Codabar Barcode Generator
Libraries, blood banks, FedEx airbills
Codabar
What is Codabar?Linear Codes › Codabar
What is a Codabar barcode?
Codabar, also known as NW-7, is a simple numeric barcode from the 1970s. You still find it on library books and cards, in older blood bank and lab systems and on some courier airbills. It is easy to print and easy to read.
Every Codabar barcode starts and ends with one of the letters A, B, C or D. These start and stop characters are not part of the number, but some systems use them to tell label types apart. Codabar is self-checking, and an optional modulo 16 check character can be added if your system needs one.
What data can Codabar hold?
Digits 0-9 and the symbols - $ : / . +, framed by a start and stop letter A, B, C or D. If you leave the letters out, we add A at the start and B at the end.
Recommended size
Keep a quiet zone of at least 10 times the narrowest bar on both sides. Library labels are often small, so test-print a sample with your scanner before printing a full batch.
More Linear Codes barcodes
How to Create a Barcode in 3 Steps
Choose a barcode type
Select a category on the left (e.g. Linear Codes), then the exact type like Code-128.
Enter data & customise
Type your data — we check it live and add check digits. Adjust size, font and colors.
Download or print
Get PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF or EPS, or print a full sheet of labels in one click.
Why Use QRCodeChamp Barcode Generator
125+ barcode types
Every linear, 2D, GS1, postal, healthcare and payment code.
Live validation
Friendly errors with one-click fixes and automatic check digits.
Print-ready PDF
Exact mm sizes, label sheets (Avery, A4, 4×6 thermal).
Bulk barcodes
Paste a list or generate number sequences.
Choose the Type of Barcode You Need
Not sure which barcode to use? Start with what you need it for — we’ll pick the right type.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are start and stop characters that frame the data. Use the ones your library or system expects; if you don’t type any, A and B are added automatically.
No, only digits and - $ : / . +. The letters A to D are allowed only as start and stop characters.
Usually not. Codabar is self-checking, so add the optional check character only if your software asks for it.
Yes. Use a number sequence or paste one number per line, then print them on a label-sheet PDF.