Code 39 barcodes are a fundamental part of inventory management and product identification. While various versions and licensing options exist, understanding the free Code 39 barcode font can be a valuable starting point for individuals and small organizations. This guide delves into the capabilities, limitations, and implementation of the free Code 39 font, empowering users to leverage this technology effectively.
What is the Free Code 39 Barcode Font?
The free Code 39 barcode font is a downloadable resource provided for specific use cases. It allows users to generate Code 39 barcodes without the need for specialized software or expensive licenses, provided they meet certain criteria. This font is suitable for personal projects, educational purposes, and organizations with a gross annual revenue under $500,000 USD or those classified as non-profit for tax purposes. The complete terms of use are detailed in the software license agreement’s free product section.
Limitations of the Free Version
It’s important to recognize the constraints of the free Code 39 font. It is supplied in a single size and a 3:1 ratio, meaning the width of the bars is three times their height. Furthermore, it does not include product support. For users requiring multiple sizes, different ratios (like the narrower 2:1), or dedicated support, a licensed version of the Code 39 Barcode Font Package is recommended.
The licensed version also offers additional benefits, such as shorter versions (S and XS) for reduced height, including an XS version specifically designed to fit within an Excel spreadsheet cell with the text interpretation. It also provides fonts without the human-readable text below the barcode and includes font encoders with MOD43 calculation capabilities. Extended Code 39 Fonts are available in the licensed version to easily encode lowercase letters, and it comes with free lifetime product support.
Implementing the Free Code 39 Barcode Font
Generating a Code 39 barcode using the font involves a simple but specific process. The data you wish to encode must be enclosed by asterisks (*) to act as the start and stop characters. For example, to encode the number 153969, the input would be *153969*.
To prevent these asterisks from appearing as human-readable text below the barcode, you can enclose the data within parentheses. So, (12345) would encode 12345 without displaying the parentheses as part of the barcode’s text.
If, after installing the font, it doesn’t appear in your application’s font selection list, you may need to adjust your application’s settings. Many programs have a feature that can disable the listing of font names in their native font. For instance, in Microsoft Office, you can unselect the “list font names in their font” checkbox within the Customize options under the Tools menu.
Technical Considerations for Printing
Code 39 is a widely compatible barcode symbology, meaning most barcode scanners can read it. However, for accurate barcode generation with printers having less than 600 DPI, specific point sizes are recommended to ensure scannability.
For a 203 DPI printer (common for thermal printers), suitable point sizes include 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36. For a 300 DPI printer, a wider range of point sizes is available, such as 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36.
Alternatives and Advanced Options
If your application requires a higher-density barcode, or if you need a barcode that can withstand damage and still be scanned correctly, consider exploring alternatives like Code 128 or 2D barcodes such as QR Code or DataMatrix. The licensed version of the Code 39 font offers font variations, including a 2:1 ratio version for narrower symbols, catering to different width requirements. The height of the barcode is also adjustable through different font versions, from the shortest “XS” to the tallest “XXL.”
The table below illustrates the different heights available in the licensed version, with the middle option (IDAutomationHC39M) being the sole font provided in the free package:
| Font Name | Font Height at 12pt |
|---|---|
| Code 39 Fonts (text below the barcode) | |
| IDAutomationHC39XS (Best for Microsoft Excel) | .20″ or .5 CM |
| IDAutomationHC39S | .35″ or .9 CM |
| IDAutomationHC39M (Free Version) | .50″ or 1.2 CM |
| IDAutomationHC39L | .70″ or 1.8 CM |
| IDAutomationHC39XL | .90″ or 2.3 CM |
| IDAutomationHC39XXL | 1.25″ or 3.2 CM |
| Code 39 Fonts (no text below the barcode) | |
| IDAutomationC39XS | .20″ or .5 CM |
| IDAutomationC39S | .35″ or .9 CM |
| IDAutomationC39M | .50″ or 1.2 CM |
| IDAutomationC39L | .70″ or 1.8 CM |
| IDAutomationC39XL | .90″ or 2.3 CM |
| IDAutomationC39XXL | 1.25″ or 3.2 CM |
Conclusion
The free Code 39 barcode font offers a practical solution for basic barcode generation needs. By understanding its limitations and following the correct implementation steps, users can effectively create and utilize Code 39 barcodes. For more advanced requirements, such as variable sizes, higher density, or enhanced support, exploring the licensed versions or alternative barcode symbologies is advisable. Start by downloading the free font and experimenting with its capabilities for your specific projects.
References
- Free Code 39 Barcode Font. (n.d.). IDAutomation.
- Code 39 FAQ. (n.d.). Barcode FAQ.