What are the Different Barcodes?

In a barcode, data is represented as a series of black bars or blocks and white spaces. The size and placement of those elements is determined by the barcode symbology. The same data could look completely different when encoded with another symbology.

Barcode symbologies are like different languages. Each symbology has its own key to translate it. You should make sure that the symbology you choose is compatible with your computer, barcode scanner, and barcode printer.

Over the years, hundreds of barcode symbologies have been created. Some were made for use in specific industries and applications. Today, only a small percentage is still used. There are a number of barcode trade associations, such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute), AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group), and HIBC (Health Industry Barcode Council), that regulate the standards and specifications of barcode symbologies for their particular industry.

Each barcode symbology has distinctive features that appeal to different users. When selecting a barcode symbology, think about the amount of data to be encoded and the space where it will be printed.

Here we describe the most popular barcode symbologies and their characteristics. You can try out how some of them look with your data by using our free barcode generator.

Linear Barcodes

A linear barcode is a sequence of vertical black lines and white spaces. Think of it like a license plate. The license plate number by itself doesn’t give any information on the vehicle or the driver. You use the number to search the DMV’s database for the required data. In the same way, a linear barcode is simply a key to find information in a database.

Code 39

Code 39 is the most commonly used symbology in industrial barcode systems today. It is a variable-length alphanumeric symbology. The Code 39 barcode uses four special characters ($, /, +, and %) to pair with alphanumeric characters to extend to the full ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) character set. ASCII codes represent text in computers, communications equipment, and other devices that use text.

Code 128

Code 128 is the most flexible of all the common linear symbologies. It is also a variable-length alphanumeric symbology.

Code 128 can encode the highest number of characters per inch. It is 20-30% smaller than Code 39.

Code 128 is the easiest barcode to read. With several separate message check routines, it has the highest message integrity.

UPC

UPC (Universal Product Code) is the most common barcode for retail product labeling. It is seen in retail stores across the United States.

A UPC barcode is a 12-digit numeric-only code. The first six numbers are the GS1 Company Prefix. The GS1 US (formerly the Universal Code Council) manages and assigns the GS1 Company Prefixes in the USA. The next five numbers are designated by the manufacturer. The last number is a check digit, which is a form of redundancy check used for error detection.

EAN/JAN

The EAN/JAN (European/Japanese Article Number) barcode is similar to UPC, but has an extra digit or two. Those extra digits may signify a country code. The codes 00-04 and 06-09 are assigned to the United States.

GS1 DataBar (RSS)

GS1 DataBar barcodes hold more data in a smaller code than UPC or EAN barcodes. It was originally called RSS (Reduced Space Symbology).

GS1 DataBar allows for GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identification on variable-measure and hard-to-mark products like fresh produce, jewelry, and cosmetics. GTIN is a designation for trade items created by GS1, a non-profit association that developed standards to improve supply-chain management.

GS1 DataBar can also hold GS1 Application Identifiers like serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates. This supports product authentication and traceability for fresh food products and coupons.

Some of the GS1 DataBar variations are stacked barcodes. They may appear to be a 2D barcode, requiring a 2D barcode scanner to read them. However, the PDF separator pattern between the rows does not hold any data. It only serves to eliminate cross-row scanning errors.

Interleaved 2 of 5 (I25)

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a variable-length numeric barcode, encoding an even number of digits. It is usually used in industrial and master carton labeling.

Interleaved 2 of 5, also called I25, uses black bars to represent the first digit and the interleaved (white) spaces to represent the second digit.

I25 barcodes can use a check digit to increase data security and check for errors.

2D (Two Dimensional) Barcodes

A 2D barcode is a pattern of black blocks and white spaces that look like the no-reception static on a TV. The name “2D” came because a barcode scanner must capture both the entire width and length of the barcode to decode the data. With a linear, or 1D, barcode, it needs to capture just the width.

The major advantage 2D barcodes have over linear barcodes is the amount of data they can hold. On average, a 2D barcode can encode up to 500 characters. It could actually contain all the necessary information without needing to access a separate database.

Another advantage is their resistance to damage. 2D barcodes can have built-in error-correction formulas. This keeps the data intact despite a large portion of the barcode being scratched, ripped or marked through.

PDF417

PDF417 barcodes can hold just about any letter, number, or character. Its name comes from its format. PDF stands for "Portable Data File". And "417" is derived from the module structure: each character has 4 bars and 4 spaces in a 17 module structure.

PDF417 barcodes can encode up to 340 characters per square inch with a maximum data capacity of 1850 text characters. They consist of 3 to 90 stacked rows surrounded by a quiet zone on all four sides.

PDF417 has been used for printed US postage, airline boarding passes, driver licenses, and state ID cards, among other applications.

Data Matrix

Data Matrix barcodes can encode all 128 ASCII characters and a number of different character sets. It has a border with two solid edges and two dashed edges, black and white cells inside, and a perimeter quiet zone.

Data Matrix can accommodate up to 500 MB per square inch with a data capacity of 1 to 2335 characters. It has a high degree of redundancy and resists printing defects

Data Matrix is commonly used to label small items because it is such a compact code. The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) recommends using it to mark small electronic components, such as circuit boards. Data Matrix is also often used for DPM (Direct Part Marking) in aerospace, automotive, and US Department of Defense applications.

Aztec

Aztec barcodes can encode all 128 ASCII characters. It is recognized by the square central bulls-eye finder.

Aztec can hold up to 1914 bytes of data. No quiet zone is required outside the bounds of the symbol. Because of this, it is often used in healthcare on patient wristbands and repeated across the entire length of the wristband. This allows nurses to scan the barcode without disturbing the patient because the wristband is turned the wrong way.

Aztec is also widely used by European airlines for online tickets. It was chosen by IATA (International Air Transportation Association) as the standard for electronic boarding passes, which are displayed on passengers’ mobile phones.

QR Code

QR Code is currently the most popular type of 2D barcode in Japan. It is primarily used to encode URLs for marketing. It can be seen on everything from magazine articles, billboards, and gravestones.

"QR" stands for "Quick Response". The creator intended the code to be decoded at high speed.

A camera phone equipped with the correct barcode reader App can scan the image of the QR Code. This will launch the phone's browser and redirect to the programmed URL.