Barcode Font Encoder

Encode text into barcode fonts for use in Microsoft Word, Excel, or design programs. Generate the font string and download the required TrueType font files.

Text to Encode

Barcode Font Type

Display Options

Preview Font Size: 48px

Show human-readable text in barcode

How to Use Barcode Fonts

Enter your text in the input field above
Copy the encoded text from the output box
Download and install a barcode font on your system
In your document (Word, Google Docs, etc.), paste the encoded text
Apply the barcode font to the pasted text
Adjust font size until the barcode scans correctly

Free Barcode Font Resources

Code 39 Fonts

• IDAutomation Code 39
• Libre Barcode 39 (Google Fonts)
• Code 39 Extended

Code 128 Fonts

• IDAutomation Code 128
• Libre Barcode 128 (Google Fonts)
• Code 128 Auto

Supported Characters

Code 39:

0-9, A-Z, - . $ / + % (space)

Auto-adds start/stop characters (*)

Code 128:

Full ASCII (all printable characters)

More compact, better for special chars

Enter text to encode into barcode font format

How the Barcode Font Encoder Works

Our barcode font encoder converts text into the special character sequences required by barcode fonts. Instead of generating images, this tool produces encoded text that displays as scannable barcodes when using barcode font files in documents, spreadsheets, and design applications.

Font Encoding Process

Enter the text or data you want to encode as a barcode
Select the barcode font type (Code 39 or Code 128)
The encoder converts characters to font-specific sequences
Encoded text includes start/stop characters required by the font
Copy the encoded text and paste into your document
Apply the barcode font to display as a scannable barcode

Barcode fonts work by mapping special character sequences to barcode patterns. Code 39 fonts require asterisks (*) as start/stop characters. Code 128 fonts use more complex encoding for higher density. The encoder handles these requirements automatically, producing text that renders correctly with barcode fonts.

Common Use Cases

Document Integration

Add barcodes directly to Word documents, PDFs, and reports without external image files or plugins.

Spreadsheet Labeling

Generate barcodes in Excel or Google Sheets for inventory lists, asset registers, and product catalogs.

Email Barcodes

Include scannable barcodes in email communications for confirmations, tickets, and notifications.

Dynamic Content

Generate barcodes programmatically in applications that support font-based rendering.

Print Templates

Create reusable label and certificate templates with barcode fields that update automatically.

Legacy Systems

Add barcode capability to older systems that support fonts but not image generation.

What to Know Before Using This Tool

Font Installation Required

Barcode fonts must be installed on your system before encoded text displays correctly. Free options include:

Libre Barcode 39 (Google Fonts)
Libre Barcode 128 (Google Fonts)
IDAutomation free fonts
DaFont barcode collection

Character Set Limitations

Code 39: Supports 0-9, A-Z, and special characters (- . $ / + % space). Limited character set but widely compatible.

Code 128: Supports full ASCII character set including lowercase letters and special symbols. More compact encoding.

Font Size Considerations

Barcode font size affects scannability. Minimum recommended size is 12pt for close-range scanning. For distance scanning or poor quality printers, use 16pt or larger. Always test scan printed barcodes before production use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download barcode fonts?

Free barcode fonts are available from Google Fonts (Libre Barcode series), DaFont, and IDAutomation. For commercial use with support, consider purchasing professional fonts from IDAutomation, BarTender, or TEC-IT.

How do I install barcode fonts?

Windows: Right-click the font file and select "Install". Mac: Double-click the font file and click "Install Font". Linux: Copy to ~/.fonts/ directory and run fc-cache -fv. Restart applications after installation.

Why does my barcode font show boxes instead of bars?

This indicates the font is not installed or not properly applied. Verify the font is installed on your system and selected for the encoded text. Ensure you are using the correct encoded text format for your specific font.

Can I use barcode fonts on websites?

Yes, using web font technology (WOFF/WOFF2 format). However, this requires visitors to download the font. For web applications, image-based barcode generation is often more reliable and compatible.

What is the difference between encoded text and regular text?

Encoded text includes special start/stop characters and may transform input characters to match font requirements. For Code 39, asterisks are added. For Code 128, the encoding is more complex. Always use the encoder output, not raw text.

Are barcode fonts as reliable as image barcodes?

When properly sized and printed, font-based barcodes can be equally reliable. However, image barcodes offer more control over exact dimensions and are less affected by font rendering differences across systems.

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