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Code 49 Barcode Generator

Our Code 49 Barcode Generator supports encoding up to 81 characters in a single symbol, with each row accommodating up to 8 characters. The data is automatically distributed across 2 to 8 stacked rows, ensuring efficient space utilization. Barcodes can be downloaded in PDF, PNG, SVG, or JPG formats, suitable for both digital and print applications. Discover details about optimal sizing, checksum calculations, and practical uses across industries like logistics, manufacturing, and inventory management, ensuring accurate and efficient barcode creation.

What Is the Ideal Size for a Code 49 Barcode?

The dimensions of a Code 49 barcode are influenced by the amount of data encoded and the requirements of the scanning environment. This symbology is designed to be compact, allowing for efficient data storage in limited spaces. The barcode consists of multiple rows, typically ranging from two to eight, with each row capable of encoding up to 8 characters.

The overall size of the barcode increases with the amount of data encoded, but its stacked structure ensures that it remains space-efficient. When designing a Code 49 barcode, it’s essential to consider factors such as the resolution of the printing device and the capabilities of the scanner to ensure optimal readability.

Maintaining appropriate quiet zones (the blank spaces on either side of the barcode) is also crucial for accurate scanning. By carefully balancing data density with these considerations, Code 49 barcodes can be effectively utilized in various applications where space is at a premium.

What is the Character Limit of Your Code 49 Barcode Generator?

Code 49 is a continuous, variable-length stacked barcode symbology capable of encoding the full 128-character ASCII set, including numbers (0-9), uppercase letters (A-Z), special characters, and spaces.

Each row in a Code 49 barcode can encode up to 8 characters, with the entire symbol comprising 2 to 8 rows, accommodating up to 81 characters. This structure allows for a high data capacity, making Code 49 suitable for applications where space is limited but detailed information is required.

How to Use Our Free Code 49 Barcode Generator?

Using our free Code 49 barcode generator is quick and easy. Follow these three simple steps to create your barcode:

Enter Your Data
Input your desired data into the generator. Code 49 supports up to 81 characters in a single symbol, including numbers, uppercase letters, special characters, and spaces.
Click “Generate Code 49 Barcode”
Once your data is entered, click the “Generate Code 49 Barcode” button. The barcode will be created instantly, following the correct Code 49 formatting.
Download Your Barcode
After generation, you can download your barcode in PDF, SVG, PNG, or JPG formats. These options make it easy to use the barcode for both digital applications and printing.

How is the Checksum Calculated for Code 49 Barcodes?

The checksum in Code 49 ensures data accuracy by detecting errors during scanning. Each symbol includes two mandatory modulo-49 checksums calculated from the encoded data. Here’s a step-by-step guide to calculating the checksum:

Assign Numeric Values:
Each character in the data string is assigned a numeric value based on the Code 49 character set.
Apply Weights:
Starting from the rightmost character, assign sequential weights beginning with 1. Multiply each character’s numeric value by its weight.
Calculate the Weighted Sum:
Add all the weighted values together to get the total sum.
Compute the Modulo Value:
Divide the total sum by 49. The remainder is the first checksum value.
Repeat for the Second Checksum:
Use the first checksum as part of the data and repeat steps 1–4 to calculate the second checksum.
Include Checksums in the Barcode:
Both checksums are encoded into the barcode symbol to ensure data integrity.

These checksums enhance error detection, making Code 49 reliable for high-density data applications.

Let’s look at an example to understand this better:

Let’s walk through an example using the data string “A123BC”.

Step 1: Assign Numeric Values
Each character is assigned a value based on the Code 49 character set:

A = 10
1 = 1
2 = 2
3 = 3
B = 11
C = 12

Step 2: Apply Weights
Starting from the rightmost character (C), assign weights beginning with 1:

C (12) × 1 = 12
B (11) × 2 = 22
3 (3) × 3 = 9
2 (2) × 4 = 8
1 (1) × 5 = 5
A (10) × 6 = 60

Step 3: Calculate the Weighted Sum
Add all the weighted values:

12 + 22 + 9 + 8 + 5 + 60 = 116

Step 4: Compute the Modulo Value
Divide the total sum by 49 and find the remainder: 116 ÷ 49 = 2 remainder 18

The first checksum value is 18.

Step 5: Calculate the Second Checksum
Now, include the first checksum (18) as part of the data and repeat steps 1-4 to compute the second checksum.

Assign numeric values and apply weights (adjusting for the new character):

Checksum (18) × 1 = 18
C (12) × 2 = 24
B (11) × 3 = 33
3 (3) × 4 = 12
2 (2) × 5 = 10
1 (1) × 6 = 6
A (10) × 7 = 70

Sum = 18 + 24 + 33 + 12 + 10 + 6 + 70 = 173

Modulo: 173 ÷ 49 = 3 remainder 26

The second checksum value is 26.

Final Checksum Values:

First Checksum = 18
Second Checksum = 26

These checksums are encoded into the barcode to ensure data accuracy during scanning.

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Where is the Code 49 Barcode Used?

Code 49 is a compact, high-density barcode symbology designed for industries that require efficient data storage in limited spaces. Its stacked format allows more information to be encoded without increasing the barcode’s size, making it ideal for the following applications:

Defence and Military
Originally developed for the U.S. Department of Defense, Code 49 is used to mark military equipment and supplies. Its ability to store detailed information in a small space supports precise inventory management and tracking in secure environments.

Logistics and Supply Chain
In logistics, Code 49 is used for labelling packages, pallets, and containers. Its dense data capacity makes it ideal for tracking complex shipment details while maintaining a compact label size, improving efficiency in warehouse and distribution operations.

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
Code 49 is commonly used to label medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and patient information. Its capacity to store detailed data ensures accurate identification and regulatory compliance in healthcare settings.

Manufacturing and Industrial Applications
Manufacturers use Code 49 to encode part numbers, batch details, and serial information. Its robust structure ensures accurate scanning even in demanding industrial environments.

Retail and Inventory Management
Retailers apply Code 49 to manage inventory and track products where space is limited, such as on small product labels. Its high-density encoding allows detailed product information to be stored efficiently.

These applications highlight Code 49’s versatility in industries where space constraints and data accuracy are critical.

Troubleshooting Code 49 Barcode Issues

1. Print Quality Problems
Low-quality printing or uneven bar widths can cause scanning failures. To address this, ensure the barcode is printed using a high-resolution printer (300 dpi or higher). Regular maintenance of the printer, including cleaning printheads and calibrating settings, helps avoid distortions or smudges.

2. Inadequate Quiet Zones
Quiet zones are the blank spaces on either side of the barcode. If these zones are too small or encroached upon by text or graphics, scanners may fail to decode the barcode. Maintain a quiet zone at least 10 times the width of the narrowest bar to ensure error-free scanning.

3. Incorrect Module Widths
Using module widths outside the recommended range (0.25 mm to 0.50 mm) can compromise readability. Adjust the module width based on the scanning environment and the resolution of the printer. Larger widths are better for long-range scanning, while smaller widths suit high-density applications.

4. Damage or Wear
Scratches, smudges, or environmental factors such as moisture and dirt can render barcodes unreadable. Protect the barcode with laminates or durable labels to maintain its integrity under challenging conditions.

5. Scanner Configuration
Not all scanners are configured to read Code 49 barcodes by default. Verify that the scanning device supports Code 49 and adjust its settings if necessary. Refer to the scanner’s manual to enable the required symbology.

6. Data Encoding Errors
Errors in data encoding, such as exceeding character limits or incorrect checksum calculations, can lead to unreadable barcodes. Use a reliable barcode generator to ensure proper encoding and verify the checksum values for accuracy.

7. Barcode Placement
Placing barcodes on curved or uneven surfaces can distort the bars and affect readability. Use flat, smooth surfaces for barcode labels or opt for flexible materials that conform to the surface without distortion.

Which Scanners are Compatible with Code 49 Barcodes?

Code 49 is a stacked barcode symbology, and not all barcode scanners support it by default. To ensure accurate decoding, scanners must be compatible with stacked linear barcodes and properly configured.

1. Laser Scanners
High-resolution laser scanners can read Code 49 barcodes, especially in industrial and warehouse environments. However, not all laser scanners support stacked symbologies, so configuration may be required.

2. CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) Scanners
CCD scanners are effective for close-range scanning of Code 49 barcodes in retail and point-of-sale systems. Ensure the scanner model supports stacked codes.

3. 2D Imaging Scanners
2D imaging scanners are the most reliable option for decoding Code 49 barcodes. These scanners capture the entire barcode image, making them ideal for compact, densely encoded symbols, even on small or curved surfaces.

4. Configurable Multi-Symbology Scanners
Many modern multi-symbology scanners can read Code 49 when configured correctly. Check the scanner’s manual to enable support for stacked barcodes like Code 49.

Before purchasing or using a scanner, verify that it explicitly lists Code 49 compatibility or supports stacked linear symbologies.

Is There a Scan Limit to the Code 49 Barcode Generated Using Your Online Barcode Generator?

There is no scan limit for the Code 49 barcode generated using our online barcode generator. Once created, the barcode can be scanned unlimited times as long as it meets printing quality standards and maintains proper quiet zones. This ensures reliable performance across a variety of scanning devices and environments.

Do You Offer Other Barcode Generators?

Yes, our platform supports multiple barcode generators to suit diverse requirements. In addition to Code 49, you can generate barcodes such as EAN, QR Code, Universal Product Codes (UPC), and Code 128, Code 39. We also offer tools for creating EAN-13, ITF, and Data Matrix, and GS1 Databar formats.

For specialised applications, you can generate Aztec code, Maxicode, and PDF 417 barcodes. All our barcode generators are customisable, downloadable in multiple formats, and suitable for business use across industries.