The workshop where you work is facing an audit and every tool must carry a visible code that the inspector can read with an old handheld. That scanner only speaks Code 39 and nobody in the office knows how to make one.
How to use Code 39 step by step
1. Type your codes
One code per line using A-Z, 0-9, space and the symbols - . $ / + %. Lowercase letters are converted to capitals automatically.
2. Set how it will look
Tune height and bar width; Code 39 is wide, so leave horizontal room on the label.
3. Download and stick the label
Get the PNG files or the PDF sheet, print it and test the scan on the device that will use it.
The Step Count: Traditional Friction vs. KorexTools
Labelling tools with hand-made codes (4 slow stages)
- Look for a Code 39 barcode font.
- Install it and type each code with asterisks around it.
- Export to an image without knowing if the scanner understands that font.
- Find out at the audit that half of them do not read.
With the Code 39 Generator on KorexTools (3 steps)
- Type your list of codes, one per line.
- Check the preview and tune bar height and width.
- Download the PDF, print it and stick the labels.
Code 39: the alphanumeric code that is still alive in workshops, hospitals and warehouses
Code 39, also known as “3 of 9”, was designed in the 1970s so any reader could handle letters without complicated tables. Each character is built from nine elements, three of them wide, and the symbol always opens and closes with an asterisk. It carries no mandatory check digit, and that simplicity is why it survives on parts, badges, medical equipment and fixed-asset labels.
This generator accepts capital letters A-Z, digits and seven symbols, draws the leading and trailing asterisk and shows each label in the preview. It is a low-density format: every character takes a lot of width, so for long strings you should move to CODE-128. Everything runs in your browser and you can export the whole list as a ZIP or PDF.
When to choose Code 39
- •When a legacy system, a customer or an industry rule explicitly requires Code 39.
- •To identify assets, tools or badges with short letter-and-number codes.
- •If you need higher density or lowercase text, CODE-128 fits in less space.
Code 39 against CODE-128
| Aspect | Code 39 | CODE-128 |
|---|---|---|
| Characters | A-Z, 0-9 and 7 symbols | Full ASCII |
| Density | Low: every character is wide | High: more compact |
| Check digit | Optional, not mandatory | Always included |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- ⚠️Typing an asterisk into the text and producing a duplicate.
- ⚠️Putting codes longer than fifteen characters on small five-centimetre labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my lowercase code show in capitals?
Because standard Code 39 only defines capital letters. The tool converts them so the scanner does not fail; if you need lowercase, use CODE-128.
Do I need to type the start and stop asterisks?
No. The symbol adds them itself; if you type them, they will appear duplicated in the code text.
Is Code 39 good for employee badges?
Yes, it is common on ID cards and access badges because nearly every scanner reads it, although many companies now prefer CODE-128 for its narrower width.
What I would do if I were in your shoes
«If the customer’s scanner demands Code 39, do not swap it for a more compact format: use capitals, keep the codes short and test the read with their own equipment.» — DataKorex Engineering Team.