Free Bulk Code 39 Barcode Generator

Need scannable Code 39 labels for parts, badges, or inventory bins? This free bulk Code 39 barcode generator creates up to 500 barcodes per batch — no signup, no watermark, no software to install. Paste your codes or import a CSV file, hit generate, and download print-ready PNG, PDF, or ZIP files in seconds. Everything runs locally in your browser, so your data is never uploaded anywhere.

What Is Code 39?

Code 39 (also written “Code 3 of 9”) is one of the oldest barcode symbologies still in everyday use — it was developed in 1974 and remains a workhorse in factories, warehouses, and government supply chains. It encodes uppercase letters A–Z, digits 0–9, and seven special characters: dash (-), period (.), dollar ($), slash (/), plus (+), percent (%), and space. An asterisk (*) acts as the start and stop character, which is why you will sometimes see Code 39 values written with asterisks around them, like *ABC123*.

Because it handles letters as well as numbers, Code 39 is the natural choice when your codes are alphanumeric — part numbers like “BRG-4471”, location codes like “AISLE-04-B”, or badge IDs. It is variable-length, so short and long codes can be mixed in the same batch. One trade-off: Code 39 is not the most space-efficient symbology, so very long values produce wide barcodes. If space is tight, Code 128 packs the same data into a narrower symbol.

Where Is Code 39 Used?

Automotive and manufacturing. Code 39 labels track parts, assemblies, and work orders on factory floors, where alphanumeric part numbers are the everyday language.

Defense and government logistics. The U.S. Department of Defense standardized on Code 39 (under the LOGMARS program) for shipments and asset tracking, and it is still common across military supply chains.

Warehouses and inventory. Bin labels, pallet tags, and shelf locations often use human-readable alphanumeric codes — a perfect fit for Code 39. See our barcode generator for inventory for warehouse labeling workflows.

Name badges and ID cards. Event badges, visitor passes, and employee IDs frequently carry a Code 39 barcode encoding a name or ID number that scans at the door.

Healthcare operations. Patient wristbands, specimen labels, and equipment tags in hospitals often use Code 39 for its alphanumeric support and universal scanner compatibility.

How to Generate Code 39 Barcodes in Bulk

Step 1 — Prepare your data. List your codes in a spreadsheet, one per row. Use uppercase letters only (A–Z), digits, and the allowed symbols (- . $ / + % and space). Our Excel/CSV bulk barcode guide walks through the exact formatting.

Step 2 — Paste or import into the tool. Copy your code column into the input panel above, or upload your CSV directly with the Import button. The entry counter confirms how many codes were detected — up to 500 per batch, completely free.

Step 3 — Select Code 39. In the Barcode Type dropdown, choose Code 39. Adjust the bar height and width to match your label stock — taller bars scan from farther away.

Step 4 — Generate and download. Hit Start Generating, check the preview panel, and download the batch as a PDF for direct printing or a ZIP of PNG/SVG files for your label software. No signup, no watermark, and your data never leaves your browser.

Tips for Code 39 Barcodes

Stick to uppercase. Code 39 has no lowercase letters. Keep your source data in uppercase (A–Z) to avoid encoding surprises.

Watch the width on long codes. A 20-character Code 39 symbol is wide. For long alphanumeric strings where label space is tight, switch to Code 128 — it encodes the same characters far more compactly.

Keep the quiet zone clear. Every barcode needs blank margins on both sides so scanners can find the symbol’s edges. Do not let text or borders crowd the barcode.

Test-scan before the full print run. Print a few labels and scan them with your actual scanner or a phone app. Catching a data mistake now saves an entire sheet of wasted labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What characters can Code 39 encode?

Uppercase letters A–Z, digits 0–9, and the symbols – . $ / + % plus space — 43 data characters in total, with * reserved as the start/stop character.

Code 39 vs Code 128 — which should I use?

Choose Code 39 for simple alphanumeric codes and for legacy systems or customers that specifically require it. Choose Code 128 for longer codes or when label space is limited — it is denser and also handles lowercase. Not sure? Read our QR code vs barcode guide for help picking symbologies.

How many Code 39 barcodes can I generate at once?

Up to 500 per batch, free, with no signup and no watermark. Larger lists just run in multiple batches.

Will Code 39 barcodes scan with a phone?

Yes. Any modern barcode scanner app reads Code 39, and industrial handheld scanners support it natively. You can also verify a printed code with our free barcode decoder.