Code 39

Code 39, also referred to as Code 3 of 9, is an alphanumeric, self-checking, variable length bar code that uses five black bars and four spaces to define a character. Three of the elements are wide and six are narrow.

Code 39 supports the following characters:

  • 26 uppercase letters

  • Ten digits

  • Seven special characters (- . $ / + % and a space)

  • Start/stop character (*)

A Code 39 bar code consists of the following elements:

  • Leading quiet zone

  • Start character

  • Data characters, with characters separated by an intercharacter gap

  • Optional check character

  • Stop character

  • Trailing quiet zone

An example of a Code 39 bar code is shown below:

Sample code 39 bar code

The extended version of Code 39 (full 128 character set) is supported as follows:

  • Requires an Adrenaline card 650i or higher

  • Requires that an Enhanced Bar Code hardware key be installed on every workstation

  • Requires that Enhanced Bar Code be added to your Kofax Capture licensing