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The difference of Code39 and Code39ext barcode

Let's explore the differences between Code 39 and Code 39 Extended barcodes:

1. Code 39 (Standard):

Developed in the 1970s, Code 39 encodes numbers, capital letters (A-Z), and some special characters.

It uses combinations of two symbols to represent the full ASCII character set, including currency symbols.

The name ¡°Code 39¡± comes from the fact that each symbol consists of nine elements (bars and spaces), with three of them being wide.

Widely used in warehousing and, in some countries like Germany, for pharmaceutical products.

No check digit is mandatory.

Module widths can vary from 0.1 to over 5mm, with recommended settings for most applications.

Maximum length is around 20 characters.

2. Code 39 Extended:

An updated version of Code 39.

Supports a much larger set of 128 ASCII characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.

Commonly used in military and automotive applications.

Produced with a 3:1 ratio (thin-to-thick lines) for better readability.

Unlike standard Code 39, it includes lowercase letters and additional special characters.

In summary, Code 39 Extended expands the character set to include lowercase letters and more symbols, making it suitable for a broader range of applications. If you need to encode a wider variety of characters, consider using Code 39 Extended!

The history of Code39ext barcode

Code 39, also known as Alpha39, Code 3 of 9, or Type 39, is a variable-length, discrete barcode symbology defined in ISO/IEC 16388:2007.

Developed by Dr. David Allais and Ray Stevens of Intermec in 1974, Code 39 was initially designed with two wide black bars and a wide space, allowing it to encode 40 characters (excluding the first or last symbol) and resulting in a total of 39 characters.

The specification defines 43 characters, including uppercase letters (A through Z), numeric digits (0 through 9), and special characters (-, ., $, /, +, %, and space). An additional character (denoted '*') serves as both the start and stop delimiter. Each character consists of nine elements: five bars and four spaces. While Code 39 lacks a check digit (unlike Code 128), it can be considered self-checking because a single erroneously interpreted bar cannot generate another valid character.

However, its low data density means it requires more space than other barcodes, making it less suitable for very small goods. Despite this limitation, Code 39 is still used by some postal services and can be decoded with virtually any barcode reader.

EasierSoft Barcode Label Design & Bulk Printing Software

---- Use Excel Data to Batch Print Barcodes on Label Sheets or Roll Labels  

---- How to use this barcode software

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Once you obtain a GS1/UPC/EAN barcode, or other barcode type and QR code, you can use our free software to batch print barcode labels onto Roll label paper using a professional label printer, or to batch print barcodes onto Avery 5160 label sheets using a regular laser or inkjet printer. Our software has free and paid versions.

The free version fully meets your needs for batch printing GS1/UPC/EAN barcodes. The paid version can import data from Excel and databases to batch print barcode labels with different values.

How to Use & FAQ:

Highlights

Excel integration: Import data directly from Excel to generate and print barcodes in bulk.

Label designer: Create complex labels with multiple barcodes, text, logos, and shapes.

Batch printing: Print thousands of barcodes at once using standard inkjet/laser printers or professional barcode printers.

Flexible editions:

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Suitable Use Cases

Small businesses and startups needing quick barcode labels for products.

Retailers and online sellers managing inventory with batch barcode printing.

Manufacturers requiring sequential or custom barcode labels for packaging.

Educational and testing environments where barcodes are used for tracking.