In other barcodes, one character corresponds to a data which it expresses. In CODE-128, with selective use of start character, code set character,and shift character, one character can express three type of data in any position.

• Start Character
  
  

  Start - A	=	following character expresses a full-ASCII.
  Start - B	=	following character expresses a 1-digit alpha-numeric or a mark.
  Start - C	=	following character expresses a 2-digit number.

  * An example of change in data content by its start character

  

• Code Set Character
  
  

  CODE-A	:	changes the type of following character to full-ASCII.
  CODE-B	:	changes the type of following character to 1-digit alpha-numeric.
  CODE-C	:	changes the type of following character to 2-digit numbers.

• Shift Character
  
  alters following only one character A --> B, B --> C, C --> A, then back to same as before.

• Function Character
  
  a character for special definition; for example, by inserting FC1 after the Start-code character, it indicates that the data is coded in the UCC/EAN-128 format.
  (See UCC/EAN-128)

With its flexible functionality, it has adopted as UCC/EAN-128 Supplemental Code Symbol, which in full progress of its establishment as worldwide-common supplemental code for physical distribution.

In Japan, it is standardized in 1994, as JIS X 0503.

Summary

Character Composition

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List of Barcode Types

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