Codabar Barcode Generator

Make Codabar (NW-7) barcodes for library cards, older blood bank systems, photo labs and other systems that still use it.

Digits and - $ : / . + with optional A–D start/stop letters

Change the bar width, height and text here. The barcode on the left is drawn at the size it will print, so at 100% zoom it should match a ruler held to the screen.

PNG and JPG files store their resolution, so Word, Canva and label software place them at this size.

Colours

Dark bars on a light background scan best. Most scanners use red light, so red, orange and yellow bars read as blank.

What is Codabar?

Codabar was developed in 1972 for systems that printed barcodes on dot-matrix and simple printers. It is still found on library cards and books, in older blood-bank and laboratory systems, and on some courier and photo-lab forms. Its other names are NW-7, Code 2 of 7 and USD-4.

Characters0–9 and - $ : / . +
Start/stopOne of A, B, C or D at each end
Check digitNone required
Used forLibrary cards and books, older lab and blood-bank systems

Start and stop letters

Each Codabar barcode begins and ends with one of the letters A, B, C or D. They aren't data in the usual sense, but some systems use them to tell kinds of barcode apart. A library might use A…B on member cards and C…D on books. If you don't type them, we add A at both ends. If your system expects particular letters, type them: B123456789B.

How to make one

  1. Copy the number from an existing card or label, including the start/stop letters if your system shows them.
  2. Check the result scans in your system before printing a batch.
  3. For a numbered run of library cards, use the bulk generator and print on label sheets.

Most libraries now use Code 39 or Code 128 for new cards. Choose Codabar only to match an existing system.

Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse
Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse.

Questions

  • They are start and stop characters. Every Codabar barcode needs one at each end; some systems use particular letters to identify barcode types.

  • Yes. NW-7 is the name used in Japan; USD-4 and Code 2 of 7 are other names.

  • Only A–D as start/stop characters. The data itself is digits and a few symbols.