Code 93 is a continuous symbology developed in 1982. It contains 47 check characters, variable length characters along with ASCII characters and each character is divided into nine modules with three bars and three spaces. Each bar and space is from 1 to 4 modules.Code 93 is primarily used by Canada Post to encode supplementary delivery details. Every barcode font includes two check characters. In addition to the 43 characters, the Code 93 barcode defines five special characters, including a start/stop character, which can be combined with other characters to represent a full 128 ASCII characters.
Each character symbol in a Code 93 barcode is 9 modules wide and consists of 3 black bars and 3 white spaces. Each bar/space can have a width of 1 to 4 modules, and both a start character and a stop character are used for the same symbol. The symbology is further characterized as a continuous barcode, meaning that each character is adjacent with no gap.
Sample of Code 93 Barcode Font designed using DRPU Barcode Software.
Symbol Structure
- Leading to a peaceful zone
- Start character
- Input characters that represent
- Data Two verification digits
- Stop character
- Quiet zone
Data character in a Code 93 symbol is made up of six elements: three bars and spaces. code 93 Bars can be one to three modules wide, and spaces can be one to four modules wide. These six elements are spread out over a space that is nine modules wide, and the name "Code 93" derives from the fact that every character consists of nine modules that are arranged into three bars.
Character Set
- All numeric digits (0-9)
- All uppercase letters (A-Z)
- The following symbols:
- (%) percentage sign.
- "Plus sign" (+)
- A dollar sign ($)
- Slash mark (/)
- Period (.)
- Hyphen (-)
- Four shift characters in space
- Four shift characters
Why use Code 93?
A Code 93 barcode is smaller and more efficient than Code 39 or Code 128 and has greater data redundancy to provide higher security. It includes five special characters that the Code 39 barcode does not have.
While Code 93 is widely supported, with most commercial barcode scanners being capable of reading it, it has not seen much adoption. More capable and higher-density symbologies, such as Code 128, were already in use. It uses two checksum digits and is not as easy to generate as Code 39, the barcode it was designed to replace.
Where is a Code 93 used?
Code 93’s most common use is by the Canadian Post Office for supplemental delivery information. Its compact size is one of the reasons it’s used today to label electronic components and identify products in retail inventory.
Industry
- Postal
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Logistics