What is Code 128 used for?
Code 128 is the default general-purpose barcode for internal stock, asset tags and warehouse locations. It encodes any printable ASCII text, not just digits, and has no registration requirement, because it isn’t a retail product identifier.
Is Code 128 better than Code 39?
For most uses, yes: it’s denser for the same data. Code 128 is 24.0 mm wide at 65% magnification against Code 39’s 30.7 mm carrying the same content, though both stopped scanning reliably at the same bar width in our test. Use Code 39 only if you know your scanning equipment specifically requires it.
How small can Code 128 be printed before it stops scanning?
Down to 65% magnification (X = 0.214 mm) in our test, one step earlier than the retail formats EAN-13 and UPC-A, which held on to 50%.
Brother HL-L2375DW mono laser · Plain A4 copier paper · Standard quality · Pixel 9 Pro XL rear camera · Bright indoor light · 2026-08-02