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Microsoft Word Code 39 Barcode Generator
How to create, print Code 39, Code 3 of 9 barcode labels in MS Word without font. Free Download

How to generate, display, print Code 39, Code 3 of 9 barcode labels in Microsoft Word without using font. Free download.

Light-weight and easy-to-use linear Code 39 generating plugin used widely
Easy to use Code 39 plugin with no special programming skills needed
Compatible with latest Code 39 barcode specification ISO/IEC 16388
Generate and create Code 39 & Code 39 Extension in Word 365, 2021/2019/2016/2013/2010/2007
Provide flexible Code 39 barcode size and image options in Microsoft Word
Purchase flexible royalty-free User License of Word Barcode Addin

You may consider using this add-in to insert high-quality Code 39 barcode images into your Word files, as it integrates seamlessly with multiple Microsoft Office Word versions, including Office 365, 2021 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007. This mature add-in is designed to be user-friendly; no programming skills are required for operation. Similarly, you don't need to be familiar with the latest Code 39 barcode specifications. Industry standards for Code 39 are pre-configured in the add-in, so you can start generating barcodes without extra setup. Barcode fonts are not necessary for creating Code 39 barcodes, and the generated barcodes are compatible with all types of printers.

Introduce Code 39 Barcode

Code 39 is a linear symbology, which was invented by Intermec Co. in 1974. It is the first alphanumeric symbology in the world and widely used in auto-management of industry, library etc. Code 39 is also called USS Code 39, USS 39, Code 3/9, Code 3 of 9, USD-3, LOGMARS & Alpha39.

Code 39 Character Set Encoding in Word

Code 39 standard mode

The standard mode of Code 39 supports a specific set of characters for basic encoding in Microsoft Office Word. This mode is suitable for most simple barcode needs, such as labeling products or documents.

Code 39 barcode standard mode supports 43 characters, including

Numeric digit: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Uppercase letters (A - Z)
Special characters: - (Dash), $ (Dollar), % (Percentage), (Space), . (Point), / (Slash), + (Plus)
Start/Stop character

Using Code 39 Word generator add-in, you need provide the first three characters and the Code 39 generator software will generate the standard Code 39 barcode in the Microsoft Word file. Using Word Code 39 barcode generator add-in, you do not need any font, VBA, Macro, formula programming to generate Code 39 barcode in Microsoft Word files.

Note: The add-in will generate a valid standard Code 39 barcode in the active Word document. You can verify this by checking that the barcode appears clearly and that the data matches your input. You may also use a barcode scanner to test if it reads the data correctly.

Code 39 full ASCII mode

Code 39 Full ASCII is an extended encoding mode that supports all 128 ASCII characters, making it ideal for encoding more complex data (such as lowercase letters or special symbols not supported in standard mode).

Code 39 supports encoding the full 128 character ASCII character set in accordance with ISO 646 IRV.

To create Code 39 with full ASCII characters in Word document, you need choose barcode type as "Code 39 ex".

Note: The encoder will support full ASCII character encoding in the generated Code 39 barcode within the Word document. You can verify this by encoding a lowercase letter (e.g., "a") and checking that the barcode is generated correctly. Scan it to confirm the data is read accurately.

Code 39 characters minimum & maximum size

The official Code 39 specification does not define fixed minimum or maximum data lengths, giving you flexibility in the amount of data you encode.

However, many barcode scanners default to refusing to read Code 39 barcodes with fewer than 4 characters. This is because short barcodes may not have enough unique patterns to be scanned reliably, similar to how a short password is less secure.

Note: You may want to adjust your scanner configuration in advance to avoid scanning failures for short Code 39 barcodes generated in Microsoft Word. For example, if you need to encode a 3-character code, check your scanner's manual to enable scanning of short barcodes.

Using Word Code 39 barcode generator software, you need at lease provide one character to generate Code 39 in Microsoft Office Word document.

Code 39 symbol check digit in Word

The Code 39 check digit is optional and is calculated using the Mod 43 algorithm to validate data integrity. Think of it as a "checksum" that ensures the barcode data hasn't been corrupted.

To enable Code 39 check digit, you need apply the option "Apply checksum char" in the tab "1D Barcode" in barcode settings pane in Microsoft Office Word application.

The barcode image will be updated with a check digit (such as "Z") automatically appended to the original data. You can verify this by checking the human-readable text below the barcode. The check digit will appear at the end.

Note: To disable the check digit, you can uncheck the "Add checksum char" property and click "Update" again. Ensure you refresh the barcode in Word to see the change.

Generate A Code 39 Barcode in Word

Switch to "Add-Ins" tab and click "Insert Barcode".
Choose "Code39" in the "SYMBOLOGY" pull-down menu.
Input valid Code 39 barcode data in the text box of "VALID DATA".
Adjust the parameters of the Code 39 barcode in the barcode setting panel.
Click "Insert" to finish the generation of the Code 39 barcode.
Users can easily update the generated barcodes by clicking "Update".

How to Customize Code 39 in Word Add-In Setting Panel

The "Barcode Settings" panel offers a range of rich parameters for customizing Code 39 barcodes to suit different requirements. Here are key parameters you may want to adjust:

The "Wide to narrow bar ratio (N)" parameter allows you to adjust the proportion of wide bars to the narrowest bar. Its valid value ranges from 2.0 to 3.0 (inclusive). Think of this as adjusting the ratio of thick lines to thin lines in a drawing; a ratio of 2.0 means wide bars are twice as wide as narrow ones.
The "I" parameter refers to the space between characters of Code 39. Its value is a multiple of the bar module (X), with a valid range of 1.0X to 5.3X (inclusive). For example, if X is 1 pixel, a value of 2.0X means the space between characters is 2 pixels.

Code 39 Barcode Dimension Size in Microsoft Office Word Application

Using the Word barcode add-in, you can fully configure the dimension and layout properties of Code 39 barcodes to fit your document's needs. Adjustable Properties:

Auto resize: Enables automatic optimization of bar width and height to fit the document space.
Unit of Measure: Supports PIXEL, CM, or INCH. Choose the unit that best fits your document's requirements (e.g., CM for international documents).
Image width and height: Controls the total dimensions of the barcode graphic.
Bar width (X): The width of the narrowest bar module. This is the base unit for all other dimensions.
Bar height (Y): The vertical height of the barcode bars.
Wide-narrow ratio (N): The ratio of wide bars to narrow bars (valid range: 2.0 - 3.0).
Intercharacter gap (I): The space between character bar modules.
Text margin: The spacing between the bars and the human-readable text below the barcode.
Quiet zone margins (left, right, top, bottom): The empty space around the barcode. The minimum width for each margin is 10X (10 times the narrow bar width), as this ensures scanners can detect the barcode properly.

Print Code 39 with Customized Barcode Text in Word

This section covers displaying, hiding, and styling HRI (Human Readable Interpretation) text for Code 39 barcodes. HRI text is the human-readable text below the barcode, which helps users verify the encoded data without a scanner.

Show or Hide Check Digit in HRI

You can include a check digit in the barcode structure (for data validation) but hide it from the visible HRI text. This is useful if you don't want the check digit to clutter the barcode label.

Go to the "1D Barcode" tab in the Word add-in panel.
Uncheck the "Display checksum char" checkbox (located under the check digit settings).
Click the "Update" button to apply the change.

The check digit will remain in the barcode (to ensure data integrity) but will not appear in the HRI text. You can verify this by scanning the barcode (the check digit will be included in the scanned data) and checking that it does not appear in the text below the barcode.

Show or Hide Start/Stop Characters

Code 39 uses asterisks (*) as default start and stop characters to indicate the beginning and end of the barcode data. You may want to hide these asterisks from the HRI text for a cleaner look.

In the "1D Barcode" tab, toggle the "Show start stop (*)" property (click the checkbox to check or uncheck it).

The asterisks will appear or disappear from the HRI text in the Word document, depending on your selection. The start/stop characters will still be present in the barcode itself (required for scanning), but the HRI text will reflect your preference.

Show or Hide Barcode Text Label

You can fully disable the HRI text below the Code 39 barcode if it is not needed (e.g., if the barcode is only for scanning and not for human reference).

Under the "Barcode text style" section in the "1D Barcode" tab, uncheck the "Display barcode text" checkbox.

The barcode will appear without any accompanying text in the Word document. Verify this by checking the barcode, and there should be no text below it.

Customize Barcode Text Style

The Word barcode add-in supports full customization of the HRI text style, allowing you to match the text to your document's design.

Select a font family from the "Font" dropdown (located in the "Barcode text style" section of the "1D Barcode" tab).
Set the font style (e.g., Bold, Italic) and text color (e.g., Red, Blue) using the corresponding controls.
Click the "Update" button to apply the changes.

The Code 39 barcode text will update with the new style in the Word document. Verify this by checking the HRI text, its font, style, and color should match your selections.

Set Custom Text Font Size

You can set a custom font size for the HRI text to ensure it is legible or fits within your document’s layout.

Select the target Code 39 barcode in the Word document (click on the barcode to select it).
In the "Barcode Size" tab, uncheck the "Auto resize barcode text" checkbox. This allows you to set a custom font size.
In the "1D Barcode" tab, set the font size to your desired value (e.g., 9, 12) using the "Font Size" dropdown.
Click the "Update" button to apply the change.

The barcode text will display at the specified font size. Verify this by checking the HRI text. Its size should match your selection. If the text is too large or small, you can repeat the steps to adjust the font size further.

Code 39 Bar Style in Microsoft Office Word Application

The bar style of Code 39 barcodes can be customized to adjust the appearance and scannability of the barcode.

Wide-Narrow Bar Ratio (N)

Code 39 uses two bar widths: narrow and wide. The wide-narrow ratio determines how much wider the wide bars are compared to the narrow bars, which is critical for scanner recognition.

In the "Bar Style" group under the "Barcode Size" tab, adjust the "Wide-narrow ratio (N)" slider or input box. The valid value range is from 2.0 to 3.0.

The bar proportions will update visibly in the generated Code 39 barcode. You can verify this by looking at the barcode. The wide bars should be proportionally wider than the narrow bars based on your selected ratio. For example, a ratio of 2.5 means wide bars are 2.5 times wider than narrow bars.

Width of Intercharacter Gap (I)

The intercharacter gap is the space between the bar modules of separate encoded characters. This gap ensures that scanners can distinguish between different characters in the barcode.

Minimum gap = X (the width of the narrow bar module)
Recommended maximum = 3X (to avoid scanning errors)

Modify the "I" value in the "Bar Style" group (located in the "Barcode Size" tab). The supported range in the Word add-in is 1.0 to 3.0.

The spacing between barcode characters will update accordingly in the Word document. Verify this by looking at the barcode. The space between each character should match your selected "I" value. For example, an "I" value of 2.0 means the gap is twice the width of the narrow bar.

Note: Excessively large gaps may cause scanning errors in printed Word documents. It's recommended to stay within the 1.0 to 3.0 range to ensure scannability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of Code 39 barcode?

Code 39 barcode (or Code 3 of 9) allows encoding of numbers and text. It is commonly utilized in inventory, government, military, and electronics sectors.

What separates Code 39 from Code 128 barcodes?

Their approach to data accuracy sets them apart. Code 128 requires a checksum, making it more resilient. For Code 39, the checksum is optional; no checksum plus damage means it won't scan.

What's the difference between the Code 39 and Code 93 barcode formats?

Code 93 is an upgraded take on Code 39, supports higher-density encoding than Code 39. It was developed as a space-optimized alternative to its predecessor.

Is Code 39 capable of encoding lowercase letters?

The basic Code 39 doesn't work with lowercase letters; it's supports lowercase letters requires the use of Extended Code 39.

What's the smallest allowed size for Code 39?

Code 39 needs to follow these minimum size rules:

Narrow part width (X): The minimum dimensions for Code 39 are determined by the narrow bar width (X), which is application-specific.
Barcode height: must be the greater of 5.0mm or 15% of the symbol width (not including quiet zones).

What's the allowed ratio between narrow and wide bars in Code 39?

Code 39 uses a narrow-to-wide bar ratio must be between 2 and 3 times.

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Microsoft Word Code 39 Barcode Generator How to create, print Code 39, Code 3 of 9 barcode labels in MS Word without font. Free Download