Formatting Issues

How to Fix Code 39 Barcodes Not Scanning in Word (Use Libre Barcode 39)

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to generate scannable Code 39 barcodes in a Word document, as commonly recommended barcode fonts like Free 3 of 9 fail to read with physical scanners.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Generating printed Code 39 barcodes in a document for physical hardware scanning.
Observed behavior: Printed barcodes created with standard Code 39 fonts are unusable and fail to be read by barcode scanners, even when the required start and stop characters are included.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer to install new system fonts and have a physical barcode scanner ready to test the printed document.

Solution 1Recommended

Install and Use Google's Libre Barcode 39 Font

Replace standard barcode fonts with Libre Barcode 39, which is optimized for reliable hardware scanning and font rendering.

Many free barcode fonts lack the precise proportions required by modern hardware scanners. Google's Libre Barcode 39 is specifically engineered to render clean, readable Code 39 barcodes in word processors.

Download the font

Navigate to the Google Fonts directory in your web browser, search for 'Libre Barcode 39', and download the font family as a ZIP file.

Install the font on your system

Extract the downloaded ZIP file, right-click the extracted TrueType (.ttf) font file, and select 'Install' or 'Install for all users'.

Format the barcode data

Open your Word document and type your barcode sequence. You must include asterisks at the beginning and end of the sequence (for example, type *12345*).

Apply the new font

Highlight the text, open the font dropdown menu, and select 'Libre Barcode 39'. Increase the font size to at least 24pt to ensure readability.

Print and test

Print the document at a high resolution and test the barcode with your physical scanner.

Start and Stop Characters: The asterisks (*) act as the mandatory start and stop characters for Code 39. Without them, the scanner will not recognize the barcode, even with the correct font applied.

Solution 2

Verify Start/Stop Characters and Sizing for Alternative Fonts

If you must use a legacy Code 39 font, ensure proper formatting, sizing, and print quality to maximize scanning success.

Create Barcodes Easily with WPS

Generate Scannable Barcodes in WPS Writer

WPS Office perfectly supports custom fonts like Libre Barcode 39, allowing you to generate, format, and print high-quality, scannable barcodes without rendering issues.

1. Install the barcode font: Download and install the Libre Barcode 39 font onto your operating system.
2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and open a new or existing document.
3. Enter barcode data: Type your desired barcode data framed by asterisks (e.g., *ITEM001*).
4. Apply the font formatting: Highlight the text and select 'Libre Barcode 39' from the font dropdown menu, then adjust the size for optimal printing.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx)Seamlessly supports third-party TrueType and OpenType fontsFree, lightweight, and easy to use for everyday document formattingEnsures precise print scaling for accurate barcode scanning

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Code 39 barcodes need asterisks?

Asterisks act as start and stop characters in the Code 39 symbology. They tell the barcode scanner hardware exactly where the barcode sequence begins and ends.

Why do some Code 39 fonts work on screen but fail to scan when printed?

Some free barcode fonts lack the precise bar-to-space ratios required by hardware scanners. Additionally, low-resolution printing or small font sizes can cause the ink to bleed, merging the bars together and ruining readability.

Does WPS Office support third-party barcode fonts?

Yes, WPS Office automatically recognizes and integrates with any TrueType (TTF) or OpenType (OTF) fonts installed on your local computer, including specialized barcode fonts.

Document & File Issues