Bar Code Commands
^B3 - Code 39 Bar Code
Creates Code 39 barcode (alphanumeric)
^B3 - Code 39 Bar Code
Overview
The ^B3 command creates a Code 39 barcode, an older but still widely used barcode standard supporting alphanumeric characters.
Syntax
^B3o,e,h,f,g
Parameters
- o = Orientation
- N = Normal (0°)
- R = Rotated 90° clockwise
- I = Inverted 180°
- B = Bottom up (270°)
- e = Check digit
- N = No check digit (default)
- Y = Yes, include MOD 43 check digit
- h = Bar code height in dots
- f = Print interpretation line (below)
- Y = Yes
- N = No
- g = Print interpretation line above
- Y = Yes
- N = No
Description
- Encodes letters, numbers, and special characters
- High data density compared to some standards
- Widely used in industrial and logistics
- Requires quiet zones before/after barcode
- Alphanumeric capability
Usage Notes
- Can encode 44 different characters (A-Z, 0-9, +, -, ., $, /, space, *)
- Spaces between characters are significant
- Check digit calculation uses MOD 43
- Must have quiet zones on both sides
Example
^XA ^FO50,50 ^B3N,N,80,Y,N ^FDProduct-123-ABC^FS ^XZ
Character Set
- Letters: A-Z
- Numbers: 0-9
- Special: + - . $ / space *
- Control: Asterisk (*) for start/stop
Comparison: Code 39 vs Code 128
| Feature | Code 39 | Code 128 |
|---|---|---|
| Characters | 44 | 107 |
| Density | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Readability | Good | Very Good |
| Industry | Industrial | Retail/Logistics |
Related Commands
^BC- Code 128^BQ- QR Code^BY- Change Narrow Bar Width