Barcode Font Encoder: Text for Code 128, Code 39 and EAN-13 Fonts

A barcode font draws bars for the characters you type, but Code 128 and Code 39 also need start, stop and check characters. Type your value here, choose the barcode, and copy the exact text for the free Libre Barcode fonts, previewed in the same fonts. EAN-13 and UPC-A are covered too.

Valid

ÌBC-2026-ÇÂJZÎ

Data

Any ASCII text; the shortest mix of code sets is chosen for you, with the check character.

12 characters

Font

Family
Libre Barcode 128 Text
License
SIL Open Font License 1.1

Install the font on your computer, then type or paste the text on the right and set it in Libre Barcode 128 Text. The preview here uses the same font, served from this site.

Get Libre Barcode 128 Text from Google Fonts
Libre Barcode 128 Text · PreviewValid

Text to type

ÌBC-2026-ÇÂJZÎ

Type
Code 128
Characters
14
Check
mod 103, included
Start and stop
Ì … Î

What each character is

  • Ì start (code set B)
  • BC-2026-ÇÂJ data (Ç = Code C, Â = 00, J = 42)
  • Z check character (value 58)
  • Î stop
Make it as an imageOpens the barcode generator with this type and value: SVG, PNG, WebP, JPEG, PDF or EPS.

Scan a printed test before you use the font. Everything runs in your browser.

How to Use a Barcode Font

Install the font, encode the value here, paste the result into your document and set it in the barcode font.

  1. Download the Libre Barcode font you need from its Google Fonts page, linked in the Font card, and install it on your computer.
  2. Choose the barcode type here and type the value to encode.
  3. Check that the badge says Valid, then copy the text to type and paste it into Word, Excel or any program with fonts.
  4. Set the pasted text in the barcode font, print it, and scan the print before you use it.

Barcode Fonts This Encoder Supports

The encoder writes text for three free fonts of the Libre Barcode project: Code 128, Code 39 and EAN-13, which also draws UPC-A.

Libre Barcode 128

  • What you type: a start character, the data, a check character and a stop character, all written by this encoder.
  • Characters: ASCII text; digits in pairs are packed into one character to keep the barcode short.
  • Text variant: Libre Barcode 128 Text prints the value under the bars.

Libre Barcode 39

  • What you type: the value between two asterisks, such as *CODE39*.
  • Characters: capital letters A to Z, digits 0 to 9, and - . $ / + % and space.
  • Check character: optional: the encoder can add the mod 43 check character, which the font does not calculate.

Libre Barcode EAN13 Text

  • EAN-13: 13 digits, or 12 digits and a question mark, which the font replaces with the check digit.
  • UPC-A: 12 digits, or 11 digits and a question mark; the font draws the barcode in its EAN-13 form.
  • Wrong check digits: the font draws them as typed, and scanners refuse the barcode, so the encoder checks a full number first.
  • Programs: the font builds the symbol with OpenType features. In our test in Excel for Windows they were not applied and each digit was drawn on its own, so use a barcode image there.

Why a Barcode Font Alone Is Not Enough

A barcode font turns each character into bars, but most symbologies need characters you would not type: start and stop patterns and a check character.

Start and Stop Characters

Code 39 marks its start and stop with an asterisk, so the value must be typed between two of them. Code 128 has three start characters, one per code set, and its own stop; in the Libre font they are the letters Ì, Í and Î, which this encoder writes for you.

Check Characters

Every Code 128 barcode carries a check character calculated from the data, and the Libre Code 128 font leaves that calculation to an encoder. The EAN-13 font calculates its own check digit when you type a question mark in its place. Code 39 works without one, and the encoder adds it only if you tick the box.

Free Barcode Fonts and Their License

The Libre Barcode fonts are free under the SIL Open Font License 1.1, which allows using, sharing and embedding them, also in commercial work.

This page serves the fonts from Barcode.codes for its preview, as the license allows. To set barcodes in your own documents, install the font files from Google Fonts or from the Libre Barcode project.

Libre Barcode 128 Text on Google Fonts the Code 128 font with the value printed under the bars.

Libre Barcode 39 Text on Google Fonts the Code 39 font with the value under the bars.

Libre Barcode EAN13 Text on Google Fonts the EAN-13 and UPC-A font.

The Libre Barcode project manuals for each font and the source files.

Barcode Font or Barcode Image?

A font keeps the barcode as editable text in a document; an image keeps it at an exact size wherever it goes.

Barcode font or barcode image
QuestionBarcode fontBarcode image
Needs software on each computerYes: the font must be installed where the document is opened or printedNo
Size of the barsSet by the font sizeSet by the module width you choose
Check and start charactersAdded by an encoder such as this pageAdded by the generator
2D codes such as QR CodeNot with these fontsYes

To get an image instead, choose Make it as an image under the preview. The barcode generator opens with the same type and value, and downloads SVG, PNG, WebP, JPEG, PDF or EPS at the size and DPI you set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Libre Barcode Font Free?

Yes. The Libre Barcode fonts are released under the SIL Open Font License 1.1, so you can use them in personal and commercial work, embed them and share them.

Why Does My Code 39 Font Barcode Not Scan?

Most often the asterisks are missing: the value must be typed as *VALUE*. Plain Code 39 also has no lowercase letters, and a very small font size can make the bars too thin to read.

Why Does My Code 128 Font Barcode Not Scan?

Text typed straight into the Code 128 font has no start, check or stop character, so scanners cannot read it. Paste the text from this encoder instead, which includes all three.

Can I Use a Barcode Font in Word?

Yes. Install the font, paste the encoded text into the document, select it and choose the barcode font. Anyone who opens or prints the document needs the font installed too.

Is There a QR Code Font?

Not among these fonts, which draw linear barcodes only. For a QR code, use the QR code generator, which makes an image you can place in any document.

Which Font Size Should I Use for a Barcode?

Larger is easier to scan, because the font size sets the width of the bars. Print a test at the size you want and scan it from the distance it will be read.

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