Free barcode label sheet generator

When to use sequential barcodes

Numbered labels suit things you track by position or by unit rather than by product: shelf and bin locations, totes, work orders, tools, laptops, files and sample containers. They are internal codes, so you choose the format and do not need GS1 numbers. For retail product barcodes, use the barcode generator with a licensed number instead.

Choosing a format for the numbers

• Use a short prefix that says what the thing is, such as BIN-, TOTE- or ASSET-, so a person can read the label without a scanner.
• Pad with zeros to a fixed width (0001 rather than 1). Fixed-width codes sort correctly in spreadsheets and are easier to check by eye.
• Leave room to grow. If you might pass 999 labels, use four digits now.
• Never reuse a number. When a tagged item is retired, retire its number too. The asset tag guide explains why.

Getting sheets to line up

The sheet layout is 3 columns by 10 rows of 1 × 2⅝ inch labels on US Letter paper, a common size for address labels. Sheets differ slightly between makers, so print the first page on plain paper, hold it against a label sheet in front of a light, and adjust your printer's scaling to 100% (“Actual size”) if it doesn't match. Turn off the browser's headers and footers in the print dialog.

For a label printer, set the label width and height to match the roll, choose the printer in the print dialog, and set the paper size to the same label size. Each label prints as its own page.

Code 128, Code 39 or QR?

Code 128 makes the most compact linear barcode for mixed letters and digits, so it is the default. Choose Code 39 only if an older system or scanner requires it. Choose QR if labels will be read with phones or the codes carry long values. Code 39 vs Code 128 compares them in detail. Whatever you choose, print a few test labels on the real stock and scan them before printing hundreds. Paper labels fade and scuff; see label printers and label stock for more durable options.