zpl.tools
Bar Code Commands

^BC - Code 128 Bar Code

Creates Code 128 barcode (alphanumeric with full ASCII)

^BC - Code 128 Bar Code

Overview

The ^BC command creates a Code 128 barcode, one of the most widely used barcode symbologies supporting full ASCII characters.

Syntax

^BCo,h,f,g,e,m

Parameters

  • o = Orientation
    • N = Normal (0°)
    • R = Rotated 90° clockwise
    • I = Inverted 180°
    • B = Bottom up (270°)
  • h = Bar code height in dots
  • f = Print interpretation line (below)
    • Y = Yes
    • N = No
  • g = Print interpretation line above
    • Y = Yes
    • N = No
  • e = Check digit (Y/N, usually N)
  • m = Mode
    • N = No mode selection (default)
    • U = Upper case only
    • A = Automatic
    • D = Numeric only

Description

  • Encodes up to 107 characters
  • Supports full ASCII character set
  • Most versatile barcode standard
  • Widely used in retail and logistics
  • Self-checking (includes check digit)

Usage Notes

  • Can encode letters, numbers, and special characters
  • Height typically 30-100+ dots
  • Place before ^FD with barcode data
  • Very common in modern applications

Example

^XA ^FO50,50 ^BCN,100,Y,N,N ^FDAmazon Order 12345^FS ^XZ

Mode Reference

ModeUsage
NDefault, any character
UUppercase letters only
AAutomatic code selection
DDigits (0-9) only

Common Applications

  • Retail product codes
  • Shipping labels
  • Inventory tracking
  • Order numbers
  • Library systems

Height Guidelines

HeightResolutionQuality
30-50LowBasic
50-80MediumGood
80+HighExcellent
  • ^BY - Change Narrow Bar Width
  • ^BQ - QR Code
  • ^BX - Data Matrix

See Also