol. That makes it more flexible than CODE 39 for many new internal systems, while still working with a wide range of barcode scanners.
Single, bulk, or sequential
Create one barcode from a value, use the bulk barcode generator for a list or CSV, or use the sequential barcode generator to create IDs such as ASSET-0001 through ASSET-0500.
Print CODE 128 labels
After generation, prepare exact-size thermal labels at 203 or 300 DPI or use Avery-compatible laser/inkjet sheets. Protect the quiet zones and test with the scanner that will be used day to day.
Internal barcode versus retail product ID: CODE 128 is often a good choice when you control the system that reads the label. Retail checkout workflows may require an assigned GTIN represented as UPC or EAN instead.
Not sure which type to use?
Start with the receiving system. If a retailer, customer, scanner configuration, or industry standard requires a specific barcode type, follow that requirement. Otherwise read Which barcode type should I use? for a side-by-side explanation.