Which symbology should I use?

Code 128 for general data, because it is dense and every scanner reads it. Use a specific symbology only when something else requires it — a retail GTIN needs EAN or UPC, a GS1 application identifier needs GS1 DataBar or Data Matrix.

Why does my data not encode?

Most symbologies accept only part of the character set. Code 39 has no lowercase, the 2 of 5 family is digits only, and the retail symbologies need an exact digit count. The form reports which rule your data broke.

Can I get just the field instead of a whole label?

Yes — switch the output to the field only, and you get the ^BY and ^B* lines to paste into a format you already have.

11 scannable symbologies

Generate barcode and QR Code ZPL

Choose a symbology, tune its print dimensions and get correct ZPL with a real local preview — no printer or external rendering API required.

Print resolution

Label size

610 × 406 dots

01 / Configure

Symbol settings

^BC reference

SymbologyData to encode

Orientation

^FO x^FO y

Module width (dots)Bar height (dots)

Show readable textPlace text above

02 / Generate

Ready-to-use ZPL

^BC

^XA
^PW610
^LL406
^BY2,3,80
^FO50,50^BCN,80,Y,N^FDZPLTOOLKIT^FS
^XZ

Includes ^XA, ^PW, ^LL and ^XZ, ready to send as a complete label.

03 / Verify

Real preview

Local renderer

Rendering the symbol…

Open in Viewer

Print-readiness diagnostics

The full label is checked for invalid parameters, clipping and insufficient quiet zones.

no errorsno warnings

No errors or warnings in the generated label.

Command-aware

Parameters in the right slots

Each ^B* command has its own parameter order. The generator reads the same symbology contract as the renderer and linter.

Scanner-ready

The actual symbol, not a placeholder

The local renderer uses the generated ZPL to draw Code 128, QR, EAN, PDF417, Data Matrix and the other supported symbols.

Browser-only

Label data stays on your device

Generation, validation and preview happen in the browser. Shared ZPL travels in the URL fragment and is not sent to the server.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which symbology should I use?: Code 128 for general data, because it is dense and every scanner reads it. Use a specific symbology only when something else requires it — a retail GTIN needs EAN or UPC, a GS1 application identifier needs GS1 DataBar or Data Matrix.
Why does my data not encode?: Most symbologies accept only part of the character set. Code 39 has no lowercase, the 2 of 5 family is digits only, and the retail symbologies need an exact digit count. The form reports which rule your data broke.
Can I get just the field instead of a whole label?: Yes — switch the output to the field only, and you get the ^BY and ^B* lines to paste into a format you already have.