Question 1

Is this barcode generator really free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The generator is completely free with no signup, no watermark and no limit on how often you use it. Everything is drawn inside your browser, so your asset numbers are never uploaded or stored. You can print the sheet or download each code as an SVG file for your own label software.

Question 2

Should I use Code 128 or a QR code for asset numbers?

Accepted Answer

Use Code 128 if your team will scan with handheld laser or imager barcode scanners, because it is compact, fast and accepted by almost every asset register system. Use a QR code if people will scan with smartphones, or if you want the code to open a web record. Both encode the same asset number reliably.

Question 3

Can I print these codes on paper and stick them on assets?

Accepted Answer

You can for a short trial, but paper and office sticker labels fade, peel and scuff within months on furniture, ICT and equipment. For a register that has to survive audits for years, print the same numbers on anodised aluminium or polyester. Our aluminium barcode tags carry a sealed Code 128 that lasts 9+ years outdoors.

Question 4

What is the smallest size a printed barcode will still scan?

Accepted Answer

Code 128 for a typical eight to twelve character asset number scans reliably at around 35 mm wide and 10 mm tall on a good printer. QR codes should be at least 15 by 15 mm for phone cameras. Below these sizes, cheap office printers blur the bars and scan rates drop sharply, so test before printing hundreds.

Question 5

How many barcodes can I generate at once?

Accepted Answer

The tool generates up to 100 codes per batch, either as a numbered sequence with your own prefix and digit padding, or from a list you paste in one per line. For larger registers, run several batches with different start numbers. If you need thousands, we serialise and print them for you at no extra charge.

Question 6

Will the barcodes work with my asset management software?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided the software reads the same text you typed. Code 128 and QR codes simply store the characters of your asset number, so any scanner acting as a keyboard will type that number into your system. Avoid spaces and unusual symbols in asset numbers to keep imports and searches clean.

Question 7

When should I not rely on a free generator?

Accepted Answer

Do not rely on self-printed codes for outdoor plant, vehicles, wash-down areas or anything an auditor will inspect for years. Do not use them where tampering matters either, since paper labels can be moved between assets. In those cases a manufactured tag with a permanent bond or a VOID pattern is the honest answer.

Question 8

What does it cost to have these numbers printed as real asset tags?

Accepted Answer

Our anodised aluminium barcode tags start at KSh 50 excl. VAT for the 39 by 13 mm size, polyester labels from KSh 35 excl. VAT, with a minimum order of 100 pieces. Your logo, sequential numbering and readability checks are included at no extra cost, and up to 200 tags can be produced the same day.

Question 9

How should I format asset numbers before generating codes?

Accepted Answer

Keep them short, unique and consistent: a short organisation or department prefix, a separator, then a fixed number of digits, such as ICT-0001. Never reuse a number after disposal, and avoid letters like O and I that are confused with zero and one. Our numbering guide walks through worked examples for different organisations.

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