Symbologies
Code 128 barcode generator
Put code128 in the formula to encode a SKU. Automatic mode accepts only a GTIN or a URL.
Code 128 encodes a SKU or other text, such as a bin location or an order number. Beepable draws it only when you ask for it by writing code128 in the formula. With auto, a SKU shows a card instead, so an internal code can never be mistaken for a retail barcode.
How do I generate a Code 128?
- Check that the value is text, not a GTIN. SKUs, bin labels, and internal codes belong here.
- On the barcode form, choose Code 128 as the symbology.
- For a column, put the SKU in A2, your picture key in Z1, and this formula in B2:
=IMAGE("https://beepable.app/i/code128.png?v="&ENCODEURL(A2)&"&k="&$Z$1) - Fill the formula down the column of shelf codes.
- Scan one label with the warehouse scanner and compare it with the cell, including spaces and dashes.
A space in the value is fine. ENCODEURL in the formula takes care of it. If you build an address by hand, write a space as %20, for example https://beepable.app/b/code128.png?v=SKU%2044&k=YOUR_PICTURE_KEY.
What does auto say about a SKU?
With auto, SKU 44 shows a card with the sentence: This is neither a valid GTIN, an Amazon FNSKU, nor a URL. Name a symbology, such as code128. Change auto to code128 in the formula and the barcode appears. Beepable never switches type on its own, in either direction.
Which characters and lengths are allowed?
| Value | Result |
|---|---|
| Letters, digits, spaces, and punctuation such as - / . _ | A Code 128 barcode |
| An accented letter, such as é or ü | Code 128 can only encode basic Latin characters. |
| More than 500 characters | Code 128 can encode at most 500 characters. |
| An empty cell | Enter a GTIN or a URL. |
Spaces at the start and end are trimmed. A space in the middle, as in SKU 44, is kept and encoded. If you need accented text, a QR code can carry it when you write qr in the formula.
What if the cell shows a card?
| The cell shows | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| This is neither a valid GTIN, an Amazon FNSKU, nor a URL. Name a symbology, such as code128. | The value is text, such as a SKU, and the formula says auto. | Put code128 in the formula instead of auto. |
| Code 128 can only encode basic Latin characters. | The value has a character outside basic Latin. | Replace the character, or use qr. |
| This barcode needs an API key. | Z1 is empty, or the formula does not point at it. | Paste your picture key in Z1, and keep both dollar signs in $Z$1. |
| This API key has been revoked. | The key was revoked on the Account page. | Create a new picture key and paste it in Z1. |
How does it sit next to retail codes?
Keep GTINs and SKUs in separate columns with separate formulas: auto or ean13 for the GTIN column, code128 for the SKU column. A valid GTIN in a code128 column is still drawn as Code 128, which a till will not read as the product.
The picture is black bars on white with a white margin on both sides. There is no printed line, so set the SKU as text beside the picture if the label needs it. Cropping the margin is the usual reason a short code fails to scan.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Code 128?
For a SKU, a bin location, or other text that is not a GTIN and not a web address. Put code128 in the formula, because auto does not pick it.
Which characters can Code 128 encode?
Basic Latin: letters, digits, spaces, and common punctuation. An accented letter such as é is refused with: Code 128 can only encode basic Latin characters.
How long can the value be?
Up to 500 characters. Longer text shows: Code 128 can encode at most 500 characters.
Can I encode a GTIN as Code 128?
You can, by writing code128, but it is not a retail barcode. A till that expects an EAN-13 will not treat it as your product.
Are the characters printed under the bars?
No. Print the SKU as text next to the picture, copied from the same cell.
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