Build the formula in Excel
- Get a Code 39 font from a source whose license allows your intended use. The Libre Barcode 39 project is one option; downloading a font is a separate choice and this page loads no font remotely.
- Format column A as Text before entering IDs, particularly values such as
00042. In B2 enter="*"&UPPER(A2)&"*"and fill down. - Apply the installed Code 39 font to column B. Use uppercase letters, digits, spaces and
- . $ / + %only. Print at 100% and scan a proof.
For example, BOX-0042 becomes *BOX-0042*. The asterisks are Code 39 start and stop characters, not part of the decoded value. A bare Code 128 font will not work this way: Code 128 needs code-set selection and a calculated symbol checksum.
Download a small CSV example. Excel may treat CSV formulas as active formulas. Open only files you trust; enter the formula yourself for untrusted data.