2026-10-11

The Linear Barcode Family: Formats, Uses and Free Generation

Linear symbologies are the general-purpose 1D workhorses outside retail numbering: logistics labels, asset tags, library cards, industrial documentation and internal systems of every kind. They read horizontally with laser or imaging scanners and encode short payloads quickly and cheaply.

The family spans a wide range: Code 128 for full-ASCII logistics data, Code 39 where legacy systems demand it, the numeric 2-of-5 variants for digits-only encoding, Codabar in blood banks and air bills, Telepen and the Plessey codes in their niche installations, plus specialists like VIN, Channel Code and BC412 for semiconductor wafers.

Formats in this family

Each format below has its own reference page with exact data rules, options and generation steps.

• Code 128
• Code 128 (no Code Set C)
• GS1-128
• Code 39
• Extended Code 39
• Code 93
• LOGMARS
• Codabar
• Code 11
• 2 of 5 Standard (NEC)
• 2 of 5 Interleaved
• 2 of 5 IATA
• 2 of 5 Data Logic
• 2 of 5 Industrial
• Deutsche Post Leitcode
• Deutsche Post Identcode
• MSI Plessey
• UK Plessey
• Telepen Alpha
• Telepen Numeric
• VIN
• Channel Code
• BC412 (SEMI T1-95)
• DPD Code

Choose a format below to see its exact rules — character set, check digits and options — and generate a compliant symbol locally in your browser.

Related reading:

• Barcode Types Explained: 1D, 2D and When to Use Each